Feb 27, 2026, 1:27 am
Last edit by: beckoa
Arrival info:
beckoa: HA823 SEA-NRT JL267 HND-HIJ 21:20 4.2.26
intuition: OKA-FUK 02APR 13:15 NH1206
lking: ATL-KIX 01APR 20:45 KE7783; &1 Charlene: HNL-KIX 01APR 18:45 HA 849
ChrisFlyer66: Arriving on an ANA flight from Haneda at 8:30 Friday Morning.
BigRedBears: Likely HND-IWK 02APR, but have a back up HND-HIJ 02APR
rxgeek+1: SEA-HND 19:00 1 APR NH117
cocobird: SFO-NRT Mar 24 UA7949 15:20
ClaudiSTR MUC-KIX Mar 31
NewbieRunner: HND-HIJ 30 Mar NH679
nomadic.relief: ICN-FUK OZ134 2 Apr 13:55
Hotels: (rearranged for clarity)
beckoa: Comfort Inn 2-6 April (8k pts/night)
cocobird: Comfort Inn 2-6 April
BigRedBears: Comfort Hotel Hiroshima Otemachi 02-06APR
ice_cold Comfort Inn 2-6 April
intuition: APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi 02-05 APR
ChrisFlyer66: APA Hotel Hiroshima April 3-6
chopsiuy: APA Hotel Hiroshima April 3-6
ClaudiSTR - APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi 01-04 APR
lking&1Charlene: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima 02-06 APR; Matsue Onsen 06APR
NewbieRunner: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate 02-06 APR
rxgeek+1: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate 2-5 APR
Planning to join pre-do trip to Iwakuni and Kintaikyo Bridge on Thursday 2 April
NewbieRunner
BigRedBears
lking
lking +1
ClaudiSTR
Planning to join meet and greet drinks on Thursday 2 April
BigRedBears
hijiji
NewbieRunner
nomadic.relief
cocobird
ice_cold
lking
lking+1
ClaudiSTR
rxgeek
rxgeek+1
Booked on Kodama 942 (Hello Kitty excursion outbound)
cocobird and ice_cold Car 4 seat 2C and 2D
nomadic.relief Car 4 seat 9D
NewbieRunner; Car 4 seat 10A
ClaudiSTR: Car 4 seat 10D
ChrisFlyer66 Car 4 seat 11A
BigRedBears: Car 4 11B
rxgeek and rxgeek+1 Car 4 11C, 12C
lking Car 4 13B, +1 Car 4 12B
chopsiuy Car 4 seat 13A
intuition; Car 5 seat 2 C+D
beckoa Car 4 Seat 16C
Booked on Kodama 949 (Hello Kitty excursion homebound)
intuition; Car 4 seat 3 C+D
nomadic.relief Car 4 seat 5D
NewbieRunner; Car 4 seat 6A
cocobird and ice_cold Car 4 seat 6B and 6C
ChrisFlyer66 CAR. 4 SEAT. 7-C
BigRedBears: Car 4 7D
ClaudiSTR: Car 4 seat 9A
chopsiuy Car 4 seat 9D
lking Car 4 11A, +1 Car 4 11B
rxgeek and rxgeek+1 Car 4 12D, 13D
beckoa Car 4 Seat 5C
Departure Info:
beckoa: 07.04.26 JL252 HIJ-HND JL85 HND-PVG ** or 07.04.26 JL280/95 IZO-HND-GMP HA872 ICN-SEA
intution: 05APR 14:00 CX513 FUK-HKG
lking: 09APR DL7875 KIX-ICN DL7878 ICN-ATL; &1Charlene: 08APR HA 850 KIX-HNL
ChrisFlyer66 and chipsiuy taking ferry to Matsuyama on Monday.
BigRedBears: FUK-ICN-JFK 09APR
rxgeek+1: Train 5 APR Hiroshima-Osaka; 15 APR NRT-SEA HA824
cocobird and ice_cold: Apr 8 BR195 NRT-TPE 20:40
ClaudiSTR Apr 4 late afternoon via train to catch my Flight LH743 KIX-MUC on April 5
nomadic.relief Apr 8 JL280 IZO-HND
beckoa: HA823 SEA-NRT JL267 HND-HIJ 21:20 4.2.26
intuition: OKA-FUK 02APR 13:15 NH1206
lking: ATL-KIX 01APR 20:45 KE7783; &1 Charlene: HNL-KIX 01APR 18:45 HA 849
ChrisFlyer66: Arriving on an ANA flight from Haneda at 8:30 Friday Morning.
