PAULA TOW / ARTIST
This will be my first Golden Week, and I plan to relax, laugh and see a bit of Japan. I'
going to Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima with my sister and friends. Considering that I'll have
to shell out a fair bit to travel within Japan, I'd be willing to spend the same amount
and more to go overseas.
JESPER AVAER / STUDENT
I'd like to be able to breathe unpolluted air in Tokyo for a change but plan to organize a
trip out of the city before the price skyrockets. I'd never pay more than the normal fare
to get out of Japan, and the best thing I've done for Golden Week is avoiding the queues
at Narita airport.
RIE LEWIS / RECEPTIONIST
If I had the money, I'd like to go to Bali and go diving and relax on the beach. Instead I
will probably work. Since everywhere will be so crowded I wouldn't go out of my way to
escape Japan. My best Golden Week was spent scuba diving on Miyakujima Island in Okinawa,
where the ocean was gorgeous and I could really relax.
Hanami Photos by Beezer
Golden Week is upon us, but for those
who haven't yet made plans, the opportunity to realize your dream holiday may have already
passed. With flights booked out and accommodation prices still spiraling, our roving
reporter went to find out what Tokyoites planned to do, and what they actually
will be doing, this Golden Week. Faced with having to stay in town, how much would you pay
to get out of Japan? And if all else fails, what memories do you have of your best spent
Golden Week?
VICTORIA RUSHTON / TEACHER
My dream is to sit on the beach sipping pina coladas, but unfortunately I have to work
throughout the week and can't really go anywhere. I wouldn't be willing to pay more than
the real cost of a ticket to get out of Japan, and my best Golden Week was spent in Tokyo
enjoying people-free trains.
RYAN AND DIANA COX / VENTURE
DEVELOPMENT AND TEACHER
We planned on going to Okinawa for a week of sun and surf but decided to fly our parents
over and spend the week showing them the sights. If we had left we would have easily spent
$US 3000 each, but it's important to take advantage of vacations when you can. This is our
first Golden Week in Japan so we kind of want to stay here.
TOKYO TALK: