Security Gate @ Narita Airport Station
After a really long plane flight from Vancouver, everyone seemed eager to get off the plane, and pressed forward as soon as the doors opened. We were excited, but waited for the throng to pass and followed the crowd down long passages to the immigration area.
Immigration had many long lines, but they moved surprisingly fast. Everything was well-labeled, and officers wearing white gloves indicated where to go and what to do. Our family fielded only the briefest of questions before being admitted to the baggage carousel area. Upon finding our luggage, we went to the customs area and were waved through with only a glance at our forms. A frosted glass sliding door opened and we were done. We were in Japan!
To Immigration at Narita Airport
It was a bit scary and exciting at the same time to see signs in Japanese and hear the language being spoken all around. Of course, everything was clearly marked in English as well, but now we were here for real, and not just daydreaming about a trip in the future.
Bus terminal at Narita arrivals
We had decided on a limousine bus from Narita Airport to avoid trying to navigate the train system while we were tired with two young girls and our luggage in tow. The bus counter was not hard to find, and the salesperson was helpful despite limited English. I only have a few terms of Japanese from the community college back home, but it was still exciting to pull out a few words and have them understood.
Before we came, we had exchanged our money for yen, but it still felt strange to pull out the ornate bills and pay for things with them. The coins were also unfamiliar, so it took time to figure out which were needed, but the salesperson patiently waited, then directed us to the correct bus stop.
Narita Limousine Bus Route Information
The bus itself was spacious compared to the cramped airplane seats, and the girls promptly fell asleep. I was too excited, and though the view was mostly freeway traffic, it was still interesting to watch as the day faded to night and the neon lights, billboards, and buildings flashed by. The bus slowed to a crawl when it got to Tokyo itself because there was so much traffic, but eventually we got off at the Shinjuku JR Train Station West Exit.
Shinjuku
Because we were only going to be in Tokyo for two nights, we had decided on a smaller hotel with less amenities and a price that reflected that. The Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku is not far from the station, but we took a taxi and were there in only a couple minutes.
Shinjuku Afternoon
The lobby was small but tastefully decorated, and the staff very polite and welcoming. One of the ladies spoke English quite well and helped us with the registration and finding our room. The room is small, but well laid-out and quiet. The window has a view of the streets, traffic and tall buildings. Shinjuku is a very exciting place, lots of people, amazing signs over the shops, shopping and central to many of the main sights in Tokyo. The girls immediately had to open every drawer and check out the closet and bathroom, squealing over the amenities and bouncing on the bed.
Drinks @ Vending machiine
We halfheartedly talked about going for a walk, but settled for showers instead. We ate a few snacks that we brought for the plane and Andrew checked out the vending machine and bought some cold drinks and we agreed to explore the area tomorrow. It is so thrilling to be in Japan!
photos by:
Hyougushi &
Michael Cornelius,
abragad,
David McKelvey,
jczart,
h.rinta,
RachelH_
