Fly to Japan via Cairns. Return for FREE, Fares Starting from $269 @ Jetstar Airways

2830

Fly to Japan via Cairns. Return for FREE, Fares Starting from $269 @ Jetstar Airways

Go to Deal

OSA on 16/09/2016 - 15:53 jetstar.com (9816 clicks)
Last edited 16/09/2016 - 17:57 by 1 other user

Great deal from JetStar. Fly to Japan, pay for one way and come back for FREE. Plenty of seats available.

Sale ends 11.59pm AEST 21 September 2016, unless sold out prior. Promotional period between 6 February and 21 June 2017. Checked Baggage Not included.

Some Fare Guide:

Cairns - Tokyo $269 (8 May 2017 - 30 June 2017)
Sydney - Osaka and Tokyo $443 (8 May 2017 - 21 June 2017)
Melbourne - Tokyo $436 (8 May 2017 - 21 June 2017)
Brisbane - Tokyo $420 (8 May 2017 - 21 June 2017)
Gold Coast - Tokyo $349 (17 Apr 2017 - 30 June 2017)
Adelaide - Tokyo $460 (21 Mar 2017 - 29 Mar 2017)

Travel Airfare Asia Instagrampost Japan

21 Sep 2016 11:59pm

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closed Comments

6000SUX on 16/09/2016 - 17:47

Anyone getting this error?

Oops. That's an internal server error. Sorry.
You can try your request again or click the button below to start over.
- slickvic on 17/09/2016 - 17:42
  
  Got the same error message
  
  Did you manage to get thru tux182?
  - 6000SUX on 18/09/2016 - 10:58
    
    i was attempting to book via the business hub. I couldnt get through.
    but i just booked from the homepage. the error was coming up after i search for specific dates
  - slickvic on 18/09/2016 - 12:22
    
    If anyone else is experiencing this problem, trying using another browser.
    
    I was using Mozilla and kept receiving an error msg. Switched to Chrome and booked, no problems.
    - 6000SUX on 20/09/2016 - 16:08
      
      i tried 2 browsers and in incognito mode - all failed
xcx on 16/09/2016 - 17:51

+2

Seems Jetstar have removed the direct debit option. Damn, was a good way to hold the flights and then work out if you actually could go for those dates.
Phreakuency on 16/09/2016 - 17:58

I did these flights in May this year, similar price. Jetstar was fine, no issues at all. Would prefer to fly direct (Brisbane flights have a 4 hour stop in Cairns) but certainly recommend the airline from my experience.
- altomic on 16/09/2016 - 18:50
  
  I just did GC to Nar in June. booked again for next year.
- kulprit on 16/09/2016 - 18:52
  
  Worth getting a lift to the gold coast normally. Direct flight and cheaper flights :)
  - azz on 16/09/2016 - 23:19
    
    Flights usually cheaper by at least $50 one way from the coast compared to Brisbane. Parked the car there for 2 weeks on my last trip, which cost about $95! Obviously works out much better if there's more than one peoples!
    - DertySouth on 17/09/2016 - 00:00
      
      Where'd you park? Was it the outdoor non-undercover parking lot? Seems like a bargain price!
    - azz on 17/09/2016 - 09:40
      
      @DertySouth: Sorry should have mentioned that it's one of those offsite outdoor parking places, not in the actual airport parking itself. They're about 5 minutes drive from the actual airport and they'll give you a free lift (and pickup) from the airport to your car.
  - inherentchoice on 17/09/2016 - 22:46
    
    Normally yes. But with this sale for some reason there are more dates from Brisbane including ski season.
    
    Would've cost me $740 from Gold Coast airport or $470 from Brisbane airport.
sweepy on 16/09/2016 - 18:01

Damn too late!! Looks like mostly sold out. Nothing from Melb, Adelaide or Syd from 20-25th of March with free return :( :( :( :( :(
itonez on 16/09/2016 - 18:13

Dam wanted to go Feb!
joeno on 16/09/2016 - 18:26

-3

Accidentally booked starting Sunday Feb for $500.

