Jetstar Japan Sale: Return ex Cairns $355, Bris $527, GC $545, Melb $555, Syd $ $588, Adel $596

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Jetstar Airways

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• 

  roseyhead on 04/05/2015 - 10:06

  +8

  I bought a ticket in last November's Jetstar sales and got home from my trip just over a week ago. So tempted to book another one!

  • 

    nismo on 04/05/2015 - 10:14

    +7

    I'm there now from the February Jetstar Japan sale!

    $1400 return to Osaka, 2 people with 30kg luggage each and entertainment. Flying the new dreamliner, 12 hours from Mel via Cairns.

    • 

      Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 10:16

      +18

      Browsing this site would be the last thing on my mind if I was in Japan.

      • 

        carwashhair on 04/05/2015 - 10:24

        +12

        the force is strong with this one

      • 

        indium on 04/05/2015 - 10:24

        +3

        I found myself browsing ozbargain sometimes on the long train rides, even bought a few things.

      • 

        sixnout on 04/05/2015 - 10:40

        But that FOMO feels hahaha

    • 

      onetwothreefour on 04/05/2015 - 10:46

      +2

      I'm there now too, got to keep up with the bargains! Thinking about booking again!

    • 

      Bargain-er on 04/05/2015 - 10:52

      Is Dreamliner only for Osaka atm? Just flew to Tokyo but didn't get Dreamliner. Thanks

      • 

        Ryk on 04/05/2015 - 15:49

        +1

        Dreamliner also does Tokyo via Cairns, after a reboot.

    • 

      garylau on 04/05/2015 - 11:53

      did it mention stopping in Cairns when you bought the ticket. I also bought the 2-for-1 tickets but it said straight flight.

      • 

        nismo on 09/05/2015 - 20:28

        Yes, it was obvious that we were going via Cairns. I don't think any airline does direct flights from Melbourne to Osaka.

        Check your flight itinerary.

        Unless it's a new service, I've yet to see a direct flight. Would love to fly direct!

      • 

        garylau on 14/05/2015 - 21:24

        @nismo:

        I am flying from Melb to Tokyo (Narita International). The itinerary does not mention any stopover. Travel time around 9 hours.

        FLIGHT DETAILS

        Travel time9 hours 20 minutes
        OperatorJetstar Airways
        AircraftBoeing 787
        Fare TypeEconomy
        Passengers2 Adults, 1 ChildView
        Baggage2 x 25kgsEdit

      • 

        nismo on 14/05/2015 - 21:54

        @garylau:
        It will be direct for certain. Direct to Tokyo is common and the flight time sounds like a direct flight also.

        It took us just over 12 hours from Mel to Osaka with a 1.5 HR stop in Cairns. I think Osaka is a little closer than Tokyo so a direct flight may be quicker.

• 

  wxia6 on 04/05/2015 - 10:25

  +4

  I have been to japan via jetstar 3 times, an amazing country, love it so much, they are far ahead of other countries.

  • 

    supaderp on 04/05/2015 - 10:28

    +10

    Part of me really wants to go back to Japan for a holiday but the other part of me tells me to use that money to go to another country. But I feel that I have to travel to Sapporo now. #firstworldproblems

    • 

      bobdane1 on 04/05/2015 - 10:32

      +2

      Sapporo is great, went there in January and it was amazing. Their softserve is far ahead of other countries lol.

    • 

      Bargain-er on 04/05/2015 - 10:42

      +3

      I just got back a week ago, and think exactly the same… Wanna see the other part of the world, but something telling me i'll go back to Japan again :)

    • 

      smit0847 on 04/05/2015 - 10:44

      +6

      The AUD has held up against the Yen unlike against the USD and NZD so Japan remains as affordable now as it was a year ago.

      • 

        montorola on 04/05/2015 - 11:03

        +1

        Never been to Japan before in general, are they friendly to foreigners? Do they speak much english there or is it hard to communicate?

      • 

        dtra on 04/05/2015 - 11:08

        +2

        @montorola: They're very friendly but they don't speak much english at all. They will try to help and are very polite. It's hard, but that's a part of the fun.

      • 

        R3b3l66 on 04/05/2015 - 11:11

        +2

        @montorola: Go. Just go. It is a remarkable country with so much to absorb. It is a dream of my wife and I to retire in Japan (perhaps in Gero, in the Gifu Prefecture). Japan has over 6,500 islands and it goes from a frozen landscape in the north to tropical islands in the south. Before the trolls jump on board I will say that we are not blind to the uglier, dark side of the country/history and whilst that saddens us it does add to the overall impact that it has on you.

