As always, an excellent question! And this week, I’ll answer it.

A kinken shop, simply, is a combination of the Japanese characters for the words “money” (金) and “ticket” (券). As the name states, these shops essentially deal in the buying and selling of all kinds of tickets, gift certificates, discount cards and other items. The shops offer significant discounts on some tickets (train tickets, amusement park tickets) and a markup on other (for concerts, soccer matches, et cetera).

The hardest part about using a kinken shop is finding one. These literally hole-in-the-wall shops can be found tucked around corners, in underground malls, and in out-of-the-way places near to major stations. In Tokyo, Shinbashi has the largest concentration of kinken shops, followed by Ueno and Shinjuku. There are several a few blocks outside of the Yaesu exit of Tokyo station.

In Osaka, the basements of the Dai-ni and Dai-san Buildings in Umeda are known to be a treasure trove of kinken shops. If you are curious, ask taxi drivers, shopkeepers and other locals in your area where the nearest kinken shop is. Most will be happy to tell you, as long as they are not competitors themselves.

After finding the shop, the next challenge is using it well. The shop usually is filled with glass cases,
behind which lie an confusing variety of tickets. Signs or posters sometimes list the prices. If you are in search of a specific ticket — say, a discounted shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka — the fastest method is to ask.

If you are just window shopping, take a look at several shops in area to find the best price. You will
need cash for your purchase, as these small shops rarely take charge cards. If the aging gentleman
behind the counter seems too threatening, bring a Japanese friend or colleague to help. Business at
these shops is quick and efficient — they are unlikely to want to strike up a conversation.

These days, the best deals to be found at kinken shops are usually for movies (sometimes Y300-Y500 off the ticket price), airline tickets (usually 15-20 percent off), and for amusement parks or other attraction tickets (sometimes as much as a 50 to 75 percent discount).

Shinkansen tickets are still a fairly good bargain for the slower trains, but the Nozomi (fast train) discount between Tokyo and Osaka is only about Y300-Y500 these days.

However, there are always surprises. You might find yourself picking up a great deal on beer tickets, book tickets, or stamps as well. It all depends on what’s in stock. You can also sell your new phone cards or other gift certificates here for cash too. The surprises, it seems, are the real joy of using kinken shops. So next time you pass one — take a glance inside. You might find yourself with a fantastic frugal find on your hands.

© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.

The Seishun Juhachi Kippu is Japan’s original bargain ticket, and it’s something everyone should try (or think about trying) at least once. The name translates roughly as “youthful 18 ticket,” but anyone of any age can use it, including foreign tourists, Japanese nationals and foreign residents.

The deal is simple, as the Japan-Guide Web site explains: “Five days of unlimited, nationwide travel on local and rapid JR (Japan Railways) trains for only 11,500 Yen, or 2,300 Yen per day!” It is only on sale for three periods of the year during school holidays.

The next sale period runs from July 1 through August 31, and the tickets are valid from July 20 through September 10.

The ticket is best suited for folks with some time on their hands, as (again from the Japan Guide) “the ticket is valid only on local trains (futsudensha/kakuekiteisha) and rapid trains (kaisoku). It cannot be used on express (kyuko), limited express (tokkyu) and bullet trains (shinkansen).”

Some overnight trains can be used. For example, it takes about nine hours to reach Kyoto from Tokyo (and typically one to four transfers) using only local and rapid trains, versus three hours via the bullet train. There is, however, at least a Y5000 savings in price for that one trip, still leaving four days left to travel.

The ticket is transferable and non-personal — meaning you could use the ticket for five days straight, or you and four friends could use it for one day if you are all travelling together.

Interested? Check out Japan-Guide.com’s in-depth guide to Seishun Juhachi Kippu travel. The site even offers sample itineraries to destinations such as Sapporo (in two days!) or Aomori. While not for the impatient or faint of heart, the Seishun Juhachi Kippu offers a fun and frugal way to get around Japan at a decidedly slower pace.

© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.