^ 100%: If I had 8 hours I would definitely get out of HND. Even 6 hours I'd get out. The train is so convenient ~35 minutes on Keikyu line to Asakusa line to Ginza basically.

Depends how curious you are about Japan. For a traveler like me, any stop in Japan is an opportunity to exit and grab a meal.

I agree with replies above. One thing to note. Early July is rainy season, so don't be surprised if it's wet. If not carrying your own, you can get a cheap umbrella at any convenience store and many other types of stores.

Since it’s going to be really hot and muggy, or possibly rainy as nishimark says, I personally would avoid the outdoor elements especially because you’re gonna get on another flight right after. With that in mind, you could hop in Keisei train to Oshiage station which connects directly to the Skytree and its huge shopping/dining complex Solamachi. Even with 8 hours, you’re probably just going to have ~3 hours there when all is said and done. Still think it’s worth heading into town as everyone else says.


There’re actually multiple places at T1 also, where you can pay to have your luggage/backpack held.

is mileagehighclub same as mile high club?
if so, you are a member?

Thanks, and thanks to everyone above for their replies.

I think this is the crux of my decision. Is the limited time I could pop out into Tokyo worthy keeping the itinerary with the long layover. As opposed to finding a different routing that is a more efficient use of time.

If I end of sticking with this itinerary, I will certainly leave the airport based on the responses. And if so, will likely be back with more detailed questions. But thanks for now!

Thinking of staying here overnight from HNL-KIX / KIX-PVG, 18 hours in total. Besides what's in the hotel, what's there to do, in terms of dining and shopping?

It's on the airport island. Unless you take a bus across the bridge to the mainland, shopping and dining options other than what's in the hotel are basically what's in the terminal :
https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/shop-and-dine/dine

Across the bridge, about 10 minutes away, is a place called Rinku Town. There's a large outlet shopping complex there, along with restaurants and other types of stores. There's a bus from and back to KIX that operates several times throughout the day.
https://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/SKYB

Plus the trains from to and from Rinku Town Station. It is a 10 minute walk from the station to the outlet. Easiest to do with a SUICA or equivalent, the platforms are shared between JR and Nankai at Rinku town, when start there on a SUICA, you can just grab the first train that comes, if you buy a JR ticket you will have to wait for a JR train. The trains runs far more frequent than the bus.

Good point about the trains! My brain had a blank moment when typing my earlier reply.

Thanks all, sounds like Nikko Hotel + train to Rinku Town is the way to spend the evening before the morning flight!

There is a small shopping area with many restaurants attached to the hotel.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2df5f0fc_b.jpg

Is there a transfer desk at KIX in Terminal 1? Have a friend flying SFO-KIX (UA) and KIX-PVG (FM) tomorrow on separate tix. Both flights operate from KIX Terminal 1.

FM/MU isn't allowing OLCI (the part to fill out API seems broken on the website or maybe they want to do a docs check at the airport - either way it doesn't work) and I was hoping to avoid having them go landside given that there is exactly 2 hours and 20 minutes between the two flights.

Will also try checking in for KIX-PVG at the MU counter in SFO but not sure if that will work.

If there isn't a transfer desk that can issue a a FM boarding pass, can FM check them in at the gate?

No check in bags.

MU could not check them in for KIX-PVG at SFO.

A bit worried that even if transit security lets them through, there will be no FM transfer desk and the FM gate will be unstaffed until check in is closed at which point it will be too late.

The incoming PVG-KIX arrives one hour before KIX-PVG departs. Not sure if that means the gate will be staffed before check in cut off.

Will be tight/risky for sure. IIRC, MCT at KIX for int to int is 75 minutes.