      • 

        Bargain-er on 04/05/2015 - 11:29

        +2

        @R3b3l66: Yeah, i agree with you. Before I went to Japan, people bombarded me with how bad the radiation and the effect to little children etc etc etc. Yes, it got dark history (saw it from exhibition in Osaka Castle, and off course WW II), but lots of countries have their shares as well. However, i found the culture and manner of the people are outstanding. Very civilized and polite, it really made me thinking if they have changed tremendously over the past decades.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 04/05/2015 - 12:20

        -4

        @montorola:

        It depends… And let's be real. Japan is a "racist country" (like many other Asian nations… and many other nations in general. You'll find it everywhere, but it is more obvious in some countries).

        Are you white? If yes, that is a big "plus". They'll assume that you're American and you will be met with much more friendliness than the opposite…

        … Whereas if you're just another Asian, you'd be met with indifference or negative discrimination.

      • 

        jayt on 04/05/2015 - 22:00

        @inose: I think it depends on where you go. In Tokyo, foreigners are everywhere so being met with more friendliness isn't really that common. I think the Japanese are very polite and try to help when they can.

        Being "just" another Asian, you may be met with indifference but from what I've experienced and being Asian myself, I find that they treat you the same way they treat a Caucasian tourist.

        I would say as in most countries, if you don't follow the local customs then you will likely be met with negative discrimination…

      • 

        Grillman on 05/05/2015 - 13:51

        +2

        @inose:

        Whoever downvoted this is in denial.

        They get away with a lot of racism compared to what people get away with here. Don't confuse racism with hate, people.

        Some of it I detest, some of it I admire.

        http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/1/18/Nogjnwb.jpg

        lol

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 05/05/2015 - 17:27

        @Grillman:

        I know right?

        I've learned that people will down vote you, if you say something that isn't congruent with their ideas, even if what you're saying is based on facts.

        E.g. Japanese people are, stereotypically known to be polite and friendly, i.e. not "bad" and "acceptable" to us. Plus, we like their things, like their cars, cartoons.

        You say that they are racist, based on your personal observations and experience, and bam, you are labeled as wrong… "How can you say that? They are the most polite people ever…"

        They are ignorant of, or don't know the dark side of Japanese society.

      • 

        caprimulgus on 07/05/2015 - 01:19

        @inose:

        inose and Grillman are spot on. Japan is the greatest country in the world in my opinion, and the people ARE very polite and friendly…but in general, they are also very racist.

        but it's a different kind of racism than we have in australia - as Grillman noted, it's not the type of racism that manifests as hatred and violence like we have here. it is a more "passive" or "casual" racism, in the sense of "oh, these quaint foreigners (other asians in particular), they are uncouth and don't know how to behave." it's a more benign and innocuous type of racism, largely restricted to racial stereotyping and the like. eg. restaurants that won't serve you if you are not japanese or with a japanese person.

        asians in general are very racist against other asians…this is fact. (i am asian)

        having said that, is it a significant enough issue to affect your experience in Japan? not really, no…(not unless casual racism really offends you). even as a non-japanese asian, which is probably one of the worst types of foreigner you can be in japan, it just really never was an issue. sure, japanese people might have looked down on me, but they were always extremely polite (even when not allowing you to dine at their restaurant because you're not japanese!).

        tl;dr - yes, japanese society is pretty racist, but not in a way that will have any serious effect on you as a visitor (possibly a different story if you're living there and trying to fit in with society).

      • 

        INFIDEL on 07/05/2015 - 07:55

        +1

        @caprimulgus:
        The over politeness to European Foreigners has its nemesis in the often overt racism towards other Asians. (Like many Aussies, I don't trust the over polite, it is usually a very thin veneer.) I am a regular visitor to Japan & love the place.

        After many drinks with a rice farmer friend Take in a mountain village of 200, I came to understand the strong opinions some Japanese have towards Asian people. It was an uncomfortable, but enlightening experience. As Japanese are far too polite to a European like me, it took a long time over many visits (and more drinks) for my friend to truly open up.

        It's all about "pride". It seems he, and possibly other Japanese people, don't think other Asians have enough pride in themselves (so should be looked down on).

