Will be arriving NRT on JL5 (scheduled arrival at NRT at 4:35pm), departing on JL35 (scheduled departure from HND at 11:40pm). All travel in business class. OneWorld Emerald status.
The bus from NRT to HND is scheduled at ~80 minutes. Even with customs and security, there's still 3+ hours left.
Could go into the city. Will be well-fed from inbound transpacific business class multiple meals, so my usual favorite Japan activity (eating) is a lower priority than usual. Will have luggage in tow which adds additional complexity, though we could store it in a locker.
What are options for a run at either airport? With two passengers, one can guard bags while the other runs, then vice versa, or we could store luggage in a locker and both run at once. (Could make a fine addition to my Running In and Around Airports (http://www.benedelman.org/travel/running/) page!) Need a place to shower. Ideally, given the season, it would be good to run indoors, in a semi-secluded area. But I've never lingered long enough at either NRT or HND to have good ideas.
It seems that are showers at Narita (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_37.html) (1000Y for 30 minutes) and at Haneda (http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/premises/service/relaxation.html) (800Y for 30 minutes), both accessible before security. I believe accessing the JAL HND lounge requires going through security, which I would prefer not to do while wearing athletic clothes.
JALPak
Nov 28, 11, 5:40 pm
Will be arriving NRT on JL5 (scheduled arrival at NRT at 4:35pm), departing on JL35 (scheduled departure from HND at 11:40pm). All travel in business class. OneWorld Emerald status.
The bus from NRT to HND is scheduled at ~80 minutes. Even with customs and security, there's still 3+ hours left.
Could go into the city. Will be well-fed from inbound transpacific business class multiple meals, so my usual favorite Japan activity (eating) is a lower priority than usual. Will have luggage in tow which adds additional complexity, though we could store it in a locker.
What are options for a run at either airport? With two passengers, one can guard bags while the other runs, then vice versa, or we could store luggage in a locker and both run at once. (Could make a fine addition to my Running In and Around Airports (http://www.benedelman.org/travel/running/) page!) Need a place to shower. Ideally, given the season, it would be good to run indoors, in a semi-secluded area. But I've never lingered long enough at either NRT or HND to have good ideas.
It seems that are showers at Narita (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_37.html) (1000Y for 30 minutes) and at Haneda (http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/premises/service/relaxation.html) (800Y for 30 minutes), both accessible before security. I believe accessing the JAL HND lounge requires going through security, which I would prefer not to do while wearing athletic clothes.
Shower is FREE at NRT to JAL F and C passengers, and JMB elites
http://www.jal.co.jp/narita-t2/campaign/shower/
MSPeconomist
Nov 28, 11, 5:44 pm
When you arrive in Tokyo, it will be dark and most things other than eating, drinking,and entertainment will be closed for the day, with the exception possibly of art museums if it is their evening, usually 8pm IIRC, for staying open late, possibly with free admission.
I would study the intersection between the rail lines from NRT and the light rail and monorail lines to HND. I think you can go to Tokyo station, which should have luggage lockers, and then easily walk around that area and Ginza, then return to claim the bags and walk to transportation to HND. Alternatively, take the NRTEXpress train or Friendly limo bus to Tokyo station, store the bags, and then take the Friendly limo bus from either Tokyo station or a nearby hotel to HND. I know there is a 9:05 run from the Imperial that arrives at the HND international terminal only around 10pm. Ginza is a fun area to walk and people watch, maybe better if you do not want to eat and drink as it can be expensive.
For real running, is there a big hotel that sells admission to its health club to non guests for a reasonable price? Even at night, I guess you could try an outdoor run along the Imperial Palace Grounds, which would be close to the Tokyo station lockers and then use the HND land side showers if you are sufficiently determined.
joejones
Nov 30, 11, 2:22 am
There is a Japanese bath house reasonably close to the Imperial Palace where you could wash up after a run.
The place caters to many runners, so you can leave your street clothes there while you run, and then wash up and change back afterwards.
If the weather is bad, you can try the Chiyoda City Sports Center which is in the same general area. It has a somewhat dilapidated but quite functional training room with a bunch of treadmills. (Indoor jogging tracks are few and far between in Japan.) Open until 9 pm, admission 500 yen, showers available.
Best routing would probably be NEX to Tokyo, store luggage there, run, clean up, then Yamanote Line from Tokyo to Hamamatsucho, then Tokyo Monorail to the airport.
accrapolo
Dec 4, 11, 2:24 pm
This is a good question. Time...and your comfort level...are the only challenges.
From HND- take the monorail to Hamamatsucho station (leave your bags in one of the many coin lockers) and run toward Tokyo Tower...maybe 2km...then run around the park (1.5km?)...the backdrop of Tokyo Tower will make it memorable run (and an easy landmark)...well lit too, ...lots of places to stretch and enjoy the scenery...In Hamamatsucho it's basically a business district filled with salarymen so there are plenty of inexpensive sake ("atsukan" warmed) and grilled chicken bars to stick your head in and pull up a chair with the locals...Have fun..you can take a shower at the lounge...:)
bedelman
Jan 2, 12, 4:36 pm
Following up on this, I wanted to add an update with my experience running at Narita (http://www.benedelman.org/travel/running/#nrt):
At Terminal 2 Arrivals, you’ll find a *shower service in the basement (B1F level). It’s JPY1000 for 30 minutes. During fall 2011 there was a promotion for free access for passengers arriving NRT in JAL long-haul business class or first class. Perhaps there are similar promotions from time to time on other carriers; I don’t know.
I don’t think you can leave your bags in the shower area while running, though perhaps if you’re particularly charming or speak good Japanese, it might be possible. If you have a non-runner in your party, that person can wait with luggage in the foyer of the shower area (two adequate couches, good lighting, AC power). Otherwise, there’s a *left luggage service upstairs (JPY 500+ per piece; not sure if they’d give a discount for particularly short periods).
To begin your run, return to the arrivals level, go out any door, and turn right. Continue straight ahead, keeping all cars on your left and staying as close as possible to the terminal building, which will give way to a fence and cargo buildings. Continue straight, bending around to the left as you approach a security checkpoint (for cars, buses, and trucks approaching the airport). Continue straight as far as you like – there’s several miles of open sidewalk ahead, with rolling hills and the occasional traffic light and half a dozen airport hotels, parking lots, and the like. I found this sidewalk passable even after dark (quite even terrain, no leaves, rocks, or other annoyances when I was there), though it’s much easier during the day (as lighting varies from section to section, and some parts are quite dark).
Coming back to the terminal area, via the pedestrian walkway next to the car/bus/truck security checkpoint, I was asked (mostly in Japanese!) for my photo ID. Of course I didn’t have it. (I’ve never been asked for ID to approach any other airport.) After a few minutes of polite non-discussion – I didn’t have a language in common with the security staff – they accepted a piece of paper with my name, city & country, and inbound flight number.
Thanks to all who provided advice! Jalpak, I would never have known showers were free for inbound JL J pax had you not alerted me to that promotion.