22/23 Japan scene?

Printable View

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

10-14-2022, 07:46 AM
jhyatt

Quote:

Originally Posted by m2711c

It seems like going with a tour operator might work out well for you. The tours these guys have based off the Indy pass are ridiculously cheap.

https://www.japanskitours.com/

https://p25.zdusercontent.com/attach...I60I9VU-2nCVeQ

of course, you still have to add airfare to get there too whatever package you pick from these guys.

That looks sick. The 10 day includes everything but plane and Indy pass.
2280 usd at current rates

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk
10-14-2022, 02:07 PM
alev

Anyone have any insight on flights? Prices keep going up up up.
I'm struggling to wrap my head around 2k for flights for wife and I...we are both teachers so our timeframe is pretty limited.
10-14-2022, 07:01 PM
singlecross

My commercial airline pilot buddy said that flights are being added to accommodate the demand with Japan opening borders. May bring prices down some or at least hold sub $2000. I had tix last year for $1200… this year was $1800.
10-14-2022, 07:18 PM
jhyatt

I found flights for about 1300 from Boston to Tokyo today. I didn't buy them but under 1500 there were plenty of options with 1 stop. There was a nonstop that was 2000

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk
10-15-2022, 09:04 AM
m2711c

prices are boucing right now. every time i check, there's a different price.
10-15-2022, 12:37 PM
thommy21

Same here. While checking yesterday throughout the day the same flights ranged from $1800-$2900.
10-16-2022, 05:02 AM
m33369

Pitje

Hello
10-17-2022, 05:55 PM
m2711c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N70h78epM48
10-18-2022, 12:43 AM
Yonder_River

Pretty sure that's not true. I use Google flights tracking when I'm going to buy desirable or overseas tickets and the price it shows always matches the airline website.
10-18-2022, 07:29 AM
Dromond

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stairmaster

Try checking on a VPN and private browser. Airline sites are designed to show more expensive prices the more you check.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

That is a myth. Look it up.
10-18-2022, 09:49 AM
boltonoutlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yonder_River

I use Google flights...

I think Google Flights uses this software which was the go-to for travel agents. Very useful and yeah, no change in price when you return to the browser.
10-19-2022, 03:54 PM
sammybk

For cheaper flights, try looking out of west coast gateway cities - LAX, SEA, SFO, YVR. You can then buy a cheap domestic ticket to connect in. Bought tickets LAX-Tokyo for $550/pp. You can end up double paying checked bags, but may be cheaper.
10-19-2022, 04:04 PM
boltonoutlaw

ITA MATRIX SOFTWARE

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yonder_River

I use Google flights...

I think Google Flights uses this software which was the go-to for travel agents. Very useful and yeah, no change in price when you return to the browser.

EDIT: I neglected to post the link I was referring to:

https://oldmatrix.itasoftware.com/
10-19-2022, 07:20 PM
boltonoutlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammybk

For cheaper flights, try looking out of west coast gateway cities - LAX, SEA, SFO, YVR. You can then buy a cheap domestic ticket to connect in. Bought tickets LAX-Tokyo for $550/pp. You can end up double paying checked bags, but may be cheaper.

Know that if your connected flight on a different airline is late you are SOL
10-19-2022, 07:24 PM
jhyatt

I am looking at flights. Flying into HND airport? Or will that be a pain in the but to get the trail to Aomori?

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk
10-19-2022, 07:30 PM
huckbucket

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhyatt

I am looking at flights. Flying into HND airport? Or will that be a pain in the but to get the trail to Aomori?

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Less expensive and slightly faster train from HND.
10-19-2022, 07:34 PM
boltonoutlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhyatt

I am looking at flights. Flying into HND airport? Or will that be a pain in the but to get the trail to Aomori?

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Also direct flights from HND to AOJ. Infinitely simpler to fly into HND, rather than NRT. The Hotel Royal Park Haneda is worth every penny if you need/want to spend a night. Ship your bags to your destination via Yamato Transport. Shinkansen/trains are nice but JAL Explorer Pass is a fraction of the price
10-21-2022, 01:45 PM
boltonoutlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhyatt

I am looking at flights. Flying into HND airport? Or will that be a pain in the but to get the trail to Aomori?

