What should I do with an 8 hours between flights in Tokyo?

Question

I'm flying into Tokyo and I've got about 8 hours between flights. I'd like to do something fun and interesting as I've never been to Japan. Any ideas?

Answer 1

There are many places to go in Japan. What you can do is Google the area you are going to be in and see what is there. Also, There are many Oil companies there with expat offices chocked FULL of English speakers that are more than willing to help a lost traveler. I work for one of them and get a few calls a week from people seeking help from other English speakers.
Also, If you go to Craigslist.com, go to Japan and post an ad for a Japanese pal to show you around while you are there. You'll be surprised how many answers you'll get. If you have no luck, I can call my friend who is in Tokyo and ask her about a few places for you-
I hope this helps.


In answer to Cindy, what you said is not true, Japanese ARE used to "foreigners" and WILL serve people from other countries. Japan as a whole, is not racist. I am Japanese, from Japan, as is my mother, We both disagree with you. I think perhaps you should experience Japan, and if you have, maybe try it again. Maybe your experience was not so great. My father is British and I only Look somewhat Japanese and when traveling by myself, I have never encountered lack of service. as a matter of fact, I found more people TRIED to help me because they didn't know I speak Japanese and wanted to make me feel welcome.

Answer 2

Hmm... it depends which airport you'll be going to- is it Haneda or Narita? Haneda is closer to Tokyo than Narita is. If I had that amount of time in between flights, and I was at Narita, assuming I could leave the airport I'd go and see the big temple in the town again. It's worth a visit, and I'd go and eat some okonomiyaki, (a sort of cross between ommelette and pizza- definitely try some food, it's worth it). There are some decent souvenir shops there, if pricy ;)

If it was Haneda, I'd ride the monorail into Tokyo itself, then just pick an attraction at random- you can hardly lose. Edo castle, the Asakusa market and temple, the Akihabara 'Electric Town', cosmopolitan Shibuya, or it's sleazier cousin Roppongi... here's a tip- if you buy a ticket on the Maru no uchi subway line, you can get on at one station, then go all the way around Tokyo and see the sights from the train (it's not all underground). Then, get back off at the station you got on at, and it will only cost about Y200, about a quid.Oh, if you end up in Tokyo after dark, can I recommend Tokyo Tower? Go right up to the top, you will be amazed, gazing out on the seething sea of electric light and neon...

I think whatever you do, there's a good chance it'll blow your mind, but don't miss your flight out though! That's just what'd happen to me, I can see it now...

Answer 3

There is nothing to do at the airport in Narita if thats where your going. Once you get through customs and you find the area for departures which should use up about 2 hours of your time. When your facing the big board with all the departing flights listed. Head to your right, Keep walking til you see am escalator on right. Take it up to the next level. Once your at the second floor hang a right, there will be a little "Convience" type store on your right. The food is great at this place and the sell ice cold beer as well. If you smoke there is a "Smoking room" right across the way which seems to be a good place to strike up conversation with travellers as well as local travellers. I go through Narita every year on my Christmas journey to and from the states and hanging in this area is a high point of my trip

Answer 4

Go to Narita-san temple. Aside from the temple itself, there is a great museum of Buddhism there-check out the Mandala Sand Paintings. IMO it's just not worthwhile to drag your butt into Tokyo for an 8 hour layover. You can walk to temple from JR Narita or Keisei Narita station. Those trains originate in the airport station and take about 15 minutes to get to Narita station. Narita was a famous place long before the airport, there is plenty there to keep anyone busy for a day. Some of the airport hotels also have special deals where you can use their fitness center, pool, sauna etc. for much less than what you would pay to stay overnight.

Answer 5

You could play hopscotch for an hour, play I Spy for 2 hours, sing along to the piped in music for an hour, find a comfy seat and have a snooze for 2 hours and find a internet cafe and go on Yahoo Answers with a cup of coffee in hand for the other 2 hours.

Answer 6

Eat at a sushi bar, be the tallest person in a lift full of Japanese people, sleep in one of those tiny cubicle thingies, buy some electronic product that could only have been invented in Japan, and take some photos.

Answer 7

You could try to find a pachinko parlor. :)

If you don't look Japanese, and especially if you don't speak it, you'll get stared at, and might not get any service. They're not incredibly used to foreigners.

edit: Okay, let me clarify. Most people will be surprised to see a foreigner, but they won't hate you. And the places that don't serve foreigners are very few. But knowing some Japanese will definitely help.

Answer 8

Get a phrase book and practice with fellow passengers that are also travelling to Japan. Ask for tips to make the best of your trip.

Answer 9

Talk to a taxi driver at the airport and ask what he would charge for a tour (you decide how many hours you can spare). and where he can take you. Tokyo traffic is wild!

Answer 10

Grab your camera, put a new film in and get clicking! What a fabulous opportunity! I'm so envious. See as much as you can of their way of life - markets, a massage maybe, just wander the streets and see what happens. Can I come with you? lol. Have a great time! xx