Tourist Spots
There are many things to do in Japan and although Japan is considered as an expensive place to visit, that does not have to be so in reality. All it takes is a little research and asking around to get the lowest cost or free attractions and still have a great time.
One of the top five things to do in Japan is to visit an onsen which is a hot spring feed from underground springs, usually the result of a volcanism. There are some that are quite expensive due to the luxury of them but there is an onsen in almost every area.
Another famous thing to do while in Japan is to visit the temples and shrines. These are usually free as well and open to the public. Some may ask for a donation but any denomination will do. Shrines and temples are found all over Japan; in even the most remote places.
At many different times of the year, there are many free attractions in Japan such as the imperial palace, the senso-ji temple, the Kyoto imperial palace, Katsura imperial villa, the Hokkaido Ainu Center and even the beer museum. All it takes is a little searching before the trip in order to find the cheap or free attractions. This is not hard to do; just surf the web and it will tell you what is available during your stay, where to find the attraction and how much it is.
Festivals are another attraction that can be found at a cheap rate depending on what festival, when, where and how it is booked. You can find some discounts online. Most festivals are held outside and are open to the public. Some are expensive but many only charge a small fee. There is usually some kind of festival all year long.
Everyone loves the guided tour but they can be pricey. This can be accomplished on your own if you have the desire to see the country side or just the local area. Most sites can be seen by using a Jitensha or better know as a bicycle. These can get over things and into places most taxis can not. All you have to do to have a great time and not spend a great deal of money is to ask the local tourist office about the area and surrounding areas. They will know the off beaten paths of the area. Get yourself a map, a backpack or waist pack and head out to see the sites and collect some natural gifts along the way.
Everyone loves food and eating the traditional Japanese food is another of the top five things to do. If you are lucky enough to be invited into someone's home for a meal it would be the best way to eat a traditional Japanese meal. Learn how the Japanese eat their meals and get to know a few things about Japanese family life simultaneously. If you are not one of the lucky ones just ask around the locals as they are usually very friendly and can guide you to what you are looking for.