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Yokoso Japan!
By 
Azran on Aug 5, 2008 | In What's New? | 28 comments »
Senthil, Shuba and I just got back from Tokyo, after spending a few days meeting Japanese government officials and airport representatives. We were checking out the scene there to assess the prospect of AirAsia X flying to Japan in the near future. Love to hear your views on Japan as a destination.The last time I visited Japan was six years ago. There's definitely a feeling of more openness towards foreign visitors. The Japanese government is now aggressively trying to catch up with other Asian countries to grow their tourism sector, and they've come up with their Yokoso Japan! (Welcome to Japan) campaign to attract tourists. They have a long way to go to catch up with advanced tourist Markets such as Australia, Thailand, Malaysia and even neighbours Korea.
One thing that struck me about this trip was the mis-perception that Japan (and Tokyo specifically) is a very expensive destination. I found plenty of options for hotel rooms, ground transportation and food choices at prices below Hong Kong and Sydney. There are also a lot of guidebooks and maps in English that made using the bus and subway system easy to use for us gai-jins.
Japan has a lot of unique selling points: Tokyo is clearly the fashion capital of Asia - shopping in Ginza is overwhelming. Electronic gadget lovers will find Akihabara a paradise. The electronic stores there make Low Yatt look like a tiny corner stall! And this is home to anime - from Pokemon to Dragon Ballz to Haruhi Suzumiya! There's also Tokyo Disneyland and the ancient Shogun palaces and castles that will send you back in time to the Tokugawa era (like Hiro from Heroes!).
My clear favourite: this tiny little restaurant in Tsukiji, the main fish market in Tokyo where tons of tuna and other seafood are trucked in the wee hours of the morning and auctioned off to the top restaurants in the city. The sashimi was simply phenomenal!
Let's hope that the Japanese airports respond positively to our proposal. Its time to liberate travel to Japan from the tyranny of high fares from the legacy airlines!
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28 comments
Japan is a cool place. Been there twice. The last one was about 10 years ago. Going there was fun. Getting visa to go there not so. Especially if you plan the travel on your own without the help from any travel agencies. I even had to ask my friend who was residing in Japan to write me an invitation letter. I do not know if the regulations have changed.
Sadly no, regulations have not changed. Its still a pain to get a visa.
That's why I stirred up the issue in the press a few weeks ago.
Japan needs to realise that it has to compete aggressively for tourists against other markets like Korea, Australia, India, Thailand, Singapore etc that are all strong marketers and have more friendly visa/entry requirements.
That's why I stirred up the issue in the press a few weeks ago.
Japan needs to realise that it has to compete aggressively for tourists against other markets like Korea, Australia, India, Thailand, Singapore etc that are all strong marketers and have more friendly visa/entry requirements.
Japan is great and it is cheaper than HK. i always telling my friend about it but they thought i am cheating them. :)
I reckon it will be great if we have Air Asia provide value flights as they have been at other destinations across South Asia to go to Japan and if possible, even India!!
I've always wanted to do Japan. As Azran pointed out that it's a "mis-conception that Japan is expensive", I have never put the plan into motion. Here's hoping that AirAsiaX flies to Tokyo. I'd be the first one to hop on board.
AirAsia X has been doing a great job and never disappoint Malaysians. Being one of its proud passengers on board its maiden flight to Gold Coast (...by the way Mr. Azran, it's so nice of you to walk around the cabin frequently throughout the flight making sure passengers are well), I believe AirAsia X will bring more good news to us. Japan is another great destination choice and let's hope AirAsia X flies to Tokyo. I'll be the first to fly on its maiden flight!
Many thanks for your support. Japan is a key market that we're focused on, and we're very keen to fly to an airport that will serve the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
Wish us luck with the usual battle to secure approvals and airport terms that will allow us to offer low fares.
Wish us luck with the usual battle to secure approvals and airport terms that will allow us to offer low fares.
AirAsia always step ahead and try to find the niche market.
It's good that Mr. Azran can give brief knowledge about the country and tips. It's oso one of the AirAsia benefit as it give us tips and knowledge about the place we want to visit.
it's great and can't wait for the next destination... JAPAN!
It's good that Mr. Azran can give brief knowledge about the country and tips. It's oso one of the AirAsia benefit as it give us tips and knowledge about the place we want to visit.
it's great and can't wait for the next destination... JAPAN!
Japan is always a great place to explore.. Been there twice, and hope to visit again soon. When will AirAsiaX flies to Japan? Please don't just go to Tokyo, there are other great places like Kyoto & Sapporo.
I went to Hakone & Aishi Lake sometime last year, aaa.. yup! It is in February 2007. A beautiful place to visit with great people & historical value.