Should i pay to change start date? I want to arrive on Saturday not Sunday night so i can enjoy the nightlife in Osaka more than 1 weekend
- tsimop on 17/09/2016 - 00:55
  
  If you just booked now, I'd try calling/emailing them to see if they can amend it.
  - joeno on 17/09/2016 - 09:43
    
    Do you know if i need to pay a fine, and fee difference?
    - tsimop on 20/09/2016 - 23:01
      
      Sorry mate, I know nothing about that. (Previous comment was based on general experience with other companies)
gabeee on 16/09/2016 - 18:29

+1

just came back few weeks ago from the previous jetstar deal. paid 324pp 26august-2sept 2016 MEL-NRT direct. was hoping for MEL-NRT direct but seems like its not available anymore as explained further up in the comments

was waiting for this post again so i can travel in feb. booked from 21feb-4march 2017 MEL-NRT-KIX then return KIX-Cairns-MEL. will be skipping the NRT-KIX flight. 419.72pp.

P.S. theres quite a few free return from KIX-MEL late feb/early march

THANKS ALOT OP!
- tukanglistrik on 16/09/2016 - 20:48
  
  +2
  
  If your return trip are in the same booking, most likely you won't be able to skip the NRT-KIX leg. Airlines don't allow out of sequence trips anymore unless you're on the most flexible fare.
  - gabeee on 17/09/2016 - 22:10
    
    +2
    
    Hi @tukanglistrik after reading your comment i called jetstar to clarify this issue. (thank you for letting me know btw because i was not aware of such cases)
    
    After half an hour of communication and policy checking on the phone with jetstar, I will just have a no-show status from NRT-KIX and whatever i purchased e.g. baggage and food on that specific NRT-KIX will not be refundable, however i will still retain my trip from KIX-CNS-MEL.
    
    anyways thank you for letting me know. I will still contact them again closer to the flight date to confirm this
    - kolorijo on 18/09/2016 - 10:22
      
      Get the confirmation in writing. Just in case.
    - gabeee on 18/09/2016 - 11:47
      
      @kolorijo: yes definitely. will call them closer to flight date and tell them to email the details
Isho on 16/09/2016 - 19:01

+1

Thank you OP! My parents had been waiting for the right deal to come in order for them to go and we've now just booked them tickets :)
shiny1 on 16/09/2016 - 19:20

+1

Had a bad experience with Jetstar once, out of maybe 5 times I've flied with them. We ended up late by 2 days and the compensation wasn't really adequate for the inconvenience.

But goddamn I cannot resist a deal like this. Its worth it! Bought 2 tickets. Thanks.
- inherentchoice on 17/09/2016 - 23:02
  
  My relatives had a Jetstar flight that didn't take off for two days but they are still happy to fly them. Mind you they did get some compensation in the form of a refund + vouchers + a Qantas flight + hotel nights.
shakoo on 16/09/2016 - 20:47

+1

tickets bought. now time to refresh my memory on japanese
- ozy on 16/09/2016 - 21:55
  
  Chin chin atama
chakel on 16/09/2016 - 21:38

Can anyone see any return flights to sydney in April anytime?
I want to head over there end of March and go to Europe then back through Japan on the way back (potentially) but I can't see the FREE flights on the return flight.
pretentiousillitorat on 16/09/2016 - 23:44

Gah, 2017. Gimme something in 2016 :(
tonytiger on 17/09/2016 - 04:09

Purchased 2 x Sydney to Osaka via Cairns from 18th Jan to 6th Feb for $1056.88
Thats with 15kg checked luggage for both of us to Japan and then 15kg/25kg on the return flight.

Been dying to go back since my first time early last year. About a $400 saving from my previous trip too!
- joeno on 17/09/2016 - 09:42
  
  -1
  
  Thought deal is from Feb?
  - tonytiger on 17/09/2016 - 21:47
    
    The return flights that are free start from the 6th of February :)
    
    hopefully this time around i wont have to deal with all the school kids being on holiday.
Jared17 on 17/09/2016 - 07:35

How's the red light district in Tokyo lol?
- azz on 17/09/2016 - 17:18
  
  From walking through there at night holding a beer - full of annoying touts. You might have a fun time if you follow one of them though lol
sonicentropy on 17/09/2016 - 08:27

A week in Tokyo (mid April) for the 3 of us for $990 thanks for heads up.
- joeno on 17/09/2016 - 09:41
  
  From what city?
  - sonicentropy on 17/09/2016 - 18:36
    
    Gold coast not as cheap as cairns should have book cairns to Osaka return and picked up some $20 tiger fix today. But now I have an excuse to go on the nizomi
    - joeno on 17/09/2016 - 19:13
      
      Still a bargain.
    - inherentchoice on 17/09/2016 - 23:06
      
      +1
      
      The daily tigerair flight from BNE to CNS arrives too late to then get on the Jetstar flight to NRT/KIX.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 23:43
      
      @inherentchoice:
      Which means an overnight stay to add to the bill. That's better than missing your Japan holiday due to a delayed arrival of Tiger into Cairns.
      
