Having caught a red eye flight to Tokyo from Singapore, how appropriate is it that one flies into the Land of the Rising Sun at sunrise?
As an added surprise, my flight flew directly over a volcanic island about 30 minutes outside Narita airport. I’m told that this is Nishinoshima island, and it is an active volcano that appeared a few years ago.
My flight was right on schedule. It took me under 20 minutes to pick my luggage up from the conveyor belt, clear customs and immigration, and get booked onto the 8:56 Narita Express to Shinjuku. The Japanese take great pride in their efficiency and the rest of the world could learn a thing or two from their ethics.
I purchased my JR pass online. This 7-day pass gives me unlimited rides on all JR lines, and the Shinkansen (bullet trains).
A word of advice to future travellers… if you’re only planning to visit Tokyo and Kyoto, you won’t get your money’s worth and are better off paying as you ride.
