Makuhari Messe Doki Doki Flea Market

Frugal Japan — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 21:00:19 +0000

Makuhari Messe in Chiba, the site of famous international expos like the Tokyo Motor Show and Tokyo Anime Show, is holding an event that might be of interest to frugal persons in the Tokyo area: the 10th Annual Makuhari Messe Doki Doki Flea Market.

This event is reported to be grand in scale (1,200 stalls each day, for a total of 3,600!), and its timing is perfect: Sunday May 2 to Tuesday May 4th, 2004 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Exhibition Halls 1-8 will be used for the venue, and tickets are Y500 at the door, Y400 ahead of time. A collector’s antique market and used car spot will also be featured, and FM Tokyo will be DJing the event. Contact 043-296-9211 for details.

Frugal Hanami

Frugal Japan — Sat, 20 Mar 2004 21:00:42 +0000

With spring also comes… hanami! Ah the glorious Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossoms while getting soused with your colleagues. Hanami itself is not by nature an expensive exercise, but if you add
train fares, park entrance fees, supplies, snacks bought at vendor stalls, and the obligatory beer – a pleasant afternoon in the park can often add up to more than a movie and dinner night out!

To limit costs and crowds, try scouting out local or suburban viewing locations that might not be as packed as the famous blossom viewing locations in Inokashira Park or Ueno Park. Pack a bento lunch yourself, or better yet – why not relax European style with some yummy French bread, good cheese, and a thermos of your favorite tea? Be sure and bring a blanket or plastic sheet to sit on (even old newspapers will do), and remember to pack some plastic bags for trash. Finally, for those that MUST enjoy a beer – try happoshu (low-malt beer) – almost the same taste as regular beer, but priced 40% lower.

Enjoy a frugal hanami!

Frugal Japan » Events

Makuhari Messe Doki Doki Flea Market

Frugal Hanami