6 hours in Tokyo?
Jan 11, 2011 | 10:39 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 238
6 hours in Tokyo?
Would appreciate some advice from flyertalkers familiar with Tokyo on this...
Right now I am booked on a mileage ticket (on ANA) that goes from CTS - HND arriving at 12:10pm then leaves from NRT - HKG at 6:40pm.
I am trying to decide whether to change to a more convoluted route that would not require a HND-NRT transfer. There is availability on a flight that leaves CTS at 10:45am, transit at SDJ, leaving at 4pm for NRT, arriving 5pm and then taking the same flight NRT - HKG at 6:40pm. I am a CO Gold so I presume I can go to the lounge, so the long layover in SDJ is not really a problem, but if I could, I would rather spend the time in Tokyo trying ramen stalls and the like.
What can I realistically do in the 6 hours given the travel time required and the traffic that time of the day (it's going to be a Monday)? how much actual free time in the city would I have?
Right now I am booked on a mileage ticket (on ANA) that goes from CTS - HND arriving at 12:10pm then leaves from NRT - HKG at 6:40pm.
I am trying to decide whether to change to a more convoluted route that would not require a HND-NRT transfer. There is availability on a flight that leaves CTS at 10:45am, transit at SDJ, leaving at 4pm for NRT, arriving 5pm and then taking the same flight NRT - HKG at 6:40pm. I am a CO Gold so I presume I can go to the lounge, so the long layover in SDJ is not really a problem, but if I could, I would rather spend the time in Tokyo trying ramen stalls and the like.
What can I realistically do in the 6 hours given the travel time required and the traffic that time of the day (it's going to be a Monday)? how much actual free time in the city would I have?
Jan 11, 2011 | 10:54 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 238
It was a partner reward, so I think there were very limited availability. I have been calling every week for the past few weeks and the SDJ option was one that just opened up on my most recent call.
If I only have 2-3 hours, it's probably not worth the trouble and the added cost.
If I only have 2-3 hours, it's probably not worth the trouble and the added cost.
Jan 11, 2011 | 11:14 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NRT
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 10,048
Depending on your tolerance for added cost, you could consider buying one of those Star Alliance discounted tickets ... forget what they're called. Cost for a domestic flight is 11,000 yen IIRC.
In any price comparison, bear in mind that going via HND will require a bus or train journey, which is likely to cost more than 3,000 yen, depending on your route.
In any price comparison, bear in mind that going via HND will require a bus or train journey, which is likely to cost more than 3,000 yen, depending on your route.
Jan 11, 2011 | 7:19 pm
#6
Moderator, All Nippon Airways and Japan
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: NH SFC (*G), JL JGC (OWS), AS MVP, WOH E, IHG SE
Posts: 3,920