Japan is considered by some to be notoriously expensive, but the deal we've encountered for this week from Asian Affair Holidays (tel. 800/742-3133; www.asianaffairholidays.com) enables travelers to visit Tokyo from $1,146 per person based on double occupancy. The company's Japan Holiday includes a five-night stay at the Tokyo Hilton. The tour is largely independent -- you can soak in the neon-lit, technology-loving city on your own, although a half-day city tour is part of the package. The price also covers round-trip hotel-airport transfers, round-trip economy class airfare on Singapore Airlines -- Asian Affairs is the exclusive tour operator for this carrier -- and the fuel surcharge. Additional fees and taxes are not included. The sale is valid for travel now through March 31, 2008, with departures August 21-December 5 and January 1-March 31, 2008 reflecting the lowest sale price. There are no blackout dates around Christmastime, but the price does go up: travel December 6-12 starts from $1,386 and travel December 13-23 starts from $1,626. All trips are priced based on Los Angeles departures; other cities are possible for additional fees. In terms of savings, the round-trip airfare alone from Los Angeles to Tokyo goes for about $750, and the inclusion of hotel-airport transfers will save you about $60.
This trip is designed for flexibility and for travelers to be able to enjoy Tokyo at your leisure during the five-night stay. An English-speaking company representative will meet you on arrival, and help you with any tour arrangements you may want to make. The Tokyo Hilton is a five-star property located at Shinjuku, in western Tokyo's business, shopping and entertainment district. In fifteen minutes you can walk to the train station, or walk five minutes to the subway; the hotel regularly runs shuttles to department stores and the train station. The half-day city tour includes a view of the city from Tokyo Tower observation desk, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple, the Akihabara home of discount electronics and the Ginza shopping district. The tour, which leads you around Tokyo by bus, concludes at the Tasaki Pearl Gallery, where you can view the process of pearl cultivation. If you're interested in extending the trip, additional evenings are available for $105 per person, per night. In case you encounter any problems, support is available from Singapore Airlines and the company's land operator in Tokyo.
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