plane fun fact: you were on a 787. not only does it have cool dimming windows, the all-composite fuselage means the maximum allowed humidity on the plane is much higher than in typical planes that have aluminum fuselages, and is therefore more comfortable, making long flights more pleasant!
Boeing states that the 787 also have slightly higher cabin pressure, creating a cabin altitude of 6000ft, other airplanes have cabing altitudes around 6500-7000ft.
I flew on that flight 3 days ago and no mask required on the flight. Great view of Mt Fuji. Arrival with visit japan web app was easy. Screen shot of blue front page plus 2 square bar codes. No queue at all for immigration and even though I was in business class, paid with avios, and got off first our bags still beat us to the carousel. Epic performance by Haneda staff.
Excellent, that sounds fantastic! Glad you got a view of Fuji too! I've started saving my Avios now - I've had reward flights from Virgin before and it's so good!!
I smiled at your mention of hearing the various railroad and subway bells and chimes. There’s a type of railroad fans (trainspotters, if you will) who go about so they can hear the chimes of every station in Japan. (Each one is a unique short melody.) I’m told JR even sells a CD of all the stations’ chimes. Once you learn a few of them, such as the station near your hotel, or for Tokyo Station, etc, you’ll occasionally be able to recognize them in movies and anime. (Woe to the soundtrack person who uses the wrong one and has the character arriving at Ueno while playing the chime for Shibuya. Angry letters and e-mails will flood in.)
My favourite was at Takadanobaba station where the theme music from Astro Boy is played prior to each train departure from the Yamanote Line platform, a homage to the series being set in the Takadanobaba area. That little fact (which I copied from wikepedia) drove me nuts until I was able to place the tune.
This video weirdly made me somewhat sad to watch. Glad to see you finally return to Japan after all of this time, yet it only reminded me how I haven't been able to so yet myself. I had been planning my trip for the 2020 Olympics since 2013, even getting as far as having everything booked just before the pandemic. Hoping that I'll finally be able to return next spring. One big upside is that I'll be able to show my wife all of the cherry blossoms instead of the oppressive heat of the summer.
Sorry about your cancelled trip - I had a cancelled 2020 trip too. Hope you can reschedule for next year! And yes, I'd definitely recommend spring over the summertime, I think the humidity would be difficult to cope with. It'll be worth the wait when you get there! And think of all the new things that'll be open by then!
So loving that there are new videos from you. Yes, totally agree about the sounds of Japan -- I enjoyed the sounds of the train stations and on the streets -- all the tones, beeps, and fake bird chirping. I did like the fact that the new JR Pass can be used put into the ticket machines and that you no longer have to show the pass at the manned gates. We did have a problem when a station's machines were not working and we showed the pass to exit that station. We got stopped (so embarrassing when the gates closed, red lights and buzzer goes off!!!!) at the next station when we tried to enter because we were technically still in the previous station. With help from the manned gate staff, we were back on our way.
I've been stopped at the ticket gates before when I went in the wrong entrance of a station, then tried to leave without travelling anywhere! The staff are always really helpful with sorting it out. :-)
I'm leaving for Japan here in a week, so this video is super timely! We're also flying into Haneda, so it's very nice to know what all to expect - will definitely be sure to use the site for customs!
Haneda is definitely a better airport to arrive in than Narita, especially for first timers. I first arrived in Narita and it was very intimidating but we left from Haneda and it was a much smoother process.
just saw your preview of the hotel with the church, my family and i stayed there a few years ago and it blew my mind when we got out of the lift as i didnt know it was there , one of the best hotels ive stayed in on my travels , looking forward to the rest of your trip
I didn't know it was there either!! I'd seen it on Google Images when I was choosing a hotel but I didn't realise it was the one I booked! 😂 I loved it there too, we had a great view!
9:41 I like the old booklet. It was really recognizable so if you're looking for it in your bag you'll see it right away. I think the ticket style one would be more easy to lose. My friend actually left his on a train table while using the restroom and the conductor threw it away, thinning it was trash. We didn't realize until we got off. They had to contact the train, have them go through the trash to find it, and leave it at the next station for him to pick up.