BigRedBears: Likely HND-IWK 02APR, but have a back up HND-HIJ 02APR
rxgeek+1: SEA-HND 19:00 1 APR NH117
cocobird: SFO-NRT Mar 24 UA7949 15:20
ClaudiSTR MUC-KIX Mar 31
NewbieRunner: HND-HIJ 30 Mar NH679
nomadic.relief: ICN-FUK OZ134 2 Apr 13:55
Hotels: (rearranged for clarity)
beckoa: Comfort Inn 2-6 April (8k pts/night)
cocobird: Comfort Inn 2-6 April
BigRedBears: Comfort Hotel Hiroshima Otemachi 02-06APR
ice_cold Comfort Inn 2-6 April
intuition: APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi 02-05 APR
ChrisFlyer66: APA Hotel Hiroshima April 3-6
chopsiuy: APA Hotel Hiroshima April 3-6
ClaudiSTR - APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi 01-04 APR
lking&1Charlene: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima 02-06 APR; Matsue Onsen 06APR
NewbieRunner: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate 02-06 APR
rxgeek+1: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate 2-5 APR
Planning to join pre-do trip to Iwakuni and Kintaikyo Bridge on Thursday 2 April
NewbieRunner
BigRedBears
lking
lking +1
ClaudiSTR
Planning to join meet and greet drinks on Thursday 2 April
BigRedBears
hijiji
NewbieRunner
nomadic.relief
cocobird
ice_cold
lking
lking+1
ClaudiSTR
rxgeek
rxgeek+1
Booked on Kodama 942 (Hello Kitty excursion outbound)
cocobird and ice_cold Car 4 seat 2C and 2D
nomadic.relief Car 4 seat 9D
NewbieRunner; Car 4 seat 10A
ClaudiSTR: Car 4 seat 10D
ChrisFlyer66 Car 4 seat 11A
BigRedBears: Car 4 11B
rxgeek and rxgeek+1 Car 4 11C, 12C
lking Car 4 13B, +1 Car 4 12B
chopsiuy Car 4 seat 13A
intuition; Car 5 seat 2 C+D
beckoa Car 4 Seat 16C
Booked on Kodama 949 (Hello Kitty excursion homebound)
intuition; Car 4 seat 3 C+D
nomadic.relief Car 4 seat 5D
NewbieRunner; Car 4 seat 6A
cocobird and ice_cold Car 4 seat 6B and 6C
ChrisFlyer66 CAR. 4 SEAT. 7-C
BigRedBears: Car 4 7D
ClaudiSTR: Car 4 seat 9A
chopsiuy Car 4 seat 9D
lking Car 4 11A, +1 Car 4 11B
rxgeek and rxgeek+1 Car 4 12D, 13D
beckoa Car 4 Seat 5C
Departure Info:
beckoa: 07.04.26 JL252 HIJ-HND JL85 HND-PVG ** or 07.04.26 JL280/95 IZO-HND-GMP HA872 ICN-SEA
intution: 05APR 14:00 CX513 FUK-HKG
lking: 09APR DL7875 KIX-ICN DL7878 ICN-ATL; &1Charlene: 08APR HA 850 KIX-HNL
ChrisFlyer66 and chipsiuy taking ferry to Matsuyama on Monday.
BigRedBears: FUK-ICN-JFK 09APR
rxgeek+1: Train 5 APR Hiroshima-Osaka; 15 APR NRT-SEA HA824
cocobird and ice_cold: Apr 8 BR195 NRT-TPE 20:40
ClaudiSTR Apr 4 late afternoon via train to catch my Flight LH743 KIX-MUC on April 5
nomadic.relief Apr 8 JL280 IZO-HND
Japan Do 2026 : Hiroshima, 2-5 April 2026
Mar 11, 2026 | 4:20 am
#151
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
Ooops, seems I have a bunch of reading to catch up on tonight! Because I know this is held on Easter weekend, I kind of shelved making any plans, but always had it in the back of my mind that I was going.
Finally got around to booking my ticket TO Japan last night (after continuously watching availability dry up just as I decided what I was going to book
). I'll be getting to Hiroshima in time for the beers meet-up on the 2nd, hopefully participating in Fri-Sun activities. *if the dinner is booked out, no worries, I'll sort myself out and meet il later. Beyond that is still TBD.
Can't wait to catch up with folks again!
Finally got around to booking my ticket TO Japan last night (after continuously watching availability dry up just as I decided what I was going to book
). I'll be getting to Hiroshima in time for the beers meet-up on the 2nd, hopefully participating in Fri-Sun activities. *if the dinner is booked out, no worries, I'll sort myself out and meet il later. Beyond that is still TBD.Can't wait to catch up with folks again!
