Japan holiday

Hi all

Might be planning a trip in mid June to Japan and it being my first trip (only reason for going in June is to use the public holiday weekend to reduce amount of days off )

Any tips like accommodation (prefer western brands since it is my first trip overseas ) , data in Japan (friend doesn’t have an eSIM phone unfortunately) ,
 
Also with Flights Singapore Airlines seems the cheapest at 12.5k per person.

Unsure with them since I've seen some peoples flights been overbooked online and stranded at Changi

Is there any other airlines or tips anyone can recommend?
 
I love Singapore Airlines although I always feel like the chubby hulk compared to the flight attendants. I've never had a problem with them.

Are you deadset on June? The humidity is a killer. Much, much worse than the horrible heat we've been having now. And the cicadas get into your head and drive you crazy.
 
William1102 said:
Also with Flights Singapore Airlines seems the cheapest at 12.5k per person.

Unsure with them since I've seen some peoples flights been overbooked online and stranded at Changi

Is there any other airlines or tips anyone can recommend?
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It depends on the day. Mostly Ethiopian is the cheapest but sometimes deals are to be found with Singapore and Etihad.
 
sandwitch said:
I love Singapore Airlines although I always feel like the chubby hulk compared to the flight attendants. I've never had a problem with them.

Are you deadset on June? The humidity is a killer. Much, much worse than the horrible heat we've been having now. And the cicadas get into your head and drive you crazy.
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Yes I thought Singapore had a good rep but seen somethings online where they overbooked passengers and gave them a useless 10k Krisflyer points so I'm skeptical.

My Friend seems set on June due to the public holiday and he's basically afraid to take time off. I'll try and convince him otherwise

I'm from Durban how would the humidity compare to Japan?

Also, if June is out the question what would be a good month for weather that is sunny not too cold (like 18 degrees) and not too hot (24) with no rain.
 
William1102 said:
Yes I thought Singapore had a good rep but seen somethings online where they overbooked passengers and gave them a useless 10k Krisflyer points so I'm skeptical.

My Friend seems set on June due to the public holiday and he's basically afraid to take time off. I'll try and convince him otherwise

I'm from Durban how would the humidity compare to Japan?

Also, if June is out the question what would be a good month for weather that is sunny not too cold (like 18 degrees) and not too hot (24) with no rain.
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Most airlines overbook, it's common practice they do to avoid having empty seats. It does happen but chances are it wont and I'd think Singapore will compensate you pretty well if it does happen.
 
JuliusSeizure said:
Most airlines overbook, it's common practice they do to avoid having empty seats. It does happen but chances are it wont and I'd think Singapore will compensate you pretty well if it does happen.
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Ive flown emirates many times they didn’t overbook but even they have a clause for overbooking so you are right

Just worried about it being my first trip but the price of Singapore is good compared to the rest

Also on the base fare I assume you can take a checked bag along as it does not exceed 25kgs


What would be a good time to go based on weather ?
 
William1102 said:
Ive flown emirates many times they didn’t overbook but even they have a clause for overbooking so you are right

Just worried about it being my first trip but the price of Singapore is good compared to the rest

Also on the base fare I assume you can take a checked bag along as it does not exceed 25kgs


What would be a good time to go based on weather ?
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I try not to overthink about weather. It will never be perfect. I'd say the early months I.e their winter is the worst as the snow but just limit what you can do. August will be a bit humid but you will survive.
 
JuliusSeizure said:
I try not to overthink about weather. It will never be perfect. I'd say the early months I.e their winter is the worst as the snow but just limit what you can do. August will be a bit humid but you will survive.
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So June could be fine or maybe August or September ? I’d like some moderate hot days or sunny cool days 21 degrees

Also I was googling flights and Travelstart came up and their flights are so much cheaper ? Like upwards of 10k cheaper on emirates and Qatar

How is this possible ?
 
William1102 said:
So June could be fine or maybe August or September ? I’d like some moderate hot days or sunny cool days 21 degrees

Also I was googling flights and Travelstart came up and their flights are so much cheaper ? Like upwards of 10k cheaper on emirates and Qatar

How is this possible ?
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Flights are a matter of luck really, it's best to check as many sources as possible.

August is okay. You may experience some discomfort due to humidity but if you drink a lot of fluids, it should be fine and you can still do a lot.
 
JuliusSeizure said:
Flights are a matter of luck really, it's best to check as many sources as possible.

August is okay. You may experience some discomfort due to humidity but if you drink a lot of fluids, it should be fine and you can still do a lot.
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I see I wanted to avoid the hectic humidity there.

Also I am sure Travelstart can be trusted right?
 
JuliusSeizure said:
Flights are a matter of luck really, it's best to check as many sources as possible.

August is okay. You may experience some discomfort due to humidity but if you drink a lot of fluids, it should be fine and you can still do a lot.
Click to expand...

August (also high avg rain )seems to have the hottest avg temps so peak summer maybe July or September would be better and June I understand is rainy season ?
 
