Yen-stretching in Japan

Sunset, May, 1989

Steak, taxi ride, and orange juice prices shock American tourists and haunt Japanese travel officials. Now the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) is countering with brochures on visiting Japan at reasonable cost. Ask for them, listed here by name, by mail or telephone.

Tourist Restaurants in Japan. The current list of 274 restaurants in 32 cities shows a top price of $4 for breakfast, $7 for lunch, $8 for dinner (payment in yen only; no credit cards). Updated twice a year, the list includes only places where reservations aren't needed and some English is spoken. Also described are specialties, hours, and public transit information.

Reasonable Accommodations in Japan.

This annually revised brochure lists clean, convenient businessmen's hotels and ryokans (Japanese-style inns). It covers 250 lodgings in 50 cities, each with nearest transit stop, number of rooms, credit cards accepted, and fax and telex numbers. None charges more than $60 (ryokan rates are per person and include some meals). English is spoken.

Pensions in Japan. Listed are 280 of these small (10 rooms at most) Western-style lodgings, similar to our bed-and-breakfast inns. A map in the annually revised brochure shows most pensions are in rural or coastal Honshu. Rates, per person double occupancy, are up to $40, or $60 with Western-style breakfast and dinner. Some of the staff speak English.

Explore Japanese Culture System. This guide lists 162 activities, fro"one-day nun life" at Kyoto's Ryugenji Temple to sand bathing in Beppu, It includes museums covering aspects of Japanese life. Fees, if any, are incidental. English may not be spoken. Sign up at the local tourist office or by writing ahead to the facility. Japan Rail Pass. Each pass, valid for 7, 14, or 21 days, must be purchased before leaving home (call the JNTO for location nearest you). Passes include use of Shinkansen (bullet) trains. The seven-day pass costs $225 to $300 depending on class.

"I" System information Centers. Where to shop, where to stay: this brochure names 61 places in 42 cities where you can find out. At an "i" center, marked by a big red question mark, you can also call I ahead to arrange for a "Goodwill Guide," I who practices English while showing you around.

Write to JNTO, 360 Post St., San Francisco 94108, or call (415) 989-7140. In Los Angeles, the address is One Wilshire Building, 624 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2640, 90017; (213) 623-1952.