dates are as followed:
15 aug - 3 sep
10oct - 14 dec
These are the dates I've seen on sale so far. I haven't checked for other cities.
The one way ticket from Mel to NRT is 348 and the return is 0 dollars on some days.
Sorry guys its not a very detailed post.
Anyways hope to see you guys around in Japan :)
And maybe grab a few of those ULD vests from uniqlo because its super cold there
Are there any cheap returns from Japan to Europe? Want to do a round trip.
Ahh damn, been to Japan twice and love it, but recently I've developed a severe fear of flying.. Can't even do short flights without nearly having a panic attack :(
I have been japan four times and love this country so much.
Jetstar normally do japan sale twice per year.
yes, but not this cheap and time of period. November is best. Though i booked 26-31st oct.
Thought I had a good deal last time at around $500 return including baggage. Turns out this is cheaper for the same time period.. I should have held off. Oh well, back to Japan for 11 weeks, I shouldn't really be upset. Good to go back to my second home, I miss living there so much.
tat's a long time 11 weeks…u working there?
Not exactly, I'll be wwoofing, working on farms in exchange for food and accommodation. I'm more into the countryside and mountains than the cities. Plus great way to use my Japanese again. I am on a casual contract so it's leave without pay. Just asked for the time off and boss said go for it. Pretty lucky really.
well at least ur boss allows u to do that, that's awesome! I would love to do that too :)
Oh no, just came back Aus last week from Japan, should I do another trip in Oct? I love food and onsen in Japan.
My intended trip is from 21/10 to 30/10, any mates would like to go?
Just booked it!
26/8 - 14/9 - total cost was 1800 including 50kg luggage for 4 people
Just over 450 per person return
Thanks!!!!
If you play around your travel dates, the whole of Sept actually counts too for $0 return. But going there can be more than $350.
Great price! I've flown this leg with Jetstar before and it wasn't a problem. The 787 should be a step up on the old airbus A330 they had running back in 2014.
If Japan was still on the bucket list, I'd be booking right now! Awesome place for a trip!
Yeah the dreamliner is nice! Soooo tempted, was there in December but want to go again (missed the last return free flight as Id already booked, so kind of feel obligated to take this bargain!)
Jetstar is telling me 458 people are looking at the SYD-NAR route!
Great deal OP!
What's the situation with booking luggage? If I book 20kgs now, it's $35. Say I was to book the flight now, and tomorrow jump online, how much would it cost to add luggage from nothing (say 20kg?)? What about increase luggage if I had only bought 15kgs etc?
What about a day or two before flying?
This deal ain't right
Great deal Op…close to 10k clicks what a way to start.
What are peoples thoughts on paying the extra amount for the additional leg room? Is it worthwhile?
I bought the front row seats once as it was the only way to get two together (ive never had a flights so packed)
They were nice but be aware the exit row seats have a solid barrier between each seat where the tray table goes so theres no lifting up the arm rest to sleep on your fellow passenger (who is hopefully your partner!) Unless youve got long legs I wouldnt recommend them for this reason.
Thanks, I think I'll get the slightly larger seats for $25 (not $45). I'm about 180cm tall and my buddy is slightly taller.
booked, now to find me some cheap food to bring on my trip there, any recommendations is there a microwave onboard or am i stuck with instant noodles? Will be grab alot of authentic Nissin Noodles from Tokyo for my trip back.
I just returned on a 11 day trip.
Going there is a midnight flight - if you purchase a meal, they serve it straight after take off (WTF, it's midnight), and then give you a small cereal breakfast at around 6am.
Coming back is a midday flight - if you purchase a meal, they serve it straight after take off (mmm lunch), and then give you a small hot dinner at around 6pm.
Meals also come with free tea or coffee.
If you don't purchase a meal they don't give you anything the entire flight. Not a scrap (except free water). You either have to buy snacks and drinks from their "cafe" menu or bring your own.
I would recommend skipping the meal going there - just bring some breakfast bars or something to tide you over when you wake up.
