The ticket home is always a great JET debate. How much are you entitled to? How much did your predecessor last year get? How much did the other JETs in the prefecture get? What were the rules in the past and what are they today? Well this is all largely irrelevant as your host institution will decide how much money to give you when they cover your fare home. They may just throw a wad of cash at you, or they may ask for a quote and then give you the money.

It is possible to get estimates from travel agents, however if you want to put the most expensive quote on the table and get the most possible, contact the airline directly and ask for a full fare ticket. If you have to buy the ticket you should make sure that you can get a refund which will allow you to buy a discounted ticket from a travel agent such as those listed on the popular FlightFinderJapan.com service.

If you are leaving Japan during tourist season will also make getting a ticket that much harder -- call a travel agent at least 2 months in advance. You are allowed 2 suitcases up to 32 kg each and one hand-carry item (and a backpack) if flying to the Americas. When flying to Europe or other areas some airlines like Air France only allow up to 20kg per suitcase). Carrying a 3rd suitcase may also be an option. You'll need to pay the excess baggage charge but compared to mailing it from Japan it'd still be well worth it. Many airlines charge excess baggage at 1% of the airfare per kilogram. Check with your airline for complete info.

You can jump the waiting list by contacting a travel agent in your home country and booking a ticket through them through the Jetset Japan Friends & Family service. This puts you in contact with Japan travel specialists who offer JETs exclusive prices.