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Melbourne to Tokyo Direct, Jetstar from $299 (Launch Fares)

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Melbourne to Tokyo Direct, Jetstar from $299 (Launch Fares)
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jimbobaus on 19/12/2013 - 12:27 jetstar.com.au (5874 clicks)

Just got this in my email.
Nice prices for direct flights.

e're celebrating the announcement of our direct flights from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Tokyo (Narita) with amazing sale fares!

We are beside ourselves with excitement to announce our newest service, Melbourne direct to Tokyo. Do you need to connect from other cities like Adelaide or Hobart? We have more great news. You can connect via Melbourne and arrive in Tokyo early in the morning. It gets even better, because if you want to go beyond Tokyo to one of 9 other popular Japanese cities, Jetstar can get you there. It's never been easier to experience Japan.

Check out the sale fares below and visit our sale page for more departure cities.

Sale fare prices quoted below are all one way Starter fares^ and in Australian dollars.

Travel Airfare

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closed Comments

  • bruc3 on 19/12/2013 - 12:31

    Great price!!! Thanks.

  • BuyoTheCat on 19/12/2013 - 12:32
    +11

    No more horrific 5 hr stop over in cairns

    • mparf on 19/12/2013 - 13:39
      +11

      Cairns Airport reminds me of a horror movie

      • itbargainhunter on 20/12/2013 - 11:11
        +2

        Carins Acirport actually remind of those old school PC point and click adventure game where your character were stuck in a certain uninteresting area and need to accompanlish certain task in order to progress.

        After hours of searching the trash bins and randomly combining "rubber chicken" with "cappuccino" you find out it was actually a bug in the game and it stopped you from moving on…

  • BanannaMan on 19/12/2013 - 12:35

    beat me to it lol

  • Turd on 19/12/2013 - 12:41
    +3

    Travel Period 8 May - 19 Jun 2014

    Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide from $406 one-way

    Warmish

    • StickMan on 19/12/2013 - 13:34
      +4

      Yep, stupid travel dates. Misses the ski season.

      • zhenjie on 19/12/2013 - 14:42
        +1

        Well since the service doesn't launch until April 2014 you are going to miss it anyway.

        Either way, they'll certainly be fares for Ski Season travel in 2014/2015. The fact its direct is more than enough to pay a premium too

  • oswade on 19/12/2013 - 12:43
    +1

    Damn… If only this was available immediately.

  • 4thchicken on 19/12/2013 - 12:47
    +4

    Can get as low as 565.96 return from melbourne - shame I've no leave :(

  • Gav on 19/12/2013 - 12:51
    +4

    NOTE: For MEL, flights to Tokyo are direct. Flights from Tokyo are not! They go via Cairns.

    • Pommy on 19/12/2013 - 13:10

      Actually you can, I just checked the very first day and there are direct Tokyo -> Melbourne flights available.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2013 - 20:15

        True, there are plenty of direct return flights, but the arrival time at Tullamarine is horrendously inconvenient.

  • tko6070 on 19/12/2013 - 12:53
    -1

    okay pricing, wouldn't say it was a bargain considering I can fly to Tokyo from Perth via KL for 550 return with luggage. Given the extra distance.

    • INFIDEL on 19/12/2013 - 13:05
      +1

      And usually the long stop over in KL
      Just back from Jetstar Gold Coast - Osaka $420 return.

    • barefoot on 19/12/2013 - 13:24
      +8

      You're the only one talking about flying from Perth.

      I reckon there are probably cheaper flights from Seoul to Tokyo without going via Melbourne too. But we're not talking about Seoul either.

      When I went to Japan recently (Melbourne to Osaka), top-shelf airlines (Qantas, Emirates etc.) were about $1200 return for economy, dodgy airlines (Garuda, China Eastern etc.) were about $1000. I was going to suck it up and pay for a decent flight, until I found Deathstar offering $600 return. Ouch. Can't justify going with anybody else for that price.

      Just out of interest, I put in a quote request to air-freight a 6' long, 100kg box (aka a coffin with me in it) from Melbourne to Osaka. About $2k each way. About 8x the price of sitting upstairs.

