Airline tickets to Japan
 

I have been looking at fares to Japan, and there don't seem to be any breaks for next spring. All prices (from Chicago) seem to be just over $1000 per person. Am I looking too far ahead? Or should I book the tickets next month when I have the money.
Thanks!

You may want to wait as airlines frequently run sales to Japan. I realize fares have gone up but a little over a year ago, we got R/T JFK-NRT for a little over $500 so $1000 seems awfully high.

Thanks, it seemed high to me, which is why I asked. It should be cheaper from Chicago, no?
Also, any recommendations on when to book hotels/ryokans?

Generally fares from Chicago to Asia are about the same as from NY. $1000 does seem high so you may want to wait. However, I read an article last week that foreiqn airfares are expected to increase significantly this year because of fuel cost. That fare may already have figured that in. I think I read it could be 25-35% over this year.

I'm not sure if it will be cheaper from Chicago than from JFK. A lot of deals seem to come out of NY but Chicago is also a giant hub for just about every airline too, as far as I know. I can't imagine it costing any more if you wait awhile though. Have you tried Orbitz and Expedia?

I think the fuel surcharge has already been factored in by most airlines. I've been checking JFK-BKK for next spring and Thai went up $50 literally overnight last week because of the surcharge.

There was a web site that had 6 discounters, including expedia and Orbitz and $1045 was the lowest fare. So from your suggestions, it won't hurt to wait a couple of months.
Any suggestions on when to book hotels?

if you're going during cherry blossom time and going to Kyoto you might want to do that soon since hotels get booked there very quickly.