We're in japan now, and all the people seem so lovely. Even when you're stepping off the plane, they are smiling and waving 😊 The train/metro system can be a little bit confusing, but there are many people to ask. I laughed at how much luggage you took, me and my boyfriend, and I have packed extremely light, only taking one small cabin bag each with a rucksack so it's easily wheelable round the stations and outside. Can't wait to see more videos Amy! 😊
Hope you're having a fantastic time! It must make things a lot easier travelling light, I'm jealous of how you can manage it!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Not boring at all! We love travel day videos and in just 12 minutes you have been able to answer a lot of the questions we have been hunting for! So informative! And not a lot of people are extremely detailed like this. Loved the teaser clips in the end. Looking forward to the rest of the videos. And yesss the little transpiration cubes you took in beginning are adorable. -Ven
So excited that you've gotten to go back to Japan! Your book and videos were a huge help when we went in December/January. I practically giggled seeing some of the places we visited in the "preview" part of the video (Teamlab Planets and Shibuya Sky in particular). Looks like a lot of great content coming! Thanks for having some of the best Japan travel content on the internet!
Thank you for this. It added to my excitement for my first visit from T5 Heathrow, leaving in less than 2 days!!! Can't wait for the rest of the videos!
We just got back a few days ago...your book was super helpful. Learned a great deal, as well as things to do and not do do for our next trip, which hopefully will be very soon.
@@cakeswithfaces Oh my there were so many things...I'm a big history and culture buff so we visited several shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto. But honestly I really loved the trains and how incredibly efficient everything was (especially coming from the United States, where most trains are subpar). Everyone was incredibly friendly. I've been to nearly 40 countries and this was by far the best foreign trip. I was very nervous about going because I knew so little about the country but your videos and book certainly eased that anxiety.
@@ari_young Ah that's great to hear, and it sounds amazing! Totally agree with you on those points - the way everything just works and it's such a pleasant place to be is what draws me back to Japan again and again.
We've just returned,we took the same flight with BA too. I'll be looking forward to seeing all your videos,I loved Japan and can see why my daughter in Kyushu does too. The people are so kind and the transport system is marvellous. We also visited Shikoku with her and did some of the pilgrimage. Thank you for all your posts 😊
@@cakeswithfaces We hired a car in Osaka (extremely stressful getting out of Osaka in the dark!!) then drove to An. We visited some of the temples and Liz is collecting stamps in a beautiful scroll that's hand painted every time she visits a different one. Then after four days we returned the car and went by overnight ferry to Beppu where we stayed and Liz went back to her university accomodation in Oita. We left her after a few days and flew from Oita back to Haneda where we had a couple of nights. Surprisingly nice area Haneda despite being so near the airport. We braved the trains and did Scramble Crossing one night,then the last day we walked locally then went to Tokyo station and found the Imperial Palace,we walked all the way round ☺️ Not bad for two pensioners 😂
@@francesashmore773 Sounds fantastic! You're very brave driving through Osaka! Walking's the best way to see everything, you can often come across lots of surprises that you wouldn't see otherwise. But it does make your feet hurt after a long trip!! :-)
When I went Tokyo in January I was amazed how fast I got from getting off plane to arrivals lounge. Expected it to take over an hour. Love the sound of the trains tunes. I didn't get a rail pass as I only travelled around Tokyo for 8 days.
Such a smooth arrivals process! And then from Haneda it's so quick to get into the city. Every time I hear the train tunes it makes me so nostalgic! :'-)
@@lohanette You're lucky to have been there at that time! I'm sure everywhere's full now that cherry blossom season's started (I made sure to leave just before that!).
I was on the look-out for Pui Pui everywhere! There was a mini pop-up shop in Tower Records in Shibuya. 😍 So glad the second season's finally on Netflix!
Thank you for the great video! My partner and I are flying out a week from now so this has come at the perfect time! I appreciate your information about wait times at the airport, passport stamps, QR codes, and the reminder to be extra aware of exactly where I store the new tiny JR pass! 😅😬
Hope it helps! Always seems like a lot to deal with after a long haul flight, especially when you have to remember to pick things up at the airport, but it's not too bad really! :-)
My husband and I went with BA premium economy in '19, we will be doing the same next year, was my first ever time on a plane and it was a wonderful journey with such lovely staff.