        The conversation started, as it does with farmers generally, with talk about this year's crop. Take said his rice is better than his neighbours. Foolishly I asked how that could be, given every one in his area seemed to farm on similar paddies, in similar ways using the same equipment and seed. A Japanese person would never question that.

        But it was all about his pride in his rice crop. Knowing he was late in harvesting his crop & last year's would have been consumed - I cheekily asked, whose rice I was eating? He sheepishly admitted it was his neighbours. I chastised him for not showing his guest proper respect! These are the type of conversations that can only be had between friends. We both laughed.

        More drinks and similar statements about people from other Asian countries… Chinese have no pride, Vietnamese are worse… and my friend has never even been to Tokyo (but was an exchange agriculture student in white Christian communities in Southern USA a long time ago).

        And don't talk about other "lifestyles"… in his cousin's old style coffee shop, my friend pointed to the obligatory photo of the TV star who had dined there. His gesture of holding his hand to his mouth, with his palm bent up - as in whispering, but with the arm continued under the other side of the mouth. This gesture indicated the performer was gay - something not to be discussed in Japan. I saw it many more times with older Japanese & wondered what the gay community thought of this polite equivalent of denigrating someone a "homo" here. So unfortunately, gay Asians would be treated far worse.

        Japan is a very monocultural society. Little is discussed at great depth, as we might do. That is challenging & disturbing to the group, so very discouraged. Japanese culture is so venerated (it is great). TV shows promote how wonderful Japaneses ways are, certainly not asking how they can be improved. (How can you improve on such an ancient culture - that Japanese think no Foreigner could ever understand or master.) (Compare that with Australian TV with controversy over SBS's new show or televising the Mardi grad. Not long ago, we wouldn't have allowed such blatant challenges to how we see ourselves.)

        In the Edo period, when ordinary people in Tokyo were crowded together, people learnt that homogeneity of thought & behaviour was "good" for the group. People did not see what was going on next door, it was all too close together. This group thought & behaviour still is seen as ideal. Foreigners are an interesting relief from this conformity, as long as numbers are limited. European looking travellers can break the local informal rules, or as I say - dance down the street naked only to be met with little comment - what more do you expect from a Gaijin. But Asians should never do that - it shows a lack of pride.

        Japan is still a very insular place outside the cities. In a tiny country village I heard a woman say to her young child in Japanese "Don't worry, the Gaijin won't eat you.". But it was said in a way that it sounded like the child would believe that's what people like me do. People like me were rarely seen in the area.

        But this pride unfortunately seems to lead to an automatic put down of similar, but slightly different cultures, and the far too great a respect in European/US cultures.

        As people in general do not discuss their thoughts & beliefs, even with their closest friends, people believe they have the same thoughts! This strange realisation blew my mind. If you think we all think the same, and no one challenges your strange thoughts, you will feel free to express them. And no one is likely to stop you.

        That's the dark side of Japan. I love the place and it's people, despite the restrictions in thinking & acting differently.

        The casual traveller will probably be unaware of these underlying issues & enjoy their stay in a wonderfully different culture.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 07/05/2015 - 15:44

        @montorola: Japan is so friendly! And polite! Went on exchange 9 years ago now (what?!). Apparently, the way to reserve a table in the food court is to simply leave all your sh…tuff at it.

      • 

        caprimulgus on 07/05/2015 - 15:45

        +1

        @brucefromaustralia:

        great post, thanks for sharing your insight!

        Japanese culture is so venerated (it is great).

        i agree 100% that it is largely pride and veneration in their own culture - which is why i take the view: "well that's kinda racist…but japan IS pretty damn great, so fair enough! i humbly bow down to your superiority (so long as you let me eat all your sushi!)." :)

      • 

        INFIDEL on 07/05/2015 - 16:05

        +1

        @woolfenstein:
        I was surprised to see young women leave their handbags on a table a McDonalds, go to the floor below to order - trusting no one would steal anything.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 07/05/2015 - 16:54

        +1

        @brucefromaustralia: Blew my mind! I can't leave my shoes outside my front door where I live. Thanks, btw for taking the time to share some of your stories.

    • 

      Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 11:17

      +1

      I'm the same. First time I went, I loves it so much I went again only a few months later.

      Now whenever I'm looking to go again, I get a guilty feeling that I should be seeing the rest of the world first.

      Japan is just so amazing though. Id live there if I could.