      Flew out of Cairns in April on similar $249 return deal. Not worth the hassle, unless Cairns was part of your holiday. Gold Coast $339 flights for me in this deal - worth the $90 extra for the convenience
anth0888 on 17/09/2016 - 08:41

+1

Its such a shame that jetstar cancelled their direct melb to tokyo flights. Now the replacement qantas route departs in the morning and annoyingly wastes the daytime travelling on the flight - whereas the direct jetstar services left melbourne around 12midnight and arrived in japan 7am - perfect timing.

And now the only jetstar services are via gold coast and cairns, which require a change of flights or a 2 hour stop over.

I think due to demand from Australian travellers, theyve prioritised the japanese market with the better qantas timings.
- Dadidalol on 17/09/2016 - 21:54
  
  +1
  
  Yes you're right, I booked a Jetstar return direct for mid April 2017 under the last deal.
  
  Just checked my flights and the 12am flight outbound had been changed to 8-something am and arriving in Tokyo at 6pm rather than 9am, meaning I lose out on a day :(
  
  However my return flight is now overnight, departing Tokyo 7pm & arriving Melbourne at 7am (rather than dpt 12pm - arr 12am originally)
  
  I guess I shouldn't really complain as it's now been upgraded to a Qantas direct.
[Deactivated] on 17/09/2016 - 08:55

Jetstar is extremely unreliable in Cairns.
Last time time they cancelled/delayed my fight in Cairns, they moved the passengers to an area with no seating, turned off the ac and called in a truckload of police to wander around and look menacing.

I though they'd just open another counter….
- sonicentropy on 17/09/2016 - 18:41
  
  Not just cairns GC also gets plenty of cancel changes and delays and cancellations. 2 trips ago they stranded me an extra 2 days they put me up 4 star hotel near the airport. Last trip I had 3 schedule changes
turbo77 on 17/09/2016 - 12:53

Here right now, awesome deal. Good on jetstar with MORE frequent deals to Japan.
qwertyaz on 17/09/2016 - 14:10

if it was gold coast - osaka i would pull the trigger right away, tokyo is kinda boring….
- INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 14:37
  
  Osaka return flights from Brisbane ($420) & Cairns ($249). 4+hr wait in Cairns on flights from Brisbane.
  
  Was hoping to catch up with friends I made there in April (similar free return deal) - but no free return on those non-direct flights 👎
  
  Most might not agree that Tokyo is boring - it depends on what you want. I love the history & mountains that are close by Osaka, which is a cheap base. I've warmed to Tokyo over many trips. Seems I'm going back.
- Loki556 on 17/09/2016 - 18:42
  
  Train it from Tokyo? Just stay long enough to visit everywhere!
  - sonicentropy on 18/09/2016 - 11:46
    
    Train to Osaka is about $160 each way still cheaper than a rail pass. Flight for mid April is $500+ each way (much cheaper to fly to south Korea $100). Ideally we did last trip was to land in Tokyo bullet train to Kyoto then Osaka then fly back Osaka to brisbane. This trip because we are also going to the lakes around my Fuji for the cherry blossom (as we will be a week too late for Tokyo) and return trip to kyoto/Osaka a rail pass is a must.
joeno on 17/09/2016 - 16:24

Any cheap hotels or airbnb or ryukans for Osaka, Tokyo for 11-26 feb?
- altomic on 17/09/2016 - 18:18
  
  how many people? how cheap is cheap?
  - joeno on 17/09/2016 - 19:12
    
    Just 1-2 (i'm travelling solo). Prefer to budget around $100 a night for accommodation.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 21:28
      
      There are so many forms of accommodation to suit people's needs & tastes, how many per room, where & where you are visiting, how long, etc - so hard to advise. Just explore the sites.
      
      I haven't used Airbnb as it is more expensive than I normally pay in Japan. Plus I often stay in a place for weeks. I've visited people staying at Airbnb in Japan who were happy. Some areas are clamping down on private accommodation like Airbnb - because of pressure from hotels, & reportedly failure to pay tax.
      
      Stayed comfortably in a small room for 1 in Osaka for an unbelievable $13/n in April, & $150/wk for a balcony aircon room in an apartment in Tokyo with light breakfast, Christmas 2014. Both had very friendly English speaking staff & use of kitchen.
      
