Travel to Japan. Visa costs. Visit only free rides

It is the cherished dream of many Russians. However, not everyone manages to fulfill it because of the high cost of this trip. A country rising sun is considered one of the most expensive in the world, and Tokyo has been in the top five most expensive cities for tourists for several years. But still, nothing can stop someone who wants to see Fujiyama and cherry blossoms in spring with their own eyes. Our article is for such travelers, here we have collected the most important information, which will allow you to spend an inexpensive and interesting vacation in original Japan.

A little about the country

If you are planning a trip to Japan, prepare to be amazed. You will have to do this all the time, because the Land of the Rising Sun cannot be compared with other Asian states. There is nothing from China, Vietnam or Thailand, but, nevertheless, traveling through Japan, you seem to penetrate into the very heart of Asia and hear it beating on every street of noisy megacities.

Tourists are attracted here by an incredible combination modern technologies with ancient traditions that are strictly observed by every generation of the Japanese family. If you are lucky, you can see a colorful festival dedicated to, for example, kokeshi Or sit quietly in the garden, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms at sunrise or sunset. And in megacities you will be met by numerous cafes, shops and shopping centers. Here you can buy something, dine, and in some even stay overnight. In general, a trip to Japan will be the biggest and most significant adventure in your life. And, which is doubly pleasant, you will never regret the money spent on it.

Japan: solo or group trip?

First of all, before traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun, you need to decide on the budget and travel options. And there are few of them - a group trip to Japan or an independent one. What to choose? It directly depends on your budget and opportunities.

Traveling to Japan on your own is quite possible, but it will require very careful preparation. You will have to think through absolutely everything:

flight to Japan;
hotel booking;
route of movement around the country;
food outlets and excursion program;
money exchange options;
types of communication with the local population.

All these aspects have a good travel will take you a lot of time, and also require some experience in independent trips. In addition, on the road you will meet certain difficulties, which can only be overcome by unspoiled and sociable tourists. For example, it is worth knowing that in Japan, few of the local population know English. Therefore, you will not be able to simply ask a passer-by for directions. Perhaps, after some time, a young Japanese who knows the basics of the English language will come across, but there is a high probability that this will not happen. In addition, the inscriptions in the country are not duplicated, they are all written in hieroglyphs. This fact significantly complicates the rest in Japan.

If the above difficulties scare you, then it is better to buy a travel package. Of course, it is not cheap, but you will be free from all worries, including visa ones.

Travel cost

If you are planning a flight from Moscow, then two weeks in Japan will cost you one hundred and fifty thousand rubles. This amount includes flights, travel around the country, accommodation and several excursions. Meals are based on the breakfast system, the remaining meals the tourist must pay for on their own. A trip to Japan from Vladivostok is much cheaper. Our compatriots can choose a ferry tour, which costs about sixty thousand rubles on average. From Vladivostok, you can get to the Land of the Rising Sun in different ways and with various travel packages on hand. This is the most popular tourist destination for locals.

Reviews of independent travel in Japan allow you to plan your trip perfectly and save a lot of money. On average, brave tourists can spend thirty to forty thousand less on a trip than when buying a tour. This money will be very useful to you on vacation, because you can bring quite a lot of useful things home from the Land of the Rising Sun. How to plan a budget trip to Japan on your own, we will tell you a little later. And now let's try to find out the most important aspects of preparing for the trip.

When to go to Japan?

A big trip to Japan can be planned for any time of the year, but traditionally tourists try to visit the country in spring or autumn. During these seasons, the Land of the Rising Sun appears in a special nice view. In spring, she is dressed in pink foam of sakura flowers, and in autumn she simply hurts her eyes from red maple leaves. It seems that they are everywhere here, and the Japanese even came up with some special rituals for observing this beauty.

In winter, you can ski in Japan, several main resorts are characterized by high comfort and are equipped with the latest technology. But for those who are not attracted to skiing, it will be quite uncomfortable to see Japanese sights in winter and enjoy the trip. In addition, in the winter season it can be very windy in the country, which is rather unusual for most of our compatriots.

In summer, the country is very hot and stuffy. Air conditioners are everywhere in the cities, and tourists suffer from temperature fluctuations. Many people take sweatshirts or jackets with them to put them on in restaurants or shopping centers. But if you prefer beach holiday then go to Okinawa. Here you will receive an incredible level of service and enjoy swimming under the hot sun.

Where to go in Japan?

If you take the trouble to study reviews of independent travel in Japan, then it's easy to make your own travel itinerary. For the first time, a week will be enough for you to get acquainted with the Land of the Rising Sun. The following cities are suitable for this:

Tokyo.
Nara.
Kyoto.

Moving between settlements on high-speed trains, in seven days you will see beautiful parks, bathe in hot springs, visit the most famous temples and, of course, taste the bustling and noisy life of megacities.

If you are already a little familiar with travel, you can choose slightly different ones, and increase your stay in this country to two weeks. During this period, tourists will be able to see Hiroshima, Osaka, Kobe and others extraordinary places. In general, you can plan to visit one city per day. In this case, the trip program will be very rich.

Applying for a visa: nuances and features

Any trip to Japan begins with the most difficult thing - obtaining a visa. This is not possible for every even a very experienced tourist. The thing is that in order to obtain a visa, Russians need a special letter on official letterhead. In addition to it, you will need to confirm the hotel reservation (and this is quite problematic when traveling on your own) and send a package of documents using special mail (the shipping cost will be at least seventy dollars).

Many of our compatriots negotiate with travel companies and pay for their visas. It usually takes two weeks and saves a lot of time.