      Edit: Was going to edit out 'i loves it' until I realized I sounded like Derek ;)

  • 

    hectic3 on 04/05/2015 - 10:37

    +3

    I lived there for a couple years and have been back numerous times. There is definitely something about the place that keeps drawing me back.

  • 

    1Dollar on 04/05/2015 - 10:43

    How was the flight? Is it worth the extra money for other airlines?

    • 

      smit0847 on 04/05/2015 - 10:49

      +1

      Its not bad. On a 787 its about as good as it gets for an LCC. Id much prefer it to Air Asia via KUL or Scoot. Apart from in December and Jan with bogans heading to Sapporo to ski its a more civilised crowd onboard than the Jetstar flights to Bali, Hawaii and Thailand. Japanese passengers wont say a peep and will just keep to themselves.
      Osaka is a bit overwhelming if youve never been to Japan before and dont speak Japanese because they get a LOT less tourists than Tokyo/Kyoto/Hiroshima etc. If its your first trip Id recommend starting in Tokyo. Osaka was my favourite city in Japan (I guess because there were so few tourists).

      • 

        1Dollar on 04/05/2015 - 11:00

        I will be travelling to Tokyo during June July period and it is around $1000, while Singapore Airlines is $1780 or Vietnam is $1120. What would you recommend things to do or buy in Tokyo. I am also thinking of getting the Sony RX100M3, will it be cheaper to get it here or in Japan?

      • 

        Bargain-er on 04/05/2015 - 11:10

        @abracadabra: Just remember u get 2 years warranty if you got it from Australian retailer and 10% GST refund.

      • 

        R3b3l66 on 04/05/2015 - 11:15

        @abracadabra: We used both Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor websites and never had a bad suggestion. I have never found their prices to be that much cheaper when compared to Australia's duty free. Obviously check it out but I would be surprised if you got any significant bargain on electrical goods. Plus, take note of what andri77 says.

      • 

        1Dollar on 04/05/2015 - 11:24

        @R3b3l66:

        I will keep hunting in Aus first. The other thing where should I exchange currency?

      • 

        zone on 04/05/2015 - 11:46

        +2

        @abracadabra: This page is really useful if you have not been to Japan before

        http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/japantravelfaq

      • 

        R3b3l66 on 04/05/2015 - 11:47

        @abracadabra: To be honest you need to shop around re: CX. Look at the rates, their fees/charges, the availability of what you want and then - most importantly - watch their rates each day for 3 or 4 weeks to see which day of the week is the best. If you are going to cover big distances use the JR rail pass. Buy your tix here in Aus, not in Japan. From memory the tickets are cheapest on Wednesday (it may be Tuesday). That being said we purchased our JR tix online from a company in England because they were the cheapest!??! Go figure. The MTR is dead set easy (& cheap) to get around the cities on and if you are having trouble a Japanese person will be bound to help you within a minute or two. AMAZING people.

      • 

        FloatingPoint on 04/05/2015 - 11:48

        @abracadabra: Read this

      • 

        melfes on 05/05/2015 - 11:12

        @R3b3l66:

        Sorry What is CX? couldnt find any ref

        and where should I buy JR rail pass in Aus?

        Thx

  • 

    dogboy on 04/05/2015 - 19:36

    Far ahead but also a long way behind. They still allow smoking in restaurants - yuck!

    • 

      Eeples on 04/05/2015 - 21:22

      Indeed smoking in coffee shops.. when im trying to eat my brekkie.

      Also ATM's…. what a joke?

    • 

      petestrash on 05/05/2015 - 13:05

      True, though larger places have separate non smoking areas. While talking about smoking, they are ahead by making it illegal to smoke on the street while walking in some cities. You have to stand next to designated smoking spots.

• 

  Donaldhump on 04/05/2015 - 10:31

  +5

  flying from gold coast to tokyo and back to brisbane, is nearly as cheap as the train from gold coast to brisbane

  • 

    FloatingPoint on 04/05/2015 - 11:24

    +4

    Jetstar OOL to NRT 7224Km for ~$550 = $0.076 per Km
    Translink Gold Coast to Brisbane 99Km for $16.28 = $0.16 per Km
    Jetstar is cheaper than bus/train.

    • 

      inherentchoice on 04/05/2015 - 15:22

      OOL to NRT is actually double that distance for return flights.

      So $545 ÷ 14,448km = $0.03772 which is less than 4 cents per km.