For those who plan to go, pray a lot for AAX to get the route.
I went to Hakone & Aishi Lake sometime last year, aaa.. yup! It is in February 2007. A beautiful place to visit with great people & historical value.
For those who plan to go, pray a lot for AAX to get the route.
Since you wanted our views on Japan, allow me to say that I've been holding back my Japanese vacation (Tokyo & Kyoto) until a low cost airline flies there from KL. So, all the best in securing those approvals. Waiting to take my Japanese vacation on board AAX.
I really hope that AAX can fly to Japan one day. Despite fierce competition from the "copy cats" and the "Juara Kampung", I still believe in the LCC model. I went to Osaka in 2007 by myself (female) while I was in between jobs. Since I had no employer, I had to provide the Embassy with everything! eg: Justification letter why I wanted to go Japan alone, proofing my financial positions, proof of funds and method to fund my expenses while in Japan, confirmed hostel booking and air ticket, insurance, contact details etc.
Nevertheless, it was a worth while trip. Knowing some key words in Japanese would definitely help. I am really sad to hear that AXX flights to JP are on hold/ delayed. I hope that the approval goes through one day.
Tony, Azran - DO NOT stop trying!
I support AAX and really wish more Malaysians can afford to see the world and open our horizon! Let's go to places that even FSC does not fly direct. eg: KL-Hokkaido, KL-Cheju, KL-Tasmania.
Nevertheless, it was a worth while trip. Knowing some key words in Japanese would definitely help. I am really sad to hear that AXX flights to JP are on hold/ delayed. I hope that the approval goes through one day.
Tony, Azran - DO NOT stop trying!
I support AAX and really wish more Malaysians can afford to see the world and open our horizon! Let's go to places that even FSC does not fly direct. eg: KL-Hokkaido, KL-Cheju, KL-Tasmania.
Dear Tony & Azran,
You will have my support. I look forward to visit Japan by AXX. All the best!
You will have my support. I look forward to visit Japan by AXX. All the best!
My wife is from Hokkaido and since we were married 6 years ago, we discovered that there are quite a number of Malaysians married to Japanese. As for us being ordinary income earners, flying to Japan to visit my in laws have been truly a "pain in the pocket"! fares go as high as RM3000 to RM4000. Cheap promotional fares are usually offered for not more than 2 weeks so it has been difficult for my wife & I to visit her family for longer periods.
AirAsia's plans to fly to Japan is definately a welcome move for us! BUT yes visas are sometimes difficult even for me being married to a Japanese, have to submit all kinds of documents like letter from employer, invitation letter from wife's family, submit issued ticket, marriage certificate, and officially they even ask for income tax documents to ascertain income levels, and finally they issued a visa with the exact number of days as the issued ticket duration! No wonder Japan is not really a tourist destination among Asian markets!
BUT its quite unfortunately because Japan is really quite an interesting place to visit especially for the real authentic fresh sushi in Hokkaido!! And there are actually cheap accomodations in youth hostels, traditional ryokan hotels, and cheap business inns (lowest we got was Yen6,000 or RM 200 for 2 pax a night!) in Tokyo!
Besides that, Japan has lots for us Malaysians to learn from, their dignity in doing their work, clean streets, and on time public transportation!
So AirAsia go for it, fly to Japan, help bridge the cultural divide especially for Malaysian-Japanese intermarriages like ours!!! congratulations AirAsia!!
AirAsia's plans to fly to Japan is definately a welcome move for us! BUT yes visas are sometimes difficult even for me being married to a Japanese, have to submit all kinds of documents like letter from employer, invitation letter from wife's family, submit issued ticket, marriage certificate, and officially they even ask for income tax documents to ascertain income levels, and finally they issued a visa with the exact number of days as the issued ticket duration! No wonder Japan is not really a tourist destination among Asian markets!
BUT its quite unfortunately because Japan is really quite an interesting place to visit especially for the real authentic fresh sushi in Hokkaido!! And there are actually cheap accomodations in youth hostels, traditional ryokan hotels, and cheap business inns (lowest we got was Yen6,000 or RM 200 for 2 pax a night!) in Tokyo!
Besides that, Japan has lots for us Malaysians to learn from, their dignity in doing their work, clean streets, and on time public transportation!
So AirAsia go for it, fly to Japan, help bridge the cultural divide especially for Malaysian-Japanese intermarriages like ours!!! congratulations AirAsia!!
Thanks Jo Hann,
These are the very reasons that drive us to get up every morning and push to expand the 'AirAsia' service globally.
On a lighter note, you're sure you want us to fly to Japan? Then you'll run out of excuses when your in-laws ask that you visit them! Careful what you ask for! hahaha.