      But as a fairly regular visitor, it may be a different experience to that of first-timers. Prices are generally per person in Japan, & exchange rate has lifted those prices.
    - joeno on 17/09/2016 - 22:04
      
      Wow that's incredible. Can you send me the details?
      
      Price per person works great as it's just me travelling. But I prefer a decent level of living with privacy.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 22:33
      
      @joeno:
      Privacy is a national obsession in Japan. People don't see what should be private.
      
      For $13+/n you only get a 3.5 Tatami (mat) (very small) private room plus hanging space, futon plus Japanese style bedding, window facing another bland business hotel, no air con, toilet down the hall, showers on ground floor or communal bath at hotel across the road, & no lift… I got a lot of exercise. Cheap places are located in poorer but safe neighbourhoods, and importantly close to many train lines.
      
      But with the door closed, it was warm & comfy on cool nights. These type of places are mainly occupied by Foreigners working in Japan long term. So you have a ready source of local info, laughter, & someone to eat & drink with… They often work in bars so it's free drinks 🍶🍜
      
      It's only a place to sleep, as you will be out most of the time. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere & mix easily with the interesting locals. Staff were so pleased to see me again after 30 months in April, they shouted out my name as I entered the lobby.
      
      Just given as a point of reference. I doubt many would be interested😯 That's why advising people on accommodation is a very difficult task.
    - joeno on 17/09/2016 - 23:05
      
      Sounds good. Can you send me the link to these places? Also wondering if there's some that are more better located and more spacious. I'm sure it'll be more than $13 pn. It's Japan after all :)
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 23:21
      
      @joeno:
      A lot of places don't have websites. At times, Japan is another world. Most ATMs don't take foreigners cards, cash is expected, WiFi is slowly becoming available, SMS almost doesn't exist …
      And these places are mainly designed for stays of weeks or longer. A lot are more word of mouth, so I don't think I can help.
    - joeno on 18/09/2016 - 09:07
      
      ATMs dont take mastercards? That's strange. So i will have to bring cash and convert there.
      
      And you say SMS is unavailable. Do you mean most people use chat software instead? Hope its easy to get a sim there.
    - INFIDEL on 18/09/2016 - 11:04
      
      @joeno:
      Japan is strange, that's why I love the place & people.
      
      Use Post Office (even in tiny villages), most 7-11 & some other convenience stores (usually displaying sign that ATM is available for foreigners) in main cities for ATM withdrawals at no charge. Local bank ATM haven't accepted foreign cards, but that is likely to change due to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
      
      Check out how convenient convenience stores are by viewing the YouTube "Japanese Konbini Store song". Its stored on my phone along with Okinawan music for the times I miss Japan.
      
      Mastercard = bank fees generally. Try a free Citibank Visa Plus debit card with no fees - I never leave home without it😯 Discussed in deals, forum, wiki here.
      
      Pop it into an ATM when you arrive at the Japanese airport. No need to carry any cash, although I carry at least au$20 for return home.
      
      Backed up with 28degrees MasterCard just in case, backed up by other fee charging cards.
      
      Japanese phones never had SMS - going straight to email so many years ago.
      
      Because of organised crime laws - no phone call SIMs! Data only SIMs - so use Skype or apps. I've never bothered with data SIMs - just used WiFi in my accommodation or now with an app in stores, stations, & some streets. Its new for Japan & evolving. What I used less than 6 months ago in Osaka may be different to Tokyo in 6 months time.
Poimandres on 17/09/2016 - 18:41

For anyone in the Brisbane area, I'd recommend traveling from the Gold Coast. The airport is a bit crappy, but you shave $100 off the flight cost and probably more importantly they are direct flights instead of stopping off at Cairns which adds a couple of hours at least to the overall flight time (longer than Bris > GC via public transport)
- qwertyaz on 17/09/2016 - 18:59
  
  But how do you get to gc airport from Brisbane and make it in time for the 10:45am flight? You gotta wake up super early on that day to catch public transport which I doubt can make it in time or to pay $40-$50 one way air port shuttle services, at the end they are probably the same
  - Poimandres on 17/09/2016 - 19:11
    
    +1
    
    Yeah, you do need to factor in the extra traveling time no doubt. But, it's actually cheaper to get a train and bus from Brisbane to GC airport then it is to get the Air Train… go figure! It's easily doable to get a 10am flight, but you'd be leaving about 6am via public transport so all about weighing up the pros/cons.
    