      Also the fare for a paper ticket from Brisbane to Surfers Paradise is $17.50. To Coolangatta it's $23.60

      • 

        FloatingPoint on 04/05/2015 - 15:52

        Oh yes! You are right I forgot this is a return fare.

• 

  Wilhelm on 04/05/2015 - 10:52

  +4

  Whatever happened to Perth :(

  • 

    lisss on 04/05/2015 - 13:08

    +1

    Don't worry, Perth gets good deals too… just not sure what's around for Japan atm.
    Earlier this year Perth was included in the 2 for 1 Jetstar sale, but with longer flight times (going via Melb/Syd/Cairns I think it was) and crappy connections.

    I ended up going with Cathay Pacific's sale - excellent connections, Perth-Tokyo then Osaka-HK, short stay in HK and HK-Perth (so much more flexible than Jetstar's offering), luggage, entertainment, meals and a better and more comfortable carrier IMO. All this cost $1500 for 2 return. There were cheaper fares but we got our pick of convenient flight times at that price. Win-win-win!

• 

  dtra on 04/05/2015 - 10:57

  Anyone else getting an issue after selecting flights and entering personal details?
  I just get a generic error.

  • 

    dtra on 04/05/2015 - 11:18

    Never mind, seems to be an issue with my browser

• 

  Ozimodo on 04/05/2015 - 10:58

  +4

  What's Perth?

  • 

    inherentchoice on 04/05/2015 - 11:12

    +10

    Perth is in Tasmania…

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth,_Tasmania

    • 

      helnandez on 04/05/2015 - 12:00

      Classic!

• 

  schwinn on 04/05/2015 - 11:22

  Could I ask, is anyone paranoid about the fukushima radiation? Whether the seafood or produce?

  Separately, anyone brought toddlers there recently? I have a 1yo and a 3 yo, what can they do in Japan?

  • 

    Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 11:25

    +1

    As much as they can do anywhere at that age.

    And no, not worried about radiation.

  • 

    Forfiet on 04/05/2015 - 11:33

    +3

    "Separately, anyone brought toddlers there recently?" Had to look twice…..thought you said 'bought' a toddler. :P

  • 

    plague69 on 04/05/2015 - 14:06

    +1

    -_- Worried a little about radiation. But will you be young enough to go once it clears? I'll flip a few coins tonight.

  • 

    Ninjassmileinthedark on 04/05/2015 - 18:19

    If I was moving to Japan, with kids, I would worry about the radiation. But when we go on holidays there I reckon the risk is only like an extra xray or two.

    As for entertaining kids- Tokyo Disney is great and I have heard great reviews of Kidzania… Then there's the trains,trains,trains

• 

  Marty131 on 04/05/2015 - 11:24

  +1

  So, do people not add the $80 per flight bundle packs? I noticed that you need to also pay an extra $55 on baggage each way? It all adds up quickly….

  Still, 14 hour total time from Adelaide to Tokyo, majority of way in a dream liner 787, is damn good!

  • 

    R3b3l66 on 04/05/2015 - 11:57

    +10

    If you don't already have an ipad then buy a cheapie tablet (Aldi), take a couple of Sammy 64Gb SD cards (PC Byte) filled with your own movies that you have legally ripped at home (Handbrake+anyDVD), a xiaomi power pack or two (Mushtato) and you will be set for entertainment. Take your own food plus empty drink bottles which you can fill with fresh water AFTER you get through all of the checks. It may look cheap to others but you will be immediately recognised by any fellow ozbargainers who will most likely smile knowingly and nod in respect.

    Hope that helps.

    • 

      melfes on 05/05/2015 - 11:16

      No USB charging or power outlet on Dreamliner?

  • 

    dtra on 04/05/2015 - 11:59

    +1

    Cheaper to just add meals individually

  • 

    Firefly on 04/05/2015 - 14:34

    +1

    Also, there is a Familymart in Terminal 3 of Narita Airport, which is the terminal used by Jetstar. You can buy pieces of fried chicken for $1.50, sandwiches and rice cakes for $2-3, and boxed meals for $3-5 which are far nicer than the onboard meals Jetstar provide (even cold). You are better off grabbing food there before your flight to take with you than paying for an onboard meal. Also the onboard entertainment by Jetstar is pretty ordinary - they literally give you an Ipad with films and TV shows loaded on it so you are better off bringing your own tablets if you have one.

