With almost 363 days of 2013 behind us, we present our most popular posts of 2013. Popular themes for 2013 were sushi, fashion and things to do. Not surprisingly, most were by the hand of our enormously talented staff writer Grace Buchele. Our old favourites 101 Free and Cheap Things to do in Tokyo and Cheap Sex – Beating the Cost of Loving in Tokyo continue to be popular – but they came out in 2012.
1. Genki Sushi – Fresh, Cheap and in English!
We’ve been told many a time that ‘sushi’ and ‘cheap’ are two things that shouldn’t go together. The low-price, fun atmosphere and delicous options at Genki Sushi suggest that the quality trade-off isn’t too great. If you’re after authenticity over ease of ordering and a fun atmosphere, try out Sushizanmai or Katsura Sushi instead.
2. Mode Off – Clothes so Cheap, the Hardest Part is Carrying Them all Back Home
Proving the popularity of Cheapo fashion, Grace’s post on Mode Off continues to attract lots of readers and comments.
3. Seria: the Classiest 100yen Shop in Tokyo
If you think you’ve seen all there is to see from a trip to Daiso, then visit Seria for the seemingly impossible combination of ‘classy’ and ‘100yen’.
4. 9 Things you should know before visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market Tuna Auction
Tsukiji has become a major attraction for visitors to Tokyo. Getting there at the right time and seeing the tuna auction is not as easy as you might think – Grace’s tips will help you save money while not missing out on the main event.
5. Our Top 10 Picks for Best Winter Illuminations in Tokyo
While most of them were switched off on December 25th, a couple of winter illuminations continue well into 2014.
6. Uniqlo: The Best Things in Life are Cheap
Continuing our cheapo fashion theme, lots of you want to find out about Uniqlo in Tokyo. If you’re too cheap for Uniqlo, there is always Uniqlo’s sibling chain G.U.
7. Becoming Blonde: Japanese Hair Dye for Caucasian Hair
If you’re a Caucasian in Tokyo and you don’t think you stick out enough already, then this is the post for you.
8. Shimamura: Cheap, Chic, and Comfortable Clothes
Although Shimamura isn’t as cool as Uniqlo (or even Mode Off) there are plenty of fashion surprises for those who prefer to spend their spare cash on sushi instead.
9. Uobei – Flying Sushi Restaurant
And this is where you come after spending less than you anticipated at Shimamura. The sushi is average, but the touch screen ordering system and the speedy little trains that bring your freshly made nigiri to your seat are a technological marvel.
10. Top 5 Cheap (and Free) Things to do in Akihabara
For our otaku readers who don’t fancy laying down a few thousand yen to have a young lady in a maid’s uniform decorate their omelette with a smiley Ketchup face, Grace has 5 pieces of advice for doing Akiba on the cheap.