Ok la I have a few excited wives and btbs whom wanted to know how I planned for Japan trip…so I shall keep mysef busy writing this post dari tido dalam train otw to work!
Firstly let’s talk about flights and accommodation since these are the two items that are taking the bulk of the holiday costings.
So I started sourcing the flights and accommodation quite late in June or July 2015 six months before honeymoon. For destinations such as Japan it is waaay better to get flights way way ahead of time 10 months or so pun bole..coz international flights are usually booked for year end due to businesses and tours.
I recce on these 3 airlines for pricing:
1) Japan Airlines
2) All Nippon
3) Singapore Airlines
Personally I still prefer Singapore Airlines in terms of comfort la, pricing wise JAL has the cheapest fares. I would also recommend to just book an International airline as baggage, food and comfort is confirmed. At this point, since the flight was in December, even the budget airlines were as expensive as the International carriers. In total i spent about SGD2.2k for 2 pax with JAL.
For Budget airlines
You may research on Scoot or Air Asia, they have deals as well which is super awesome. SCOOT deals is usually Tuesday morning, so watch out for that k!
Another airline which I rase munasabah is also Malaysia Airlines la. Affordable jugak and putting the scares of the recent accidents with MH, prices to Japan is worthwhile. Cuma kita nak kene redha je la ajal maut di tangan Tuhan ye kawan kawan….
Airport landing
This is the difference of airports. Tokyo has two international airports and not all airlines travel to both airports. First is Narita where all airlines that heads to Tokyo lands. BUT!!! Narita is much much further to travel to Central Tokyo. It takes 90 mins(1.5 hours) via their bullet train/taxi/limousine bus.
Second is Haneda Airport, my favourite airport. Why?! Cos firstly, it is not as busy as Narita, it is about 45 minutes to Central Tokyo via whatever transport!. Customs and immigration is easier and faster to clear here.
Car Transfers
Since I am quite pampered, I usually take the cab to hotels that I am staying, and since this AIRBNB that I choose was unfamiliar cab was a much safer choice! There is a trick to having cheaper cab fares, I paid for about SGD 90 but I guess it is worthwhile I can sleep, drink and eat in the cab, with complimentary WIFI, and also Meet & Greet Session is available. The trick is……..to PREBOOK your transfer. Yes, in Japan if you prebook, there will be so called fixed rates which is much cheaper than hailing a cab. You may use this awesome COMPANY that I always used in my work travels to Japan. MK TAXI
Sebaik jugak la booked a cab, I came down with high fever and when I landed I was hit with Vertigo! yang buat aku cam in a moving Ship over strong waves, rabak seh!! So thank goodness I need not have to drag all my luggages through Public transport.
Trains
You can catch the trains to Shinagawa Station which is Central Tokyo as well. Here is the link to understanding train transfers from Haneda Airport Keikyu Line
Limousine Bus
Limousine bus is the same you may find out the details via Haneda Airport website as well. Usually this is much cheaper option la. Limousine bus usually drop at Major hotels or areas so you can check with them.
Always make sure you have your address ready as this is required by Immigration also taking the public/car transfers allow you to communicate for directions better. Get the Japanese version as well for easier communication.
Ok la, this is just the 1st step to many more of my Honeymoon planning…..nanti saya continue k..now weekends nak balik and rest k!
Nana Nadhirah #cintaAnN 