  • 

    Marty131 on 04/05/2015 - 15:31

    +1

    Thanks @R3b3I66, @dtra, @Firefly.

    After looking at it a bit more, I might actually pay the $80 / flight charge - get some FF points and flexibility of change.

    Interesting however, no one is commenting about the "hidden" cost of the $55 baggage fee? (Not really hidden I guess, it is well advertised, and we all know about it). But, it is never factored in to any of the OPs calcs.

    Do people honestly travel to Japan with 7kg of carry on baggage only?

    • 

      melfes on 05/05/2015 - 11:17

      I agree with you 30 kg 55 ea way. would break the deal for some ppl

• 

  Ozimodo on 04/05/2015 - 11:36

  Anyone know how to find the return flights for this deal? I can only find AU outbound.

  • 

    tensionday on 04/05/2015 - 20:59

    As in you want Japan to Australia return?

• 

  BlinkyBill on 04/05/2015 - 11:57

  Tempting. But I'm still waiting from the Sydney <—> Toyko Business Return for $670ish I got in 2012. But I think that's unlikely.

  • 

    Firefly on 04/05/2015 - 14:46

    I bought return flights at the last sale for $440, and a week before the flight, Jetstar sent an email offering an upgrade to Business Class for $200 (each way). That being said, not sure if it was really worth it - Business Class on Jetstar is more like Economy Plus on other airlines.

• 

  djevoultion on 04/05/2015 - 12:11

  Tokyo or Osaka for a honeymoon? First time flying to Japan.

  • 

    escrew7 on 04/05/2015 - 12:16

    tokyo for sure.

  • 

    Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 12:16

    Osaka

  • 

    djevoultion on 04/05/2015 - 12:48

    Thanks escrew7 and Phreakuency.

    What hotel would you recommend?

    • 

      Phreakuency on 05/05/2015 - 10:10

      Lots of hotels I went to, dont remember them all but my absolute favourite was Anne Crown Plaza in Kyoto. Beautiful hotel, lovely staff dressed all traditionally, great food and nice and close to transport.

• 

  Obake on 04/05/2015 - 12:19

  +4

  We've been going almost every year for the past 4 years flying jetstar.

  dec 2011 - Osaka + Hiroshima + Kyoto
  sep 2013 - Tokyo + My Fuji/Hakone + Takayama
  sep 2014 - Hokkaido (Furano, Noboribetsu + Otaru + Sapporo) + Tokyo

  I think my favourite so far was Hokkaido. We rented a car and drove around the island for a week. Highly recommended. My 2nd favourite destination is Osaka. I've been there a few times and there's something about it that I really like. I think it's less busy than Tokyo and people are nicer. It's also smaller so easier to get to everything. I want to go back to Osake but Jetstar have stopped direct flights from Brisbane/Gold Coast and I really dislike stop overs (waste of time!).

  This year we are planning a trip to Kyushu. Not sure if we'll rent a car like we did in Hokkaido, but I really liked the freedom of driving anywhere, any time.

  • 

    Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 12:29

    Love reading comments like this. And 1500 clicks in 2 hours shows how much we all love Japan :)

  • 

    big bill broonzy on 04/05/2015 - 12:39

    +1

    Osaka is fantastic. Worth to go there for the food alone

• 

  leiiv on 04/05/2015 - 12:43

  Anything interesting there to do in Winter months (December)?

  • 

    rakeycakey on 04/05/2015 - 13:22

    +3

    Ski!

    • 

      SnowDragon on 04/05/2015 - 15:15

      +1

      Looking forward to 30M of powder.

  • 

    TNDO on 04/05/2015 - 16:31

    Skiing/snowboarding - had excellent conditions when we visited in January

• 

  cache on 04/05/2015 - 13:41

  +1

  i only have this to add: japan - awesome place to visit. jetstar deals - only brings the awesome-ness closer…

• 

  cornucopia on 04/05/2015 - 13:53

  -6

  GC-> Narita Dec 13 $371 and up :-)
  Narita -> GC Dec 31 $589 and up :-o

  Add all Jetstar oncosts for seats, baggage, meal, entertainment, beverage etc etc and the total will be at least what I paid ($1025) to fly by Qantas (ex Brisbane). And the Jetstar flights aren't even direct!! And you'll likely have to walk out across the tarmac to your plane!!!

  Also factor in Jetstar UNRELIABILITY…..