Accommodation in Japan: where is the best place to stay?

To remember your trip to Japan for a long time, you need to take photos almost everywhere. special attention deserve hotels and small hotels. It is worth noting that in the Land of the Rising Sun there is a fairly large selection of places to stay. But, if you want to save a little, then all of them will be very unusual and entertaining.

Many tourists stay overnight at spas. Don't be surprised, it's pretty common in Japan. For about thirty-five dollars you get a small room with a bathtub and a sunbed. There will also be a TV and all other amenities, and you can go down to the restaurant for dinner. Various treatments and massages are available for guests.

This is exotic for Russians. They are quite inexpensive and have a very high level of comfort. There are even double capsules for traveling couples. This pleasure will cost approximately thirty-five dollars per night.

Love hotels seem like a very unusual place to spend the night. These facilities are intended for love dates and provide the opportunity to rent from one hour to several days. These hotels are decorated quite exotic, but equipped with the highest class. In addition, they are much cheaper than regular rooms. A night in such a hotel will cost from eighty to one hundred and fifty dollars.

Meals while traveling

Of course, you can eat in restaurants every day, but a budget vacation does not imply such luxury. Therefore, make your choice in favor of Japanese fast food, it is extremely healthy and tasty here. No hamburgers or fries, just seaweed, sushi and seafood. Such a pleasure will cost approximately 5-6 dollars.

If the choice of dishes in a cafe confuses you a little with a large number of incomprehensible names, then buy a ready-made lunch in a supermarket. Its cost will be the same as in a cafe, and through a transparent film you will always see the contents of the package.

gourmet trip

Experienced travelers choose special type rest - a culinary journey to Japan. It is worth noting that this is something incredible. Of course, there are still few Russians who are ready to spend money on such a tour, but their number is increasing every year. What is it that attracts gourmets in the Land of the Rising Sun? Of course, restaurants with Michelin stars.

The fact is that as soon as Tokyo was included in the Michelin guide, restaurants with stars appeared in it. And tourists who want to experience gastronomic delight rushed to them. Annually, the number of restaurants with haute cuisine is increasing and Tokyo has already significantly surpassed the recognized gastronomic center - Paris in these characteristics.

For example, in the oldest quarter Tokyo, Ginze, are sushi restaurants with three Michelin stars. One of them employs the chef Jiro, about whom feature films have even been made. His work seems to be a real art, and the price of the dishes prepared by him exceeds several thousand dollars.

Every city in Japan has its own culinary traditions, so gourmets in search of a special taste can travel all over the country. One of the most popular Japanese foods is noodles. There are just a lot of options for its preparation - boil, fry, steam, and the like. Each region in the country has its own recipe. It can be said that culinary tour allows tourists to discover new facets of an already familiar country.

money exchange

With the exchange of money at many inexperienced tourists problems often arise. Keep in mind that buying yen is best done at home. Otherwise, you can get into a very unpleasant situation, because in many ATMs and terminals the card of the European payment system may not be accepted. This is due to the fact that Japanese terminals operate on their own system. Only a few ATMs in large shopping centers calmly accept absolutely all bank cards.

It will not always be possible to exchange money in a bank, because tourists can get on holidays, and it is impossible to exist in Japan without money. That's why experienced travelers advised to carry the bulk of the money in cash, and on bank card leave funds to pay for restaurants and purchases.

Going to the Land of the Rising Sun, tourists need to know a few simple rules for staying in Japan, which will make the trip easier. We have compiled the most important recommendations:

Don't try to tip in Japan, don't do it. There is no tipping system throughout the country.
In Japanese bars, in honor of a friendly disposition, it is customary to pour alcoholic drinks from your own bottle, so if you are honored with such an honor, be sure to make a return gesture of respect.
Never point at objects and people with your finger - this is extremely impolite, but you can show yourself.
In a restaurant, it is enough to wave your hand in front of your nose, as the waiter will remove the dirty plates.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, it is customary to take off your shoes in many rooms. You may be asked to take off your shoes in some areas of a restaurant, hotel, apartment building, temple, and so on. It is considered especially indecent to step on the mat with a shod foot; this is perceived as an insult.

When going to the hot springs, keep in mind that those who have tattoos on their bodies are escorted to separate baths. They are not allowed to be in a common room with other vacationers.
When you receive an invitation, be sure to bring a gift with you. This is considered a sign of courtesy and respect.

Of course, it is difficult to list all the nuances of traveling through the Land of the Rising Sun, because a lot is known only after an independent trip.

Japan, travel: reviews

Not a single tourist had an angry comment about Japan, in any case, we did not meet such. This means only one thing - you can and should go to this country. It will reveal a lot of interesting things even to those who are very poorly aware of the culture and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Experienced tourists prefer Japan to everyone else Asian countries. Ask them why. We think the explanation will take several hours. After all, to describe this wonderful country and her people in a nutshell is simply impossible. Travelers are delighted with historical monuments Japan, its cities, cuisine and original traditions. Tourists say that you can come here many times, and each time you find something unusually exciting for yourself.

What do you need to decide on a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun? Yes, quite a bit - desire, the spirit of adventurism and more money. And then you can tell your friends when you return home about what incredible journey in Japan you had.

There is an opinion that travel Japanese territory available only to the category of wealthy citizens due to high prices for accommodation, meals and flights. Is this really possible to find out by first calculating how much the treasured trip to Japan costs? Will it be possible to plan a budget pastime or will you still have to fork out?