Coming back, I think the meal was worth it as they serve you both a hot lunch and dinner for around $25.
No microwave onboard unfortunately…
If you don't mind some cold meals, they sold lots of these "bento" boxes at the train stations that you could eat cold. Stuff like katsu and rice, or sukiyaki beef and rice.
Also at convenience stores they sold these cold "onigiri" which were fist sized triangular sushi rice balls wrapped in seaweed that had different fillings in it. Two of them made a nice meal for less than $5.
Thanks I will skip the first flight and bring my own snacks and breakfast bars. the bento box is a great idea, and got me curious just found out there are self heating bento boxes. hopefully can find them easily
Wow fantastic… I didn't see those but they sound awesome.
Identifying foods and ingredients took a bit of detective work sometimes as nothing is in english.
FYI the Google translate app is awesome - you can use it to take a picture of Japanese words and it will translate it to english for you.
Not foolproof all the time but it helps a bit.
Cool i'm a sucker for pictures on packages lol, is google maps reliable over there be using my telstra prepaid on the z3?
@turbo77: Lol… it helps if you are adventurous with food! :D Doesn't help if your kids are deathly allergic to nuts and dairy like mine! :D
Google maps is mostly reliable - the main issue I found was getting an accurate GPS lock immediately after coming out of a subway train / station and then trying to figure out where to go. It helped to get your bearings from the map (i.e. I need to be heading west) and then try to head towards that particular exit as they were mostly labelled well. The station staff (or people in uniform) were really good as well at pointing you in the right direction.
@cuteseal
Did it take long to go thru immigration after you landed Japan? im thinking to take another flight to Korea once i landed in narita, not sure if a 3 hour's gap is enough or not?
It was just pretty standard - nothing too long. I can't advise about connecting flights unfortunately.
Does this mean you have to catch and check-in baggage within 2hrs you have in transit airport like Cairns?
Unless you have been advised otherwise by Jetstar, you must collect your Checked Baggage after each individual flight.
The flight connections in Gold Coast/ Cairns are set up so they will (generally) hold the latter flight if the first one is a little late - as 90% of the passengers are on both flights - its just cheaper for them to depart AUS from CNS or Gold Coast then SYD/MEL.
Makes sense, what about baggage though?
From memory yes you collect it off the sydney flight as the int'l leg doesnt technically start until CNS or OOL
Your luggage should be tagged separately to the passengers that are only doing the first leg. Your luggage should continue on to Japan without intervention.
It's actually not that cold this year. Snow was half as good but can't complain.
What's the best way to go to Tokyo city from Narita, without spending too much and little hassle?
theres like 5 different trains and even a bus you can take at the terminal. ranges from $10 to $30 and 60 mins to 90 mins, all purchasable there
If you are getting the JR rail pass, you can catch the NEX (Narita Express train) for free. It departs from within the airport and runs into Tokyo and connects to the JR Yamanote line (also free on the JR pass). Really handy as you can get off at all the central stations like Shibuya or Shinjuku or even Tokyo.
can you use the pass from tokyo to osaka?
Yes… the Japan Rail Pass covers the whole of Japan (hence why it's relatively expensive) but is great value if you are going to be doing an intercity-trip. The cost of a return trip on the bullet train costs as much as a 7-day pass.
I wanna go so bad! I've never been on a trip on my own and don't have a travel buddy.
You guys reckon its safe for a rather small female to travel on her own?
If I wanted to travel there for about 3 weeks, do you think it's possible to travel to a few cities? Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima to name a few.
MUCH safer than travelling in aus on ur own
Cops & security everywhere but it doesn't seem needed, more to generate employment.
People are very respectful/honest, even non-Japanese residents.
Only gratify (minimal) I've seen is in English so likely not done by Japanese. Odd to be on a train without scratches all over the windows
I hear about their "perverted" culture, where men put phones up girls skirts to take pictures and things, which freaks me out quite a bit and also how some men approach girls and try to force them to go to a love hotel, if someone decided to just chuck me over their shoulder and run, there's probably not much I could really do. I don't imagine the public would be keen on stopping them if I'm kicking and screaming in english.