I'm planning to take the family skiing at Niseko this winter - first time there. Any tips?
These are the very reasons that drive us to get up every morning and push to expand the 'AirAsia' service globally.
On a lighter note, you're sure you want us to fly to Japan? Then you'll run out of excuses when your in-laws ask that you visit them! Careful what you ask for! hahaha.
I'm planning to take the family skiing at Niseko this winter - first time there. Any tips?
Saw in the news last night that this is becoming a reality in 2009. GREAT! Did my first maiden trip last month to Tokyo and it's true about the things we can learn about the Japanese. Manners, civic consciousness, respect for other people's property and recycling to keep the planet green. I agree it's not as expensive as everyone makes it out to be. I also had a very easy, good experience applying for the visa on my own. Look forward to the service in 2009 :o)
Niseko is a famous destination both for locally and foreign tourist especially for the mountain views and skiing. You probably fly to chitose (sapporo) and then take a bus 2 hours ride there..it seems there is a lake..probably frozen in winter.
It seems there is a local famous "sandwich" shop..huge, with stuff like ham, salad, etc...and apparently popular with locals...cost about Y1000 (RM30).....according to my wife! I have not been there myself...he he.
Hey there is a "Ninja museum" in Date city before Niseko..the name of the musuem is "Da-te Jida-i mura"..this is a great place, lots of action...big compound with small theatres, stalls and old traditional japanese village, especially interesting is the ninja show with live actors on stage action packed!! ninja style..cost about Yen3000 per head for free entrance to all theatres and stuff, otherwise you would have to buy tickets for each place in the compound. we enjoyed thoroughly!!
On the way to Niseko, there is also an interesting museum called the "Shiraoi Ainu Museum" in Shiraoi area, its set in traditional indigenous Ainu people style, with lots of souvenir shops and performances next to lake.
Hope this helps...by the way when will AirAsia fly to hokkaido..we are all excited!!!
It seems there is a local famous "sandwich" shop..huge, with stuff like ham, salad, etc...and apparently popular with locals...cost about Y1000 (RM30).....according to my wife! I have not been there myself...he he.
Hey there is a "Ninja museum" in Date city before Niseko..the name of the musuem is "Da-te Jida-i mura"..this is a great place, lots of action...big compound with small theatres, stalls and old traditional japanese village, especially interesting is the ninja show with live actors on stage action packed!! ninja style..cost about Yen3000 per head for free entrance to all theatres and stuff, otherwise you would have to buy tickets for each place in the compound. we enjoyed thoroughly!!
On the way to Niseko, there is also an interesting museum called the "Shiraoi Ainu Museum" in Shiraoi area, its set in traditional indigenous Ainu people style, with lots of souvenir shops and performances next to lake.
Hope this helps...by the way when will AirAsia fly to hokkaido..we are all excited!!!
I'm so excited when i heard about this.
Since your rival have a weekly flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tokyo.
Why don't you guys make one too?
I bet lots of the Sabahan Japanese and Japanese Expatriats are so excited about it.
As for me, After graduate i'll be able to go back and forth maybe twice a year to Tokyo just to continue my photography project in Tokyo.
I'm so excited now..
Since your rival have a weekly flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tokyo.
Why don't you guys make one too?
I bet lots of the Sabahan Japanese and Japanese Expatriats are so excited about it.
As for me, After graduate i'll be able to go back and forth maybe twice a year to Tokyo just to continue my photography project in Tokyo.
I'm so excited now..
waa talking abt my home hokkaido!
yes pls fly 2 sapporo ;) am a old AirAsia fan since launched n it finally fly 2 japan!
terima kasih AirAsia..oh.. don forget outdoor hot springs in niseko area
yes pls fly 2 sapporo ;) am a old AirAsia fan since launched n it finally fly 2 japan!
terima kasih AirAsia..oh.. don forget outdoor hot springs in niseko area
What about Korea? When will Koreans have the opportunity to save money by flying AirAsia?
I have always been in touch with news regarding Air Asia ever since they've come up with the idea of flying to Japan.
Well I am not sure what has happened lately but the last time I heard about this plan was the fact that Mr. Tony said that the plan has been cancelled? because it is difficult for Malaysians to get a visa to visit Japan.
Well, personally I am a university student in Kyushu. Going home (KL) has always been a nightmare because it has been really inconvenient ever since MAS stopped flying directly to Fukuoka.
Another issue is the price to fly home. I can pay the same amount to go to Canada or US from here instead of flying home. Unbelievable isn't it?
Well my point is, there are many Malaysian students in Japan, perhaps well over 200 to 300 students enter a Japanese university annually. And a different figure goes to local Technical Colleges and Japanese Language schools.
