See Japan while Aussie dollar stretches further

Japan has been thought expensive so it's good news the Aussie dollar has gained around 15.50% against the yen in the past 12 months.

NAB currency strategist Ray Attrill says: "While Japan may still not be considered 'cheap', the exchange rate moves mean in many respects, including eating out and drinking, the Australian dollar will now stretch further inside Japan."

This situation might not last so now is a good time to head there. April is the cherry blossom season when visitors flock to centres such as Kyoto. In October/November you'll get pleasant temperatures and autumn colours and you'll have more time to book accommodation well in advance.

The website japan-guide-com has a month-by-month rundown of weather in six popular cities. Avoid major local holiday times in late April to early May and mid-August.

To see as much as you can the Japan Rail Pass is popular but a long distance bus might be more cost effective. Check out willerexpress.com. For a good sleep, Lonely Planet suggests in Tokyo heading out to the Ueno or Asakusa areas for better deals.

In Kyoto it suggests the Aoi-so Inn, a traditional ryokan where doubles start at 5000 yen (around $A52).

The website gojapan.about.com suggests trying Minshuku "reasonably priced" Japanese-style B&B inns (get lots of information at minshuku.jp).

Find good, cheap food and drink in convenience stores and vending machines, or gyudon (beef bowl) restaurants. Following Japan in the 2013 Expedia NAB Foreign Exchange Index of nations where the $A has improved are Brazil (8.20%), South Africa (5.42%), Indonesia (4.28%) and Argentina (2.53%).

Currency "cheat sheets" for travellers on oanda.com display yen value from one dollar to $A5000, or in reverse.

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