JAPAN 2013/2014
Jumping ahead here, but got my quote today for Japow 2014! (Holy shit I’m going to be broke)
Anyone going next year? I was having a chat with Azz the other day about the whole North Korea saga. Now, I know nothing about this (I tend to tune out on news, whoops) - should I be worried? Is this turning many people off?
I’d love to go next year, but I think I’m gonna defer it till the followin one, so I can do 90 days!!!!! Early day dreams at the mo!!!!!
But, I were gonna go this upcoming season, Kim Jong-underpants wouldn’t be playin a part in my decision makin process!!!!!
Oh I really don’t need this thread to tempt me!
I’m heading back to Japan in September/October for a holiday but was planning on spending a summer in Oz this time.
Having said that if a bargain flight was to come up I’m going to find it awfully tempting.
I wouldn’t put a second thought into the North Korea stuff. My parents we’re over there early April when the “threat” was at it’s peak and they weren’t at all concerned.
How on earth do you go broke on a Japan trip? It’s generally a very affordable destination so you must be doing it in luxury?
Alcohol doesn’t grow on Cherry Blossom Trees, DRC!!!!!
Alcohol doesn’t grow on Cherry Blossom Trees, DRC!!!!!
haha oh yeah I forgot who we were dealing with! 
I’m not a big drinker but Japan seemed to have very well priced alcohol as well. Even I was smashing through the big 8% cans of chuhi at $2 a pop as well as the huge bottles of biru with most meals which were ~$6 each.
Dad came back with a few different Japanese whiskys (“scotches”) in his luggage and was amazed how affordable they were for top notch stuff.
Jumping ahead here, but got my quote today for Japow 2014! (Holy shit I’m going to be broke)
You are crazy lady!!
Send me your “quote” and I will bet it for a comparable accommodation!
I know what you paid for the last trip and it was beyond expensive!
Hahaha - I’m “broke” because I’m going on 3 big trips in less than a year - Japan, Europe, and Japan again! And I want to buy a house in St. K! 
I’ve been quoted 4k for 20 nights accom, lift passes, transfers, breakfast and all flights. Thoughts?
In this day and age of internet/communications it’s hard to beat DIY. I’ve also tended to enjoy the Japanese owned/run pensions than the Aussie run ones over there.
Hahaha - I’m “broke” because I’m going on 3 big trips in less than a year - Japan, Europe, and Japan again! And I want to buy a house in St. K!
I’ve been quoted 4k for 20 nights accom, lift passes, transfers, breakfast and all flights. Thoughts?
What’s the break down? flights with who? how many lift tickets? where in Japan?
Basically I work on $1200ish for flights (school holidays so peak)
$30-$40/day lift tickets (place you’re staying at and local stores tend to offer the best discounts)
$50-$80 p/n single accommodation with breakfast. (should be cheaper if you are in a group)
Transfers can be worked out on Hyperdia (usually works out best with rail pass if you are staying on Honshu)
Working on that (without all the details) it looks like you are paying a bit of a premium for the “service”
Niseko! Yeah I’m all for self planning, doing it for Europe! 
Niseko! Yeah I’m all for self planning, doing it for Europe!
Aww I thought you we’re going to give Nozawa a shot?
Ok well I can’t advise as well as Honshu having not been to Niseko (I will make it to Hokkaido sometime in the near future!)
Hopefully others can advise if it’s more expensive than my guidelines from my last post.
Flights around 1400 inc taxes with JAL, will search for lower. 17 day pass. 20 nights accom. Dates are crap and peak time - have to work around school hols and be back in Melbs on the 17th Jan for a wedding!
Flights around 1400 inc taxes with JAL, will search for lower. 17 day pass. 20 nights accom. Dates are crap and peak time - have to work around school hols and be back in Melbs on the 17th Jan for a wedding!
That’s not too bad for peak with JAL presuming it’s a direct flight.
Working on that you are spending $2600 on the rest
Deduct 17x$40 = $680 for tickets (being generous there as I’d hope you’d get a discount for buying a bulk lot)
So roughly $1900 for Accommodation/Transfers which is probably where you are spending a bit much as I’m guessing you’re sharing with the skier?
$1400 is good for flights to Sapporo.
But i think i can get you cheaper with the accom.
I paid $2500 for 14 nights last year (with 5 at the Hilton!!) and some food included.
Staying 20 nights should give you bargaining power!
Any chance of sharing an apartment with your other friends? even for part of the time? (you wouldn’t have to move! HT have great 3 bed apartments that they spilt in two and can rent out the other half when your friends aren’t there. The only thing you share is the entry way ski storage area.
The 3 bed apartment is 3 bath and 2 kitchens! (the one bed part is fully self contained and has a sofa.)
Thanks for feedback, kids! I’ll do some more research.
Thanks for feedback, kids! I’ll do some more research.
If I was in your shoes:
I’d lock in the flight at that rate.
I’d buy tickets whilst there (as I always get better deals than the packaged ones plus if for some reason you can’t ride 17 days you aren’t out of pocket)
I’d look around for accommodation options online (in my case there was heaps of places offering early booking discounts or things like 7th night free) I’m sure you know Niseko well enough that you will know the areas you would like to stay which is usually the hardest bit.
Yeah, good price on the flight there Billy!!!!!
And for 20 days lifts, it should only be about $400 at Nis?????