<> = 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 1. 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 1. Check prices for airfares * Can be done for just under $1400 * Tax return just came in, liquid cash is available * Jetstar again 1. Apply for leave * Not applicable 1. Thrash out a rough timeline of where to be on which days 1. Figure out where you'll be and book accommodation 1. How much is accommodation going to cost? 1. How about travel? * JR pass? * Car hire? http://rent.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html (./) 1. 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