Flight cost

Most foreign flights are carried out from the capital. But if it is more profitable to fly to Europe from Moscow, then in the case of Japanese islands the price of tickets, on the contrary, will be increased. The average price tag from Moscow airports is 25 thousand rubles. From St. Petersburg - about 27 thousand rubles.
On a direct flight from these settlements, you will be able to fly with JAL and Aeroflot. Connecting routes are provided by airlines " Turkish Airlines», « Eastern China Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates and other carriers.

It is much more profitable to fly from the eastern part of Russia. A boarding pass from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk will cost 15 thousand rubles, and from Khabarovsk - 17 thousand rubles. For a ticket from Vladivostok, you will have to pay 16,000 rubles.
The cost of a flight from Ukraine to Tokyo starts from $700 one way, and $1,000 round trip. From Kazakhstan, the flight will be even more expensive - from 900 conventional units. Please note that the price tag for the flight depends on the destination. The farther the point of arrival, the more you have to pay.

Visa costs

Russia has a visa regime with the islands, so the cost of obtaining the coveted stamp should also be included in the overall calculation. It should start with the fact that there is no consular fee when applying for a Japanese visa. Money will be needed to send documents.

What does a Japan visa look like?

In order to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, an invitation from an individual or a company must be issued. Without such a guarantor, obtaining a visa mark is impossible. It can be a citizen of the state, an employer, a tour operator from whom a ticket is purchased. The guarantor forms an appropriate set of documents and sends them to the Russian. Only after receiving the papers can you contact the embassy.
The cost of sending documents ranges from $15 to $17. These are the costs for those who issue a pass on their own. Contacting travel agencies will cost between $50 and $100. This will greatly simplify the process, saving time. However, for a budget trip, self-checkout is suitable.

Accommodation

How much does a trip to Japan cost in relation to accommodation in hotels and hotels? Representatives of travel agencies claim that less than 25,000 rubles. per day in local hotel complexes can not found. However, this is voiced only in order to increase the total cost of the tour.
In fact, finding a less expensive option for housing is not difficult. An excellent level of service will be offered in business hotels and for 3000 rubles. These are economy-class hotels, which have become widespread in Lately. The rooms here are small, amenities are less than in hotel complexes first class. The latter are much more expensive - from 8000 tr. for a room with one bed.

For a budget trip, hostels, or, as they are called in the country itself, youth hotels are perfect. The fee per night in such an institution starts from 1500 rubles. The only disadvantage of such accommodation is that noisy young people can turn out to be neighbors. The rooms are simple and tidy, but you will have to eat at your own expense. Breakfast is not included in this fee.

If you plan to rent an apartment, then you should prepare for an increase in expenses. A month of rent is 50 tr, respectively, a two-week vacation will take 25 tr. from the estimated budget. This is an unpopular and expensive way.

Meal fee

The cost of a trip to Japan also includes such an expense item as the cost of food. In McDonald's and other establishments offering fast food, you will have to pay about 300 rubles. for a standard lunch. For lunch in an inexpensive cafe - about 400 rubles, in a mid-level restaurant - 800-1200 rubles.
Many tourists prefer to spend time in bars. The fee for a glass of wine or whiskey in such places is 170 rubles, for a bottle of local beer 190 rubles. A standard can (0.33 l) of sparkling water will cost 65-70 rubles.
Foreigners are attracted by "conveyor" cafes of Japanese dishes. Sushi and rolls move along the conveyor, and are collected on a plate in unlimited quantities. The price of such a plate is a little more than 50 rubles. In institutions with a higher rank, you will have to pay from 400 to 800 rubles for a sushi lunch.
Price tags for products in supermarkets please Russian tourists. It is often noted that they are lower than at home. Rice and noodles are considered inexpensive products, and seafood is also available. But vegetables and fruits are in the price here.
The cost in rubles of products in stores:

oranges 1 kg - 230;
apples 1 kg - 260;
tomatoes per kg - 315;
liter of milk - 95;
a dozen eggs - 105;
kilogram of rice - 230;
kilogram of chicken breasts - 420;
kilogram of cheese - 800;
a bottle of red wine - 590;
a bottle of beer - 130;
a pack of Marlboro cigarettes - 220.

Food is always the biggest expense. It is practically impossible to save on food, food price tags are the same everywhere. The only way to save money is to cook on your own instead of eating in restaurants.

Sightseeing fee

How much money to take for those who plan to visit excursions and other remarkable places? List for each city points of interest your own, so it's easiest to start from Tokyo.
There are attractions that you can visit for free. For example, the Imperial Palace, some parks and temple buildings. But going to museums is not without cost. On average, the price tag of an entrance ticket to museum complexes ranges from 250 to 550 rubles. An excellent alternative to this is the Grutto Pass. It costs 1,000 Russian units, but gives you free admission to fifty Tokyo museums, dozens of parks and scientific centers. The subscription period is two months from the date of activation.

Performances should be attended by those who have extra funds and unlimited time. The duration of one performance at the Kabuki Dza Theater can be up to five hours, and you will have to spend from 7,500 rubles. for one person.
A trip to the zoo will cost 300 rubles. for an adult and free for a child. Excursion to the Tokyo TV Tower - 800 rubles, to the Imperial Park - 100 rubles.

Transport

The price of a trip to Japan from Russia includes transportation costs for moving within the country.
Trains and metro . The most popular way to travel is by expressway. railway line. These trains are called Shinkansen and are owned by a key transportation company. Japan Rail ways. The best option would be to buy a travel card, which applies not only to shinkansen, but also to the subway and suburban trains owned by this company. A travel pass for a week will cost 15 tr, for two weeks - 23 tr, for three - almost 30 tr.