      Just goes to show where the budget airlines make their money. It's a freight truck. They throw a few humans into the upstairs section to earn some extra pocket money, but the real money is downstairs. If there's not enough freight to justify flying the plane, the plane won't fly and the humans can just deal with it. If the humans want to bring more than a book and a change of undies, that eats into valuable payload weight.

      If you feel like a second-class citizen flying Deathstar, it's because you are. But holy crap it's cheap.

      • BuyoTheCat on 19/12/2013 - 14:29

        I flew jetstar to singapore recently. and it was a lot better than I expected. Better than my qantas flight to same place.

      • sien on 19/12/2013 - 15:16
        +1

        Take this premise and write somewhat like 'Weekend at Bernies' film about undertakers who move bodies around the world.

        • barefoot on 20/12/2013 - 08:47

          Different levels of service for different budgets.

          We can prop your dearly beloved up in an economy seat, or you can upgrade to business class… or if you can afford it, we can chuck him in a cardboard box and freight it… but that level of care doesn't come cheap…

    • Mixhael on 19/12/2013 - 14:32

      Could you please tell me how asks with which carriers? I've been planning on going tip Japan four a while now and $550 return sounds magical.

      • tko6070 on 19/12/2013 - 17:34
        +1

        Airasia has sales coming up in January, should be able to get flights for ~500 with a 2-3hr stop over in KL. (flying to HND or KIX)

  • WeiKaiLe on 19/12/2013 - 12:55

    Almost worth buying business class at those prices, last time I travelled from Japan on Jetstar I got upgraded to business class from Osaka to Brisbane it was so nice. That was back in 2008 though so it may have changed.

    • INFIDEL on 19/12/2013 - 13:11
      +1

      That was early days on the Japan run. My Nagoya flight in 2007 would almost have been empty without Jetstar CEO, staff, hand masseuse, and winners of free tickets.

  • bargainerftw on 19/12/2013 - 13:17
    +1

    Mate of mine having a bucks week away around this travel period. We're now thinking of switching from Port Douglas to Tokyo.

    Ohhhhh the joys Tokyo can bring for Bucks celebrations :)

    • shmahoo on 19/12/2013 - 13:28
      -4

      don't forget the table tennis balls (easy to lose them)

      • Daabido on 19/12/2013 - 15:55
        +6

        I think you thinking of Thailand.

      • cannedhams on 19/12/2013 - 16:57
        +2

        even harder to get them out.

        you can use a teaspoon though. I had to once.

  • SilverRanger on 19/12/2013 - 13:43
    +1

    For those flying from Sydney you can book your own flights for the Syd -> Mel and Mel -> Syd legs for $55 - $72 (depending on luggage weight) through Webjet (and guess what, it's still flying with Jetstar!).

  • GateheaD on 19/12/2013 - 13:45

    Just flew Syd-GC-Tokyo and return with Jetstar business class.
    Was OK, not really a true business class but the seats were bigger and the food was superb.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2013 - 13:56

    FANTASTIC. I just moved from Sydney to Melbourne and that's been one of the bigger concerns for my wife (who's Japanese) and I. Brilliant news.

    • ravzter on 19/12/2013 - 16:56
      +7

      ur username gave away that you were married to a japanese lol

      • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2013 - 19:57

        LOL. You got me.

        BTW, the return flight times to Melbourne are incredibly inconvenient! 12:15am return arrival?!

        • barefoot on 20/12/2013 - 08:53
          +1

          Like I said above… the passengers are absolutely incidental to the real purpose of these planes, which is to move freight.

          If they've introduced a MEL-NRT route, it's because they have enough demand for freight on that route. And if some of that freight is time sensitive (and being air freight, it probably is) and needs to be delivered at a certain time, then that's the time the plane will fly.

          If you want to sit on the top deck of a cargo plane, you can fly cheap… but don't expect them to make concessions to your convenience. You don't matter to them anywhere near as much as the boxes downstairs.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2013 - 09:23

          Yeah, that's an interesting perspective on these flights. I guess I still prefer to get a taxi or something back home for up to $100 in preference to changing flights, so cargo plane it is! :)

        • barefoot on 20/12/2013 - 09:33
          +1

          Makes me wonder whether there might be a business case for interstate travel by renting out sleeper berths on trucks. Load up at a DC in Melbourne in the evening, and get "delivered" direct to Sydney overnight :-D

          Should be cheaper and would almost certainly be more comfortable than the overnight train to Sydney.