From here, the targeted customers may (or may not) be just Malaysian tourists, but also the students from Malaysia who are in Japan. I'm sure their parents would want to visit their kids too because I know my family and friend does.
It would be great if AAX flew here. My Japanese friends are looking forward to visiting SEA too, but the price of an air ticket is way above their budget and somewhat given up the plan.
I hope things will work out. I am looking forward to see the little red plane landing on this volcanic island soon.
And if it is really impossible to get to Japan, there is always its neighbour, Korea. Most Japanese domestic (somewhat international) airports have direct flights to Incheon.
Good Luck!
Well I am not sure what has happened lately but the last time I heard about this plan was the fact that Mr. Tony said that the plan has been cancelled? because it is difficult for Malaysians to get a visa to visit Japan.
Well, personally I am a university student in Kyushu. Going home (KL) has always been a nightmare because it has been really inconvenient ever since MAS stopped flying directly to Fukuoka.
Another issue is the price to fly home. I can pay the same amount to go to Canada or US from here instead of flying home. Unbelievable isn't it?
Well my point is, there are many Malaysian students in Japan, perhaps well over 200 to 300 students enter a Japanese university annually. And a different figure goes to local Technical Colleges and Japanese Language schools.
From here, the targeted customers may (or may not) be just Malaysian tourists, but also the students from Malaysia who are in Japan. I'm sure their parents would want to visit their kids too because I know my family and friend does.
It would be great if AAX flew here. My Japanese friends are looking forward to visiting SEA too, but the price of an air ticket is way above their budget and somewhat given up the plan.
I hope things will work out. I am looking forward to see the little red plane landing on this volcanic island soon.
And if it is really impossible to get to Japan, there is always its neighbour, Korea. Most Japanese domestic (somewhat international) airports have direct flights to Incheon.
Good Luck!
Japan Japan Japan all the way, please please please!!
I've been to japan - mainly tokyo twice, and I wish I can go there for leisure, on regular basis
Destination wish list - sappora, osaka,and TOKYO!!!
I've been to japan - mainly tokyo twice, and I wish I can go there for leisure, on regular basis
Destination wish list - sappora, osaka,and TOKYO!!!
Dear Azran,
I do hope to hear good news for the launching of AIR ASIA - JAPAN route. I am preparing my wedding ceremony with my Japanese hubby next year (2009) September, with my all my family members flying together with me :) Really hope to save some budget on flights fare :)
Do keep me inform on any updates :) Wish you luck, as wish me luck too !!
To Dato' Tony, Thanks for given us HOPES & JOYFULNESS!! Now, Everyone Can FLY liao~
I do hope to hear good news for the launching of AIR ASIA - JAPAN route. I am preparing my wedding ceremony with my Japanese hubby next year (2009) September, with my all my family members flying together with me :) Really hope to save some budget on flights fare :)
Do keep me inform on any updates :) Wish you luck, as wish me luck too !!
To Dato' Tony, Thanks for given us HOPES & JOYFULNESS!! Now, Everyone Can FLY liao~
i was lining up checking in at LCCT 10 Dec nite [2008] when i saw the ever-smiling gentleman, none other than Azran with a team of smartly dressed people most likely are Japanese. And they were sort of discussing some serious stuffs. Then i realised ... My gosh !!! this is it ... Yokoso Japan !!!it's gonna be true ... so guys out there, hang on, Japan is indeed on its way ... yeay .. yeay ..
Dear Azran,
I love japan & the idea of AAX flying there is very exciting.I was with sia for 3yrs & japan was definitely my most awaiting duties in my roster.Japan is reasonable & i even went for honeymoon there in 2007.ppl were asking of all places why japan?well guess u have to see it to believe it. we even get cheaper hotel near shinjuku train station in tokyo for <10k yen.nagoya is a must route cz travellers can extend their journey to kyoto for <2hrs train ride.even for food is not an issue for muslim cz we opt for seafood-sushi, tempura, hot/cold soba.i love trying their food but again i limit myself to seafood.
please make it happen AA so that me & hubby can re-visit japan.
I love japan & the idea of AAX flying there is very exciting.I was with sia for 3yrs & japan was definitely my most awaiting duties in my roster.Japan is reasonable & i even went for honeymoon there in 2007.ppl were asking of all places why japan?well guess u have to see it to believe it. we even get cheaper hotel near shinjuku train station in tokyo for <10k yen.nagoya is a must route cz travellers can extend their journey to kyoto for <2hrs train ride.even for food is not an issue for muslim cz we opt for seafood-sushi, tempura, hot/cold soba.i love trying their food but again i limit myself to seafood.
please make it happen AA so that me & hubby can re-visit japan.
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