    I guess as long as the stop off is in Australia it's not too bad… we got burnt flying Air Asia Brisbane - Tokyo with a stop off in Kuala Lumpur. We weren't able to buy any duty free booze in Japan, which was a real bummer.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 21:17
      
      +1
      
      Found supermarkets stocking Foreign foods (at major train stations in bigger cities) in Japan were cheaper than duty free in Oz for things like whiskey - at least in April 😯
    - altomic on 17/09/2016 - 22:04
      
      +1
      
      @Infidel: buy your whiskey at supermarkets in Japan. Nikka Black 700ml 660 yen ~AU$9.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 22:48
      
      @altomic:
      🎏The benefit of low taxes🍶
      
      A rice farmer friend asked me to send him cigarettes when the tax increased in Japan. He didn't believe anything could be as expensive as cigarettes here🏯
    - altomic on 17/09/2016 - 23:02
      
      @Infidel: I started smoking again when i was recently in Japan. so cheap. I've stopped now. and don't get me started on buying booze at convenience stores.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 23:13
      
      @altomic:
      Or street vending machines… I found the beer machines had the coldest drinks on 40C humid days in Kyoto. I got so drunk sightseeing🍺
      Unfortunately those machines are uncommon now.
      
      I started smoking small cigars in Myanmar, while sitting around dusty tea shops with locals - so cheap & I was so unused to smoking 🚬
      
      I met a group of town officials on the remote Japan Sea coast. While sharing very fresh white squid sashimi, they all said their dream was to visit Australia. So sweet of them. But I told them they needed to be very rich if they wanted to keep smoking on their holiday here. I think they changed their dreams.
      
      And people think Japan is an expensive place to visit🗻 Well generally trains are🚄
  - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 21:15
    
    Took time to consider the transport options from home in South East Brisbane…
    
    Wouldn't get to Brisbane Airport from my place for more expensive 0700 flight, without a lot of extra expense. Even the 0426 or 0527 Airtrain from the City costs $17.50, but I wouldn't get to city in time to catch train on public transport at that early hour.
    
    Considered popping up to Cairns for $249 flights like I did in April, but the extra travel, probable overnight stay, & time is not worth it, even with cheap domestic flights. Would only save $90 off price of Gold Coast flight.
    
    So Gold Coast was better option.
    
    I'm sleeping in & taking buses & train leaving home just before 0600, arriving 0830 for 10:45 flight. Quoted $7.05 with concession GoCard or double that for adult fare;-) I've done it many times. Very reliable service from my experience.
    - altomic on 17/09/2016 - 22:05
      
      My cousins live literally 400 meters from OOL. So I drive down in the morning and park at their place.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 22:09
      
      @altomic:
      That's what friends are for ;-)
      
      I lived up in the mountains overlooking the airport & ocean - used to get neighbours to drop me down for flights, so didn't even have to park the car.
Smaland on 17/09/2016 - 20:30

I pulled the trigger and bought GC to Tokyo but we live in Sydney. 1st time travel to Japan. Is it easy to book accommodation through airBnb? and which area to stay for sightseeing, experience japanese culture (no shopping)? is Disneyland worth a visit?
- pyramid on 17/09/2016 - 21:20
  
  +1
  
  Airbnb is safe. I used it for my recent trip to Tokyo and kyoto. In Tokyo, stay near shinjuku or Shibuya…
  - Smaland on 17/09/2016 - 21:37
    
    @pyramid Thanks buddy. I heard Osaka is popular place to visit. Is JR pass the only option to travel outside Tokyo districts? Flight to Osaka from Tokyo is cheaper when I googled it.
    - altomic on 17/09/2016 - 22:11
      
      if you're not pushed for time then consider the bus. highway buses are fun. certainly slower i.e. speed limited to 100km/h. it is also a more affordable option. I used to use them when I lived in Japan. In July I took the bus Tokyo to Sendai. 3000yen each way. good way to see the country. stop at highway rest stations (my family and I were the only foreigners). took 5 hours compared to bullet train 1.5hours. it's cool.
    - INFIDEL on 17/09/2016 - 22:52
      
      +1
      
      @altomic:
      Those rest stops are necessary, as there were no toilets on highway buses I took, but I travel cheap 😯
      
      if you're not pushed for time… I often hitch lifts in the countryside & take a small tent - a great way to see Japan (slowly). The Japanese can be embarrassingly generous to many Foreigners. On one lift in Shikoku, I was shown around an historic mountain village I wanted to learn about - for 2 days by 10 tour guides in training from the prefecture capital. They paid for everything, gave me the best room at the Inn, and $200 when I left!
- shiny1 on 18/09/2016 - 08:49
  
  Disneyland definitely worth going to of its the first time. Expect long waits of up to 2.5hr for popular rides. Fast pass makes it bearable. Disney Sea has better rides but felt less magical/happy. I got much better vibes going to Disneyland.
  
