Frugal Japan » Entertainment

Tokyo Pools: Getting there Frugally

Frugal Japan — Sat, 24 Jul 2004 21:00:54 +0000

Yes. It’s hot. Very. Very. Very. Hot.

As you stare longingly at the underused elementary school pool in your neighborhood, you might be happy to know that there are some *splashing* water parks near Tokyo. Here I’ll introduce two that might not cost an arm and leg, plus one tip for getting even cheaper pool tickets.

The ‘Seaside Pool’ at the Funenokagakukan (Museum of Marine Science) is a lovely, 200m-round seaside pool, plus additional pools. Located at the Yurikamome Line Fune-no-Kagakukan station. Usually Y1,800 for adults and Y900 for children, but only Y1,600 per adult and Y800 per child if you print out a special coupon. Go to this page and click on プール (pool) and then scroll to the bottom of the resulting popup page and click on the square at the bottom where it says シーサイドプール優待券 (seaside pool special ticket). Print out the resulting popup window. One coupon can be used for up to five people.

The Rainbow Pool at Showa Kinen Park has a 360m-round pool, plus 8 other pools, and is open July 17 through September 12. Only a 3-minute walk from JR Ome Line Nishi-tachikawa station. Cost is Y2,250 for adults, Y1200 ages 6-15, and Y300 for children under 3, however pre-sold tickets carry a roughly Y400 discount, and the “Sunset” (after 2 PM) tickets are Y1,100, Y600, and Y150 respectively.

My final tip: Check your local kinken shop for discounted tickets to local suburban amusement parks and attractions. I’ve bought Tobu Zoo tickets for Y500 a piece (usually Y1700), and see Toshimaen Pool tickets (usually Y3,800) for Y1,800. These tickets are not very “liquid” (i.e., they don’t change hands much), so the shops discount them a fair amount.

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.

Movies in Japan: The Best Bang for Your Buck

Shaney — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 21:00:03 +0000

Let’s face it, a night at the movies in Japan is usually a pretty expensive proposition. The tickets alone are usually Y1,800 per person. Add parking, food, and drinks, and you致e easily spent over Y5,000 on a night for two to see the latest flick. Plus, unless you can make it one of the beautiful new suburban “cinecon” (cinema complexes), sometimes the experience leaves a bit to be desired.

However, there a few ways to save money on your visit. Most theatres, including Warner Mycal Cinemas, offer some variation on the following special ticket prices: Ladies Day (Y1000 every Wednesday), Late Show Specials (Y1200 for shows starting after 9:00), or special days (for example, Y1000 tickets on the first of every month). Membership in a special program (credit card or member’s card) might get you a regular Y300-Y500 discount. Another option is “pair tickets” pre-sold for certain shows and theatres for Y2500 for two tickets. Finally, convenience stores like AM/PM often pre-sell tickets for popular shows at a discounted price, such as Y1300/ticket. You can also get discounted tickets at some ‘kinken shoppu’ (discounted ticket shops).

Another way to save a little money is to bring your own snacks and drinks. Some of Japan’s cinecon chains have gotten pickier about this, but single-screen theatres without a large vending service often don’t mind customers bringing in outside food and drinks.

Enjoy your night at the movies!

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!