Having just returned from two months in Asia, I gained even more appreciation for the epic isle of Japan. It’s finely tuned public transportation, spotless avenues and multi-functional toilets are above and beyond.

A common stigma about Japan is that everything is expensive, overpriced and the US dollar is worth dirt. That was true in the 1980′s. However, in 2010, not the case. I was able to find modern, clean, snug hotels for only $100/night in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Meals were only $10-15. Remember, there’s no tipping in Japan. Also, green tea and water are free with your meal. In America, drinks and tip account for 35% of your bill. But, these expenses are avoided in Japanese restaurants. I had an incredible sushi meal at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market for only $10 total.

Go!

Planning travel to Asia next year? Now may be the time to book. We’re seeing flights in the low $700′s from San Francisco to Tokyo for travel next spring.

We found this flight (below) on Vayama (with Air Canada) for $727 for May 2011.

Although this flight is with Air Canada, it is significantly cheaper on Vayama, thanks in part to their $31 off sale.

Search now!

Following Singapore Airline’s lead, American Airlines has gotten into the low-cost fun to Japan.  Cheap flights to Tokyo from Los Angeles/San Francisco for under $600 have been going on for about 6 months now.  Don’t turn your back on this one!

These low airfares to Japan are unprecedented.  Take advantage of this before they pop back up to the $800-$1000 mark where they rightfully (and profitably) belong!

See below (pulled from AA.com)…

Flight prices have been just as volatile as the housing market as of late, with sudden spikes in prices that leave you scratching your head. Should I buy now? Or, should I wait?

We’ve noticed that flights prices have, in fact, increased during the last several weeks, making us believe they may be rebounding from a ‘bottoming-out’. This may be the last chance to land the types of great deals we’ve seen this spring and summer.

Just last week I was touting the Los Angeles to Tokyo $475 rate on Singapore Airlines. BOOM! Now, it’s back up to $650. The market is so turbulent and unpredictable that you can’t wait on these gems.

This deal, $524 to Sao Paulo from New York in early 2010, which we’ve found with Aeromexico on Orbitz is one of those “ASAP” deals. Jump on it ASAP, because it could be gone tomorrow!

Singapore Airlines is making a lot of noise about their 30th Anniversary Sale on flights to Australia and Singapore; however it’s their less mentioned deals that are getting our attention.

We found this sweet deal (below) for travel between LAX and NRT for $586. For some reason this fell below the radar!

Tickets must be purchased by 5/31/09 for outbound travel dates between 4/1/09 and 5/31/09.

Departure dates are Mon – Thur. See all deals from Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Vancouver and San Francisco!

We’re seeing great deals from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) on Singapore Airlines, including this one below, for $677 round-trip, non-stop.

Purchase must be completed by 3/31/09, for travel between 3/4/09 and 3/31/09, however what we found was for travel in May and June, so it appears their travel dates are flexible.

Also, the below itinerary is for only $677, which is below the advertised rate of $730! Singapore Airlines is also advertising sales to Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Cambodia and the Philippines starting at $926, but I’m sure you can find cheaper like we did!

Singapore Airlines Fare Sale!