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

I just booked and paid my domestic flight. All in with taxes, less than USD$40
10-21-2022, 03:22 PM
m2711c

How long does it take to get through Japanese customs and over to the domestic departures at Haneda? Can you make it in an hour? How much time would you give yourself to make sure that you don’t miss the connecting flight?
10-21-2022, 04:10 PM
boltonoutlaw

HANEDA TRANSFER

Quote:

Originally Posted by m2711c

How long does it take to get through Japanese customs and over to the domestic departures at Haneda? Can you make it in an hour? How much time would you give yourself to make sure that you don’t miss the connecting flight?

Took me 10 days last time because some douchebag at CVS didn't put the manner of collection for the COVID test on my negative result.

Tough to answer your question (too many variables) but one hour is super chancy. If you have no checked baggage and run the airport like OJ it might be possible if the shuttle bus rolls up as you get to the platform, no one is ahead of you and there are seats available. I'm not backing that horse.

Save yourself time and be ultra prepared:
Download and register with the My SOS app. Directions HERE for Fast Track and My SOS (available at Google Play).

More on this HERE. Additional INFO.

Do not risk relying on CVS or some other nonce for proper paperwork documenting your COVID-negative status. Download an official COVID-19 Negative Test Result Certificate and have it filled out by the proceduralist.

Official Haneda Airport (HND) website.

Transferring between terminals at HND instructions. Note that construction could change process, check with airline.
10-21-2022, 04:25 PM
m2711c

Thanks, I’ve got that covid info sorted. Now I’m just trying to figure out the timing of various transport options. From what I’ve been reading other places it looks like an hour might be cutting it way too close.

what I was trying to figure out is how much time I should expect spend in customs, and then, how much time it actually takes to travel from the international terminal to the domestic terminal?

i’m figuring the amount of time it takes to get through customs is going to vary depending on how much of a fucking hippie they think I look like, but the amount of road time between the two terminals should be about the same, after I get through the intense scrutinies?

bags will definitely be checked. that’s kind of the whole point of this variation of the plan… looking for a way to not have to work a double set of skis plus boot bag on the old Shinkansen.
10-21-2022, 04:43 PM
boltonoutlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by m2711c

...looking for a way to not have to work a double set of skis plus boot bag on the old Shinkansen.

Ship with Yamato Transport to your final destination. Astonishingly affordable. They have a shipping facility in the airport.

IIRC, actual ground time between terminals is 15 minutes. Customs time is not lengthy. They actually overstaff, are quite well-trained and service oriented, unlike in the USA.
10-21-2022, 04:51 PM
m2711c

Is that an option if the final destination is an RV?

as it is, it would be many hours longer to try to take the train than to do a direct transfer through haneda airport.
10-21-2022, 04:58 PM
boltonoutlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by m2711c

Is that an option if the final destination is an RV?

Probably, if the RV is near a hotel or Yamato agency.
10-22-2022, 02:04 PM
paige.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhyatt

So I have 3 weeks free in Feb and have always dreamed of Japow here in New England. I have sat here for a few hours trying to research a trip and I just can't wrap my head around it all. After dropping a metric shit ton of dollars on a plane ticket (like 1500) I will need to keep it cheap. I would like to just stay in one place, maybe 2, the whole time. I prefer to get to know a place better rather than jump around. I also would love to not have a car and drive.
I sprung for an Ikon and I can go to Lotte Arai which gets a mind-boggling 826" of annual snow and is only like 4 hours from tokyo. Even after 7 ikon days the lift tickets are only like $30 with the exchange rate. Says 80% of terrain is off-piste. Is that place good or is it super crowded being that close to a giant city?
The other ikon place is niseko which is up north and seems bigger but also the 'vail' of japan??

I am just looking for some help narrowing my search. Traveling solo. I can't just stay at hotels and eat out for 3 weeks.

