Originally Posted by
bmwe92fan
You have to understand that revenue management in Japan works differently than in America -- my (Japanese) wife will basically require that we book almost a year in advance because the rule in Asia is that prices only go UP -- and never down -- as departure dates get closer -- it's like an unwritten rule in Japan -- and I can't say I've ever seen it not be true -- and for award space -- it's basically impossible to get until a week before departure -- so I'm guessing she's right.... Revenue management in Japan is disciplined and consistent -- right or wrong it is what it is...
Maybe there is a reason, but why do train tickets in Japan remain the same price forever? It is just that some trains get sold out.
Everybody knows Japan is most deflationary (you don't buy a house for an investment, for example) but funny how some things are priced like the US (eg airfare) and some things aren't (eg train tickets, never a deal other than JR pass, always the same price). Oh yeah, hotel prices do vary as well.