A traveler will spend from 60 to 160 rubles on moving with the help of the subway. A daily metro pass in 2019 costs a little over 500 rubles. Underground trains run from 5 am to 11 pm, some until midnight. The color of the trains matches the color of the branch.
Buses. The city's bus network is quite developed, but it is not popular with foreigners. This is due to the fact that bus numbers and routes are indicated in hieroglyphs, so it is very easy to confuse and take the wrong flight.
Average price for bus ticket- from 115 to 220 rubles. Tokyo has a fixed fare that does not depend on the destination. In other cities, at the entrance, a ticket with the number of the stop is taken, which is handed over to the conductor at the exit, and he voices the payment.

To move between cities, it is advisable to use night intercity flights. They cost less, plus savings on placement are added. You can sit down at 10 pm and arrive at another location at 6 am.

Taxi and car rental. How much does it cost to travel to Japan for lovers of comfortable and fast travel? Taxis are not cheap.

Payment is calculated as follows:

landing in the car from 300 to 400 rubles;
40 r. for every 280 meters;
50 r. for every 135 seconds of waiting.

It will be possible to rent a car for 3000-3500 rubles. per day. This is impractical due to numerous traffic jams and parking difficulties.

Results

So, what are the total expenses in ruble terms? By adding up all the listed items of expenditure, it turns out about 110-115 thousand rubles. for two for a week trip. If the tour lasts 10 days, then the total cost will be 128-130 tr. It should be noted that the price of a tour to Japan through agencies starts from 100,000 rubles. for one person. That's why independent vacation much cheaper.

The answer to the question of how much a trip to Japan costs for each tourist will be different in accordance with certain criteria. Some will not be able to live in a youth hotel, others will not be able to use public transport. However, with proper budget planning, an excursion to the land of the rising sun becomes available not only to wealthy citizens, but also to ordinary wanderers.

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Question, how to travel cheap to japanis of interest to many. The Land of the Rising Sun is a distant and expensive destination, so you are unlikely to be able to travel on a budget. However, it is still possible and even quite realistic to save on some details. That's what our tips for today are for. Don't forget to use them when it's time to travel.

Cheap flights to Japan: myth or reality?

A direct flight from Moscow to Tokyo cannot be cheap by definition. Aeroflot, although not a monopolist on this route, sets the price “be healthy”, especially if the trip is planned in the high season, that is, from April to May. Want to save? Buy tickets in advance. Then the winnings can be up to 30% of the cost. Yes, and there will certainly be places for the dates you need. Choose flights in March and June - they are cheaper. It is also worth considering flights with transfers - even if the connections are long, the difference in price is noticeable.

Movement within the country

During your stay in Japan, you will most likely have to use the Shinkansen, the new high-speed trains, more than once. Traveling on them without a travel card is an expensive pleasure. Since we are talking about how to travel to Japan cheaply, it is worth considering purchasing a weekly JR-pass. People with a tourist visa must have time to buy it before arriving in Japan - a ticket is not available on the territory of the country. The cost of a trip in ordinary cars is cheaper than in comfortable "green" ones. If the distance is not long, then it is quite comfortable to sit in a carriage of a lower class. To not overpay.

A budget tourist will have to forget about a taxi - 15 minutes of travel, and 600 rubles are gone. It is better to study the area on a Google map and walk. It is also convenient to move around the city by bicycle (if it is not the rainy season). In any metropolis, a two-wheeled horse can be rented from railway station. This pleasure will cost 400 rubles. It is significantly cheaper than using public transport and, needless to say, healthier.

Want to know another wayhow to travel cheap to japan? Hitchhiking within the country. You will need to know English, because the Japanese are ready for anything for a couple of hours, that is, they will take you wherever you say. For a better understanding of how to do this properly, read one of the many books for hitchhikers on Japan.

Budget accommodation options

Housing in the country is divided into two types: European and traditional (ryokan). Believe me, a European should spend one night in an authentic oriental atmosphere, even if such an overnight stay will cost more. So, let's look at options where you can stay cheap in Japan.

Capsule hotels. Originally created for Japanese businessmen who missed the night train and had to wait for the morning flight. In a hotel of this type, a capsule with a door awaits you, behind which there is a full-fledged sleeping area. Often this is all that is required for healthy sleep. Sometimes the price includes the use of a shower or bath.
Internet cafe. The prospect of spending the night at a table in front of a computer monitor is not very attractive. This will not happen! Try to visit the cafe closer to midnight. Until eight o'clock in the morning you will have the right to lie down on the sofa. Some of these establishments have their own shower, which will also be useful.
Business hotel. Budget rooms are designed primarily for employees of Japanese companies who came on a business trip, so the staff most likely will not speak English. Near the business hotel, it is easy to find a budget cafe or snack bar.
Hostel. A common occurrence in the entire civilized world. A bed on the outskirts is really cheap to buy. However, you will have to spend money on travel from the center to a remote sleeping area and back. Many chain hostels offer loyalty card discounts. If you travel a lot in Europe and Asia, it makes sense to think about purchasing such a card.
Camping. They are scattered throughout the country and are a favorite weekend getaway. Spending the night in a house or tent is associated with an escape from civilization, with solitude with nature. A place in a campsite will cost several times cheaper than a hotel room. However, you will need to have an awning with you, and sometimes a rented vehicle. Otherwise, how to get there?

