Affordable Travel Destinations for 2024: Discovering Japan’s Rich Culture and Stunning Landscapes

New year and new travel destinations await you as early as 2024 according to Bob Berry, a specialist on travel services with Cruise Planners who recently appeared on LiveNOW from FOX to discuss the top locations for budget-conscious tourists this upcoming season. Among his picks is Japan following the steep decline of Japanese yen’s value that makes traveling to Asia more affordable compared to recent years due in part to currency values last seen in 1990, as one dollar now stretches further than before. This unique opportunity offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich culture and stunning landscapes without breaking the bank.
In Kyoto, visitors can explore ancient history by visiting famous landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Fushimi Inari Shrine with free entry fees while enjoying affordable dining options like street food at Nishiki Market’s candied octopus and quail egg snacks. Meanwhile, Tokyo offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions that won’t hurt your wallet as you can enjoy the serene surroundings of Imperial Palace Gardens or witness energetic areas in Shibuya and Harajuku without spending much. In Ramen Street located at Tokyo Station, eight renowned ramen shops offer delicious bowls perfect for a budget. Don’t miss Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten which offers the best breaded pork cutlets available in Omotesando.
Hokkaido provides breathtaking natural beauty alongside unique culinary experiences like tasty seafood dishes, including those offered by kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants such as Toriton Kaitenzushi located at Sapporo’s city center. Otaru is also a must-visit location for its picturesque canal sides and delectable cafes with treats worth trying while you’re there.
Osaka, dubbed “the kitchen of Japan,” boasts popular street foods such as takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), which can be found in Dotonbori’s bustling streets. Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M is another top-rated dining destination that offers the opportunity to grill your own wagyu beef while enjoying affordable rates for high-quality meals. Osaka’s Kojima area, also known as Denim District, provides an array of artisanal denims from premium quality clothing stores selling at comparatively reasonable prices following recent exchange rate fluctuations.
When planning a trip to Japan, it’s essential to consider practical aspects such as connectivity and handling cash since some smaller venues outside major cities still only accept physical currency. To avoid damage caused by voltage differences between the US and Japan (100 volts), check if your devices need voltage converters before departing for Japan. Additionally, swap dollars for yen at foreign exchange banks or post offices in Japan instead of airports to enjoy better rates compared to airport exchanges.
To stay connected during travel, it’s advisable to purchase a travel eSIM card such as Ubigi since these digital versions offer flexible and affordable data plans that can be managed directly from your device without requiring physical SIM cards at local outlets or stores in Japan.