GOLDEN WEEK: Exploring in and Out

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.

Destination

• Use the Skyscanner ‘anywhere’ function to compare the prices of multiple destinations.

• Think about your bucket list. See if you can cross anything off while in Japan.

• Think about your hobbies. See if you can pursue them elsewhere in Japan (e.g yoga.)

Accommodatiom

• Use Tatami Timeshare or Couchsurfing to see if there are any hosts in the area you want to visit. Not only will you save on accommodation but you will also get to meet new people too.

Transport

• Although the shinkansen may reduce travel time, taking buses is far more cost-efficient. www.atbus-decom.e.jo.hp.transer.com has routes all over Kyushu.

Alice and Yeti Trudel, a former ALT in Sasebo, share another transportation tip: rent a car. Of this, Yeti says:

Even though people say that traffic is at a peak during Golden Week, I'd recommend renting one for just a day and hitting up those spots that you know are off the beaten path/less traveled. Sometimes it ends up being cheaper (and faster) than public transit.

A Nagazasshi reader outside of Kyushu also has a recommendation. Aljohn Flores, an ALT in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, recommends a less traveled but beautiful place: Mount Yashima in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture lets you experience the rich history of Japan and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea. Some of the things you will surely enjoy visiting on top of the mountain are a museum that displays artifacts showing Yashima’s history (entrance costs 500 yen); and the Yashima Temple, the 84th of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The mountain rarely gets crowded even on weekends (at least from my experience), so if you’re the kind who is already tired of jam-packed tourist destinations, you will surely enjoy this place. Some restaurants serve udon on the mountain, but if you prefer to bring your own food, you may! Just find a bench, and enjoy the view of Takamatsu City while you eat. You may choose to hike the mountain or go by bus from Kotoden Yashima Station for only a 100 yen one way.