Where to eat cheap

Noodle bars. Nightly fast food stalls are an economical option for a late dinner. They offer large portions of ramen (traditional noodles) at a fairly affordable price. The Noodle Bar is recognizable by its long benches, where people are leaning over dishes that steam up and give off a mouth-watering aroma.

Eateries. Izakaya is a local eatery with traditionally low prices. It is served as a meal. Japanese cuisine, and European. Yakitoriya is a mini-restaurant where you can really taste excellent shish kebab of chicken meat and vegetables. As a rule, yakitori are located near railway stations. The menu lists the cost of one kebab, not portions.

Sushi cafe. A feature of inexpensive establishments is the presence of a conveyor from which everyone takes their favorite dish. The cost of food can be recognized by the color of the plate - the list is indicated on the scoreboard or wall. Such establishments are designed for the local population, so do not expect to find English names for dishes.

Purchased food from supermarkets. If you rent a house with a kitchen, then you can pay attention to semi-finished products. To satisfy your hunger, it is enough to buy a pack of dumplings, meatballs or fish sticks.

Food vending machines. To enjoy a snack with black coffee, there is no need to go to any establishment. Take advantage of the services of vending machines, which are found almost everywhere.

Fast food. Fast food chains in Japan are extremely popular. In addition to the usual McDonald's, the country boasts its own fast food restaurant called MOS Burger. Here the traveler will taste hamburgers and other delights of the capitalist world.

Food courts and markets. Food courts - zones Catering inside shopping centers or airports. They have dishes of rice, vegetables, fruits. There are also many street stalls in the markets offering fragrant fresh delicacies. Bakeries and bakeries are options for those with a sweet tooth. They offer muffins and cakes that are, well...very sweet!

Ready meals in stores. Many Japanese outlets offer takeaway food. It is possible to buy ready meals or semi-finished products in them, ask them to heat the food in the microwave and wrap it, putting a set of disposable dishes and chopsticks in the bag. Some establishments are equipped with food counters.

How to organize a solo trip to Japan? Useful information for travelers. Prices for tickets, visa, transport, hotels, food and attractions in 2019.

Exchange rate: 100 yen (JPY) ≈ 55 RUB.

Flights to Japan

Going on an independent trip to Japan, be especially careful when buying tickets. The country is considered to be one of the most expensive for a holiday, but if you follow the airlines, you can find very attractive offers.

The cost of traveling to Japan will initially be lower for residents of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Khabarovsk, since the prices for tickets departing from these cities are the lowest in the country - from 15 thousand rubles.

A flight to Japan from Moscow costs from 25 thousand rubles, from St. Petersburg - from 26-27 thousand rubles. It is also relatively inexpensive to fly from Novosibirsk (from 26 thousand rubles) and Vladivostok (from 16 thousand rubles).

Visa to Japan in 2019

Obtaining a Japanese visa is a very time-consuming process. Its type is determined by two main factors: the length of stay in the country and the purpose of the visit. Long-term visas are issued for study and work. Short-term - for tourist trips, business visits, visiting friends or relatives, as well as transit trips. In addition, there are some nuances with documents when applying for a child visa.

In addition to a voluminous list of documents, you should have a so-called guarantee in the country itself, ensuring both stay in Japan and timely departure. The guarantor can be either a resident of a country with a permanent status ( individual), or a tour operator ( entity). In both cases, the inviting party is obliged to provide a package of various papers.

With lists required documents can be found on the embassy website.

When organizing an independent trip to Japan in 2019, we recommend that you seek help from intermediary companies. They will solve all bureaucratic issues for you and will become your guarantor, taking a fee of about 10 thousand rubles.

(Photo © rurinoshima / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Transport in Japan

Buses

Both buses and trams are not the best solution for tourists in Japan. On these modes of transport, you will not always find the names of routes on English language. However, if you can read hieroglyphs, the risk of going to the wrong place is minimized. The cost of the trip is approximately ¥220-420.

In addition, if you study the routes well and do not limit yourself to trips within one city, there is a sure way to save money: moving from one city to another is cheapest on night buses.

Metro

The most convenient mode of transport for moving around the city is the metro. The names of all stations are duplicated in English. Trains run at five-minute intervals from 05:00 to 23:30. The fare depends on the city and distance. In Tokyo, for example, the price of a trip is approximately ¥120-320. A day pass will cost ¥1000. Tickets can be purchased at special vending machines in the subway.

Railway transport

Trains in Japan are considered high-speed transport for travel between major cities and suburban passenger transportation. They are divided into four main types: Local trains, Rapid express trains, trains long distance and high-speed shinkansen. Tickets can also be purchased from special vending machines. The fare depends on the distance and class of the train: from ¥1500 to ¥44000.

Japan rail pass

When planning an independent trip to Japan, it is quite natural to want to save money, including on transport costs. A pass can help with this. Japan Rail Pass. It was created exclusively for tourists by Japan Rail (JR), which is the country's main railway company. The travel card is issued in advance before traveling to Japan, as a rule, upon receipt of a visa. It applies to all JR transport: shinkansen, some subway lines and many suburban trains. There are three types of Japan Rail Pass: for 7 days - 28300 ¥, for 14 days - 45100 ¥, for 21 days - 57700 ¥.

Taxi

This type of transport in Japan is considered one of the most expensive. In addition, from 23:00 to 06:00, taxis provide services at a night rate, which means plus 30% on the cost of the trip. The price is formed as follows:

boarding ¥580-720;
for every 280 meters - 80¥;
for every 135 seconds of downtime - 90¥.

