Originally Posted by AlwaysAisle (Post 34757223)

Nozimi on Shinkansen has non-reserved seat so that you do not have to specify the train. Buying Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo will apply roundtrip discount so will be slightly cheaper than buying Tokyo-Osaka and Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo separately. Since your trip will be a simple round trip of Tokyo-Osaka, JR Pass will come out slightly more expensive than buying ticket for Tokyo-Osaka round trip. Also, JR Pass will only allow you to ride on Hikari which runs only twice every hour. With purchasing a ticket you can ride on Nozomi which runs every 12 min. Unless it is a major holiday, you will be fine buying Shinkansen ticket a day before. Having reserved seat will ensure that everybody in your party will sit together. Non-reserved seat have a chance of everybody in your party not able to sit togather.
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Originally Posted by UA_Flyer (Post 34759336)

I am planning just a one night stay near Narita airport area for an upcoming tirp at end of this month.
Flying from Hong Kong to US via NH/UA but needs to stay overnight in Narita to do a business call.

My quesitons:

1. Based on the current relaxed travel restriction, is it business as usual for US passport hodler. All I need is vaccinaitn record to enter Japan? I read that testing is no longer required now if one is fully vaccinated.
2. Any left luggage storage place at Narita NH/UA terminal?
3. Any hotel suggestion with good wifi near Narita airport with easy hotel shuttle access?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Originally Posted by CPH-Flyer (Post 34759496)

1. No requirements as such if you are fully vaccinated, just note that fully vaccinated is the original series plus a booster. You will need to complete the forms visit Japan website. Though strictly speaking you can do it upon landing but it will slow you down tremendously.
2. Not sure, but as there are shuttles direct to the hotel, maybe just bring it there.
3. Maybe the Hilton?

Originally Posted by paperwastage (Post 34734008)

which airport is better for intl->domestic connection, NRT or HND?

will be on ANA for both on single ticket, multiple options for 80 min, 120min, 150 min connections, possibly 1 checked bag



thinking NRT should be better, b/c ANA int'l lands T1, customs/immigration, then its a short walk on the same floor to checkin for domestic (same terminal)
while HND likely has to transfer terminals?

Originally Posted by paperwastage (Post 34761679)

3 hours enough?

Originally Posted by bmwe92fan (Post 34761568)

I know you are a very experienced traveler -- but the hotels around Narita aren't great -- would highly recommend a trip into Tokyo for a decent meal -- but if you are arriving late / leaving early -- the Hilton is solid...

Originally Posted by joejones (Post 34762408)

My suggestion for anyone wanting to stay by NRT is the Art Hotel Narita (former View Hotel Narita), because it has a proper onsen complete with rotemburo. It's right across the highway from the Hilton and is quite a bit cheaper.

Originally Posted by paperwastage (Post 34734008)

scratching my original plan

it'll be separate tickets with 1 checked baggage

NH844 SIN-> HND (ANA, seems like avg 30min delay max 90 min) landing 6am
HND-> Osaka (looking at JAL/ANA/Starflyer)

sticking with star alliance doesn't offer much benefit (still have to pick up checked bag @ HND, *G lounge at HND Domestic isnt that great and no showers, don't need the +20kg extra bag allowance from *G)

Originally Posted by jib71 (Post 34761773)

More than enough for a transfer from international to domestic at HND.
FWIW, with that much time, you could get to Osaka by train. Mind you, flying is cheaper.

Originally Posted by MattEvan (Post 34762429)

Have you personally stayed there?

Originally Posted by portlandexpos04 (Post 34769379)

Saw on another thread that immigration lines were taking ~2-3 hours to clear at HND. I'm coming in from SFO on JL1 with transfer to KIX JL229... I believe its the last connecting flight to KIX for the night. I've got about 2 hours connection time, planning 3 checked bags.
Does anyone know if there's still a immigration Priority Line for pax with toddlers (2 years old)? Also, is the connection time realistic with the bus transfer and all? First time flying into HND and starting to worry a bit especially after getting the email from JAL that said to allow up to 5(!) hours for immigration clearance (yikes).

Originally Posted by CPH-Flyer (Post 34769383)

I think 5 hours is only the relatively rare group of travellers who will still need on arrival covid testing.

Originally Posted by portlandexpos04 (Post 34769398)

Do you think that 2 hours connecting to the domestic side is enough? I've already gotten cleared through the Fastrack procedure, but not sure if that really makes a difference or not as I'm sure everyone else is cleared too...