Destination

Aogashima sounds interesting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aogashima

The view is amazing: http://i.imgur.com/kPEvi6f.jpg

How and why

I'm between jobs and have some time free, about a week.

Feasibility

1. Think of some stuff to do and/or an event to centre the trip around
   • Aogashima is an island south of Tokyo, it's a volcanic island
2. What dates?
   • Depart August 2nd or 3rd (after Martin's birthday party on the 1st)
   • Arrive back in time for Smash, which is the 9th and 10th
   • Need some time to prepare for Smash cosplay beforehand
3. Check prices for airfares
   • Can be done for just under $1400
   • Tax return just came in, liquid cash is available
   • Jetstar again
4. Apply for leave
   • Not applicable
5. Thrash out a rough timeline of where to be on which days
6. Figure out where you'll be and book accommodation
7. How much is accommodation going to cost?
8. How about travel?
   • JR pass?

   • Car hire? http://rent.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html

9. How many yens will you need? Buy some yens

To do

1. Book airfares

Where to go

Let's go.... Izu Islands! http://wikitravel.org/en/Izu_Islands

With the ultimate goal of Aogashima: http://wikitravel.org/en/Aogashima

http://www.tofugu.com/2011/12/07/japans-hidden-tropical-island-aogashima/

A heli-shuttle goes to the islands, sounds like a good way to reach Aogashima: http://www.tohoair.co.jp/english/shuttle/index.html

Other people's experience getting there: http://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/26846/what-options-exist-to-get-to-aogashima-japan-from-tokyo

http://www.japanzine.jp/article/jz/2082/touring-the-tiniest-town-in-japan

Timing and logistics

TBC.

• Martin's party is on Saturday 1st
• Maybe photoshoot on Sunday 2nd
• Smash is on the 8th and 9th
• Sunday 9th is Kancolle cosplay, so I can arrive home on the 8th at the absolute latest
• Departing on Friday 7th would be best

Days:

• Sunday - depart Sydney
• Monday - arrive Tokyo in morning, 0835, start heading to Hachijojima (ferry or ANA), or chill and catch ANA in the morning
• Tuesday - heli to Aogashima in morning? check-in at 0830, arrive at 0940. Explore!
  • ANA departs Haneda at 0730, arrives Hachijojima at 0825. Might be too close for the heli pickup
• Wednesday - Explore! Maybe camp
• Thursday - heli from Aogashima in morning? check in at 0855, arrive Hachijojima at 1005. arrive back in Tokyo when/how?
• Friday - relax, do local stuff, depart Tokyo in evening at 2030