Traveling on a Dime

09/02/2018

The Bordeaux of Sake, Japan's kitchen, the Snow Country. Niigata. Find it all here! Here's some ideas of what to see, what to eat and where to go!

"国境の長いトンネルを抜けると雪国であった..." The train came out of long tunner under the mountains and into the snow country - Yasunari Kawabata, "Yukiguni" The opening words o...

08/02/2018

Planning on going ape?

Get in on the monkey business at Kyoto's Arashiyama Monkey Park! A special shelter and knowledgeable staff will help you get up close and personal with some of Japan's furry residents.

07/02/2018

Dive into a maelstrom!

The Whirlpools of Naruto, in the Naruto Straight between Shikoku and Awajijima Island are the 4th largest marine whirlpools in the world. They can be viewed from tour boats or from a special pedestrian viewing deck under the Naruto Ohashi Bridge. The smooth rock beaches on the Shikoku side of the straight also make for a nice place to fish and cool off in summer. A round trip highway bus ride from Kobe Sannomiya Station (https://secure.j-bus.co.jp/asp/tokubusRosenInfosql1.asp?gpcd=280007&rocd=0001) or Osaka Station can be yours for ¥4,500 or ¥5,850 respectively. JR Bus Shikoku offers similar services for the same price (http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/bus/guide_net.htm )

06/02/2018

The aliens have landed?

The mysterious Iwafune Masugata in Nara Prefecture's Kashihara City is a site of enduring mystery. It's just a short bike ride to the south of Kashihara Jingumae Station. Bike rentals, just ¥900-¥1,000/day, are available from Asuka Rent-a-cycle just outside the station's east exit.

05/02/2018

Welcome to Manhole Monday!

There are several thousand different manhole covers in cities and towns throughout Japan. How many can you find during your travels?

04/02/2018

Cross the Bridge to Heaven?

Amanohashidate, on the Sea of Japan Coast in Kyoto Prefecture, is an adventure in all seasons. Breathtaking scenery, delicious local seafood, locally brewed sake and beer, and more! Highway bus services offered by Hankyu Bus (https://www.hankyubus.co.jp/highway/route/fare/highway12.php) and Tankai Bus (https://www.hankyubus.co.jp/highway/route/fare/highway12.php) will get you there from Osaka or Kyoto quickly and easily at a discount over the train.

03/02/2018

Happy Setsubun! The day before spring on the Japanese lunar calendar. It's a day of Japanese oni demons banished from homes and lives with thrown beans, thick uncut eho maki sushi rolls eaten in silence for good luck, and the Setsubun Mantoro Lantern event at Nara's World Heritage Kasuga Grand Shrine. The even is free and is easily accessible from Kyoto or Osaka.

02/02/2018

All about snow monsters and snowboarding in Zao Onsen!

Snowboarding, powder, hot springs and snow monsters! Find them all in Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture on your budget. Here's how!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsZ503Si7gk

02/02/2018

Snowboarding, powder, hot springs and snow monsters! Find them all in Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture on your budget. Here's how!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsZ503Si7gk

30/01/2018

The world class snow and ski slopes of Japan's Mt. Myoko can be ridden on any budget! Hit up a convenience store for a discount coupon or go online and search "妙高高原 クーポン" to see how much you could save on a great day on the slopes, or check out my trip to Myoko here:

https://youtu.be/i0KgcDf-EVE

29/01/2018

Before the sakura, ume. Japan's plum blossoms, or ume no hana, start blooming in February.

Tokyo's Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens (¥250 admission) and Nara Prefecture's Koriyama Castle Ruins (free admission!) are two great places to enjoy the flowers.

26/01/2018

The Tokamachi Snow Festival is one of the oldest in Japan!

It takes place the second weekend in February and is just 2 hours away from Tokyo!

View the Playlist of all the Traveling on a Dime Episodes at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBkniXrs2bk&feature=share&list=PL2asu6bhj2yvbw6VTt0krGhlK6CX57m4...