Many people think that prices in Japan are extravagantly high…but, just like anywhere, “locals” know where to go to get the best deals.
I’ll tell you a few secrets for saving money in Tokyo.
First of all, today is 子供の日 (Children’s Day).
Admission to city zoos is free today. But, be warned, free admission to a zoo in a huge metropolis on a warm day that is also a public holiday means that the zoo will extremely crowded.
Visitors to Japan complain that movie tickets and pizza are too expensive in Japan…and they are—if you pay full price.
For pizza, Shakey’s Pizza has all-you-can-eat specials that range in price from about ¥800 to ¥1,900 depending on what day and what time you go (lunch time on regular weekdays is cheapest).
And Domino’s Pizza has specials often in Japan. Currently they are offering a “Buy one get one free” deal if you pick up the pizza yourself (rather than getting it delivered).
Domino’s Pizza Japan “Buy-One-Get-One-Free” for pick-up orders.
If you go to a movie theater in Japan, you shouldn’t pay the full box-office ticket price.
On the first day of every month, it is “Ladies Day” at the movies in Japan. Women can buy a ticket for only ¥1,000. Some theaters offer discounts on Wednesdays, too.
For men, and on other days, you should buy movie tickets from a チケット・ショップ (“Ticket Shop”) that are found all around Japan.
Ticket Shops sell movie tickets at a discount.
Thay also sell tickets for amusement parks, concerts, sporting events, museum admission, trains, McDonalds coffee, and a number of other things.
You should always try a discount ticket shop before you buy any type of ticket in Japan.
Tickets in a チケット・ショップ (Ticket Shop) in Japan.
Does your country have money-saving techniques such as these that “locals” know about?
Tokyo Five 
Can’t they bring food from outside to movie theaters? But it doesn’t matter. I still prefer the American style. I lived in Chicaco for one year about 10 years ago. As I was a big fan of Michael Jordan, I was very happy to see his bronze statue in United center.
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No, it’s forbidden to bring food or drinks in.
You lived in America ten years ago … that’s more recently than me! I’ve been in Japan since 1990. Maybe you know America better than I do now!
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Certainly, movie tickets are too expensive in Japan. One of what impressed me the most in America was cheap movie admission. I watched movies the most in my life there.
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Yes, movie tickets are cheaper in America but in Japan, movie-goers can bring their own food into the theater … even fast-food, beer, whatever!
BTW … what part of America did you visit?
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I was very impressed with the diversity of special prices offers available in Nagano cinema when we visited there in January. As well as a Lady’s day, there’s a Man’s day, a discount for a married couple of over 50 years or a group of friends of 3 or more!
In Ireland if you want to get a good pint of stout for a decent price, the trick is to go a pub where only old men are drinking. They know where to go.
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Yes, theaters here have “Senior Discounts” and “Student Discounts” too.
That’s interesting how to find the best-priced bars in Ireland.
Thanks.
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