The cost of traveling to Japan in general is a considerable amount even with savings. However, it's not a bad idea to use a taxi service a couple of times. Tired of the flight, with luggage in hand, it is more convenient to get from the airport to the hotel in a pre-booked taxi. You can order a transfer online on the service.

Do you want to know the minimum cost of a trip to Japan taking into account all items of expenditure? We calculated the main costs: flight, hotel accommodation, meals, public transport, as well as visiting the main attractions of the country. Read about what we have come to in ours.

(Photo © Loïc Lagarde / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Hotels in Japan

There are three main types of accommodation for tourists in Japan: capsule hotels, international hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans.

Capsule hotels

They are considered the most budget housing option in Japan. Capsules are small sleeping cells that are located next to each other in two tiers. Enough space to watch TV, read or just sleep. As a rule, in capsules, you can adjust the temperature and the desired brightness of the light. In hotels of this type, there are shared toilets, showers, as well as individual cells for luggage. The cost of a cell is from $20 per day. At this price, for example, you can stay in capsule hotel Capsule and Sauna New Century or Capsule and Sauna New Japan EX .

International type hotels

This type of tourist-friendly hotel is the most popular among those who travel independently in Japan. According to the level of comfort, they are divided into the following types:

Delux (DX) - expensive hotels with the highest level of service (approximately 5*+);
Superior (SP) - housing with DX elements, but at a lower price (approximately 5 *);
First (F) - living conditions are above average (approximately 4 *);
Standard (S) - standard class hotels with a basic set of amenities (approximately 3 *);
Economy (E) - a budget option accommodation.

Ryokans

An ideal option for those who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of national traditions during an independent trip to Japan. The floor in such hotels is covered with straw mats (tatami), and the doors and some windows are sliding partitions made of translucent paper in a wooden frame (shoji). It is customary to sleep here on the floor, and to wash in common bath ofuro, however, given the shyness of many tourists, rooms are created with their own bathrooms. Ryokan can be rented from $90 per night for two, for example, at Sakura Ryokan Hotel Tokyo.

Food in Japan. Prices in 2019

Japanese cuisine uses fresh and natural products that undergo minimal heat treatment. This is done to preserve the natural look and, most importantly, the original taste. In addition, mixing a large number of ingredients is alien to traditional culinary creations. Aesthetic minimalism, clarity of detail and bright colors are the basis of Japanese dishes.

The main ingredients here are fresh vegetables, seafood, rice and noodles. Sushi, familiar to us, is considered far from being the main Japanese food, as the vast majority of tourists believe. We have identified several popular national dishes that are worth trying in Japan.

Ramen- This is a broth with wheat noodles. There are four types of base for this dish: soy sauce, tankotsu (pork bone broth), miso (bean paste) and salty broth. Ingredients can also be: pickled mushrooms, eggs, bamboo shoots and spinach.

Onigiri- rice balls stuffed with fish, wrapped in seaweed. This common Japanese snack can be enjoyed for as little as ¥100.

Yakitor These are pieces of chicken on skewers grilled over charcoal. These skewers are usually served with tare sauce, which is made from mirin, soy sauce, and sugar.

Fugu- poisonous fish, which is considered a real delicacy. To neutralize it, certified masters, like surgeons, remove internal organs containing poison, and only then proceed to the cooking process.

shabu shabu is a dish that got its name from the sound that occurs during cooking. And the chef here is the customer himself. In restaurants that offer this dish, small stoves are mounted in the tables, on which a bowl of boiling broth is placed. Thin slices of beef or pork are lowered into the bubbling liquid with the help of sticks, and after that the marbled meat is ready for tasting.

When calculating the cost of traveling to Japan, we found it useful to provide information on how much food costs in cafes and restaurants in Japan.

Prices in Japanese cafes:

breakfast - 650¥;
lunch - ¥850;
dinner - 1200¥.

Prices in Japanese restaurants:

breakfast - 800¥;
lunch - 1200¥;
dinner - ¥2000.

(Photo © k_t / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Landmarks in Japan

Each prefecture, city and village has the richest cultural heritage. Here you can endlessly admire both historical monuments and achievements in the field of modern technologies. We have highlighted some of the most popular attractions for those who are planning a solo trip to Japan.

It is believed that at least once in a lifetime real japanese must conquer the sacred volcano on the island of Honshu. Climbing to the top of Mount Fuji is officially allowed only from July 1 to August 27, when the snow melts. In turn, the mountain is especially beautiful in winter: you can contemplate the snowy peaks of the legendary volcano, lying in a hot spring (onsen).

ancient castles

Japan has more than a hundred ancient castles. Here are the most famous residences in which the history of the great state was born:

Nagoya Castle is located in Aichi Prefecture. Built in 1612, it was once main residence branches of the Tokugawa shogun family.
Inuyama Castle- located on the border of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Built in 1440, the castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.
Kochi Castle- was founded in Kochi Prefecture in 1601 after the Battle of Sekigahara. Ranked as important cultural value Japan.
Kumamoto Castle- Erected in 1601, it bears the second name "Crow Castle", and is also included in the list of national treasures of Japan.

Tokyo Disneyland

This is the first Disney park to be moved outside of the United States. There are 47 attractions of the famous cartoon brand on 465 thousand m². You can visit the park by buying a ticket, which is called a passport here due to the age categories of guests:

from 18 years old - 6200 ¥;
from 12 to 17 years old - ¥5300;
from 4 to 11 years old - 4100¥.

ancient temples

There are two main religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism. The first is based on the ancient animistic beliefs of the Japanese, and the second was brought by Chinese monks. The most famous Japanese temples are located in Kyoto, including: Ginkaku-ji or Temple of the Silver Pavilion, a Buddhist shrine Tongasan Kesan-ji and the Temple of the Resting Dragon Rean-ji.

