Tokyo Arrival: Pure Perfection
I can not shut up about Tokyo!
It's funny because Japan wasn't even on my list of top 5 places I wanted to go this year.
Yet, I found myself booking a flight there and taking my first totally solo trip.
And I can't wait to go back !!
Tokyo alone has so much to offer. Rich cultural experiences, beautiful scenery, and fantastic food. All I'm saying is if you weren't planning a trip to Japan. You really should.
Before traveling anywhere, I find comfort in reading about other people's arrival experiences.
I like to know what to expect, okay?
Transportation
SIM cards
Currency
I had the most comfortable and perfect trip in Tokyo.
Here's how I did it.
Arrival
I am always anxious about getting out of the airport and into the city, especially if I am arriving late at night.
If you're arriving into Japan late at night like I did.
Check out this Airport accommodation.
The Haneda airport offers capsule accommodations that are precisely what you need after a long day of travel. (Or even before if you have an early flight out.)
The hotel is located in the terminal one
I arrived at Terminal 3 and took a short free bus ride to Terminal 1.
The staff was super sweet and will give you a bag with your provided pajamas and slippers.
Many other products are available to you for free i.e., toothbrush, hair brush, earplugs.
It's really convenient, so you don't have to unpack any of your things.
After I was checked in, I went into the women's only bathroom, where you can take a fantastic shower, or even a bath.
Plus plenty of personal space to get ready for bed.
The beds were surprisingly comfy and private. The blinds pull down and the luggage fits under the bed.
The Everyday Essentials
It was so nice to wake up refreshed, get everything I needed, and figure out the train station after a night's rest.
Highly recommend
SIM card
I use Holafly for my travels. I've used it in many different countries, and it has proven to be so convenient.
This ESIM doesn’t require waiting in any lines, and you can activate it right when you land, so there is never any time you don't have service and are searching for Wi-Fi.
Options range from 5 days for $19- 90 days for $99
If you need a physical SIM card, there are many places to pick it up in the airport.
Currency
Walking out of the Haneda Hotel to your left, you will see many atm machines. This is where I pulled out my currency.
Transportation
Taxi’s are pretty expensive in Japan, and public transportation is very accessible and affordable.
Head down the stairs to the train station. Which has an information desk right outside if you need any help.
*After a lot of research, I decided against The JR pass. It's worth it if you're doing long trips outside of Tokyo. If you're staying just in Tokyo, I wouldn't recommend it.
Apple/ Google Maps will give you plenty of info on how to get to your destination. Including the expected price of the ticket. Locals are also very helpful.
We love that
So head to the pay station and buy a one-way ticket for the amount suggested.
It's always better to buy a lower-priced ticket on the train. You can always adjust the fare if you owe more, but you can’t get refunded nor can you use this ticket again.
If there is one thing to rave about in Japan, it is the comfort and safety I felt as a solo female traveler. My arrival into the country went so smoothly, setting the rest of my trip up for the most fantastic time.
I literally can't wait to go back.