Day 0: Arrival in Tokyo – The Journey Begins
Traveling to Japan is a dream for many, but for international visitors, the first hurdle is simply getting there. My adventure began with a flight to Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo, flying with Air France through KLM from London to Tokyo via Paris. Booking the trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision, made during a rare two-week break in my schedule. After a quick search on Google Flights, I decided Japan was the destination for me.
The Flight and Arrival
The flight, as you’d expect, was long, but arriving at Haneda Airport around midday turned out to be a blessing—a detail I’ll elaborate on shortly. From landing to clearing immigration and collecting my luggage, the process took about an hour.
One unexpected aspect of entering Japan was filling out an arrivals card. While the form was simple and quick to complete, it felt slightly outdated for such a modern country. That said, receiving a visa stamp featuring the iconic Mt. Fuji was a delightful touch that softened the experience.
Preparing for Tokyo: First Steps After Landing
Once you’ve cleared customs, it’s essential to have directions to your accommodation readily accessible—either printed out or saved as screenshots on your phone. International roaming in Japan can be costly, so if you don’t have these prepared, take advantage of the airport’s free Wi-Fi or pick up a data SIM card. You can find SIM cards at airport kiosks or convenience stores, and they’re invaluable for navigating Tokyo.
The SUICA Card: Your Travel Essential
After a 16-hour journey, I made my way to get a SUICA card, a prepaid travel card that’s a must-have in Tokyo. These cards make public transportation seamless and can also be used in shops, vending machines, and even restaurants. However, it’s important to note that SUICA and PASMO cards are region-specific. If you plan to travel outside Tokyo, you’ll need to purchase regional cards for those areas.
While Japan is still a cash-heavy society, these cards offer a modern and efficient payment option. However, traditional credit or debit cards like Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX are not universally accepted, so be prepared with local alternatives.
Navigating Tokyo
Getting around Tokyo is straightforward, thanks to bilingual street signs and apps like Google Maps. I took the Monorail to reach my accommodation at Wise Owl Hostel in the Hatchobori neighborhood. (Sadly, this branch closed in November 2021 due to the pandemic, but they have other locations in Tokyo.)
Whether you’re arriving in Tokyo for the first time or the fifth, the city’s seamless blend of tradition and modernity ensures an unforgettable welcome. From the efficiency of Haneda Airport to the convenience of SUICA cards, your Tokyo journey starts on a high note.