Until this day, the blog published only articles that came out from under my crooked pen. But for the sake of an article from my classmate Rimma_in_Israel, which I like to read since the time of school notes, it is really worth making an exception. Moreover, this article will be about the country that I have been dreaming of for a very long time - Japan. After a two week trip to Japanese cities and all, Rimma dispelled some of her and our common stereotypes, and wrote a minimum instruction for use (the maximum will be published in several volumes). I hope that by the end of the article, for all of us, the dream of going to Japan will become much more real.

Preparing for a trip to Japan

What do we think about representing Japan? Sumo, sushi, sake, ... Why does everything start with an "s"? Okay, there's also kimonos, Fujiyama, Hiroshima, chopsticks, ninjas, totoros, and scary and terrible characters.

Japan has been my secret dream for a long time and was as far away as possible, until I heard that my husband was planning a tour of the orchestra. Talking about the trip, I realized how many people actually want to go there and, just like me, put off the idea because it's far, expensive, strange and scary. I hope that the experience of our trip will serve as an impetus, a base or a good adviser for those who want, but are afraid to afford a trip to this exotic country.

Lyrical digression: the author of this opus has never been fond of Japan, he doesn’t speak Japanese, he doesn’t watch Japanese films except for films with Jackie Chan, from Japanese food he loves rolls most of all, he can’t stand rice and, in addition, he’s not a Buddhist or a Shintoist. That is, if I spelled a word incorrectly or misinterpreted some event, this is not out of harm, but because of the short time I got to know the country. If this material is not enough for you, I will gladly share with you links (in English) to bloggers who have visited or lived in Japan. And, of course, there is also the wonderful Vinsky forum, where there are a lot of useful information in Russian.

Visa to Japan

Any travel preparation begins with visa requirements checks. Israelis do not require an entry visa up to 90 days.

In 2017, the conditions for obtaining a visa for Russians were softened. Now you can submit documents to the consulate on your own and get a visa within a week.

However, if you feel sorry for the time, you want to be sure of the result and certainly fulfill your Japanese dream, contact the Visa Application Center.

From this year you don't need an invitation Japanese side and getting a visa is free. List of required documents:

（1）Visa application form 2 copies (printed on two sheets and completed in English on a computer or manually, with pasted photos)

（2）Photos 2 pcs. 4.5 by 4.5 cm colored or black and white without corners on a light background

（3） Passport

（4）Copy of internal passport

（5）Documents confirming the ability to pay for the trip (certificate from the place of work on the amount of salary / certificate from the bank)

（6）Residence program (filled in English)

（7）Ticket Booking Confirmation

（8）Power of Attorney if you are not applying in person

Documents must be submitted personally or with the help of a trusted person.

Flights to Japan

The next item is the search for air tickets. We were looking for tickets five months before departure and the cheapest option from Israel was Aeroflot for $700 (about 10 hours flying from Moscow to Tokyo). They also fly from us via France, Finland and Hong Kong, these flights cost about $1,500 or more.

Tourist season in Japan

Second important point is choice of travel time. There are 2 seasons in Japan that are especially popular with tourists (and locals):

cherry blossoms in April - May (the so-called "Golden Week" of early May falls there, when the Japanese themselves take days off and also travel around the country)
October - November with colorful leaves.

We ended up by chance in the "off season", and still all the tourist places were filled. Another detail - it gets dark early in winter (Captain Obviousness, hello), so after five in the evening it will a) be much more difficult to photograph, b) tourist places will be closed.

Choosing a hotel in Japan

I think everyone is looking for hotels according to their preferences, I will tell you about ours. And Tokyo, and Kyoto and other large cities that we visited (Osaka, Hiroshima), it is impossible to embrace, moving only on our own two feet. Therefore, the criteria are as follows:

1. Distance to bus stop (Kyoto) or subway stop (Tokyo). It is quite good if it is the intersection of several metro lines. We were lucky - in Tokyo we were close to a major transport hub: several branches of the city subway, a private line going to the airport, the JR (Japan Railways) intracity line

2. Availability within walking distance or within a few stops of significant attractions for you

3. Price (and what did you think?!)

4. Estimated quality for your money (bathroom and toilet in the room, the presence / absence of breakfast, a kettle, a refrigerator, etc.).
One of the interesting options to experience the culture of Japan can be a night in a hotel made in an authentic Japanese style. Such a hotel is called a ryokan (ryokan). Usually these are rooms decorated with natural materials, with a minimum of furniture and decor. We had a small square room, the whole room was wood paneled, the furniture was a small table and bedside table. Mattresses (tatami) and bedding were laid out at night.

What you need to understand about choosing a hotel in Japan: if we are talking about three stars and below, most often the room is very small. And of course, if you like black tea more than green tea, buy it yourself, the hotel will have either green tea or coffee.

From sanitary and hygiene products, hotels provide: face gel, toothbrush, disposable razor, in large bottles (not disposable) - shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Even in 3-star hotels they give bathrobes or pajamas. But they don't give soap. And I really counted on him. Don't repeat my mistakes!

Japanese transportation system

This topic deserves a separate post, or even a whole guide. Firstly, the transport system (once you understand how it works) is very convenient. Second, it's pretty self-explanatory. I use the word "enough" because it takes some skill and time to adapt. We happened to use an airplane inside Japan, high-speed train(shinkansen), trains, highways, subways and buses within the city.

