Trip 50

4/15/2025

We began our much delayed (from 2020) trip to Japan, flying from DFW to Boston, then overnighting before leaving the next day for Tokyo. We had this same trip planned five years ago when, a week before departing, the world shut down for Covid. It was years before international travel really opened back up, and longer still for Japan, which only allowed group travel.

It’s a very long journey from DFW to Japan. In our case, flying first to Boston, then the next day to Tokyo. 14 hour flight, and 14 hours time change, crossing the international date line (red line below). Left Logan Airport about 1:25pm, arrived Narita 3:45pm the next day.

The immigration and customs process in Narita was unlike any we’ve ever experienced. We’d preregistered our passports on Japan web, but (while this might help??) , the immigration officer scanned the QR code, then our passport, then we scanned our fingerprints and took a photo. Once into customs to pickup luggage (we carried on), you go thru another check-out process with the QR code generated when you register and your passport. All-in, probably 30 minutes.

Then, into the chaos of Narita station to find a place to buy tickets for the train and track. We had to ask a couple of people, but were able to buy tickets (6140¥ for two) at a machine for the Narita Express into Tokyo, about an hour ride. If Narita is busy, Tokyo station is the largest, busiest rail station we’ve ever used. We came into level 5 underground and found our way to the surface, through many walkways and tunnels. There was an amazing array of food offerings and shops and it was dinner time, so quite busy.

Finally, surfacing to get our bearings, as the hotel is supposed to be a few blocks away.

The hotel we chose was specifically because it was close to the station, but likely the tiniest room we’ve ever had. Early to bed, as on the 16th, we take the Shinkansen train to Kyoto.