Like any city (incl aus) it does have porn shops etc, after all like us they enjoy sex, have babies etc, however like "most" of the world there hidden away, down stairs in basements etc.
Not to say it doesn't happen but I've not seen/heard (other than anime), can't imagine anything like you describe in Japan, in comparison if by some chance it would ever happen to you in life, 100%+ more likely to happen in Aus.
I don't know what state you live in but lets say NSW-Sydney, could you consider it happening to yourself in Kings Cross, possibly from your fear but do you see it reported on the news all the time.
If stressed about it, don't wear a skirt, learn how to defend yourself, scratch eyes out, aim for the nut sack etc….
One way to not travel alone, check into a backpackers where you'll meet many other female (& male) English speaking travelers (rather than cooped up in a hotel room alone) many also solo, make friends with others with similar travel interests, tag along with them.
Life is for living, enjoying, not hiding because there's a few a-holes in the world, take some chances, get out and enjoy life, otherwise you'll be old with regrets.
I did some late night exploring a couple of nights and I can honestly say that it felt really safe. I would see single girls walking down dark alleys without a thought.
The only dodgy stuff I saw was around the border of those red light districts where I encountered some spruikers but nothing bad - just keep walking and they won't hassle you. Or just avoid those areas and you'll be fine.
It was so clean everywhere. Not a scrap of litter on the ground.
In fact, there are hardly any public trash cans around as well - everyone is supposed to be responsible for their own rubbish and take it with them.
Also late at night you see single girls walking down dark alleys without any hesitation. Amazing…
If you're in college, post about this deal on the stalk space and hopefully you'll find someone.
stalk space?
Went all over Europe on my own, which is much less safer than Japan. You'll be fine. Not sure about your last question, it really depends if you want to really experience one place or if you just prefer to run around and get a taste of lots of different places. If you do the latter, investigate a JR rail pass. It just depends what your travel style is and what you want to get out of it.
I have no idea what my travel style is yet! It'll be my first trip on my own, I'm kinda scared and excited, I want to take that leap and book it. But I'm not sure about the accommodation, transport, getting lost and the money and language. I barely know any Japanese, do you still think I'd be able to survive?
Most people don't bother to learn a new language before going to a foreign language country ;)
Yes, why wouldn't you survive? With lots of planning and flexibility you will be fine!
@lainey13: Really? I thought people learnt the basics before they leave, I'd like to be able to ask for directions and understand what they're saying. Super nervous about the whole thing though!
Japan is a very safe country and I would suggest one of the best in the world for solo travel.
Get a two week rail pass before you go. You could easily travel to Osaka, Hiroshima etc. in that time, and spend the remaining week in Tokyo (for example).
How do I go about getting a rail pass? Does it work the same as the public transport here? Tag on/tag off sort of thing?
Some info here on the JR pass. https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/japantraveltransportation
You have to buy it before you leave from a travel agent or online. If you're even just doing Tokyo-Kyoto return on the shinkansen (bullet train) it's more economical to get the pass. It's not cheap, but it's bloody fast and you can go between Osaka/Hiroshima/Kyoto/Tokyo and beyond in the two week period at your leisure.
There's a different system for the Tokyo subway which is more like your usual pre-paid card deal. You can buy that in Japan (e.g. at Narita).
I have no Japanese, can be comical trying to communicate but get by, but if you do some diy research/planning you will find many things to help including the use of a free language translator app for mobile phone, many other free apps available, currency converter etc, heaps of threads here, at whirlpool forums etc etc etc.