If you need cheap you may need to embrace hostels? It'll be cheaper and they often have a shared kitchen for guests so you've got cooking options as well. Looks like Stoked Niseko is 6000Y/night including a basic breakfast. So that'd be just over $800 for the trip plus however much you spend on lunches/dinner/beers.
10-23-2022, 09:40 AM
eggsbenedict

Quote:

Originally Posted by m2711c

Thanks, I’ve got that covid info sorted. Now I’m just trying to figure out the timing of various transport options. From what I’ve been reading other places it looks like an hour might be cutting it way too close.

what I was trying to figure out is how much time I should expect spend in customs, and then, how much time it actually takes to travel from the international terminal to the domestic terminal?

i’m figuring the amount of time it takes to get through customs is going to vary depending on how much of a fucking hippie they think I look like, but the amount of road time between the two terminals should be about the same, after I get through the intense scrutinies?

bags will definitely be checked. that’s kind of the whole point of this variation of the plan… looking for a way to not have to work a double set of skis plus boot bag on the old Shinkansen.

Maybe not an option for you, but we've decided as a group to spend 2 nights at the HND terminal hotel this winter before flying up to Sapporo. No worries about connection times, lost skis, etc. And a fun full day in Tokyo. Our last trip where we connected direct to Sapporo was fairly stressful with late flights, missed connections, and lost skis (and it takes 3 days for any of the delivery services to get anything to Hokkaido so lost skis are a major pain) and we're not eager to repeat that.
10-23-2022, 10:19 AM
wakefield

I'm headed to Sapporo & Niseko for the first time this winter. This thread has been a great help--thanks to everyone!

Anyone have recommendations for guides, cat, or heli operations in Niseko? We're looking for a couple of days of guided touring (or lift-assist) and maybe a cat or heli day. I have a couple of recs from friends (e.g. Whiteroom tours) but looking for other opinions.
10-23-2022, 11:39 AM
boltonoutlaw

EDIT: IIRC, only one outfit runs heli tours in Niseko. 160000 yen per person for 6 runs. Google it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakefield

I'm headed to Sapporo & Niseko for the first time this winter. This thread has been a great help--thanks to everyone!

Anyone have recommendations for guides, cat, or heli operations in Niseko? We're looking for a couple of days of guided touring (or lift-assist) and maybe a cat or heli day. I have a couple of recs from friends (e.g. Whiteroom tours) but looking for other opinions.
10-24-2022, 05:46 AM
jhyatt

Thanks! Helpful!

Quote:

Originally Posted by paige.

If you need cheap you may need to embrace hostels? It'll be cheaper and they often have a shared kitchen for guests so you've got cooking options as well. Looks like Stoked Niseko is 6000Y/night including a basic breakfast. So that'd be just over $800 for the trip plus however much you spend on lunches/dinner/beers.
10-24-2022, 03:38 PM
boltonoutlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by paige.

...Looks like Stoked Niseko is 6000Y/night including a basic breakfast. So that'd be just over $800 for the trip plus however much you spend on lunches/dinner/beers.

Looks like Stoked Niseko may be closed. No social media posts since 2018, and their Wordpress website is riddled with error messages. Quick check on Booking for Niseko lodging including breakfast (in February) is USD$52 (7748 yen).
10-25-2022, 02:03 AM
Mike Pow

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakefield

I'm headed to Sapporo & Niseko for the first time this winter. This thread has been a great help--thanks to everyone!

Anyone have recommendations for guides, cat, or heli operations in Niseko? We're looking for a couple of days of guided touring (or lift-assist) and maybe a cat or heli day. I have a couple of recs from friends (e.g. Whiteroom tours) but looking for other opinions.

Touring
https://www.nisekomtnguides.com/

Cat & Heli
https://www.hokkaidobackcountryclub..../cat-skiing-3/
10-25-2022, 02:22 AM
SUPERIOR

22/23 Japan scene?

Hokkaido BC and Rising Sun are good options, as is Whiteroom Guides in Central Hokkaido.