I just got back. Flew with JAL over and BA back. That journey back was not very enjoyable. 15 hr10 min for some reason and then a 4 hr 50 min coach ride. Just over 27 hour journey from when I left hotel to when I pulled up outside the house. Really uncomfortable plane ride and coach journey as well. Going over was much better with only a 2 hr 30 min bus ride and 14 hr10 min flight with much more comfortable seating and honestly much better service. Never flown with JAL before but price right I would choose them over anyone else. I took the KK line train to my hotel which was in Akihabara but yeah they are a private line so not covered by pass but if you dont have a pass like me it is cheaper than the monorail. Immigration was easy as I filled out the app and although I got used to wearing a mask I would still prefer not to wear one tbh but we had to wear it on the flight or they wouldnt let you on and since almost everyone over there wears them constantly I did the same. Kinda wish I picked up a mobile wifi thing as did not have internet out there outside of hotel and some very selected spots like some beer halls. Just having that would have helped with the few communication problems I had and helped alleviate some navigation issues. Had a map app that was supposed to work offline but it was temperamental at best, definitely not something to rely on. Had a great time there though and went to lots of places in and out of the city. Transportation is so cheap there as well. Think I spent just over 10000 yen on travel costs via passmo card and that was over 20 days and I used them a lot with some going hours out of the city. Almost spent more in the UK just getting to and from Heathrow. I I was going to use Shinkansen however I would have definitely bought a JR pass as they can be pricy.
Excellent, glad you had a great time! Apart from the flight - that sounds painful! My cancelled trip in 2020 was going to be with JAL so I still haven't tried them, but I've heard lots of good things. ANA are my favs so far - excellent service. Internet really helps with a lot of things. The first time I went to Japan I didn't have it, and you have to do so much extra planning. Plus Google Translate's a lot better now and that can be helpful. A JR Pass is definitely worth it if you're travelling long distance, you can easily make the cost back. Maybe next time, one day - a return trip's a great time to explore new places. You have to revisit your favs, but it's always the new places that are the highlight for me!
I’m so excited to go … it was great to see the process of carrying big luggage. We are planning on going to Osaka and Tokyo and that’s a lot for us in a matter of a week or so
I actually filmed another video all about how we manage to change trains with big luggage! :-) Just take your time, and if it's busy when you get off a train, just wait to the side for a moment until the crowds have dispersed and it's a lot easier. Have an amazing time - that sounds like a great plan!
Ridiculously I may have cried when I watched this because I can't believe I'm finally going back to Japan after 5 year this October! I can't wait to watch the rest of the videos from your trip.
Congratulations ! I've been so anticipating the new post-covid travel videos... waiting to see how much your japanese has managed to improve in the years of being grounded :P
Haha, I've really been slacking off on my Japanese since I started learning trombone just before the pandemic! Seems I only have capacity (or time!) to study one thing at a time!! But I can still remember enough to get by - my best moment was when we were at karaoke and I had to go downstairs and tell the staff at the reception desk that someone else was in our room!
Wow, you were really lucky to have had such a closer look at Mt Fuji on the recent diverted European flight path!!, even with the clear backdrop of snow-capped Tateyama Mountains (The normal shortest path is via Siberia, so you would not fly right past it when approaching Tokyo...) I'm very much looking forward to the forthcoming series.
I couldn't believe how clear it was! It made me want to jump straight up the SkyTree when we arrived to enjoy the clear views. There was a great view of Fuji the next day too, from the Yurikamome line in Odaiba at sunset (never seen it from there before).
So excited for this video, and also to see that you took the exact flight and transport into Tokyo that we are planning to do in September! Your videos are so informative, I've been binge watching so many and making notes, as well as reading your book, thank you for all the useful advice 😊
Welcome back to Japan ! You were lucky to see Doctor Yellow ! Also you are lucky that the cherry blossoms bloom early this year. Please enjoy plenty of cherry blossoms.
Enjoy!!! Everything went very smoothly - you'll also be surprised by the number of staff waiting at the airport to tell you to get your QR codes ready!! :-)
I hope you have the best time! ☺️ We are heading back to Japan in July. Thank you for uploading this video, really informative! We are a bit nervous about going through immigration etc this time round with COVID documentation and this was a big help!
