Looking for tips to travel in Japan and rest from the long workdays? If you are Brazilian and you live in Japan, I first want to say that I understand. Yes, I understand what you're going through, because I'm also going through the same thing.
I work in a factory, and yet I have a life of constant leisure. So to help you, I'm going to share some tips that will help you get the best out of your travels. These are exclusive tips for those who live in Japan, but they can be used by those who live in Brazil without any problems, including tourists who want to visit Japan.
Why do we write these tips especially for those who live in Japan? Because the tips we share in this article are designed for those who want to use their car or need to take time off from the factories and have a short time to travel.
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Avoid traveling on holidays
It sounds like a cliche tip, but many don't listen. Why not travel on holidays? Simply because everything becomes more expensive, crowded and difficult to access.
Here's an example, a ticket to Okinawa in June can cost up to 16,000 round trip. While in the month of August the return ticket costs at least 40,000 円.
“But I only have holidays off.” That's what most people say. But even excluding the possibility of using paid time off (yukiu), you will still save money if you travel on a non-holiday.
Just look at Okinawa's example and see an interesting point. If you travel in June, you will save 24,000 円 on the way. Let's say you earn 10,000 円 a day, so by taking a break on Friday and another on Monday, you'll still save 4,000 円. Isn't that wonderful?
Now if you put hotel in the middle, you will save an absurd amount. Hotels that cost 12,000 円 a day during the holiday, now cost 5,000 円. Of course there are variables, but being straight and straight, you save more by avoiding holidays.
The best part is the tranquility to visit public places. I remember I once went to the Osaka aquarium on a weekday, paid 600円 for parking, managed to get lunch for 500円, and spent the entire day at the aquarium, going back and forth, seeing the animals.
Especially the penguins that are cute. After calm and serene, I went on the Ferris wheel that is next to the aquarium. I didn't have to queue or anything.
In the following year, I decided to try going to Golden Week. Just for parking, it was 4,200 yen, I paid 500 yen for a hot dog with juice, because on holidays there is no lunchtime (ランチタイム), and the funniest thing of all...
There wasn't even space to get close to the glass and see the fish! Not even the capybara that just ate cabbage! People stepping on my toes, baby crying, queue to go to the bathroom, total madness!
Then stressed and agonized, I went on the Ferris wheel that is next to the aquarium. Had to wait 50 minutes in line. It was kind of fun because I met some new people and was in good company. But I prefer the tranquility and economy of a weekday.
“But at my job they don’t let me take time off.” If this is your case, I suggest you look a job with better conditions. To this day I work in a factory, and I always took time off to travel. But, of course, without exaggerating.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not telling you to quit your job here. There are people who support an entire house alone, need to send money to Brazil or pay debts. In that case, I think it's admirable that you're staying in the job and I recommend that you do, people depend on you and that's the right thing to do.
It's all a matter of priorities.
Tips to apply on your travels in Japan
Now, to get out of this heavy atmosphere a little, I will quote some tips for you to apply in your travels:
Only travel by car to large cities if there are 3 people or more in the car. It is only from 3 people that the cost of gasoline, parking and toll will be worth it. And the fact of avoiding using a car has another advantage, it will help you have mobility if you walk, not to mention the cool things you find when you venture along the city's sidewalks.
Use the hint of: "a weekend, a place in the city.” It's a good option for those who can't stretch a big trip, just search for cool places using the TripAdvisor app. There you can find places that you can't even imagine exist within the city you live in, like a beach in Tahara that sells real coconut water!
As you live in Japan you cannot buy the JR pass, but every station has a store that sells cheaper tickets, by shinkansen, normal train and bus. To find these stores is very simple, just write: 安いチケット on Google Maps. If you can't find it, just take a good look at the exits of the stations, they are stores that have ticket machines outside.
Another way to save a lot is to make some sandwiches, buy some drinks, cakes and snacks in the market. Grab a blanket, pillows and clothes. Put everything in the car, choose a place in the countryside of Japan and start your trip.
It is very simple and has a very high level of joy and fulfillment in such a trip. I myself have done this type of trip several times. The good thing is that you can choose to come home anytime and you won't spend on hotels or restaurants.
Other articles that will help you on your trip
To finish this article, we will leave other articles that will help you on your trip to Japan:
- Tips for using Google Maps
- Cheap restaurant tips in Japan
- Tips for finding hotels in Japan
- relaxation in the forest
This text is based on our book "Getting along well in Japan” written by my friend Roberto Pedraça. You can download this book for free at any time by registering on our site using the email form at the top of every article on the site.
I hope you enjoyed the tips that Roberto gave you. If you liked it share and leave your comments. Do you also have tips to share? Thank you and see you next time.