Mar 11, 2026 | 4:21 am
#152
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
Mar 11, 2026 | 4:54 pm
#153
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
Please add your handle to the wiki post if you are planning to join the pre-do trip to Iwakuni and Kintaikyo Bridge or the meet and greet drinks on Thursday 2 April. Please note the change of venue for meet and greet drinks.
Mar 16, 2026 | 12:08 pm
#154
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
Lockers at Hiroshima Station
If you need to store your luggage at Hiroshima Station at the start or the end of your stay, there is a website where you can check availability of locker space.
https://www.akilocker.biz/mobile/map...=M34001&lang=2
There are other lockers not listed here as well as a limited number of lockers which can be pre-booked.
https://spacer.co.jp/en/base/op-212/
https://www.akilocker.biz/mobile/map...=M34001&lang=2
There are other lockers not listed here as well as a limited number of lockers which can be pre-booked.
https://spacer.co.jp/en/base/op-212/
Mar 16, 2026 | 11:31 pm
#155
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,390
The gods of doomscrolling algorithm have informed me that there is also One Piece Shinkansen:
https://www.jr-onepiece-shinkansen.jp/en/train/
It runs between Hakata and Shin-Osaka.
https://www.jr-onepiece-shinkansen.jp/en/train/
It runs between Hakata and Shin-Osaka.
Mar 17, 2026 | 12:56 am
#156
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: EB Diamond, AY+ Gold, A3*G, Strawberry Lifetime Platinum, GHA Discovery Titanium, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 15,168
Starting 12 of april so something for post post-do 
I can't help marvel at what goes into creating these train designs. On other vehicles you'd simply put stickers on and easily removed them after campaign. Here I imagine they do full paint jobs? (Because a sticker could come undone at high speed) So the cost and effort that goes into this is something else!
I can't help marvel at what goes into creating these train designs. On other vehicles you'd simply put stickers on and easily removed them after campaign. Here I imagine they do full paint jobs? (Because a sticker could come undone at high speed) So the cost and effort that goes into this is something else!
Mar 17, 2026 | 8:58 am
#157
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,390
Starting 12 of april so something for post post-do
I can't help marvel at what goes into creating these train designs. On other vehicles you'd simply put stickers on and easily removed them after campaign. Here I imagine they do full paint jobs? (Because a sticker could come undone at high speed) So the cost and effort that goes into this is something else!
I can't help marvel at what goes into creating these train designs. On other vehicles you'd simply put stickers on and easily removed them after campaign. Here I imagine they do full paint jobs? (Because a sticker could come undone at high speed) So the cost and effort that goes into this is something else!
its an interesting question whether these special trains are net revenue positive or a fun society good
Mar 17, 2026 | 9:25 am
#158
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
https://www.anahd.co.jp/group/en/pr/.../20260226.html
Here’s a video of how Airbus painted one of ANA’s A380s (Flying Honu).
https://www.aerocontact.com/en/video...inting-process
3,600 sqm surface area, 3,300 litres of paint, 16 different colour shades, 120 painters, 21 days in the paintshop.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Mar 17, 2026 at 9:44 am
Mar 17, 2026 | 2:02 pm
#159
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YVR
Posts: 2,175
So I have secured tickets both TO and FROM Japan, so it looks like I'm definitely in.
Looking at the post-Do onsens, it seems there's only a 3 bed room left with minimum booking of 2 ppl, any other last minuters looking for a roommate? Even if I snore, it's only one night!😂
Looking at the post-Do onsens, it seems there's only a 3 bed room left with minimum booking of 2 ppl, any other last minuters looking for a roommate? Even if I snore, it's only one night!😂
Mar 17, 2026 | 2:16 pm
#160
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
So I have secured tickets both TO and FROM Japan, so it looks like I'm definitely in.
Looking at the post-Do onsens, it seems there's only a 3 bed room left with minimum booking of 2 ppl, any other last minuters looking for a roommate? Even if I snore, it's only one night!😂
Looking at the post-Do onsens, it seems there's only a 3 bed room left with minimum booking of 2 ppl, any other last minuters looking for a roommate? Even if I snore, it's only one night!😂
P.S. I’ve already emailed nomadic.relief but in case someone else is interested this is what I found.
Go to https://www.choraku.co.jp/en/
Click Reservations and select checkin date April 6. Select breakfast and dinner plan for a Japanese style room.
Click View availability next to Japanese style room.
Scroll down and change 2 prs per room to 1 prs per room.
And you should see this.