  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/jetstar-passenger…

  No deal…

• 

  Bunnyburger on 04/05/2015 - 14:19

  Great deal but I hardly know any Japanese. how do you folks who are going get around this?

  • 

    Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 14:52

    You can handle the big cities, popular sites alone with little Japanese. Anything else, smaller towns, personal list of less popular places, you'll want to have either learnt the language a bit better (what I've started doing again on preparation for my next trip) or make a Japanese friend (what I did for my second trip in 2007), the last thing you want is to have stuff booked and paid for and get lost or stuck before getting there.

    • 

      INFIDEL on 04/05/2015 - 15:08

      +3

      I've travelled many times in Japan - mainly outside big cities, including hitchhiking in the country or sleeping on beaches on small islands.

      Never have got around to even stringing a sentence together in Japanese, just knowing a few words & phrases. The people I meet are just too helpful ;-) It can be weeks without speaking English, but the laughs are universal. Many times people don't want me to leave. I've had the best adventures.

      Tourist Information Centres can help (generally with some English), even in tiny places. And try a hot bath - a true pleasure at an Onsen or Sento.

      So live a little, it's well worth it in a place as wonderful as Japan.

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        Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 15:17

        That sounds fun, but I couldn't take that risk personally ;)

        Having all of my trips booked, hotels paid for etc, I'd need to know where I was going and how I was getting there. But everyone is different :)

        There were a few days where I had nothing planned but wandering and discovering and even in Tokyo I had a little difficulty remembering how to get back, once getting on the wrong train (after I struggled to ask a few people who pointed me to that train) and ending up back at the hotel after midnight lol ;)

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        INFIDEL on 04/05/2015 - 15:29

        +4

        @Phreakuency:
        I have severe clinical memory loss, so getting lost is normal. But that's where offline GPS maps & apps for your phone come into their own. My phone talked the directions back to my Inn many nights. Just programmed the location in as destination before heading out. (Free WiFi is getting more common in Japan, but you can't rely on it being available!) But I know the anxiety that an unplanned journey brings for many people. It does mean allowing more time though.

        Wandering what locals consider as the 'slums' of Osaka (where accommodation is cheap), I stumbled across an English language class in traditional storytelling/comedy (Rakugo), and ended up on TV performing. Locals loved it - showing respect & interest in a culture they consider too complex for Foreigners to understand. Many nights have been spent beside the ocean drinking with fishermen, after being fed their fresh catch.

        And yes, catching the wrong train happens. I just jump off at the next station & head back, or stay on for another adventure. Became good friends with a rice farmer in a mountain village of 200 people after missing a bus in an isolated coast. His farm is a regular destination, especially in snow covered winter.

        But knowing where you are staying for the night is also good. Spent 6 weeks based in a $150/wk room in a Tokyo apartment until last Christmas, wandering out into the cold nights looking for good food and conversation.

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        Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 15:44

        @brucefromaustralia: Ended up on TV? You bloody legend!

        Reminds me of Bill Murray ending up on that talk show in Lost in Translation :)

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        INFIDEL on 04/05/2015 - 16:02

        +3

        @Phreakuency:
        As a Foreigner who looks of European extraction (sorry, but there is a definite preference among a few Japanese), it is quite common to be interviewed for TV. Most are asked what they think of Japan, of the food, the culture. Australian TV did the same in the 1970's. I refused those interviews. I was simply recorded by a local show, while performing a humorous story.

        I've been "kidnapped" by locals many times. Once when trying on a Yukata (kimono) from a street stall, an elderly woman excitedly dragged me up a laneway to watch a traditional performance of men dressed as woman in kiminos, performing. In a sea of 150+ older Japanese, I stood out, until I gave the lead performer a present offered to me by Hiroko (my benefactor who paid for 2 shows & meal).

        When people see a person totally enjoying their culture, it's way too easy to be nice to them. Even though I speak almost no Japanese, there is an understanding, which overcomes that obstacle. Many times, when they are asked how we communicated, they are astonished to realise I don't speak their language - they never noticed!

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        Phreakuency on 04/05/2015 - 16:07

        @brucefromaustralia: I was at the Tokyo game show 8 or 9 years ago and was interviewed for something. No idea if it was a tv or internet show ;)

        Wish I'd met a Scarlet Johannsen there though to hang out with :P

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        melfes on 05/05/2015 - 11:22

        What year and places hitchhiking worked? And they allow camping on the beaches? thx

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        INFIDEL on 05/05/2015 - 17:54

        +2

        @melfes:
        I've hitchhiked in areas from Okinawa to Hokkaido, at various times up to 2013. Always easy in the country.

