Is Now A Good Time To Go To Japan?
 

I am interested in going to Japan, and wanted to hear from veteran Japan travelers about whether or not this might be an excellent time to go, since they are in an economic slump? Are things cheaper than they used to be? I know that Japan is an expensive place to visit, but just wanted to know if it's cheaper now than it has been for a while....Thanks!

Rich, <BR>You would not notice any real difference in pricing in Japan because of the economic slump. In some instances pricing is slightly more negotiable for hotels and so on but I have not experienced a reduction at all in my travel costs over the past few years and I generally travel into Japan around 4 times a year. <BR>Rgds <BR>Michael

Michael: <BR> <BR>Thanks for the input. I must admit, while I am certainly aware that Japan is always an extremely expensive place to visit, I was still surprised by your response. It might make an interesting study in economics....? BTW, can you elaborate on the best way to get a good hotel rate/other rates in Japan? <BR> <BR>Anybody else out there have a similar/different opinion......??????

....Well, since it's been a while, I was just wondering if there's anyone else out there who has any comments on this? Thanks!

Hi Rich, <BR> <BR>I agree with Michael - hotel rates and restaurant prices are not lower in Japan despite the economic slump. <BR> <BR>The only advantage is that flights are cheaper (and almost empty) when leaving home. On a weekend trip from Vancouver to Narita this past May, my plane was only 1/4 full! In general, travel within Japan is probably not discounted much. The Japanese are travelling less on business, but you wouldn't know it from the airport activity. <BR> <BR>I wrote a long reply to someone a while back (under "Going to Kyoto.."). Try clicking on the link below. <BR> <BR>&lt;u&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossroads.fcgi?atomic=newreply&forumname=Asia&for um=27&topicname=Going%20to%20Kyoto%2dWhat%20do%20I %20need%20to%20Know%3f&topic=84023&item=7&start=14 &days=16&keyword=&string=&messagesframe=messagesfr ame%5fintro&last%5fprinted%5frecord=&last%5factivi ty=&active=25&"&gt;Going to Kyoto...&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/u&gt;. <BR> <BR>E-mail me if you need more in