          You'd have to stick to the driver's scheduled rest stops though… would be wise to bring an empty bottle along in case you get caught short…

  • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2013 - 14:00

    Hi all,

    This will be my first time going to Tokyo, i have found the dates that i want to go for under $800 return.

    I am planning to go for 2-3 weeks.

    How do i go about planning the trip, where is the cheapest place to stay, where should i go and check out and do i need to know Japanese to travel there.

    Thanks

    • StickMan on 19/12/2013 - 14:08

      You need to learn basic Japanese, most people there are reluctant to speak English. Or, learn how to get your point across. Pointing at things and holding fingers up, etc. Google Translate is great - you can store some common sentences.

      I'd recommend picking up a public transport rail pass (forget the name). It's cheap, and gives access to 90% of the shinkansen's around the place, meaning easy trips outside of Tokyo.

      When are you going? Jetstar's sale is May - June, so can't go skiing.

      • Djent on 19/12/2013 - 14:23
        +3

        The public rail pass you're probably thinking about is the JR Rail Pass (Japan Rail). I believe it starts at about $250 AUD for a week (don't quote me on the exact pricing, but its around that range). I think it gives you super cheap (if not free) shinkansen (bullet train) travel. Likewise for normal train travel.

        • StickMan on 19/12/2013 - 14:30

          That's the one. Insane bargain, cheaper than flights.

        • Daabido on 19/12/2013 - 16:04
          +5

          Just know that you must buy the JR Rail Pass before you leave Australia and be travelling on a tourist visa to use it. There are a couple of different varieties of passes but the main one that covers all of Japan will get you free Shinkansen bullet train travel (Not on Nozomi models but on Hikari or Kodama - Nozomi are super fast, Hikari almost as fast and Kodama are relatively slow and stop at more places) as many times as you like, as well as all local JR trains (some cities have JR trains or locally operated tracks which aren't covered) and even the JR ferry to Miyajima island near Hiroshima (there are two ferries, one JR and one not). Just two uses of the bullet train covers the cost of the pass.

          If you are going to Japan, head to Whirlpool to read the very, very extensive thread about Japan travel. japan-guide.com is also very good. If you have a chance, go. Japan is an amazing place

      • Ledger on 19/12/2013 - 14:24
        +2

        No idea where you've been in Japan but at least in Tokyo most Japanese speak some sort of English and are very willing to learn; especially the younger generation. Kansai region is mostly the same although once you go more off the beaten path then you get some language barrier issues.

        • StickMan on 19/12/2013 - 14:30

          I've been to Tokyo, and then up to the north of the main island. No shit that the younger generation in Tokyo will converse is broken English, but anyone older than 30 is VERY reluctant, especially out of the city.

      • StickMan on 19/12/2013 - 15:21
        +1

        All these downvotes are hilarious. Have you even been outside the metro areas? Outside the escorted guided tourist tours?

        • INFIDEL on 19/12/2013 - 19:04
          +3

          Older & non city dwelling Japanese may be shy - concerned they will make grammatical errors in English. Being patient, showing interest & respect will usually help them open up. But one Mother in a remote village did say to her child "Don't worry - he won't eat you."!

          I speak only a few words of Japanese, but have hitchhiked in rural parts from Okinawa to Hokkaido on many trips. Sure, there have been some tiny villages with few English speakers, but it was never a problem. Out comes their cellphone for translation or an English speaker rung to join us. Frankly, the best times were far from English speaking tourist areas.

          Japanese are so generous & hospitable.
          But it may be hard to leave, especially when they are having such a good time with their "New Friend". On one miniscule island, the locals would not let me leave for 24 hours - how could I without meeting & drinking with everyone?

          Of course, basic understanding of the local language is always better, but not necessary in Japan.

          (I am a lazy traveller who wears T-shirts & carries namecards with my name on the local language. A TV show in October showed me attempting Rakugo - traditional Japanese comedy, in English. Because my T-shirts are so distinct, I was recognised in the streets for my respect for a 400 year old tradition. Like most places, it's about giving the local culture a good try. I wasn't that good.)

