Whole Day Transit in Tokyo - HND to NRT

[marcojim]

Hi all,

Hoping that some Japan regulars on the forum could help me decide how I should spend my day in Tokyo.

For context, I'm travelling with a family member and we've both been to Japan a few times. This transit is just at the start of the trip and we will return to Japan to spend some time there later in the trip.

We arrive in HND on NH 880 at 5:45 am and have a short hop from NRT to PVG later on the same day departing at 4:55 pm from NRT. We'll be aiming to get to NRT for when check-in opens at 1:55 pm so looking for a good (and laid-back) way to spend half the day in Tokyo, acknowledging of course that it does take some time to get to NRT... Would really appreciate any input on how we ought to spend the half-day (and not be completed exhausted by the end of it)!

 

[cosi]

Presume you will take the Limousine bus from HND to NRT.

My recommendation, is to leave your luggage in a coin luggage locker at NRT airport.

Then take a local train to the local Narita township, which is really easy to explore.

 

[rbjhan]

There is one train line (Keikyu) actually link HND & NRT, so you can choose a stop on that line, put things in a locker and check out the surrounding area.
If it's me I'd stop in Higashi Ginza or Nihombashi. (That early in the morning probably more Nihombashi).
Another way is go to Tokyo Station, more things to do there. Also there's a direct bus to Narita from Tokyo Station which I took many times before, cost about 1300 and normally one hour.
If you tell us what your interest are we might be able to offer more?

The above suggestion is also good depends on how you find Narita city I guess.
There's also a super sento near Narita, Sora no yu. If onsen is your thing...

 

[marcojim]

Presume you will take the Limousine bus from HND to NRT.

My recommendation, is to leave your luggage in a coin luggage locker at NRT airport.

Then take a local train to the local Narita township, which is really easy to explore.

Thank you! Some of my very light research had shown that exploring Narita township may be a good option, especially since it’s somewhere I ordinarily wouldn’t have ventured out to

 

[marcojim]

There is one train line (Keikyu) actually link HND & NRT, so you can choose a stop on that line, put things in a locker and check out the surrounding area.
If it's me I'd stop in Higashi Ginza or Nihombashi. (That early in the morning probably more Nihombashi).
Another way is go to Tokyo Station, more things to do there. Also there's a direct bus to Narita from Tokyo Station which I took many times before, cost about 1300 and normally one hour.
If you tell us what your interest are we might be able to offer more?

The above suggestion is also good depends on how you find Narita city I guess.
There's also a super sento near Narita, Sora no yu. If onsen is your thing...

Thanks for your reply. I had seen some of your fantastic Japan trip reports and thought you might reply!

Onsen would definitely be a great option, particularly after an overnight flight. However my travel companion does have a tattoo… are there any facilities that offer private bathing or the like?

 

[Cynicor]

I’d chill in Haneda until around 11, use the restaurants and onsen land side. Tattoo should be fine- cover with sports tape unless it’s massive. It’s about the effort to cover it, not the tattoo itself nowadays.

Then train to Narita airport, store your luggage and head on train into the town from 1-3. Aeon mall or the station area or a park.

 

[marcojim]

Thanks for your reply. I had seen some of your fantastic Japan trip reports and thought you might reply!

Onsen would definitely be a great option, particularly after an overnight flight. However my travel companion does have a tattoo… are there any facilities that offer private bathing or the like?

Update: We looked into Sora no Yu and it looked great so booked one of the private rooms there for a few hours. Looks like we'll just make our way directly to NRT after getting out of HND to freshen up and relax.

Thanks for everyone's help!