Japan Travel : Winter Flights December
Winter in Japan is a truly magical time of year. From its traditional winter festivals to its stunning snow-capped landscapes, Japan never ceases to amaze its visitors all year round. December is the perfect time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun in all its frosty glory if you’re planning a Japan trip this winter. That’s because December in Japan is the month for the winter season’s cheapest flights.
December is a great time to visit Japan not only because of the cheaper flight rates, but because of the numerous winter activities that visitors can take part in during this time of year. Experiencing a traditional snow festival, going skiing or snowboarding, or partaking in winter sports are just some of the things you can experience during your December Japan excursion.
In terms of planning, it is essential for travelers to book their flights December in advance in order to get the best rates. This is especially crucial if visitors are planning to combine cities or take multiple trips during their stay in Japan. Oftentimes, travelers can find great promotions from certain airlines or even benefit from discounts when booking several flights or a package stay.
In addition, it is important to research the airlines flying between each city to determine which airline best fits each itinerary. Japanese airlines such as ANA, JAL, Skymark Airlines, and StarFlyer have direct flights to numerous Japanese cities from Tokyo’s two airports: Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Flights are also available to Tokyo via foreign airlines, such as China Airlines, United, and KLM.
From Narita, visitors can also take connecting flights should they want to visit two cities in one day. However, please note that it is not recommended to book flights between Tokyo and Osaka on the same day due to the long train rides between the two cities.
Getting winter flights to Japan in December doesn’t have to be expensive as long as travelers do their research. The key is to plan ahead and compare prices in order to get the best deal. A great way to do this is by using ticketing sites and consolidators such as Expedia and Skyscanner to compare flight prices and find the best available deal.
Air Travel Budget
For those who are looking to keep their daily travel budget low, flying from one place to another isn’t the most ideal way to save money. This is because flight prices can reach into the hundreds of dollars depending on the route and airline. It is usually cheaper and more convenient to travel by rail. Japan’s extensive railway network makes it easy for tourists to travel across the country at a low cost.
The Japan Rail Pass is known as one of the most economical and efficient ways to travel in Japan. Equipped with a Japan Rail Pass, visitors can ride the famous Shinkansen bullet trains around the country with ease. The regular 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs 29,110 yen and gives travelers unlimited access to all JR trains nationwide except for the Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen (bullet train) and some other express trains.
For those who are looking for a slightly cheaper alternative, there is the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. The 5-day JR Tokyo Wide Pass allows passengers unlimited travel on all JR trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area which includes Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. It is also valid for certain Narita Express (NEX) train rides to and from Tokyo. The JR Tokyo Wide Pass cost is between 10,500 yen and 14,500 yen depending on the type of ticket purchased.
Local Buses and Trains
In addition to the national railways, local buses and trains are also great options for short-distance travel. They have a simpler fare structure and the fares are generally cheaper than the national railways.
Local trains can also be a great option for traveling in Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures as the fares are slightly cheaper than the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. For Osaka, JR West runs several local lines so passengers can take advantage of the cheaper fares while traveling in the idyllic Kansai region.
Japanese cities have well-developed railway networks. Though slightly more complex than the JR lines, these local train networks can be a great way to access different parts of a city with ease.
Short-distance Travel
For short-distance travel, taxicabs and Uber are the preferred methods. Taxis are generally more comfortable and reliable than Uber, but Uber may be a good option for those who wish to keep their budget low. Taxis are more expensive than Uber, but the convenience may be worth the extra money.
For those who are looking to explore the cities on their own, bicycles can be a great way to get around in Japan’s cities. Many cities have their own bike-sharing programs with competitive pricing and convenient pickup and drop-off locations.
Lastly, most cities have public transportation systems that are great for sightseeing. Sightseeing buses are also a great way to get around the cities and view some of the major attractions from the comfort of your seat.
Subway Networks
Japan’s major cities have extensive subway networks that allow travelers to get around the cities with relative ease. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have extensive and efficient subway systems, complete with ticket machines and ample signage.
Tokyo and Osaka have express lines that services certain stations that visitors can take advantage of if they need to get to their destinations a bit faster. Kyoto, on the other hand, has its own subway line that connects the city’s major sights and districts.
Subways are generally a great option for traveling in Japan’s cities as they are convenient and offer quick access to most attractions. That said, travelers should still research the train lines in each city and their respective routes in advance as train stops and timetables may vary.
Rental Car
Renting a car in Japan is relatively easy and convenient. Rental cars are available at most major airports and from designated shops in the cities. Prices vary but generally start at around 5000 yen per day.
Rental cars are particularly useful in more rural areas or cities where public transportation is limited. Renting a car is a great way for travelers to explore the less visited parts of the country at their own pace.
That said, please note that Japan’s roads and highways can be quite confusing and complicated so driver should familiarize themselves with the area before taking to the roads.
Additionally, visitors should note that rental cars in Japan are usually manual transmission. This can be a disadvantage for visitors who are not comfortable driving with a manual transmission.
Safety and Security
Safety is key when traveling anywhere in the world, and Japan is no exception. The country is generally safe but travelers should always remain vigilant and take sensible precautions.
Travelers should always keep their wallets and other belongings close by and be mindful of their surroundings at all times. Pickpocketing and theft are relatively low in Japan, but travelers should still be careful as it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Additionally, visitors are advised to read up on the customs and laws of Japan to ensure compliance with the local regulations. For example, drinking alcohol in public may be acceptable in other countries, but in Japan it is against the law.
Travelers should also note that Japan’s health care system is excellent, but travelers are advised to get travel insurance before embarking on their Japan trip just in case of any emergencies.
