Japan Tourism for independent travellers

[encryptededdy]

My recent experience with JAL and HND suggests I wouldn't recommend a visit to Japan in the near future. They just aren't ready for it. Too much aversion to foreigners atm. They bring Covid...

Like everyone else in this thread, I'm going to have to disagree with this assessment (I'm in Japan right now for a week). Sure there's masking and plastic shields (of dubious usefulness) and hand sanitiser everywhere, but it doesn't change my enjoyment of the place any bit. If anything, it's quite interesting visiting e.g. Tokyo Skytree and there are very few foreigners around, mostly local tourists (and there's lots of domestic tourism in Japan!).

Immigration was seamless especially with the new Visit Japan Web website, where zero paper forms are required (for quarantine, immigration, or biosecurity), just 3 QR codes.

I visited a few small shops in Fujinomiya and they were all very excited to ask where I was from etc., I suspect they haven't seen many foreigners in the past 30 months. The language barrier was a bit difficult, but we all got there in the end.

I personally prefer to wear a mask in Australia in busy places anyway, so having to mask up a bit more in Japan isn't really that different for me (but even if you don't, I can't imagine it's that big of a deal for anyone who wants to travel).

I did see an unmasked likely tourist in a Bic Camera store talking to a visibly uncomfortable shop assistant who was trying to ask them to wear a mask. I know it's not legally mandated but please don't be that person (although I'm sure everyone on this forum is respectful of local customs and would never do that).

Nowhere did I feel any sort of aversion to foreigners.

 

[drron]

It was the same after the 2011 tsunami. We were in Tokyo 2 months after it and everyone wanted to talk to us. the Maitre'D in one restaurant came over to thank us for returning to Japan.

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Anyone have recent experience with the queues entering Japan at the moment, HND specifically?

Planned a short getaway later this month, would be arriving ~05:30 on QF, and heard it could be anywhere from 10-90 min wait, which seems like a pretty unpredictable range!

Would otherwise be unfazed, but have a connecting HND-cough at 08:00 on JL (separate ticket) and now I'm worried I'll misconnect.

 

[kearvaigskewer]

Anyone have recent experience with the queues entering Japan at the moment, HND specifically?

I came through on QF25 on Monday and it took maybe 40 mintues in total to get through. Queues moved quickly - just that there were a few more steps compared to normal. Make sure you've pre-registered with Visit Japan Web and have the three QR codes ready to go.

 

[encryptededdy]

Anyone have recent experience with the queues entering Japan at the moment, HND specifically?

I arrived on QF25 last Friday, and it took me <30mins to get through, including waiting for bags. Had all 3 Visit Japan Web QR codes ready so didn't have to fill out any paper forms, and I was the first off the plane so that probably helped (although it looked like they had enough staff to handle everyone without a long wait).

I didn't really see anyone from any other flights, so I would assume if you're arriving on QF25 in the early morning the time should be pretty predictable.

Domestic Transfer Check-in is directly on your right as soon as you leave. I don't think you'll misconnect unless QF25 is delayed.

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Thanks @kearvaigskewer and @encryptededdy, that's reassuring!

Will make sure to have the QR codes ready beforehand. Luckily am flying J this time, so should help getting off the plane quickly. Will be HLO too. Looks like there are only 3 flights in the hour before QF25 (if on time) so that should help... quite a few more in the following tranche!

I had a look anyhow and was surprised to find that even advanced purchase TOKUBIN tickets on JL can seemingly be cancelled up until departure with a small (~5%) fee using their refund calculator (assuming I've understood the somewhat ambiguous English correctly).

Also, would QF be likely to check me through and give me my JL boarding pass, OW connection but separate PNR? IIRC officially the answer is no.

 

[encryptededdy]

I'd imagine there's a few people in this thread booked onto Business Class JL51/JL52 SYD<->HND, so FYI I just noticed my flights for Feburary 2022 just got upgraded from 789 with Sky Suite III (the quite poorly reviewed reverse herringbone seat) to 789 with Sky Suite (Apex Suites). Make sure to re-select your seats if you want a Window or something .

On my flight there's actually no Window seats remaining for non-status pax

 

[drron]

Going to Kyoto and back via Shinkansen costs almost as much as an ordinary 7 day rail pass. So for most the raipass is the best.Considering you will use the pass on the Narita express you are in front before using JR services in Tokyo or Kyoto.
However seeing you are not returning to Tokyo by train you are better off just buying your train ticket.
Here are the sites i find useful. Hyperpedia gives you Timetables and cost so you can work out what is best.

HyperDia | SearchResult

www.hyperdia.com

And of course the JR site.

Japan Rail Pass Price - Tickets and Discounts

Check the prices of the Japan Rail Pass for 7, 14 or 21 days unlimited train travel in Japan, both in economy and first class. Best value for money!

www.jrailpass.com

Just want to update this one. We are going back in Sept/Oct next year and was doing some planning for train travel. I was unaware from March this year Hyperpedia no longer has the timetable. after a little searching I have uploaded an Apple app called Japan transit planner which is in English,does have timetable and gives a few options. I think it is what I will be using in future. It also comes in android.

Japan Transit Planner -Norikae - Apps on Google Play

This is an application to search route of domestic railways in Japan.

play.google.com

‎Japan Transit Planner

‎Norikae Annai now officially supports multiple languages. Please install the latest version from the App Store. Japan Transit Planner-Norikae Annai is a multilingual version of the navigation application "Norikae Annai", the most downloaded in Japan. It will show you the route or how to...

apps.apple.com

 

[Must...Fly!]

