You’ll already have your own detection and avoidance techniques honed and ready, but to go to Japan with your guard completely down would not be wise. Keep your wits about you, same as anywhere else.

I have read this whole thread. We did a very similar trip in March/April 2019. We had our return flight out of Tokyo/NRT. Instead of doing the Shinkansen, we flew out of Osaka/Itami Airport. We had used Virgin miles and ANA would not give us a return from Osaka at all. Thru my trip research, I found that Osaka's domestic airport, Itami/ITM was very convenient to the city. Even better were the airfares. We paid one way airfare from ITA to NRT, of only $73. Which is far cheaper than the Shinkansen fare and put us into our outbound airport. I mention this because your plan of getting back to Tokyo is more work than we did. If you flew, this would allow you an extra night in Osaka. Allowing you to see that city as well. But, I am still wondering if you are still doing this trip, considering Covid-19?

Nothing wrong with that plan if one thinks it works better for them. Personally, I absolutely love the Shinkansen and it's a lot less hassle than having to go to an airport and go through that whole ordeal, especially for a very short flight. But I can see why it might make sense in a few circumstances.

For someone connecting to an international flight at, say, NRT, the short flights from ITM to NRT can be pretty handy. Luggage can be checked through and it’s straightforward.

Another bonus is that Japan domestic airports are very efficient. You can arrive at the check-in counter one hour before flight departure and will likely have extra time for a cup of coffee at the gate waiting to board.

I'm reviving this thread because unfortunately, I had to reschedule my trip. I was supposed to be leaving tomorrow but that's not an option now.

My flights are re-booked for early to mid March - I do realize it's entirely possible that I'll have to reschedule again but I have a mileage upgrade to Delta One and I'm trying to keep that locked in. As of now, I'm planning on six nights in Tokyo, four in Kyoto and three in Osaka. I've booked the Westin in Kyoto and the Marriott Miyako in Osaka.

That leaves me with Toyko and when I planned the original trip, my options were somewhat limited. I ended up booking the Hyatt Regency but I'm trying to stick with Marriott properties if possible because I'll need the room nights next year.

It looks like everything is wide open now and I have my pick of all the Marriott properties. So I thought I'd throw this out to the experts again to weigh in. Prince Gallery and Prince Sakura are both available (although Gallery is a lot more points) and I know those are spoken of highly here although I seem to recall an issue with lounge access. I do prefer a property with a nice lounge if possible although location is important as well.

Any advice is, as always, much appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi ShopAround,

I would also have a search on the Marriott hotel forum as there is lots on information on there.

There is also a new mesm Tokyo near Hamarikyu Gardens which got a good review ( not sure about an executive lounge)

Edit: From here;

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...er-thread.html

it appears there is a lounge ( and some good photos in the thread too)

Although I am a Hilton person I did stay at the Prince Sakura tower twice and it is very good ( did not have lounge access but from the pictures the lounge looks good- not sure what it would be post-covid) .It has a very nice Japanese garden. It is close to Shinagawa JR station.

The Gallery is across the road from the New Otani hotel ( beautiful gardens) and close to several subway lines.

The Gallery might be slightly more convenient but have found that the Yamanote line ( at Shinagawa) goes round in a circle and is close to most of the major tourist sights.

Reards

TBS

Bonvoy elites no longer are given access to the PG lounge and the increment on paid rooms rates for access is considerable, although junior suites and higher seem to include lounge access. It's an excellent lounge, but I'm not sure it's worth the price unless you plan to basically hang out at the hotel and use it for at least every breakfast and every happy hour, including their alcohol offerings.

I'm not bullish on what the situation will be like for tourists in March. I doubt that a vaccine will be widely available by then, and the testing situation is so abysmal that I doubt they'll have the capacity to test anyone and everyone that wants to come into the country. They'll also be desperately trying to keep the Olympics going, so I don't see them throwing the doors open wide to tourists until after Golden Week.

So...don't get your hopes up for a March visit. If you do happen to make it, hotels will still be far more limited in the services they can offer than during normal times, so seems like spending points on an aspirational property would be a waste. Prince Sakura would be my pick, especially during Sakura season.

If you postpone...