  JR passes are expensive if you only are riding on the bullet train once. According to Google, regular tickets are 130AUD one way to Kyoto or Osaka, but the last time I was there, I remember seeing 75 or 80 at the station. Need someone to confirm. If you aren't using the shinkansen a lot, consider only using a SUICA card (like Opal) and buying tickets outright when you need to. SUICA adds benefits like travel on metro lines that JR passes don't permit, as well as vending machine or 7-11 payments. Do your own research here.
  - INFIDEL on 18/09/2016 - 09:07
    
    Discount ticket vendors around major train stations.
    
    Also sell individual tickets of usually multiple ticket offerings like the 5 non-consecutive days of Seishun 18 tickets (allows unlimited rides on local and rapid JR trains throughout Japan). Those are about the cheapest & slowest transport option, only available in student holiday times.
    
    There are a few different public transport touch cards - which may not work in next place you stop & usually need to be refunded in area you bought them. Airport train station can usually refund as you leave Japan.
    
    Also various day tickets (some with extra discounts). But touch cards make finding change, working ticket machines, traversing interchanges & travel so much easier.
    
    The same train line may be operated by different companies, so that ticket or pass is only valid until a certain station - after that you won't get off the platform without paying a usually small supplement.
    
    If you buy a single train ticket but don't know the fare - you can pay the difference later at a FARE ADJUSTMENT machine. It's simple. Just buy the cheapest ticket (eg ¥180) & pay when you get off the train. Staff are helpful, even if you don't speak Japanese.
    
    Planning is needed to make sure a day ticket works on all the different private transport systems you will be using that day. I've tried going through the wrong train company's gates - only to find it warning me & refusing entry. It was the right station name, but the wrong rail system.
  - joeno on 18/09/2016 - 09:11
    
    So its cheaper to not prepare and just buy tickets and accommodation when im there?
    - pyramid on 18/09/2016 - 09:15
      
      If you are adventurous then yes. Otherwise book your accommodation and Jr pass can not be bought in Japan, you need to buy it outside Japan.
    - shiny1 on 18/09/2016 - 09:16
      
      I would definitely plan everything, but that's just me. I dont want to waste time figuring out the logistics of transport and accommodation. If you know where you'll be staying, then you'll have a better idea on how much to spend for transport, and this could save you hundreds.
      Eg. Buying a JR pass and not going on a bullet train.
    - INFIDEL on 18/09/2016 - 09:50
      
      +3
      
      Different strategies for different people (how stressed / excited you get by the unknown).
      
      Sites like tripadvisor, past Japan deals & forum posts here are helpful for planning.
      
      I book my accommodation at least for the first few days after arrival, but often little else. Plus, Japanese get stressed if you just turn up at reception.
      
      Longer bookings can be cheap as I posted. I like to base myself in a place for a week or more & travel out from there. That reduces stress & travel plans can easily be changed to suit the prevailing conditions. When I was only paying $13/n for my Osaka room - I could afford to leave my stuff there & still pay for nights further away.
      
      Other times I throw in a tent to give the freedom of hitching (little public transport available) & travel in remote areas. Handy as I don't need accommodation or transport bookings😯
      I usually try not to worry locals & keep out of sight. (People worry about anything not the usual in Japan - a land of not the usual!) But, I've been woken in my tent on a beach by curious locals who wanted to treat me to breakfast. Wonderful unplanned memories, but few try it.
      
      It depends where & when you are going.
      
      🎏 GOLDEN WEEK (around 29/4-5/5) is about the busiest it gets for transport & accommodation. Its peak holiday time for the Japanese.
      Read why you should avoid Golden Week, but I love it - specially Children's Day May5.
      
      Generally, Japanese are great planners who make bookings for their group or family up to a year in advance!
      
      I book way ahead for accommodation in that period & don't travel. Spent 6 days in a 100 year old Ryokan in a spa town in the Izu Peninsular South of Tokyo one Golden Week. Only Foreigner there - blissfully soaking 🛀 in the Onsen night & day (private & communal spas).♨ Place was booked out well ahead.
      
