Originally Posted by
aktchi
Most interesting. I am a big fan of such deliberately engineered breaks too! However, so far I have tried to avoid the airport transfer when possible. Typically, I leave the bags at NRT itself, and enjoy the day in either Narita (the town) or Asakusa. What are your favorite spots in Tokyo for such a break?
I also agree completely with your observation re JL economy. Certainly one of the best experiences in coach. My only irritation is that, having booked thru AA or an OTA, I often end up in JL fare classes that don't allow advance seat selection, and have to wait till check-in to select my JL seats. Minor irritant, but has mostly worked out ok.
Really depends what I'm in the mood for! I usually try to pick a major station like Tokyo, Shinagwa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku to drop my bags off at. Some of the stations even have a valet service now - but usually you can find lockers hidden off in the shopping areas. Asakusa is a good one for Narita due to its proximity, but for Haneda you have so many more options. one of my favorites is to start in Shibuya and work my way up to Shinjuku (usually walking) or v.v. checking out the Meiji shrine, hitting up some ramen, getting lost in the Harajuku district (there is a fantastic gyoza place here), checking out the views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building up in Shinjuku, etc. But there are so many more options - you can do Ginza/imperial gardens from Tokyo Station; museums from Ueno Station, etc etc