Specials in Japan

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?