    • lyl-Lychee on 19/12/2013 - 15:25

      Will be my first time too. What dates are you heading? I'll be there mid - late May. If there's any overlap and you'd be interested in meeting up with a fellow ozbargainer feel free to PM :)

  • BobCobb on 19/12/2013 - 14:04
    +1

    This will go down well at the Cranbourne Manor.

    • LegionGT on 20/12/2013 - 01:18
      +1

      Yes I believe this deal does indeed suit the Manor residents. NIPPON 2014!

  • laruku on 19/12/2013 - 14:23

    Hoping there will be direct flight as well from Melbourne to Osaka

    • WeiKaiLe on 19/12/2013 - 14:30

      Yeah that would get me buying a ticket. Little interest in Tokyo, Kansai is where the fun is at =)

  • one man clan on 19/12/2013 - 14:51

    Will these sell out quickly (ie. within hours?) Been looking for ages and this is a good enough price for me to jump on asap.

  • locutus_of_bris on 19/12/2013 - 15:22
    +2

    It's not a bad price but don't be worrying that it is a once only fare. Jetstar have been running deals at least a couple of times a year for the last couple of years that equate to about $500 return to Tokyo or Osaka, just not from MEL. I suspect the sales will keep coming (goodness knows Japan needs the tourists).

    As a sort-of comparison, I have a MEL-KUL-KIX-HND-KUL-MEL (air asia) for ~$550 return with some luggage (shared between 3 people). Yes there will be one stop over on the way back but we get some time in KL, then 2 great cities in Japan. With the low prices in Malaysia it's going to be a regular break on any future asian trips if it's possible. Air asia also have sales more often than I can justify booking, but their prices can be really good if not unbeatable.

    As for actual flight experiences, I have had Jetstar change flight routing (on my last Japan trip) which was a fairly large inconvenience (they flew us into and out of opposite cities). Domestically they have given me a lot more cancellations and stuffing around then Tiger (yes - I know but that's how I've experienced it). I have found air asia to be great in terms of the amount of room on the 4+ hour flights (I'm 6'1) and the food is decent/cheap ($5).

    • one man clan on 19/12/2013 - 15:42

      How'd you organise that flight? I wouldn't mind doing a few stopovers but would want to do two days. The indirect flights are usually av few-10 hour stopovers which I'd rather avoid. Other than going through an agent, is there a way to organise an intinerary like that myself (especially at that price)?

      • locutus_of_bris on 20/12/2013 - 12:16

        I did it all online with Air Asia. While I had to book each leg separately it wasn't that bad and certainly worth the effort to get those prices.

        Just sign up to their email list or watch their facebook page for the next sale - they have them all the time. Usually it's about $160-200 each way to KL from MEL, then add a Singapore or Japan leg to your journey after you;ve spent your time in KL.

        • one man clan on 20/12/2013 - 12:29

          Thanks, I'll look into it.

  • tigergal on 19/12/2013 - 16:36

    It looks like the direct flights are only a wednesday and sunday. Business class is a good price and I saw some in the $570 one way which is cheaper than the $649 advertised.

    • Ether on 19/12/2013 - 17:18

      Flying to Japan is Tue, Wed, Sun, whereas returns are only Mon, Wed, Thu.

  • tigergal on 19/12/2013 - 16:40

    Do you think this will be on the new Dreamliner? Nice!

  • Grent on 19/12/2013 - 16:50
    +1

    They've cancelled the GC to Osaka flights and started this instead.
    The whole Qantas group now offers a grand total of 6 flights a week to Osaka, 4 days a week from Cairns and 2 days a week from Sydney.

    Its all about choice.

    • INFIDEL on 19/12/2013 - 19:18

      Thanks - I have flown GC-Osaka many times, so will miss that service. Looking for a cheap Tokyo flight in early April for the Sakura. Bought my $420 return GC-Osaka flight in Boxing Day sale last year. Hoping Tokyo is on sale this year.

  • Gina Rinehart on 19/12/2013 - 22:19
    +2

    It really is a beautiful country, I would pay whatever the airfare is to get there again!