It'll be amazing! There really is nothing to worry about with the new procedures. Plus, they just announced that after 8th May, you don't need proof of vaccination or a negative test any more. Although you'll still need Visit Japan Web, for your customs & immigration details.
Loved the vid! I'm flying with BA in a few weeks LHR to HND. Also need to pick up Jr pass and pocket wifi, so found this very informative! Love the train sounds, ahh I can't wait 😀
Have a good flight!! I always write myself a mini to-do list for when I get off the flight - I don't trust myself to remember where to pick everything up after a long flight!
I have a trip for October and this will be my first time going. This video is super helpful and exciting to me since I am going to experience it finally. We’re staying in Ikebukuro in a hotel you suggested.
Phil had a quest to find wagyu beef! After 3 attempts he managed to find the good stuff in Kyoto (it's tricky for us because I don't eat meat and hardly anywhere that serves it has any veggie options - definitely a gap in the market!).
Hello cakes and faces. I've watched quite a few videos of Japan. Tks a lot. Does BA still serve red wine 😊. Remember that when I flew to LHR in 1978😊. Btw with that voice of yours did you give a at singing. Cheers
Thanks, glad you're enjoying my videos! Yes, they still serve red wine on BA! :-) I'm no great singer but I do a few backing vocals in my band: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0lGiOUTEpUw.htmlsi=M1YBI-VG3FErBvhB 😊🎶
I'm so excited for this series! Even though we already made our tirp this is going to be interesting to watch (maybe plan for another trip someday :D) It was fun to spot familiar thing from Haneda like "Oooo! Those are the ticket machines we bought our Suica from!" x)
@@cakeswithfaces Doing the main touristy thing touring from Narita to via Tokyo Osaka Kyoto catching a flight to Naha Okinawa of course Mount fuji and being also a aviation geek plenty of aviation photograph and aviation museums hopefully.finally being a very Big Disney fan will have to do USJ and Tokyo Disney also a very big fan of sailor moon will have to do the live location tour all this on a months trip and i feel i still will not be able to fit it all in so already planning a second trip possibly later in the year.
@@robertsadler1275 Wow that sounds amazing! All the classics, plus a few more unusual places - it'll be fantastic! Hope you manage to spot some of the Japanese planes with unusual paint jobs at the airport - I've seen a few of the Star Wars ones, and a Hello Kitty plane!
Welcome to Japan! You came to japan by using the air plane while Isabella Lucy Bird who was born in Yorkshire came to japan by using the ship 120 years ago. She saw the real "Meiji" era there. You see the current "Reiwa" era as well. Have much good times and funs! With comparing to the Isabella's travel route, you can easliy go to anywhere. So, I recommand reading her's book which is the subject "Unbeaten tracks in Japan".
@@cakeswithfaces Since I always have my AirBnB in the Namba area, I am a regular customer of the Nankai Rapi:t 😎 Yes, the design is really unusual and has a touch of Gundam.
@@cakeswithfaces Since it's our first time in Japan we'll do the major tourist attractions Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Nara + Hakone day trips and also Kinosaki
@@AirWhiteRose It's gotta be done! Glad to hear you're going to Kinosaki - I really loved it there! Such a beautiful town, everywhere you look it's like a photograph 😍
@@cakeswithfaces Yes, I think it will be the highlight of our trip so we are spending two nights there. It looks magical! Can’t wait to see your video of it ❤️
Thank you for the very useful video, I must admit I'm a little concerned about the new procedures, but your video put my mind at ease. I'm not looking forward to the nearly 15 hour return flight in basic economy though 😂 I'm counting the days until October when I go. I got an absolute steal on a hotel in Shinsaibashi, Osaka (£137 for 6 nights) so I'm having 13 days in Tokyo, 7 days in Osaka, then back to Tokyo for another 12 days. It's been years in the making, I'm so excited 😂 Looking forward to the new videos!
The entry procedures are actually fine when you arrive, and there are plenty of english-speaking staff there to help - someone even scanned my QR codes for me. That's a great deal on a hotel - and a good long trip - you'll have time to do so much!