So let's start with the positive:

1. You can plan your trip in advance.

There is a website http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ where you can plan your trip according to your needs, see options and prices. Site in English.

You can get the subway map in the subway itself in front of the turnstiles, it is dubbed in English and Japanese, which will help you a lot if you start asking the Japanese how to get to your destination. If you can't find it, ask the subway employee, the booth is opposite the turnstiles.

You can get the bus map from your hotel. For example, Kyoto bus city. Branched network buses and decent distances between attractions contribute to the popularity of buses in front of the subway, which is underdeveloped in Kyoto.

2. You can buy tickets yourself (metro, trains, shinkansen) at the machine.

In the machine, you can switch to English, select the destination and the number of tickets, pay in cash or by card. The main thing is to make sure that this particular machine serves this particular type of transport, otherwise you will not find your stop there. For example, pink-rimmed machines in Tokyo serve the JR intracity line, not the subway.

3. If you do not understand something, you can ask the metro employee or other people.

Metro employees understand and can explain themselves in at least minimal English. This is where the subway map in Japanese comes in handy.

4. There are digital screens in the transport itself.(usually) where you can see which station is now and which are next. The information is duplicated in English.

At worst, if there is no screen, the usual scheme of the metro line is located above the doors. Stations are announced.

5. There are signs at the stops., where you can track when the train, bus, subway train arrives.

6. About the Tokyo subway: each station has a color, letter and number designation, they are indicated on the diagram. It is very useful to download an application for a smartphone, I downloaded the first one by searching for “Tokyo metro” (a blue train from Mapway on a white background).

How to navigate the Tokyo subway: choose the branch by color, go through the turnstile, there are signs by color and the last subway stations (sometimes all the big stations are indicated in this direction, choose the last station in which direction you need to go. Reach the desired corridor\ escalator \ stairs - the entire branch is written on top in the appropriate color from this station to the final one with the names and designations "letter-number". Finding a station is much faster than checking all the long station names. The above becomes very relevant if you enter subway with the intersection of three branches and ten entrances.If you need to get out of such a metro - look for an indication of your street or landmark above one of the exits.

7. And finally, if you are told that some line goes to a certain station, but this is not visible on the metro map, most likely I mean private branch. In its name, the name of the usual city metro line is duplicated and a prefix is added. Tickets must be bought in a separate machine, this subway has a separate entrance.

Here's a great example. We stayed at Shimbashi Station (Pink Asakusa Line). The station worker said that we could use our branch line to get to the airport. But on all metro maps Ending station in the direction of Oshiyage Airport (not the airport). On the airport website, there was no subway train among the options, but the Narita Express was. In the end, I guessed that this was not about the Asakusa branch, but about a private branch called Toei Asakusa (Toei Asakusa), the entrance to which is located ten meters before the entrance to the "regular" Asakusa. That is, this private line has a separate entrance, a separate machine for buying tickets, higher ticket prices, other trains (albeit copying the path to Oshiyage Station).

Not forget! Keep the ticket punched at the entrance until the end of the trip - there are also turnstiles at the end!

Although this is not a topic of transport, but if you are the same "toilet duck" as I am, at many stations near the turnstiles (but from the side of the station itself, and not the street) there is a toilet and a pretty decent one. By decent, I mean you don't want to roll up your pants to your hips before visiting and wash your hands up to your elbows after using the restroom.

Eating in Japan (Forget Philadelphia)

Food is an even bigger topic than transportation. And she deserves a separate post (I solemnly promise). Food in Japan is more than food (like in Israel, but in a different style).

Things to keep in mind: food in Japan is very fresh - sushi, noodles, meats, street food and pastries - everything. The only time we felt sick after eating was a restaurant in the tourist area of Kyoto with a hint of European style. But perhaps it's not the freshness of the food that's to blame, but the fact that it was a combo lunch.

Specific cafes in Tokyo and Kyoto that I can recommend, ask in the comments - according to the tradition introduced on this site, we will send addresses to appear by mail.

The Japanese and what they eat with

Naturally, it is impossible to understand everything about everyone in 2 weeks, so I will tell you about two striking features that I noticed:

1. The Japanese are very friendly people. They are always trying to help you. Even if they do not know the language or go about their business somewhere.

2. The Japanese have rules. There are no deviations from the rules. It is impossible to beg, convince, demand something that goes beyond the rules (regulations, restrictions). Like robots, they will follow instructions. Any deviation from the required behavior causes them to boil, even if it is a tourist who is not familiar with the rules. Therefore, do not try, unless, of course, you are a fan of trolling others.

From the Good to Know series:

In Japan, people smoke in designated areas.

Don't eat outside, or at least don't eat on the go

Do not speak on the phone in public transport

There are problems with urns on the streets (there are not enough of them)

Perhaps one of the most important details all sockets are of a different type (American). Buying adapters is not a problem - in any supermarket "7/11", "Family mart", which can be found every hundred meters.

Also, keep in mind that in Japan prefer cash. Almost everywhere you can only pay in cash.

Japanese vs tourists

The Japanese do not know English from the word "at all", except: people in suits in Tokyo, sellers in large centers, employees of the subway (a little bit). Everyone else may not understand such words as: how much, where, how, price, train, bus, hotel (that is, very common words). If you have a map where Japanese words are duplicated, that's a big plus. Or the Internet, then you can use a translator and a map. I highly recommend connect internet, it will solve many problems that we encountered during our trip.

I think this information is enough for the initial acquaintance. But is it enough to make you want to book flights without looking?