This is the same type of room as I have booked though I seem to be paying 2,200 less for booking early.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Mar 17, 2026 at 3:26 pm
Mar 18, 2026 | 3:52 am
#161
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: HIJ
Posts: 503
Looking forward to meeting some FT’ers at the meet and greet drinks and Do Dinner. I applaud you all on your creative efforts getting here. I only have a 15 minute bicycle ride. Get here safe, this is a great part of Japan. Thanks NewbieRunner for all your hard work on the planning and logistics.
Mar 18, 2026 | 5:33 am
#162
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
Looking forward to meeting some FTers at the meet and greet drinks and Do Dinner. I applaud you all on your creative efforts getting here. I only have a 15 minute bicycle ride. Get here safe, this is a great part of Japan. Thanks NewbieRunner for all your hard work on the planning and logistics.
Mar 18, 2026 | 10:52 am
#163
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,390
ANA had famous Star Wars liveries and will now launch new Pokmon jets to mark Pokmons 30th anniversary.
https://www.anahd.co.jp/group/en/pr/.../20260226.html
Heres a video of how Airbus painted one of ANAs A380s (Flying Honu).
https://www.aerocontact.com/en/video...inting-process
3,600 sqm surface area, 3,300 litres of paint, 16 different colour shades, 120 painters, 21 days in the paintshop.
https://www.anahd.co.jp/group/en/pr/.../20260226.html
Heres a video of how Airbus painted one of ANAs A380s (Flying Honu).
https://www.aerocontact.com/en/video...inting-process
3,600 sqm surface area, 3,300 litres of paint, 16 different colour shades, 120 painters, 21 days in the paintshop.
ANA StarWars was a famous one. I've seen it in the wild, but didn't get to fly it. Same with EVA Hello Kitty and Pokemon planes, And JetBlue Dunkin Donuts plane.
Mar 19, 2026 | 3:31 am
#164
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
Post-Do travel information
For those going to Tamatsukuri Onsen for Post-Do: please make your seat reservations on the following trains. These sections should be covered by the JR Sanyo Sanin Rail Pass. Instructions on how to add reserved seats to a rail pass you have already purchased may be found in post #137.
Monday, 6 April : Hiroshima to Tamatsukuri Onsen via Matsue
Train 1
09:12 Hiroshima - 09:51 Okayama
Nozomi #122
Train 2
10:13 Okayama - 12:49 Matsue
Yakumo #7
We will leave Matsue to Tamatsukuri Onsen open as there are several options including trains with unreserved seats.
Tuesday, 7 April : Tamatsukuri Onsen to Izumo Taisha
Train 3
09:56 Tamatsukurionsen - 10:18 Izumoshi
Yakumo #1
Although its a short ride Limited Express Yakumo has reserved seats only. The rest of the journey to Izumo Taisha will not be covered by the rail pass.
Leaving Izumo Taisha
As we will be travelling at different times to different destinations please check with me if you need help.
Which side of the train?
For travelling towards Izumoshi seats on the righthand side of the train (D) are more popular for better views. This is particularly true for travelling along Lake Shinji from Matsue to Tamatsukuri Onsen and from Tamatsukuri Onsen to Izumoshi.
Lake Shinji (https://bigs.jp/travelblog/article/c...akeshinji.html)
Monday, 6 April : Hiroshima to Tamatsukuri Onsen via Matsue
Train 1
09:12 Hiroshima - 09:51 Okayama
Nozomi #122
Train 2
10:13 Okayama - 12:49 Matsue
Yakumo #7
We will leave Matsue to Tamatsukuri Onsen open as there are several options including trains with unreserved seats.
Tuesday, 7 April : Tamatsukuri Onsen to Izumo Taisha
Train 3
09:56 Tamatsukurionsen - 10:18 Izumoshi
Yakumo #1
Although its a short ride Limited Express Yakumo has reserved seats only. The rest of the journey to Izumo Taisha will not be covered by the rail pass.
Leaving Izumo Taisha
As we will be travelling at different times to different destinations please check with me if you need help.
Which side of the train?
For travelling towards Izumoshi seats on the righthand side of the train (D) are more popular for better views. This is particularly true for travelling along Lake Shinji from Matsue to Tamatsukuri Onsen and from Tamatsukuri Onsen to Izumoshi.
Lake Shinji (https://bigs.jp/travelblog/article/c...akeshinji.html)
Mar 20, 2026 | 6:54 pm
#165
Original Poster
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,405
Hello Kitty Shinkansen seat reservations
If you are coming on the day trip to Kurashiki and Onomichi on Saturday, 4 April, and have not yet reserved seats on Hello Kitty Shinkansen, may I suggest you do so soon? Reserved seats on the outbound train are filling up. You can probably still ride on the train without seat reservation but if you have a rail pass it doesnt cost you any extra. Please check posts 133 and 137.