  • parcus on 20/12/2013 - 02:55

    $539 for 20/5 to 29/5 MEL-NRT return. Also found flights SYD-MEL return on those dates for $93 on Tiger, price matching with Jetstar should bring it down to about $84, so $623 all up SYD-NRT return. Not bad, and excellent if you're based in Melbourne. Especially great since it's direct; far too much unnecessary flying if a stopover in mainland Asia is involved, particularly KUL/SIN, as well as the added connection times.

  • Ether on 20/12/2013 - 15:44

    Better check the availability of hotels before you book. Otherwise, the hotel cost would easily make up for the savings in flight tickets.

    • grab_ur_freebies on 20/12/2013 - 18:00

      You can always opt for cheap 'anytime' capsule hotels if you're on a budget.

      • INFIDEL on 20/12/2013 - 20:00

        Some (basic & clean) Business Hotels are cheaper than capsule - which aren't that cheap for what you get.
        (Single rooms: Osaka with communal guest kitchen & good free WiFi was $17/n in October, have got Tokyo for $20/n - Capsules were about twice the price)

        • grab_ur_freebies on 20/12/2013 - 20:29
          +1

          Good advice from a seasoned traveller. You're officially the OzB Japan travel guru in my books! :D

          May I ask where you booked to get those prices? Hotelscombined?

        • INFIDEL on 20/12/2013 - 21:27
          +2

          Shucks, Thanks!
          For those cheapest prices - look at the backpacker market! The usual suspects of Hostelworld etc.
          Basic, clean, English speaking staff who usually know what the cheap traveller needs, at a great price. (For that price, expect a small Japaneses Style room - Futon on (3) Tatami mat. AirCon costs a little more. Business hotels are for simple travelling business men, found in cities, and have no frills.) Neighbourhoods are usually run down, but safe - its Japan. Even the drunks are usually helpful. Not exactly in the middle of the CBD, but usually right on the major train lines & plenty of tasty cheap food places.

          Osaka in October - ate food from the local Supers (supermarkets) - under $5 for tasty whole crab, cheap sushi, even Aussie Beef on discount at the end of the day. Cooked/prepared in communal kitchen/common room. Hotel was about 15 minutes walk to the subway and 2 main train lines, including direct to Kansai International Airport. Cost per week: around $200 for food, non-alcoholic drink, & room (with TV & WiFi)!

          [Travel Tale #137: "Only in Japan", one in my series of "Kidnapped in Japan" stories
          In October, I got abducted for 10 hours in Osaka by a far too helpful woman - at least in her 70s!
          She had seen me trying on wonderful $4 second hand Yukata (Kinino like costumes of cotton, not silk) in a shopping street. All the locals passing gave their opinion, no need for a mirror. But she talked only excitedly fast Japanese (I only know a few words), dragged me and my purchase up the street, to a 1921 theater with a live traditional performance - of MEN, dressed as WOMEN, wearing… KININOS!
          This was about 10 minutes walk from my ($17/n) hotel, but she would not let me go back for my camera - her hand firmly stopped me :(
          I was surrounded by about 150 similarly aged women & a few men. When a beautiful "woman" danced, my benefactor (she paid for everything - was I her toyboy?) said "MAN!". I was not confused - they were all men, but was fascinated by this style of entertainment (comedy/ drama/ dance & song) and the women's passion for it. She even gave me an expensive gift to give the star performer - which paused the show as the crowd wouldn't stop clapping. Strangely the performance ended in a raffle - with prizes from toilet paper (chuckles) to a TV (すごい！)
          Was taken for a meal after the 4 hour show, then on to another show. Met all the cast & had my T-shirt (famous from my TV appearance attempting Rakugo) signed by the star. She/He asked me (in a very deep voice) my name - Bruce, "That's a good man's name. When are you coming back to see me?"… ]

          Oh and I wore 2 of my $4 Yukatas home on to the flight. (I only had 10Kg carry on & was already carrying back my tent & camping gear, plus other purchases!) Check-in staff were only worried the heavy clothes would be too hot for summer on the Gold Coast.

          In Japan, probably like here or anywhere, they (at least the older generations) are curious about, or even admire, someone who is interested in/ respects/ loves their culture. Japanese think their ways are so difficult to understand for an outsider, so no one would be able to. Even Foreigners using chopsticks or eating sashimi is beyond their comprehension.
          Show an interest & hang on for a memorable ride.

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