9 hrs in Tokyo

I've been through Narita more times than I can count it seems, but
never out of the airport. I may end up with a 9 hour layover at NRT.
Is that enough time to actually *do* anything in Tokyo - figuring the
time it takes to get to/from the airport, checkin/immigration etc ?

I can avoid it, but usually do the 6 or 7am flight from BKK, which
doesn't actually help me much since that requires leaving for the
airport at 3/4am and not really sleeping anyway. This 9 hr layover
flight would have me leaving just before midnight instead, arriving
into NRT in the am. I'd only do it if it offers me the chance to do
something in Tokyo.

Thanks
X.

"XOR" <xor31@netscape.net> wrote:

> I've been through Narita more times than I can count it seems, but
> never out of the airport. I may end up with a 9 hour layover at NRT.
> Is that enough time to actually *do* anything in Tokyo - figuring the
> time it takes to get to/from the airport, checkin/immigration etc ?

Few people (myself included) bother exploring the town of Narita itself in
their rush to head into Tokyo, but it is supposed to have a few sights
making it worthwhile exploring during a short stopover. The shrine is
supposed to be fairly impressive, so unless you are really keen to see
central Tokyo, it might be worth checking out Narita itself.

--
Dave Fossett
Saitama, Japan

xor31@netscape.net (XOR) wrote in message news:<a893915f.0401131356.5a48418d@ com>...
> I've been through Narita more times than I can count it seems, but
> never out of the airport. I may end up with a 9 hour layover at NRT.
> ... This 9 hr layover
> flight would have me leaving just before midnight instead, arriving
> into NRT in the am.

the midnight (or 1 AM) flights take about five hours in the air.
because of the time change you arrive around 7 or 8 AM. this gives
you four hours or so of sleep on the plane. it is better than going
to the airport early in the morning because you can have a meal or a
few beers after airport check-in at 9 or 10 PM.

with this in mind, why not have a shower, change of clothes,
breakfast, and a nap at the Narita airport? if you travel business on
Korean Air they have these things for free in their lounge. otherwise
you can pay a little for them at the airport. or, it might be
possible to book a short-time room at an airport hotel.

xor31@netscape.net (XOR) wrote in message news:<a893915f.0401141618.47cbaacf@ com>...
>
> heh. Well. Unfortunately I must 1)travel on a US carrier and 2)fly the
> cheapest economy flight - it's essentially coming from US government
> funds, so these are the restrictions...

Not sure if there will be one open at that time of morning, but you
might find a public bath in Narita (are there onsen in that area?) and
clean up a bit. Very relaxing and refreshing.

John W.

Robert Howard wrote:

> yyyyy
> "XOR" <xor31@netscape.net> wrote in message
> news:a893915f.0401131356.5a48418d@c om...
>
>>I've been through Narita more times than I can count it seems, but
>>never out of the airport. I may end up with a 9 hour layover at NRT.
>>Is that enough time to actually *do* anything in Tokyo - figuring the
>>time it takes to get to/from the airport, checkin/immigration etc ?
>>
>>I can avoid it, but usually do the 6 or 7am flight from BKK, which
>>doesn't actually help me much since that requires leaving for the
>>airport at 3/4am and not really sleeping anyway. This 9 hr layover
>>flight would have me leaving just before midnight instead, arriving
>>into NRT in the am. I'd only do it if it offers me the chance to do
>>something in Tokyo.
>>
>>Thanks
>>X.

Absolutely. Depending on what country you are from will dictate if you
need a visa or not. You can apply for a one day visa in-country.

To have some fun, Simply go through imigration and get on the Narita
express. You can get off at Tokyo station or Shinjuku. From either
stations, you can ride the Yamanote line and hit most of the major
sections of town. Nine hours should allow you to cover lots of ground.
When you are ready to head back to Narita, simply get back on the Narita
express from Shinjuku or Tokyo station and you will be back at the
airport in about an hour.

Regards,
--
Matt Costanza
Austin, TX USA

Robert Howard wrote:

> yyyyy
> "XOR" <xor31@netscape.net> wrote in message
> news:a893915f.0401131356.5a48418d@c om...
>
>>I've been through Narita more times than I can count it seems, but
>>never out of the airport. I may end up with a 9 hour layover at NRT.
>>Is that enough time to actually *do* anything in Tokyo - figuring the
>>time it takes to get to/from the airport, checkin/immigration etc ?
>>
>>I can avoid it, but usually do the 6 or 7am flight from BKK, which
>>doesn't actually help me much since that requires leaving for the
>>airport at 3/4am and not really sleeping anyway. This 9 hr layover
>>flight would have me leaving just before midnight instead, arriving
>>into NRT in the am. I'd only do it if it offers me the chance to do
>>something in Tokyo.
>>
>>Thanks
>>X.

Absolutely. Depending on what country you are from will dictate if you
need a visa or not. You can apply for a one day visa in-country.

To have some fun, Simply go through imigration and get on the Narita
express. You can get off at Tokyo station or Shinjuku. From either
stations, you can ride the Yamanote line and hit most of the major
sections of town. Nine hours should allow you to cover lots of ground.
When you are ready to head back to Narita, simply get back on the Narita
express from Shinjuku or Tokyo station and you will be back at the
airport in about an hour.

Regards,
--
Matt Costanza
Austin, TX USA