Tokyo on a Budget, JAPAN
Airing Date: Jul 31st, 2006
Tokyo has been voted the world's most expensive cities three years in a row; but it's so easy to do on a budget!
Buy your gourmet meals from vending machines, sleep in a capsule and who needs expensive tickets when you can hang out with the sumos? Watch them train and take a test drive into the future in the Toyota Megaweb showroom.
Capsule Hotels are hotels that follow the trend of jam-packed small rooms in Tokyo. The 'rooms' are literally small capsules in the wall stacked on top of one another, with just enough room to fit 1 person in a single bed, with no floor space at all.
The hallways have the feel of a mausoleum with capsule doors (that look like submarine doors) stacked one on top of another and extending from one end of the hall to the other. Some Capsule Hotels, like the Fontaine Asakasa has 600 capsules.
Generally, no women are allowed although there are exceptions, and bath areas are communal. When women are allowed, they are in a different ara of the hotel altogether, and there is no mixing.
Also, no tattoos are allowed, no exceptions, since tattoos identify gang members in Japan. You might see the signs at the front reception with pictures of people with tattoos, crossed out. All luggage must be left in a locker at the front of the building since only the person can fit into the capsule.
Historians agree that the origins of sumo date back 2000 years. Like any other social group in Japan, there are strict rules and traditions that are observed throughout the sport.
Sumo stables are the places where sumo wrestlers live and train. Among the several dozens of sumo stables currently in existence, many are located in the Ryogoku area. At some stables, it is possible to view the sumo practice in the early morning hours for free!
On the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku (west exit) there are two free observation galleries. With stunning views of Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Yokohama, this has to be one of the best free gifts the city has to offer.
Look and learn about Toyota's new models on early display here in this spacious exhibition hall. Experience for yourself Toyota's new technology showcased in the hybrid and racing cars.
Toyota also makes new car announcements and holds motor-sport events here. Experience the comfort of your favorite Toyota car on this 1.3km, 2-lap test course linking the 3 pavilions.
Select a car from the Toyota lineup. You can take your time and get a feel for the car of your choice on a test course. Entry is free.
To see more people than you've ever seen before, try walking through Shinjuku Station in the rush hour, standing at the Ginza Sukiyabashi crossing, or crossing the road next to the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station.
If you had only one day in Tokyo wanted to dive headfirst into the modern Japanese phenomenon, Shinjuku would be the place to go. Every day over two million people pass through the station alone, that's the same amount of people who live in Western Australia!
This also makes it one of the busiest in the world.
FURTHER INFORMATION
14 day Lost Japan package from $2390 a person. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Plus local payment of $269.
Intrepid Travel - Ph: 1300 360 887, Web: www.intrepidtravel.com
Qantas Return to Tokyo from $1512 ex east coast, $2525 ex west coast. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 23/6/06.
Qantas - Web: www.qantas.com