        There is a dated book "Hitchhikers Guide to Japan", which I read for general advice on culture & etiquette. As a formal culture, an invitation to visit someone's home is often difficult. In larger homes, there are areas reserved for formal & informal visitors. My rice farmer friend has never taken me into the formal areas, as I am a friend & eat with the family in the kitchen.

        Cars are a different matter. Being given a ride in someone's car usually means they will think of you as a new friend, even giving you small treats like a hot tin of coffee. Have been given $200 in one memorable 2 day lift with Japanese tour guides in training (I was wanting to learn about a mountain village in Shikoku, so what better way to see the place than with 11 guides who spoke English.).

        So the book suggests to look clean, stand 'like a centurion' & bow slightly to oncoming drivers - hitchhiking as work! Of course most don't follow this guide, but I generally get a ride by the 3rd vehicle.

        Strangely in Japan (maybe only in Japan!), hitchhikers earn respect, or even treated like a rock star. On a tiny island between Okinawa & Kyushu, my ride took me to a Mos Burger as the only place open. When I entered, the young woman at the counter started madly screaming with excitement. After calming down & trying to offer me gifts, she explained she had seen me hitchhiking the previous day near the jungles in the island's south. Now I was in HER Mos Burger!!! Her friends wouldn't believe her without all those selfies.

        To me, I think Hitchhiking suits the Japanese way of gift-giving. They want to help. But they may go out of their way in doing so. I have learnt to carry a map in English & in Japanese (Tourist Information Centres provide these free). I plan my journey in English & show my new friend the map in Japanese. Drivers ask where I am going. Asking where they are going is not understood - they are trying to assist you. My trick is to ask to go to the next town on the map. When I am in the car, I can ask politely where they are going. Usually that suits me, and I say "me too", which always goes down well.

        Camping: in general, as long as no one sees, no one cares about camping anywhere. Homeless sleep in their blue tarp huts in city parks - 'no one sees' them - a very Japanese custom.

        Camping has its season, like hiking Fuji-San, or swimming. So outside the summer months, camping areas are usually free, but lack showers (ask locals where the nearest bath house is!). (In season, a patch of grass can cost $50!! Japanese also love the latest expensive name brand camping gear.) I've woken on a beach to the sound of 2 old men whispering about my tent on their beach - and was invited for coffee ;-)

        In September 2013, I camped above a wonderful remote beach by the Japan Sea north of Kyoto - Kotohikki-hama, with my tent overlooking the thermal spring on the beach, people swimming & catching octopus & fish, & a beautiful sunset. The spring was hot, and emptied into the shallow bay, making the water warm for swimming. Staff just wanted to know that I would be gone in the morning (I think they noticed how much I was enjoying myself), so free camping in a stunning location ;-) (parking is expensive though)

        But Japanese are always concerned the police may arrest me (usually communicated by holding hands together as if handcuffed), so I keep out of sight to stop locals worrying about me. It is also a sign of respect, not to cause a disturbance. Very Japanese to be concerned by the actions of others.

        I've camped in parks in small villages. Camping just offers the flexibility to go a long way off the usual tourist paths. 1/3 - 1/2 of my accommodation is usually free, and I pay $15-$35 a night for a simple room at business hotels & small Inns. Couchsurfing is a free alternative (which I haven't tried due to earthquakes & other issues leading hosts to cancel, & is a little too inflexible for me). (Japanese Youth Hostels offer remote locations but are relatively expensive for dorm accommodation at about $35+pp. In Hokkaido I recommend the remote JYH within Shiretoku Peninsula as a rare treat - the Master entertains with local seafood parties - Oishii!)

        Hitching & camping are an alternative form of slower travel with some interesting benefits.

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        INFIDEL on 05/05/2015 - 17:54

        @melfes:
        Of course it takes extra time, and a different way of thinking, and won't suit many. When Jetstar carry on was 10Kg, I took all my camping gear & clothes for 4-10 weeks at no extra cost. 7kg is more difficult.

        Just enjoy the challenge of a very different adventure ;-)

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  Firefly on 04/05/2015 - 14:49

  Also, does anyone know if there is an English language equivalent of Ozbargain for Japan?

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