@@cakeswithfaces Yeah hopefully plenty of time! I can't wait! Yet I'm still having trouble fitting in everything I want to do! You have to plan to rest as well though lol! afterall that's what a holiday is supposed to be! Giving yourself a day off really helps you enjoy the rest of the days. That's the adavntage of longer trips, you can spare a day or two to rest.
We're hoping to do a 3 weeker for our honeymoon! Fly in, fly west to Kumamoto and then work our way back to Tokyo. The Heathrow pods are cool, nothing like that in Newcastle sadly. Glad you had a great time, looking forward to the new videos!
That sounds like a fantastic plan! I was tempted by Kumamoto for this trip - I love Kyushu! I was excited about taking a boat across to Nagasaki and the Unzen Hells. And of course the Kumamon Park! 💜
@@cakeswithfaces those all sound fantastic as well! I saw in your footage you went to nunobiki herb garden? We loved that! I guess we'll wait for the next video. We're hoping to take a ferry to Busan from Fukuoka! So two counties in a single trip :) Glad you managed to get back out there!
@@Jiskle That sounds exciting going to South Korea as well, good idea! I loved the herb garden too! We took a wrong turning looking for the hiking trail down the mountain and ended up missing most of the herb garden, and had to walk up that really steep path! 😅😅
@@cakeswithfaces oh no! It's a lovely place but a bit labyrinthian even though it's all outdoors! My fiancé really liked the shop at the top with all products made with the herbs and flowers grown there. We got one of the special coins from the machine up top to commemorate it.
These videos are so useful, love them! We're going in October and trying to decide between esims and pocket WiFi, did you find the pocket WiFi was a good option?
Thanks so much! I prefer pocket WiFi, because you can share one device between you and connect any other devices you have too. Esims can be cheaper but they often have a data cap hidden in the small print. I've always found pocket WiFi works well!
4:40 That’s good to hear. Years ago I ordered the vegetarian meal on a long Delta flight and was served last. And then when they came around with the snack/light meal there was no vegetarian option, just this little ham and cheese roll. 🙄 I hope they’ve improved.
Oh no! Sometimes plane food choices are so odd. Like I never understand why they include nuts so often when so many people are allergic to them. I always seem to get my meal first on long haul flights!
Great video, we're leaving in under 2 weeks so to was nice to see some of the process through the airport. Unfortunately we missed the old rates of the JR Rail pass so we'll be paying as we use instead. Was the plane comfortable enough to move about on? We are flying regular economy (But it should be a similar 787-9) and I'm just wondering about stretching the legs every few hours.
Ooh exciting!! I've always flown regular economy before - whenever I get up to go to the bathroom or get a drink I'd usually do some stretches - there's usually a small amount of room next to the galley and emergency exit door where you can stand around for a bit or walk on the spot. It's a long flight now so you'll definitely want to stand up every now and then!
I’m going to have to tune in since I am going to Japan (and landing in Haneda as well) in May :) I’m with a tour group from all over so should be interesting (and my first time travelling myself)
Thanks so much for this video! I am flying in 4 days and was wondering about the stamp on the Passport. I read that you get it if you travel from 15 to 90 days, but I will travel for less than that so I was wondering whether I will get it. or not. Sad not to buy your guide before it was sold out, but hopefully I will have it on hand for the next time. Waiting for your next videos to watch them while I will be there and get ideas!
Super helpful, thank you! We're traveling in October, Heathrow to Haneda, economy though (do they get wee airplane goody bags too? 😂). Definitely going to look into the airport bus if it goes near our hotel. Looking forward to future videos! ❤
@@cakeswithfaces Yay, goody bags! Not like I won't be packing the kitchen sink in my carry on for our family of 3 😂 Yes the airport bus stop is 5 minutes from our hotel in Ikebukuro and perhaps easier with having our 9 year old with us. Leave the stress of working out trains until later than day minus suitcases 😂
@@xKillingxTimex As much as I love the trains in Japan, with a 9 year old to keep an eye on, plus their suitcase, a bus would be easier!! Also recommend taking a few snacks for the plane as it's a long time between meals on such a long journey!
When I picked up my JR Pass at Haneda I was shocked that not only did they speak English but it sounded like fluent American English. They were also super friendly.