Major train stations, shopping centers, tourist areas have information booths with English speaking Japanese, many locals on the street, in shops etc have "little bit English" (that's what they say) learnt in school, OS studies, or their own backpacking adventures incl to Aus
@pyro love bird: In my experience travelling in non-English speaking countries you can get by more or less anywhere with a dozen words, hand gestures and a sense of humour. It's part of the fun :P
I do like having the bare essentials (ie. hello, goodbye, yes, no, I don't speak Japanese! - that one is handy!), but plenty of people do it with less. Either way if you're on the main tourist routes you shouldn't have a problem and the big train stations etc have signs in English.
I found the JR pass to be really handy, as there is a JR line (Yamanote) that runs a full loop around Tokyo city which you could use for free. It covered most of the main stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ueno etc.
The Google Translate app really helps - you type it in english and it gives you a japanese translation and can even speak it out loud in Japanese.
I just showed people the phone at a couple of restaurants and asking for directions and they didn't have any issues understanding.
It was heaps of fun though…
@linoc66: Are there any apps that you recommend using? Any places you recommend going to? Any you think I should avoid (maybe especially at night?) and is it safe walking around at night?
@MissKitty: I can say the bare essentials, but can't ask for directions and such. Though I'll try to brush up on my Japanese.
I'd actually like to see the countryside too, the smaller towns and such, more rural Japan. I think it'd be beautiful.
Btw, you've done it, I've been convinced and I've booked the flight, I'm super nervous about travelling on my own to a foreign country where I can't speak the language, but I've paid for it now, no turning back!
@cuteseal: Is the JR pass different to the rail pass? Someone told me the rail pass was $400!
Where do you recommend going/staying? I'd spend my last week in Tokyo (Is a week enough?) as it's closer for me to fly back, would you recommend staying as close to the city as possible? Thanks :)
Yes the JR rail pass is around 330 for 7 days and is useful if you are traveling between cities as it gives you unlimited travel on the bullet trains and the JR trains and buses as well. But if you are just staying in Tokyo you can get the prepaid Pasmo or Suica cards instead and use the more extensive metro lines, where the trips are between 2-5 bucks per leg.
I spent 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto but felt like I could have spent more time in each. I reckon 7 days in Tokyo would be just nice.
In Tokyo I recommend staying in either Shinjuku or Shibuya - both have very active nightlife and shopping and are also central hubs for the subway lines. There is so much to see and do - you will have a blast!
@pyro love bird: Your JR pass is great but once activated you cant stop and start it. If you arrive at night at say Narita, then you use it to get to Tokyo thats one day of use. So look at the costs it may be cheaper to pay for local Tokyo fares, then use your JR pass when you are travelling around the rest of the country.
As for English, I have been to Japan 10 or so times and the key word I know is Sumimasen which is "excuse me".
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/sumimasen
Most times you can find someone who speaks some english. Also have a smartphone with GPS and you can download offline maps at wifi locations and find out where you are.
It really is a safer place than our cities
@cuteseal: D: 330! for 7 days! I thought it was around 200 for 14 days! That's really expensive :(
How far out is Shinjuku and Shibuya?
@RockyRaccoon: Thanks for the advice! Wait, so going on what cuteseal says, if I purchase a 7 days pass and I use it to get around the surrounding prefectures that counts towards the 7 days? I wanted to go to Kyoto and Nagoya and Osaka as well. I'm thinking it'd probs be better that I spend my last 5 or so days in Tokyo as I'd be flying out from Narita.
I understand and can speak a little. Basic numbers, hello, thankyou, excuse me, my name is ___ but I've mostly learnt it from anime, so a lot of the things I know is useless.
Thanks for the link btw :)
What app do you recommend using whilst in Japan?
@pyro love bird: Yeah the JR pass is quite expensive unfortunately but gives you unlimited travel during that period. And If you were to buy a shinkansen return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto it's roughly the same price so if you were going to do some inter-city travel I would go that route. Otherwise if you are just staying within Tokyo the JR pass would be unnecessary.
Shibuya and Shinjuku are 2 train stops away from each other.
Very safe and you can hit up all those cities in the time you have. Hiroshima is very small so only 2 or 3 days is fine.
