I arrived in Tokyo yesterday and am so excited about the next three weeks!
This post is primarily a report on the travel process to get here and hopefully some helpful tips!
I booked my flights using Alaska Airlines Frequent Flier miles.. I chose to fly Korean Airlines nonstop to Incheon, spend the night in an airport hotel, and continue on to Tokyo in the morning. I could have flown direct Seattle to Tokyo on Japan Airlines but it would have cost more than my night in Korea and had me arrive in the middle of the night. I was happy with my choice and really enjoyed Korean Airlines. Arriving at Narita at noon meant I wasn’t traveling during rush hour and my hotel room was ready when I arrived.
I checked my larger bag straight through to Tokyo and used my carryon in Korea. This worked well. I also took advantage of Japan’s luggage transport system. When you leave the arrivals hall turn left and go to the luggage transfer desk. For $14 I shipped my suitcase to my hotel (next day delivery) and entered the public transportation system with just my small sized carryon.
Narita Express to Shinagwa Station and then transferred to Keiko line for Keiko-Kamata station. My hotel, Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata is just a two minute walk from the station.
I found an amazing supermarket just outside the other side of the station with many, many aisles of interesting offerings for dinner. I used Google Translate Camera mode to quickly scan and translate labels and came away with a great noodle/pork dish for $2.69.
Hints: Embrace technology when traveling. My eSIM for Japan was preloaded (purchased through Airalo), my QR code for speedier processing through Japan immigration was in place (access through Japan Now website), Google translate camera makes short work of signs and labels, and city mapper app helped me navigate both in transit and on foot. I also used technology to preview my route using you tube videos and Google Maps satellite view.
I preloaded a Succia card into my Apple wallet. This allows me to tap in and tap out of all local transport just using my phone and is also accepted at convenience stores and vending machines. Very easy to use.
What I could have done better: I could have paid attention to which airport was closer to my hotel Haneda or Narita. I didn’t choose this hotel as I am joining a tour group that starts here tomorrow. I could have chosen to fly into the closer airport, however.
Today I am planning for Team Labs Tokyo Planet and the Imperial Palace gardens.