The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Travel in Japan: Insider Tips and Tricks

This week in travel news: a potential ban on perfume for airplane pilots, significant progress made towards completing the world's most popular unfinished building, and the highly anticipated Fat Bear Week begins with a bang.

Each year, countless tourists delight in Japan's efficient high-speed rail system, relying on trains to effortlessly traverse from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. However, the cost of this convenience has recently increased.

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Effective October 1, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, allowing foreigners to pre-purchase and secure Shinkansen tickets, has experienced a significant 65% price surge.

Presently, the seven-day pass is priced at ¥50,000 ($337), marking an increase from ¥29,650 ($200). However, children aged 6 to 11 can still avail themselves of half-price tickets for travel on the entire train network.

More on Japan

The Itsukushima Shrine is 1,400 years old.

James Matsumoto/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

It's not just bullet trains that have become more expensive. This week, for the first time ever, one of Japan's most renowned attractions has started implementing an entrance fee for visitors.

The Itsukushima shrine, located outside of Hiroshima, was among the places visited by President Joe Biden during his recent trip to Japan. The shrine is renowned for its vibrant orange torii gate, which gives the illusion of floating on water. However, President Biden's visit coincided just before the introduction of admission fees on October 1. These fees, set at 100 yen for single visits or 300 yen for multiple visits, were implemented to address issues related to crowd control. To put it into perspective, 100 yen is equivalent to approximately 67 US cents. This scenario highlights the growing concern of overtourism in Japan, as the country had only reopened to tourists fully the previous fall.

Little island, big flavors

Mount Fuji's sustainability is under threat as it grapples with an overwhelming influx of tourists. However, dedicated local volunteers are stepping up to preserve the country's iconic landmark for future generations.

Sri Lankan cuisine: Despite misconceptions about Sri Lankan food, its growing presence in international restaurants is making people hungry for this island's cuisine.

Patricia Tobin/Courtesy Kombala

Kolamba: At this London restaurant, Sri Lankan food is served alongside basic education about the country's many cuisines.

Jamie Lau/Courtesy Kombala

Dhayanie Williams: The Australian chef stood out on the TV show Masterchef for her Sri Lankan dishes.

Courtesy Dhayanie Williams

We're not our neighbor: Williams says her goal is to change the global perception that Indian and Sri Lankan food are the same.

Courtesy Dhayanie Williams

Curry Bowl: In Zagreb, Croatia, European diners can sample Sri Lankan flavors at Curry Bowl.

Dinko Simac/Courtesy Curry Bowl

The idea for Curry Bowl originated when the owner observed that Europeans tended to prefer ordering individual dishes rather than sharing a family-style meal. In response, he developed the concept of curry bowls, which combine various textures and flavors in a single dish.

Sri Lankan food spreads around the world

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The biggest misconception about food from Sri Lanka? That its the same food as next-door neighbor India.

A group of young Sri Lankan chefs are now showcasing their unique cuisine worldwide. Whether it's the delectable egg hoppers in London or the indulgent creamy coconut rice in Kentucky, the remarkable flavors of Sri Lanka are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. Sri Lankan-American chef Sam Fore expresses his commitment to honoring traditional recipes while pleasantly surprising diners with unexpected flavors.

Sagrada finita

Photo of construction at Sagrada Famalia on September 19, 2023, shows a pinnacle depicting a human figure that will be set at 135 meters (443 feet) high.

Pau Barrena/AFP/Getty Images

After more than 140 years since the commencement of construction on Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, the project is nearing completion. Despite its ongoing construction, the basilica remains a highly sought-after tourist destination and was recognized as TripAdvisor's leading attraction in 2022.

The fifth central tower was recently completed, while the sixth tower is scheduled for completion in 2026 as the final element of a complex architectural design by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

Despite the perception of a lengthy construction period, it is noteworthy that the church obtained a building permit as recently as 2019, making the overall construction process relatively fast.

Group trip planning

Believe it or not, it is possible to organize a group trip without everybody hating each other by the end.

Planning ahead of time enhances the enjoyment of your vacation. This entails open discussions about budgets and expectations, allowing individuals to excel in their strengths, and being understanding when someone needs personal time. Once back home, create personalized gifts for the team by printing and sharing cherished vacation photos, ensuring that the good times are forever remembered.

In case you missed it

India is mulling a ban on pilots and flight attendants wearing perfume.

But its not because of the scent.

Alaskas Fat Bear Week 2023 has officially kicked off.

It was almost a victim of a government possible shutdown.

Environmental scientists believe we should fly less.

Yet one climate researcher worries he may lose his job for refusing to travel by plane.

The French word for bedbug is "punaise."

However, Frances health minister says talk of the country being full of punaises is greatly exaggerated.