Arrived at Narita Airport only 15 minutes after the original schedule. Feel so disgusting… when I get back to the apartment, the first thing I’m going to do is shower.
Clearing immigration and customs was a cakewalk! This time, I remembered to bring a pen so I managed to fill out all the forms on the plane to save time. The gentleman at customs skimmed through my passport (full of Japan trips and Japan trips only) and smiled, saying “I guess I should say “Welcome back” to you!”
Now I’m on the Narita Express heading towards Tokyo. This time I’ll be staying in Takaido, so I’m going to be changing at Kichijoji. And lugging heavy luggage up and down stairs. Definitely looking forward to it(!)
#Travelers note: Instead of buying a standalone ticket, I bought the Suica NEX package. For ¥5500 you get return travel to the airport (within 14 days) and on top of that, an IC card (rechargeable card for trains in the Kanto Region) with ¥1500 credit (and you’re paying ¥500 for the card itself). Seeing as the cheapest train option to Tokyo costs ¥3200 return and takes far longer, I’d say this is worth it 😉
Waiting on the platform, I was surprised to see my train come in… and only have 5 carriages! I glanced at my ticket again, and saw that I was in Car 9. So I asked the attendant, who looked at me like I was mad, and said “there’s no Car 9. Check again. The train’s leaving now, you know!”
So I looked again. Stupid me, it turns out it was Car 2, Seat 9! Hopped on the train just in time. I’m so exhausted.
Unfortunately my b-mobile microSIM is waiting at the apartment for me, so I don’t have any way to access the Internet at the moment… besides roaming. Ugh.
#Travelers note: If you are going to be communicating with Japanese locals, and the communication will primarily be via means of “phone mail”, I strongly recommend you pick up a rental phone at the airport. If you have time, shop around as there are a few different providers there.
More to come, apparently I have a small welcoming party at my destination. Can’t wait!