I am planning to see sakura blooms in Kansai area and tourist sightseeing next year. When should be the rough period I should start looking out for better price air tickets? Btw, has airbnb approved officially in Japan already?
I've seen many in other forums who have booked their tickets. Just look out for airfare deals.
Airbnb is never legal in Japan except for one area near Haneda Airport - Ota District and minimum stay is 7 days. The last thing you would want during a vacation is getting detained by police and evicted from the host's place when you don't even speak their language.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/02/12/national/tokyos-ota-ward-approves-first-short-term-airbnb-style-home-rentals/#.V5ncgvR72nM
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/27/business/airbnb-home-sharing-war-heats-japan/#.V5lx_olUvqC