Overnight in Tokyo
 

I posted this in the Asia forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=477714) but as I get closer to my departure, I figure it is a good idea to post this here to get more local insight.

I need some advice for an overnight in December. I get in from SFO at 15:25, leaving the next day for FRA at 10:30a. That leaves me with some time to play with on a Friday night.

Any suggestions on what I could do with this time? Where to stay, go? Is it worth going into Tokyo given my early departure the next day or should I just check into an airport hotel and veg-out? If you suggest that I party the whole night, any recommendations on where to go?

Ideas, comments, suggestions, itineraries would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

This is the single most common question asked about Tokyo/Narita. Do a search!

Hint: Unless you know this is the only time in your life you are going to be in Japan, don't bother, stay in Narita, unless you are the party-all-night type -- even then, you're pushing it. But search will tell all. If anything is omitted, try the Lonely Planet forums where this question also comes up, almost daily.

Your thread in the Asia forum drew responses from almost all of the regular posters in this group so you probably already have the best thoughts. For myself, I would take a room in Narita at one of the airport hotels, visit the Narita shrine, do a little shopping on the main drag and get a good night sleep. If I were a younger, party-type guy, I would also stay in Narita but after checking in would catch the first Keisei train into the city, transfer to the subway and head to Shibuya or Shinjuku or maybe Roppongi. Just be sure to get back to Ueno or Nippori in time for the last train back to Narita.

JR

I agree, I would stay in Narita City, see the temple and various sightseeing areas, and rest up for the next morning's flight out.