12 Hour Layover in Tokyo. Good Idea? Bad Idea?

[beb0p]

Long story short, I have two choices in my flight to Asia. I can fly direct to my destination or I can have a 12-hour layover in Toyko on my return. Same price. Traveling in the middle of January.

The plane will land in Haneda airport at 6 AM and I will have to transfer to Narita airport for my departure at 6 PM. I understand that the two airports are far apart. My research says that Haneda is closer to the hub of Tokyo while Haneda is about 60-120 mins away depending on traffic.

In between, I will have all that time to myself. I have never been to Japan.

Question:

1. Do you think this is a good idea? I've done something similar for Asiana in South Korea, I might add.

2. What places do you suggest I visit given my limited time. Tourist places are good since that's exactly what I am.

3. Probably the most important question. What's the best way to travel to Narita airport from Tokyo? And how long does it take? I'll probably plan my schedule around the answer to this question.

4. Is it a big time consuming hassle to go thru Narita custom? Anyone with experience?

5. Is Japan easy to get around for someone who doesn't have the native tongue?

6. Lastly, the weather. I understand it's cold that time of the year but is it still pleasant to be outside?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mike Cash]

Never having been here before, not knowing the public transit systems, and having such a short time window...I would want somebody alongside me and transportation to Narita which is not subject to traffic jams.

I would suggest contacting Tokyo Free Guide and asking them for someone to show you around for a few hours and then make sure you get on one of the trains that runs straight to the airport. That would be the most sure-fire way I can think of for you to make the most out of your short visit without having the headaches or worries of figuring out the transit system at the same time. Requests for a guide need to be made AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE, so if you think you might like to use their services, get on the ball and contact them.

Does your flight leave twelve hours later? Or do you need to be at the airport for the check-in rigmarole twelve hours later? Is it still the case that they suggest you arrive at airports for international flights two or three hours early?

 

[nekojita]

The Narita Express takes about an hour, and goes from central Tokyo (Tokyo station but you can also pick it up at some other places).
About N'EX | Narita Express | JR-EAST
Start by deciding when you need to be at Narita (two hours before the flight minimum is what I normally work on) and see which train you'd have to get, and work backwards.

How much luggage do you have and is all this going to be counted as a single ticket? (i.e. will stuff be checked through, will they transfer it for you). Waiting for baggage (even if you only have to wheel it through customs and drop it off at the next counter) might make a dent, too.

Mike's idea of getting a guide is best.

 

[Mike Cash]

So glad we could help!