Try Traveling To Japan During The Off-Season To Save Money

Above, Nagasaki Wharf during the spring months. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A couple of blog posts ago, I noted that the cost of a round-trip airfare from Los Angeles International Airport to Tokyo jumped almost $500 ($475 to be exact) since my airfare report of May 5. Naturally, the airlines will hike up their fares during the peak traveling season. (As Los Angeles is a major travel hub for Japan on the West Coast, it will probably be even more expensive for people departing from mid-West and East Coast regions.)

On top of that, you have to pay taxes on those airfares and be charged additional fees by the airlines. Chances are, prices are bound to go up even higher as we get further into the summer months.

Likewise, tour companies will also hike their tour prices during the summer months.

You don't have to be at the mercy of the airlines or tour companies if you are able to take your vacation to Japan (or anywhere else) during the off-season of the autumn and winter months. Accordingly, the airlines and tour companies will offer better prices during the off-season. Plus, there's the added bonus about going to Japan during the off-season: you won't be subjected to the miserable humidity and high temperatures of the Japanese summer. And, you will also avoid the summer vacation crowds. You will still be subjected to taxes and fees by the airlines, but at least the taxes will be based on the lower fares. As for finding the best tour at the right price, it pays to shop around.

Also, you can make the trip without signing onto a tour by doing the do-it-yourself method. With the Internet and the different travel guides (such as Lonely Planet and Frommer's or the kaiju-oriented The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan) at your fingertips, you can plan your own itineraries and save even more money. You can even consult with travel agents for finding the best prices at little or no cost. Make a list of the things and places you want to see and then check around. Plan a budget for how much you are able to spend each day on vacation (food, ground transportation, souvenirs, lodging, etc.).

The Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) are two great resources for planning your trip. The JNTO will provide maps and brochures on places of interest for FREE. All you have to do is request them through their website.

If you plan to travel outside of Tokyo to other cities (such as Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka, Kyoto, Sendai), on JR-run bullet trains, you should look into getting a JR Rail Pass. The JR Rail Pass will save you a lot of money!

For people with children, it is harder to be able to take a vacation during the off-season as it is also school season. But, if you can arrange it, you will still be able to enjoy the fall colors of Japan by going in the autumn or see the cherry blossoms during the spring. Both seasons are pleasant with moderate temperatures. I prefer traveling during the off-season.

The idea is to get more out of your travel dollars. If you can go during the off-season, you will still be able to enjoy Japan and, also, save money.