Hi, I would appreciate any tips on cheap flights Tokyo to Sydney return or one way circa 20 Nov 2014. Also, tips on reasonable eating places and, generally speaking, what's cheaper in Tokyo than Oz to buy - electronics, clothes, cosmetics etc. This is an unexpected trip so I haven't had time to prep. Many thanks for all and any help.
Cheap flights to/from Japan
aretsa9 on 02/11/2014 - 20:34
Comments
Electronics is most definitely cheaper if you know what you're buying, especially cameras or if you can sign-up to their membership cards at places like Yodabashi. I'm a big audio fan, and the savings on these things compared to Australia can be as high as 30%.
Clothes are also much cheaper, especially we can now compare Uniqlo to the source. Japan also has more local brands and those have reasonable quality without the brand recognition premium priced in.
clothes - you're usually out of luck if you're 180+cms and weigh more than 85kgs and have a 10+ shoe size. Japanese people are small. lived their for 4 years.
I don't think you'll generally find Cameras cheaper in Japan. For example buying the 5D Mk iii or the 70D at Yodobashi right now will cost you more than buying from a brick and mortar store in Sydney city so the only savings to be made would be from the tax refund, you'd have to buy something like the 5D mk iii to save a few hundred.
Cosmetics, yes! However, only if you're willing to check out Japan only brands and lines, e.g. Canmake. Department store labels will not be cheaper, e.g. MAC, etc. Just go to pharmacies and enjoy!
Eating out in general is cheaper, as long as you're not going to fine dining place - if you do, go at lunch. They often have discounted lunch specials.
if you have android phone / tablet , get google translate (download offline jap language if you not planning to get pocket wifi in japan), helps a lot in my last trip to japan
Stationary is cheaper. Nice children's clothes can be found much cheaper, at stores like Nishimatsuya. You can find lots of cheap items in Daiso. But in general probably not much, electronics you might find some things cheaper, perhaps like a portable battery pack, or cables and things, but definitely not a Cameras/lenses or something significant unless you stumble across a sale. A PS4 for example works out to be about AUD$400 from Biccamera and a tourist can get the tax back, not a bad deal if you don't mind lugging it home and finding an Aus power cable for it. But honestly I am struggling to think of things that are much cheaper that you can bring home with you. Food and drinks etc will be nice and cheap if you are happy to stick with Japanese style.
I think you could go return with Qantas for around $1240 with 30+10kgs/meals/entertainment etc depending on the dates.
Thank you, everyone, appreciate you taking the time to post the various tips.
Electronics? Not significantly cheaper (not worth warranty problems). Clothes? Definitely not cheaper. Cosmetics? I couldn't say.
Read the HUGE Whirlpool thread and you will know more about Japanese travel than Japanese people do… almost.
If it is a trip for enjoyment, you may want to purchase a rail pass before you leave, but you must enter as a tourist. Also if you get the limousine bus from Narita airport I think it includes a one day subway pass (non JR) which gets you down to Disneyland nicely. Stop at the last stop before Disney and have an awesome pork and rice curry, if you can work out the electronic vending machine.
I'm sure you'll have a great time. English is pretty much everywhere (especially in Tokyo) and almost everyone speaks enough to help you out (in Tokyo).
A side trip to Osaka / Kyoto / Hiroshima is highly recommended.
Now I want to go!