Booked in for 3 weeks in mid Nov - early Dec! Now to figure out how to travel with a 1 year old. Any tips anyone?
google Tokyo urban baby blog.
Recommend a baby bjorn or some sort of sling as opposed to a stroller/pram. Would be a nightmare to navigate the stations and subways as most have stairs and with escalators going in just 1 direction. And the crowds during peak hour can be difficult as well.
took this up. good lookin out
Was planning to book tickets today but the returning $0 flights that I wanted were sold out already! That was fast. Luckily, I found other ones but wooo it's my first time going to Japan in November :D Thanks OP for the great deal!
All booked thanks for this guys perfect timing for my 30th!!
How come when I try to find flights for 10oct - 14 dec dates, there is a price on the return flights even though it says 'FREE return fare available until 14 Dec 16'
Unfortunately, it was only on selected flights and many of them have already been sold out (which is why they're showing a price on them now) :( There are still some $0 return flights in November though so good luck trying to find flights!
It's only select flights mate. Gotta work your way through other dates till you find a free return flight.
Edit: oops, should've refreshed. Anyway as chooch0 said
Got 2 for November with a zero $ return. It's been 7 years since my last trip there, cant wait now. Love the country.
Great first post cheap-skate! You makin cheap dreams come true.
Just got a $0 return in early May (depart late April) ex. Sydney.
Still seems to be plenty of $0 return fares left in early May. I'd recommend using Skyscanner's bar chart view to find compatible dates.
My fourth time to Nippon is as many years….Spring is a great time to travel Japan.
Booked!
FYI - I booked a flight a while ago, but today went to add luggage. All baggage options were showing with normal prices, except 25kg, which was showing as $0. So I got free luggage allowance.
Saw your comment, went online to double check and scored myself free 25kg luggage. Woohoo! Thanks so much
EDIT: Was able to add 40kg for free!
I looked at mine and all are showing prices whether I try adding or editing my existing allowance…
Found the loophole…you must join Jetstar website then amend your booking. I was not a Jetstar member and did not have the option at first. After joining I added 2x 25kg
Thanks PRHINO and FLATTOP! I scored 25KG for Melb-Tokyo trip!!
But wondering if you also able to score that for your Tokyo-Melb trip?
Lucky! I couldn't score on return. But I bought 20kg before I read your comment. I guess that's why?
@mooreshady:
I booked 3 tickets initially, one with 20kg.
After reading the post from PRHINO I tried to add extra and couldn't.
Created an account and was able on tickets 2&3 to add 25kg's each leg for $0 but the original 20kg's on ticket 1 still existed and to upgrade it was expensive.
Thanks so much for this, I have a total of 40kg now - not that I would need it! I've also booked another Jetstar flight up to QLD and I was still able to get the free 25kg luggage allowance, maybe this is for all Jetstar flights?
wait, wait, wait, how'd you do this?
If you go to Manage booking on the Jetstar website (and enter your reference/email), it should give you an overview of your trip. Click to where it says add extra baggage and the 25kg option should be $0.00! Add it to your cart and accept changes and hopefully you should now have free baggage allowance :)
you must "join" jetstar first, ie sign up for their online account and agree to get their newsletter emails…so from Manage booking choose sign up (next to the ask jess Avatar top right)…
sign up and then go back and manage your booking
@Flattop: I did all that, didnt get free baggage. I did however, already buy some baggage. Is that why??
Just wondering has anyone booked through a cashback site like expedia? Same cost as jetstar if you take into account after paying the cc fee through jetstar.
Although, i think dismal cashback rates.. might save a few dollars perhaps…
Just be careful booking flight tickets through a third party, makes it very difficult to make changes or sort out issues as you had to go to the agent rather than the airline.
Are these sold out? I cannot find anything ex Sydney OR Melbourne on any dates.
try around 9th September return, are still $0 return flights, departing flights are up around $450 though. Still an awesome price.
Found some. Damn, the Jetstar site sucks!
Some places in Tokyo do $13 aud all you can eat and drink for 1 hour. That'll get you started