AusBonsai

I have mentioned before how it is possible to get to Japan to see some mind blowing trees quite reasonably.
Well, it is that time of year again... when the airfare sales are too good to pass up.
So, I thought I'd share how I do it.
My closest airport is Coolangatta, so prices based ex-Gold Coast.

Return Air fare to Tokyo direct (ex Gold Coast - direct flight) = $349 http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/special-of ... le=&price=
Entry Visa to Japan - FREE
7 nights accommodation (pp twin share) = $266 (this place is fantastic and is the only place I stay at in Tokyo now.) http://www.kimiryokan.jp/
Narita Express train fare (return) to Ikebukuro/airport = $47
Food (@$30 per day) = $210 (yes, this is quite realistic in Tokyo)
Subway / incidentals = $100? (probably less) subway tickets from Ikebukuro to Omiya Koen ~$5 each way.

Total = <$1000 ...... Just do it!
Hint: Book for April to coincide with the cherry blossoms!

For a bit of fun, splurge on a side trip ( day trip out of Tokyo) to Hakone/Mt Fuji = $65 - it is totally worth it! http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/fuji/index.html

Caveat:
If you insist on flying first class, staying in fancy 5-star hotels, and eating in their expensive restaurants, then this is not for you.
If you think a plane seat is just a plane seat, you like staying in very clean, comfortable, traditional Japanese Royokans, and eating fabulous local food, and thought you would never get to see some of the world's best trees.... then what are you waiting for?
Disclaimer: I am not a representative for, nor do I work in the travel industry.

Very, Very tempting I will have to consult with the Treasurer about this one. .Great post wrcmad........Cheers John.

It takes someone that knows a little to shine the light for those of us who don't know.

Thank you for sharing, it certainly looks plausible that I might achieve something like this.
Appreciate your input.

We've stopped gong to Bali (not the same, however a similar concept) because we've 'upgraded' to 5 star accommodation. Result, we don't experience the true Bali and have since lost interest... I think this will be both economical and interesting!


Cheers
Elmar

Ohh, also forgot to mention - if you would like directions/instructions/maps for Omiya or Hakone, don't hesitate to PM me.
Cheers!

Thanks for the heads up re; accommodation... I visit JLand every year for the snow. Next Feb. I plan to spend a few nights in Tokyo and visit Omiya Village....so yes, any info regarding this would be great - although it's late Winter, I'm still keen to check it out. I was about to search for accommodation options so your recommendation came in at a good time....

You forgot to budget for pots.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Good on you for doing the research and sharing....

I would actually like to go and live there for a few years but my circumstances wont allow me.

If anyone does end up going make sure you go to Kunio Kobayashis House/Museum in Tokyo. Even if your significant other or children couldn't give the proverbial rats about Bonsai. They will love this place. Its one of the nicest places I've ever been.....

http://www.kunio-kobayashi.com/english/syunkaen.html

JaseH wrote:You forgot to budget for pots.

Yes, there is good reason I don't "budget" for pots.

Robsterios wrote:Next Feb. I plan to spend a few nights in Tokyo and visit Omiya Village....so yes, any info regarding this would be great - although it's late Winter, I'm still keen to check it out. I was about to search for accommodation options so your recommendation came in at a good time....

February is Kokufu-ten in Tokyo!

WOW. I'm bookmarking this page! Can't do the trip next year, but perhaps the year after.. or the one after that!

Sent from my HTC_0PKV1 using Tapatalk

JaseH wrote:You forgot to budget for excess baggage allowance for pots.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

FYP

But I must say that the OP has me all fired up to do some travelling.

Done. Travelling with the family for a holiday in April for the Cheery blossoms and then off to Aichi-en for another couple of weeks.

Scott Martin wrote:Done. Travelling with the family for a holiday in April for the Cheery blossoms and then off to Aichi-en for another couple of weeks.

Saving myself for 2017 lol
AABC in tassie next year, then I'll be looking to go to the WBC in Japan in 2017. Bjron twisted my arm in the end... admittedly it didn't require much twisiting

How do you find yourself getting around over there??? There is obviously a language barrier an was wandering if this is a big issue?
This is probably the one thing stopping me from going over at a time that suits me, instead I'm thinking I will have to go with a tour or something at a time that suits them???