William1102 said:
Hi all

Might be planning a trip in mid June to Japan and it being my first trip (only reason for going in June is to use the public holiday weekend to reduce amount of days off )

Any tips like accommodation (prefer western brands since it is my first trip overseas ) , data in Japan (friend doesn’t have an eSIM phone unfortunately) ,
Click to expand...
Probably the safest, cleanest, most organized country on earth with the most respectable people. That said, not the easiest place to visit for your first overseas trip as their English is terrible. You will be using Google Translate a lot. Being 2 people should make things easier and less awkward.

Having lived in Hong Kong for many years I can tell you the humidity in this part of the world is much worse than Durban. In summer the "feels like" temperature is 10 degrees warmer than what a thermometer shows. Thus the shoulder seasons would be better.

William1102 said:
Ive flown emirates many times they didn’t overbook but even they have a clause for overbooking so you are right

Just worried about it being my first trip but the price of Singapore is good compared to the rest
Click to expand...
How have you flown on Emirates many times if this is your first overseas trip?

If you're worried about getting bumped off a Singapore Airlines flight then you need to be worried about almost every single airline and flight you ever take, as they all overbook - Emirates too.

William1102 said:
Also I was googling flights and Travelstart came up and their flights are so much cheaper ? Like upwards of 10k cheaper on emirates and Qatar

How is this possible ?
Click to expand...
Might be just an online price to lure you in and when checkout comes then the price is completely different. It is ALWAYS better to book directly with the airline. If crap hits the fan then you will be very relieved that you've done so.

I have no experience with Travelstart or any agency, but if the place doesn't have an office where you can deal with a real person then I would stay far away.
 
Bill Clitnon said:
Probably the safest, cleanest, most organized country on earth with the most respectable people. That said, not the easiest place to visit for your first overseas trip as their English is terrible. You will be using Google Translate a lot. Being 2 people should make things easier and less awkward.

Having lived in Hong Kong for many years I can tell you the humidity in this part of the world is much worse than Durban. In summer the "feels like" temperature is 10 degrees warmer than what a thermometer shows. Thus the shoulder seasons would be better.


How have you flown on Emirates many times if this is your first overseas trip?

If you're worried about getting bumped off a Singapore Airlines flight then you need to be worried about almost every single airline and flight you ever take, as they all overbook - Emirates too.


Might be just an online price to lure you in and when checkout comes then the price is completely different. It is ALWAYS better to book directly with the airline. If crap hits the fan then you will be very relieved that you've done so.

I have no experience with Travelstart or any agency, but if the place doesn't have an office where you can deal with a real person then I would stay far away.
Click to expand...

Should have been more specific but I generally fly with family on emirates so this Japan trip is my first trip without them
 
Bill Clitnon said:
Probably the safest, cleanest, most organized country on earth with the most respectable people. That said, not the easiest place to visit for your first overseas trip as their English is terrible. You will be using Google Translate a lot. Being 2 people should make things easier and less awkward.

Having lived in Hong Kong for many years I can tell you the humidity in this part of the world is much worse than Durban. In summer the "feels like" temperature is 10 degrees warmer than what a thermometer shows. Thus the shoulder seasons would be better.


How have you flown on Emirates many times if this is your first overseas trip?

If you're worried about getting bumped off a Singapore Airlines flight then you need to be worried about almost every single airline and flight you ever take, as they all overbook - Emirates too.


Might be just an online price to lure you in and when checkout comes then the price is completely different. It is ALWAYS better to book directly with the airline. If crap hits the fan then you will be very relieved that you've done so.

I have no experience with Travelstart or any agency, but if the place doesn't have an office where you can deal with a real person then I would stay far away.
Click to expand...

Will use google translate and get by with the language issues , friend is on some medication for 3 months so June is out and August is out so likely looking at October autumn looks nice
 
Also , might do a short trip to Korea after Japan any airlines to recommend or advise
 
Hi all

Would like some advice planning to go to Japan next year April but want to book early

So how does the situation with the visa work as I understand that it’s only valid for 3 months after acceptance

Do I book the flights now and apply next year for the visa ? But if they reject for any reason ?

Normally I know that we get our Visa's way before the flight is booked eg UAE and US
 
William1102 said:
Also , might do a short trip to Korea after Japan any airlines to recommend or advise
Click to expand...

Korea is close to Japan so flights won't be expensive. Use the budget ones like AirBusan etc as you would when travelling within SA and compare prices. Google does that for you. Obviously if you want to save, avoid the national carriers like JAL etc.

Btw, to go to Japan, flights to Osaka from SA are sometimes cheaper than flying to Tokyo from SA so if you want to save a bit of cash possibly, compare the two.
 
JuliusSeizure said:
Korea is close to Japan so flights won't be expensive. Use the budget ones like AirBusan etc as you would when travelling within SA and compare prices. Google does that for you. Obviously if you want to save, avoid the national carriers like JAL etc.

Btw, to go to Japan, flights to Osaka from SA are sometimes cheaper than flying to Tokyo from SA so if you want to save a bit of cash possibly, compare the two.
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Thanks appreciate the response

With regard to Visas how did you do it considering you can't just apply in advance like other places like the US, also need to show booked flights + accomodation
 
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