Japan domestic flights

[claydough]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone can give a rough idea of cost of internal flights between Tokyo and Chitose. Seems a bit of a minefield unless you travel with the national carrier which I've been told may be pulling out of Brisbane anyway. Will it be any lesser experience if we ski Hakuba instead of Niseko/Rusutsu. Alltips appreciated..........!:)

[SA]

One of the cheapest would be Skymark out of Haneda - around 11,000 JPY each way, including the 1,000 JPY luggage fee.

[blutek]

Here's a link for an explanation of JAL and ANA air passes. (Note you can fly to Japan on any airline - just order the appropriate pass).
Passes must be purchased before departing Aust.
JAL passes can be ordered through JALpak / JTB.
ANA I understand can be purchased online on ANA website.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html

Also checkout the Skymark and Air Do websites.

Don't miss the opportunity to go to Rusutsu.

[pboards&mskis]

Will it be any lesser experience if we ski Hakuba instead of Niseko/Rusutsu. Alltips appreciated..........!:)

Hey Claydough, we've done both trips : Hakuba & Nozawa this year, and Niseko & Rusutsu 2 years ago. IMO they are 2 completely different experiences. The powder in Niseko/Rusustsu when its on, is simply awesome. The variety of terrain in Hakuba is staggering and it boggles the mind where to ski first. Culturally, they are all quite different too... Nozawa is a traditional little village that is kept that way by the locals , Rusutsu is like Disney in the snow, Niseko and Hakuba are great little towns but with lots of development going on around traditionally rural areas.

Both areas are fantastic, and either will be an experience in its own right...

[ausi ski bum]

If you fly to Japan on a One World carrier (Qantas or JAL) you can get a one world pass pretty cheap from JAL, look out for the J Class prices, often for just a few dollars more you can sit up front and get the extra baggage allowance. Jet* does not qualify for the One World pass even if your in Star class earning One World points.

[claydough]

Thanks guys, just what I was after...!:happy:

[Mizu Kuma]

* if ya decide on Niseko, pre-book a table at "Abu-Cha 1" for a top feed. Because if ya don't ya won't get in!
* get yourself some cleats for ya shoes if ya haven't got any, as they are a must for gettin around town!

ps. the snow in Niseko/Rusutsu will be beyond your imagination!

[blutek]

ASB - we found Class J upgrade (1,000y) only has the basic economy luggage allowance.
As a consequence, we had to Takyubin one large bag last year - coming from JQ * Class (like you).

[ausi ski bum]

I had no problems Blu I checked in 60kg for the two of us, one double ski bag and two cases. We flew from Osaka to Chitose. You get heaps of FF and Status points on J class as well

[Pini Pow Pow]

I flew Haneda to Chitose on JAL using their 'Welcome to Japan Airpass', which was JPY 26,000 return.

The pass cant be booked online or through travel agents. You have to book it through a JAL office.

[Mizu Kuma]

Claydough,
If ya still undecided on where to go, maybe this pic will sway ya toward the Nth Island (this is residential Sapporo, close to sea level, taken this season just gone)

[claydough]

Hey Mizu , was checking out your album this morning. Looks like a great trip.
Whrer was your accom? I have been quoted what appears to be reasonable accom.
but it's in Izumikyo area . Is it difficult to rely on shuttle to get around?:confused:

[Mizu Kuma]

Claydough,
we stayed at Ishi Couloir which is in Izumikyo 1. Izumikyo 1 is about 50 meters from Hirafu Village and an easy walk to everything. Izumikyo 3 is the next stage of land, and is further away, whilst Izumikyo 2 is a bit of a trek and requires a shuttle bus. catching the shuttles is no drama from anywhere, and your Grand Hirafu pass gets you 4 resorts + a bus that takes you into Kutchan town(worth a visit).
Our acc was fairly $ because it was a 5 star operation, but worth every cent (yen) check the link so you can compare www.ishicouloir.com/home
Izumikyo 1 is a great spot because it is quiet, only meters away from restaurants and izakaya's (little bars that serve food) and also has a Lawson (711) just opposite from it (seikomart is up the road but 10 times busier than Lawson) and if you have never been in one before is the equivalent to being like a kid in a toy shop!
Book some restaurants before ya go (Abu-Cha 1 is a must) and get yourself some cleats for your shoes, as it's slippery stuff walkin around (we bought Yak-Trax from hear, and took them with us)

If I can help with anything else, just holla (I'm sure other watchers will share some advice with ya as well, after all I got most of my info off this and other forums like it, before I went to Niseko, and the feedback is not only honest but invaluable in making ya trip go as smooth as possible)