Saving that precious paid leave for long holidays like Golden Week can sometimes be tricky, with all the options, or lack of them (depending on how early you planned and booked). Not to mention the influx of local tourists that usually drives the prices of flights and accommodations up. Fortunately, we have fellow Nagazasshi readers with tips and hacks on how to save on effort and money for Golden Week or other long holidays. Enjoy!
Best general advice from Amber Jones, an ALT in Sasebo: I know it’s a bit late now, but I recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Golden Week is prime vacation time, so hotels fill up fast on popular destinations. I always try to plan a year in advance when possible. I booked my hotel last year for this year’s Golden Week and I was able to get a really great rate. It’s never too early to start planning.
Alice Mercep, an ALT in Omura City shares the idea of exploring Kyushu rather than leaving the country: Why not explore my own backyard of Kyushu? Not only would I save myself from the hassle of airports and international travel but I would also get to discover more of the southern part of Japan that I call home. I’ve made it a goal to visit all the prefectures of Kyushu. I’ve already managed to tick off six of the seven with only Miyazaki being left. While my knowledge of Miyazaki is limited, I’m aware it’s known for its beautiful beaches. As surfing is on my bucket list, I decided to see if there were any surf schools in Miyazaki. Turns out there’s a ton with some even offering additional activities such as yoga and nature walks, which also happen to be personal interests of mine. As I continued my research, I found the city also has a popular bar run by a New Zealander - a great slice of home for a Kiwi-JET such as myself. All in all, my golden nugget of advice would be to not overlook traveling within Kyushu. As I’ve quickly come to realize, the island truly does have some hidden gems that are waiting to be explored. 4