Niseko has been growing quite touristy/busy, but it will be interesting to see what the pandemic has changed.

For folks looking to save money, the further out from Hirafu you get, the cheaper it generally is. Also, the Japanese run pensions, which are their version of hostels. A solid google search will find this type of accommodation, and they are often very unique.

I worked at the Black Diamond Lodge a couple winters, and it’s a combo of hostel / pension with a cool history. They partner with HBC.

Get a rental vehicle and intl drivers permit before you go. Don’t strand yourself relying on buses, etc

Mike Pow, are you going back?
10-25-2022, 01:19 PM
wakefield

Thanks for the recs, all! I'll check 'em out.
10-25-2022, 03:57 PM
MrPow

Thinking of going to Hakuba AND Niseko.

Is Mid Feb too late?

any suggestions on which I should do first - from a powder point of view?

Also any tips on Itinerary logistics would be welcome. Should I do - Narita- Hakuba- Haneda-Sapporo-Niseko?

TIA
10-25-2022, 04:11 PM
SUPERIOR

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPow

Thinking of going to Hakuba AND Niseko.

Is Mid Feb too late?

any suggestions on which I should do first - from a powder point of view?

Also any tips on Itinerary logistics would be welcome. Should I do - Narita- Hakuba- Haneda-Sapporo-Niseko?

TIA

Mid Feb is an interesting time to go, especially if you are into backcountry touring.

February can often bring a week or two of sunshine or even a rain event to Hokkaido. Honshu can be blessed or cursed with this note of weather all winter, which is why Niseko is so popular - it’s ultra consistent.

I have experienced excellent powder skiing in Feb and March in Hokkaido, but it’s just a little less certain.

Now, if you want to ski big volcanoes on bc gear… Feb is a good time for that.
10-25-2022, 04:18 PM
alfajores

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPow

Thinking of going to Hakuba AND Niseko.

Is Mid Feb too late?

any suggestions on which I should do first - from a powder point of view?

Also any tips on Itinerary logistics would be welcome. Should I do - Narita- Hakuba- Haneda-Sapporo-Niseko?

TIA

I hit a late storm in late Feb/Early March a few years back and it was fine. The snow situation there is more like the PNW where the peaks get kissed more often and Niseko's Gran Hirafu is one of those places. The skiing is on the eastern aspect of the summit but with confidence, you might ski down the north aspect after the hike to get some newer snows if it is open. I think you will likely get something if you are there for more than a week, depending on weather.

Your timeline of Narita through Niseko is similar to my past path. If you are renting a car in Sapporo, you will want to kit up a few of the other spots in Hokkaido. Niseko is fun but there are plenty of places to ride and many of them are not expensive for a day pass. Also, this will allow you to get out to some of the onsen that are not $$$$ in Niseko (as long as you are not tattooed).

We are looking at Jan 1-9 in Hokkaido but need to sort out our details now that my wife gave us a greenlight. Just missed that big United sale on airfare last week.
10-25-2022, 05:15 PM
boltonoutlaw

Hmmmm....Niseko this year = an August weekend at Perisher
10-26-2022, 01:41 AM
Mike Pow

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUPERIOR

Mike Pow, are you going back?

Yes

Some time between Christmas and New Year through to end of February

You?
10-26-2022, 01:48 AM
Mike Pow

Quote:

Originally Posted by boltonoutlaw

Hmmmm....Niseko this year = an August weekend at Perisher

Possibly for the few days around New Year and Chinese New Year.

Think it will be steady, unless the big volume players start slashing the prices.

Then it will get messy.
10-26-2022, 08:07 AM
boltonoutlaw

1 Attachment(s)

JAPAN: INBOUND TOURISM

An unknown factor of pent-up demand + a historically weak yen + the year-on-year increase of inbound tourism prior to COVID-19 account for my boorish cynicism.

Attachment 431338

Source: https://www.macrotrends.net/countrie...ism-statistics

More on visits, not dollars: https://www.tourism.jp/en/tourism-da...stats/inbound/

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:09 PM.