The Real Deal: Roundtrip airfare and five nights' accommodations from $959 per person

When: Jan. 1 - Mar. 31, 2006; $1,009 through Dec. 31, 2005

Gateways: Los Angeles

Details: Lowest airfares are based on mid-week (Sun. - Thurs.) departures. For Fri. or Sat. departures, add $50 per person. Fuel surcharges and hotel taxes are included. Additional airport taxes totaling $72 per person apply. The package is based on double occupancy; the single supplement is $399

Book By: Jan. 31, 2006

Contact: Asian Affair Holidays, 800-742-3133, asianaffairholidays.com

The package includes roundtrip airfare on Singapore Airlines, a five-night stay at Tokyo Hilton International, a luxurious hotel in the flashy and modern Shinjuku quarter, plus transfers between the airport and hotel, and a half-day city bus tour. Travelers can extend their stay for an additional $90 per person nightly.

Solo travelers who want to avoid the dreaded single supplement ($399 in this case) should look into pairing up with someone of the same sex to share a room. Two of the most popular single travel operators are Travel Chums, 212/787-2621, travelchums.com or Travel Buddies Worldwide, 800/998-9099, travelbuddiesworldwide.com

In comparison, roundtrip airfare between Los Angeles and Tokyo is currently pricing at $576 (American Airlines) for early December travel.