      All festivals & blossoms attract many Japanese - book ahead as some attract over a million people. So check your dates against festival dates for the region. I book my travels around wonderful traditional Matsuri (festivals) - they're great fun.
      
      Tourist areas like Kyoto are booked well ahead. Tourists seem surprised to find no reasonable accommodation - but more cost effective Osaka is just a fast train ride away with usually plenty of choice.
      
      This trip, I'm basing myself in a room in an apartment in Tokyo. Golden Week is likely to be spent at the 16th century giant kite festival in Hamamatsu - so will need to book well ahead.
      
      That's after a spring festival by Fuji-san 25/5 viewing about the last Sakura (cherry blossoms), interesting moss, wisteria & azaleas; horseback archery there on 29/4; finishing with the number 1 Spring Festual in (Asakusa) Tokyo mid-May.
      
      Researching festivals takes time & planning to get what I enjoy from my many holidays in Japan.
  - Smaland on 21/09/2016 - 15:31
    
    @shiny I have been reading some info. I am bit confused. If I buy JR pass, Is Suica card necessary? We plan to travel into other cities (Osaka, Kyoto and others - not sure yet) and back to Tokyo to catch return flight.
    
    Disneyland looks great but from reading other forum it is old, is it true?
    - INFIDEL on 21/09/2016 - 16:04
      
      Use the JR Pass for long distance travel costing a lot of money. That is activate it when you need it to save money. Pretty wasted using expensive pass at beginning or end of trip in a big city. That's when you can use the touch transport cards for exploring in a city like Tokyo & surrounds, spending around $10/d. But depends on how long you are travelling & JR doesn't cover everywhere you might go.
    - shiny1 on 21/09/2016 - 17:05
      
      Suica cards are prepaid cards, pay as you go, and can be used in greater Tokyo and Osaka. I'm not sure if they can be used elsewhere. You can use them for buses, JR trains, metro trains, convenience stores, vending machines, some stores in stations, some restaurants. Tap on/tap off, and top up anywhere when funds are low. Will not work with bullet trains.
      
      JR passes are expensive, but 1 time payment. Can be used on all JR lines including JR bullet trains. Unlimited usage, but the restriction is JR lines only (no metro).
      
      Some places you want to go to are best accessed through the metro subway line, and if you have a JR pass, you'll have to buy an individual train ticket at the gates.
      Is a Suica card necessary? No. Should you get one? YES! They are essentially free ($5 refundable deposit) and are super duper useful.
    - Smaland on 21/09/2016 - 17:52
      
      @Infidel: Understood now. I will be in japan for 14 days.
      
      My plan is 3 days exploring Tokyo. Then on the 4th day activate JR pass and travel to Osaka, Kyoto and other cities. Will Sakura trees still has some flowers around mid april?
    - Smaland on 21/09/2016 - 18:00
      
      @shiny1: Thanks mate. Essentially I need both then :)
      
      Or we might catch bus, but 5 hours travel sounds long.
      
      Is there JR line between Osaka and Kyoto?
    - shiny1 on 21/09/2016 - 18:08
      
      @Smaland:
      
      Yes, Kyoto to Osaka bullet trains will allow for you to use JR passes. 3 days in Tokyo… You'll be hungering for more haha.
    - INFIDEL on 21/09/2016 - 19:22
      
      @Smaland:
      Good move with pass.
      (I've only used it once chasing Sakura from Kyushu to Hokkaido. I now base myself in a region. It is almost cheaper to buy return trip on sale & go to different region next time, than travel far or for long in Japan.)
      
      As for prepaid cards, see http://www.jrpass.com/blogs/benefits-of-prepaid-travelcards etc.
      There are ICOCA, PASMO or Suica to choose from. Choose the one that suits where you are going, but you should get by with JR Pass for rail in most cities. So may only use in Tokyo, but handy to carry on trip. Get a refund before you leave Tokyo.
      
      Was in Osaka for late-March to late-April this year. Sajura season ended by second week of April. But best blossoms were in first week. No one can predict the weather & blossoming dates.
      
      I'm heading to mountains around Fuji-san late April for Sakura usually starting around 20th, Spring Festival on 25th & horse back archery on 29th April. Great location for Onsen, although this will be my first visit.
      
      So aim high - Sakura blossom later with higher altitude. See Yoshino in my previous comment - link covers dates for many locations. Different trees at different altitude mean it lasts until later.
      Best idea is check the Sakura dates on sites like above link. Check out mountains around Tokyo.
      