Just want to update this one. We are going back in Sept/Oct next year and was doing some planning for train travel. I was unaware from March this year Hyperpedia no longer has the timetable. after a little searching I have uploaded an Apple app called Japan transit planner which is in English,does have timetable and gives a few options. I think it is what I will be using in future. It also comes in android.

Japan Transit Planner -Norikae - Apps on Google Play

This is an application to search route of domestic railways in Japan.

play.google.com

‎Japan Transit Planner

‎Norikae Annai now officially supports multiple languages. Please install the latest version from the App Store. Japan Transit Planner-Norikae Annai is a multilingual version of the navigation application "Norikae Annai", the most downloaded in Japan. It will show you the route or how to...

apps.apple.com

My plans have actually changed and I'm just staying in Tokyo now for 3 days, then on to Perth for some family time. Plan is a return NEX ticket however the timetable unfortunately seems to leave a lot to be desired.

If I get the Narita Express that goes as far as Shibuya and need to get to Shinjuku, I think a separate ticket is necessary to travel on to the next stop?

 

[drron]

On the travel planner you can get the NEX direct to Shinjuku.
It does give other ways to gt there but train travel is not like airline travel and nothing extra except price if you don't travel direct.
Above the result you see a few numbers. The one with a green box green is usually the cheapest and the one with the blue box is the easiest with less transfers.
PS you can put the time in to the planner for the day and time you want. Works for me up to the end of the year.

 

[frodo]

I'd imagine there's a few people in this thread booked onto Business Class JL51/JL52 SYD<->HND, so FYI I just noticed my flights for Feburary 2022 just got upgraded from 789 with Sky Suite III (the quite poorly reviewed reverse herringbone seat) to 789 with Sky Suite (Apex Suites). Make sure to re-select your seats if you want a Window or something .

Unfortunately my flights in April are still sky suite III, hoping it gets changed soon too!

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Well I missed my domestic flight at HND… was still in the immigration line at 07:40 when the T-20 deadline at security checkpoint would’ve passed.

There was originally only 2 counters open for all foreign visitors, which eventually expanded to 7 (still way too few). Ended up queuing for 1h 45m to get through, and the line was easily 2+ hours for those joining. What a coughshow.

I ended up cancelling my JAL flight online while I was still in the queue, because I checked loadings via ExpertFlyer and the earliest departure not showing zero seats was 4 hours later (assuming they’d even rebook us)… so I’m on the Shinkansen now instead!

 

[encryptededdy]

Ah yikes, I assume that's because QF25 arrived in late today

 

[Must...Fly!]

On the travel planner you can get the NEX direct to Shinjuku.

Not all do unfortunately. Some seem to end up not going via Shinjuku.


I'm due in at 1625. There is a direct train at 1848 so I will be hoping to catch that otherwise it'll be a change. Will do some further research so I am prepared for either eventuality.

Trip back to Narita much easier. First NEX of the day departs Shinjuku 05:55 and arrives 07:18. Comfortable for a 10am departure.

 

[drron]

And you can be pretty certain the train will be on time in Japan.

 

[Seat0B]

My plans have actually changed and I'm just staying in Tokyo now for 3 days, then on to Perth for some family time. Plan is a return NEX ticket however the timetable unfortunately seems to leave a lot to be desired.

If I get the Narita Express that goes as far as Shibuya and need to get to Shinjuku, I think a separate ticket is necessary to travel on to the next stop?

You can get from Narita to anywhere in Tokyo on the local train - it is slower, but also cheaper and provides an option if you miss the NEX. Well at least you could do this in Feb 2020 pre-COVID. I'm sure those trains still run as they serve the locals.

 

[Seat0B]

Shhhhhh! Let’s keep it on the down low!

 

[Must...Fly!]

The NEX timetable in reality is more substantial than the timetable on JR East website. The cancelled trains seem to actually be running.

So many staff at NRT immigration/customs. I was prepared with all QR codes and through very quickly. Despite well over an hour delay on my inbound flight, I made my preferred NEX departure direct to Shinjuku. Sitting on board now. Very easy including buying ticket. Just remember (as I did not) that foreign debit cards are not widely accepted. Amex fine.

 

[ketsuzei]

For those who truly like seafood:

abysse | modern seafood cuisine in daikanyama tokyo

modern seafood cuisine restaurants in Tokyo Japan. Abysse will strive for customers who love modern seafood cuisine and wine from heart. Owner and chef Kotaro Meguro worked under two Michelin three-starred chefs, Gerald Passedat(Le Petit Nice) and Shuzo Kishida (Quintessence)

abysse.jp

Can be used with the Amex Charge dining credit. So this course cost me around $20.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Back at NRT and in the serenity of the JAL Sakura Lounge. Very quiet at the airport, most stores still closed. Duty free open though so managed to spend the last of my yen on some gifts.

Just wanted to note the following;

- Mask use outdoors ~90%.
- Mask use indoors absolutely 100%. Including chefs in kitchen etc.

I went about 50/50 on/off outdoors and had no one look me sideways or give me a wide berth etc. I did wonder if there would be a slight aversion to a foreigner given the COVID rhetoric, but it seems not (in Tokyo at least). If you are a COVID paranoid traveller that prefers everyone around them to be masked up (though I am certainly not) then Japan should be very high on your list of destinations at the moment.

Everyone I interacted with was exceedingly pleasant and friendly. I can see why people come.

My first time in Japan and certainly won't be my last.

Itadakimasu!