The number of times I've prepared with screenshots, leaflets to show and Japanese phrases to make sure I'm understood, only to find that the staff speak perfect English...! 😂😂 We're so lucky as English speakers really.
Wow, that'll be such an interesting trip and a different way to see the country. Osaka's a really exciting place with so much going on. Where does your trip end up?
@Cakes with Faces well I'll basically do a big loop starting from osaka and then tokushima, kochi, ehime, ferry over to oita, head back up north and make my way to hokkaido and back down to osaka. I might take the bridge to Hiroshima had go north instead of going to oita.
Heads up Britisher pals: If entering Japan on Permanent Resident status, and you misplace your PermRes card, no need to panic. PermRes card holders have a special desk and the officer on duty doesn't need to see the card. Also, if you've loaded up with cheese in UK where it's a lot cheaper, no need to discard at Haneda Airport. Cheese/dairy products are kosher, the dogs, presupposing they are on duty, aren't going to give you grief, especially if you give um a sausage. For rail transport into town, the ticket machines are complicated and all in Japanese, with the station staff particularly unhelpful. So if you can chum up with a Japanese with any luck they'll get you to first base. If that fails, get a ticket, any ticket, and pay at the destination. If they stop you at the ticket barrier, a staff member will sort out the ticket for you. There are long distance buses from the Airport which might be worth checking out, and way cheaper than rip-off UK. Jack, the Japan Alps Brit
Loved your first video, a great insight into your trip, those pods are so cute too! I was curious, your suitcases look really nice and sturdy, we usually have quite lightweight ones but are considering something a bit more substantial, what make are they?
The suitcases were new this year! They're from Tripp - they have lots of different colours! They're actually not too heavy, and having 4 wheels makes them so much easier to manoeuvre - I'm glad we got them in the end!
My flight from NYC to Tokyo was 17 hours but that included a one hour layover in Beijing. We flew over the north pole both ways. I can't sleep on planes with the engine noise so I was really tired when I arrived.
travelling from london heathro myself so found this video super useful for me. How long after departure did they start serving food for you? I was planning to stay awake for most of the night before and do most my sleeping on the plane as an attempt to climatize to the timezone change, but would like to avoid being woken up by meal times
The main meal is served early on in the flight, so you'll be able to have that at the start, and still have a good amount of time to sleep. Have a great time in Japan!
Just arrived yesterday from Los Angeles. Landed at 2:18. 50 minutes to get to passport booth. Then wait for bags. And then checking Pasmo for amount from last trip in November 2019. Had all paperwork done online. Longer than anything I remember at Narita
One quirk with Shinagawa Shinkansen leaving Tokyo going westbound. Only have short 1-2 minute stop, whereas Tokyo station is terminus so you have more time on platform when train door opens
I find it tricky sometimes to know which stations a train will stop at, when there are express trains, limited express and local trains at the same platform. The signs can be tricky to decipher. I've found it easiest to do a quick check on Google Maps or NaviTime and it tells you the train time and platform, so you know if it's for you or not. But sometimes when the train's about to leave and there's no time I've jumped on and hoped for the best! If your destination's a major station there's a good chance the train will stop there, it might just make lots of stops along the way if it's the local train. Have an amazing time on your trip!
We are on our way to Kyoto today after a week’s travel. Then on to Tokyo. Our trip has been absolutely thrilling! Your videos have been so helpful in many ways Amy, thank you! So far I’ve been unable to find a place to buy a Suica or Passmo card 😂 - not sure what went wrong! Any tips if I missed getting it at the airport?
Aww that's great to hear! So happy you're enjoying it! You can get a Suica card at the ticket office of a JR train station (eg Kyoto Station). I think you can also buy them at some ticket machines at JR stations. If you buy one in Kyoto it might be an Icoca card as that's the local one, but it's valid for everything just the same as Suica 😊
Welcome to Japan in full spring(´- `*) 春爛漫の日本にようこそ(´- `*) Japan has no concept of cultural appropriation. 日本には文化盗用という概念がありません。 Everyone is welcome to wear a kimono and enjoy Japanese culture. どなたでも着物を着て日本文化を楽しんでいただけます。 Please come and experience the various cultures of Japan. 日本の様々な文化を体験しに来てください。