      (I usually keep my PM open for Japan questions, but have a very sick family member at moment.)
      
      NHK News in English on SBS early mornings has interesting & useful insights into Japan.
      
      Enjoy😯
cooldude123 on 19/09/2016 - 00:01

Doesn't seem to be anything left for MEL-KIX during Feb 2017 :(
azzsze on 19/09/2016 - 11:05

I've booked tickets from Sydney to Tokyo via Cairns and it will be my first time solo travelling. Planning on travelling around Japan for 3 weeks around the end of May to mid June, starting from Tokyo heading down towards Osaka and then catching the train direct back to Tokyo for my (FREE!!:)) return flight. Any recommendations for a first time solo traveller? Like any places I need to go from my Tokyo to Osaka journey. I'm open to suggestions.

Oh and I'm stoked about the airfare, only expensive part of the tickets were baggage and seat allocation. If I'm going to be on a budget plane for 7+ hours I need some comfort, hence the seat allocation.
- dqtl74 on 21/09/2016 - 13:47
  
  +1
  
  What are your interests? Japan has a lot to offer. Are you into technology? Nature and scenery? Culture and history?
  
  How old are you? You can get some pretty good accomodation depending on the kind of place you want to stay(hostels, BnB, etc…). But if you are older and prefer your own place there are other places too.
  - INFIDEL on 21/09/2016 - 14:37
    
    Absolutely. Its always helpful to know what type of traveller you are. And what you are interested in. (Japan caters for broad tastes but has some strange ways for many if us.)
    
    And it changes with time & experience. I've met adventurous 90+ year olds walking mountain trails for days roughing & loving it. But others need absolute luxury, being close to a bar, or food requirements.
    
    I've travelled solo many times in Japan. It's my preferred country & group size. You always meet up with people easier. Japanese are generally curious & want to treat solo travelers, as they think you must want company & English conversation.
    
    An Australian guy of Indian background, who sought my advice, thought he would not be treated so well - not being European looking like many from Oz. He was pleasantly surprised😀
    
    But not all Japanese (or any other nationalities) are necessarily kind to strangers, but I love the Japanese people. When I dropped my wallet - they gave it to me, when I've pulled out a map they've rushed to help. Far too kind, polite and generous, its almost embarrassing. When I was given $200 as a gift in a mountain village, I was told "It's for us to give & you to receive." - I suffer for my travels. But it's a good idea to have small gifts to give out (buy Tim Tams at supermarkets in cities there, but they're very sweet for many Japanese).
    
    I've never learnt more than a few simple words of Japanese, but not because I don't want to (unfortunately my poor brain forgets). I've rarely had any problems, spending weeks in the countryside or islands with non-English speakers. I've shared some amazing times.
    
    And for the more adventurous its known as a hitchhikers paradise. Not to everyone's tastes, but something I've tapped into in country areas😯
    Then I'll dine at a wonderful upmarket restaurant. But I don't like the isolation I find in expensive hotels (great for couples), preferring a more downmarket cheap hotel with interesting people to meet. Each to their own.
    
    Don't miss soaking in an Onsen (thermal spa) or it's urban cousin the Sento (bath house). You could spend a lifetime just visiting those wonderful aspects of Japanese life.
anawth on 19/09/2016 - 16:08

I looked last night and they were all gone for Syd-KIX in February. Looked again this afternoon and there were more! Stoked.
- a friend on 21/09/2016 - 11:08
  
  I had the exact same experience on Monday. All morning there was nothing available in Feb/Mar to KIX and then checked again in the afternoon and there was heaps available.
ThePensioner on 20/09/2016 - 16:40

Great deal.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo on 21/09/2016 - 08:55

Anyone find free return from Sydney? Been looking and found nothing, am I doing the wrong thing?
- a friend on 21/09/2016 - 11:06
  
  +1
  
  Cross your fingers and just keep checking throughout the day. I bought tickets on Monday, and all morning there was nothing available and I had lost all hope. Checked again in the afternoon and there were heaps available.
  
  SYD-KIX 4/3/17 to 18/3/17
  - Smaland on 21/09/2016 - 15:20
    
    I will fly out from OOL, and will use my jestar vouchers. Is it possible to flight in the early morning to catch 10.45am flight? The other option is I will stay overnight near OOL airport.

This was posted 7 years 7 months 11 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Fly to Japan via Cairns. Return for FREE, Fares Starting from $269 @ Jetstar Airways

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