As a rail fan (I like trains) I've always enjoyed taking Narita SkyAccess Line into Tokyo and occasionally all the way to Haneda or visa versa. Train cars on this line are typical Tokyo subway cars. But, the Limousine Bus is also a good choice. Luggage would be my determining factor. Lots of luggage? Take the bus.

WOW, thank you so much everyone for your insight! To answer your questions, I am bringing a carry-on roller and a backpack, so light packing. I think I may look into the Limousine bus since it sounds like traffic isn't as big as a factor as I thought. Thank you again!

If that's the case... Taking the train allows you to explore Tokyo itself since you have 7 hours. You can get off near Nihonbashi, it's walking distance e to Tokyo station/department stores etc, plenty of stuff to do (eat, snack, shopping)

It's very common for people to roam around Tokyo with a carryon (or you can store it inside a locker for about 500-1000 yen).


I'm guessing you haven't been to Tokyo before?

That is a great idea! Maybe I will do that, but will decide based on how I feel after my flight arrives in Tokyo. If I want to explore or relax (and if my flight arrives on time). Thanks!

I will end my current DONEx with a CX flight HKG-HND. If I was to start the next RTW with the same plane HND-HKG, would that work out? Is there a CX transit desk at HND where I could get a printed boarding pass (if needed). Crucially, would I need to clear immigration or not? HBO obviously. TIA.

There are no transfer desks before transit security. But a printed confirmation of your onward ticket should be enough get you through transfer security check and airside where there are transfer desks, or the CX lounge to help you.

Is this cutting it too close - 1:20 connect time NRT - INTL-INTL
 

I should have thought better before I agreed to this, and just emailed the corporate TA who booked to see if I could change

I am scheduled to come into NRT on JAL 61 from LAX arriving 4:40 PM

I have a connection to MNL on JAL 745 departing at 6pm.

I gather this is precisely the minimum connect time - I think this might be risky and am looking for feedback from the hive mind. I am in Business Class and have AA Platinum status if that is relevant. This is for a trip in mid-October.

If you are on a single ticket, no problem at all.

yep, all a single ticket

It’s JAL you’ll have time for the lounge probably.

That’s mostly a joke—but if it’s close there will be an army of JL staff at the arriving flight to smooth the connection for you.

They are also good a holding flights for connections

I guess I was sort of hoping for Japanese efficiency, which sounds like it. No lounge time no problem - on my return, I have about a five hour layover at Haneda.

When arriving from CONUSA and transiting NRT, generally you can skip transit security. Just step off plane into the terminal directly, can go to the next gate (or lounge).

Ymmv too (randomly you may still get transit security), and also does not apply when arriving from asía (only conusa)

That's helpful. When I looked at the JAL website it sounded as if I would need to go through carryon rescreening. I've been in and out of NRT a number of times (pre COVID) but never connected through except to a domestic flight.

11 hour layover at NRT. Arriving overnight and departing in the PM. Not likely that I'll have it in me to go for a wander in Tokyo, so are there any day use hotels near the airport?