Mohan M.;
<< it would be interesting if you could report back to us how much ordinary things cost up there,ie coffee,beer,anything really.>>
Can do, though from experience it should be based on what I see outside of the hotels. I refuse to use any food or beverage service in Japan hotels. In fact, hotels in Japan are the great rip off of all times. $250 bucks for what I would call a closet, and a bed I would use as a sleeping pad for my dog, has always been a source of irritation to me. The last time I bought anything to drink in a Japanese hotel was a beer at 10 bucks. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. I now carry instant coffee with me as most rooms have provisions for hot water. Then if I am eating in, I will stop at the dept. store in Shinjuku station and purchase my food there. (The deli makes a pumpkin sandwich that is out of this world delicious. I know, sounds awful, but it isn't. I always stay at the Pacific Meridian across the street from Shinjuku. The trains are the best bargain in town. I use them almost exclusively. Cabs are expensive and prone not to pick up westerners at night.
There are a couple of things I do buy in Japan. One is paper. There is a shop near Rappongi that carries beautiful hand made paper that my wife is fond of. Also the wooden articles such as are made in Hakone. Finally, if I have extra yen when I am returning, I will buy some BBQ'd eel (unagi) to bring back from the deli in the airport.
Best,
Stitch |
