Saturday, September 27th, 2025

The Clock Stops for No One: Our 17-Hour Dash to Tokyo

After months of planning that felt like an eternity, the moment is finally here: we are in Japan! This two-week journey will take us through the energy of Tokyo, the majestic peaks of Kamikochi (the Japanese Alps), and the ancient elegance of Kyoto, the former Japanese capital.

Justine had found us Economy Plus seats for the flight (at better prices than Economy), but it meant we were flying through Seoul South Korea, adding a few hours to our flight time. But it was totally worth it. It’s hard to put a price on the extra room and comfort on a long trip.

On the plane, gin and tonic in hand! Ready for an adventure!

We were at the airport earlier than we needed to be, but it gave us time to relax before the flight. The flight itself was a pretty long one - 10 1/2 hours to Seoul, a 2 1/2 hour layover, and then another 2 1/2 hours from Seoul to Tokyo.

All in all, it went pretty well. It was long, but they fed us a fair bit (even if most of it was pretty bad). We both dozed a bit, but wouldn’t call it sleeping in any meaningful way. I got caught up on a bunch of shows and Justine watched some movies.

Once in Seoul, the transfer was pretty easy. We had to clear security again, which was aggravating, but we had lots of time. The airport is full of very high end shops, so we didn’t buy anything. We did go up to the “food court” which was quite different. It was a series of higher end (for a food court) restaurants that you ordered in advance and then ate in the food court. Not really the fast food takeaway experience we’re used to. But we didn’t have time for that by the time we got around to checking it out.

The flight from Seoul to Tokyo was fast, and surprised us by providing a proper meal. I guess it’s an international flight, but we did not expect that.

Finally, we were in Japan! Getting through customs was pretty easy and our bags were waiting for us when we got to the carousel. I think I am really going to like Japan - they’ve even dealt with my big pet peeve at the baggage carousel.

Finally, a civilized country that understands that there’s no reason for baggage carts to be pushed right up to the edge of the baggage carousel.

After that, we found our way to the train into the city. We arrived at Narita airport which is a long way out. The train took 45 minutes and our first hotel was right next to Tokyo Station, the main station.

Narita Airport is actually quite a long way from Tokyo. I think it might have actually been an hour or more on the train. But it was a nice, easy ride.

Tokyo Station from the outside - our “home” for the next few days. It’s an amazing place - almost a neighborhood unto itself, as I’ll explain over the next few posts.

We emerged into the organized chaos of Tokyo Station, a labyrinthine beast that took a solid effort to navigate. Our hotel, tucked into a high-rise right next door, felt like an urban sanctuary—reception on the 27th floor, sleek design, and an incredibly comfy bed waiting.

The room was a bit tight, but it was nicely appointed and the bed was comfortable.

The bathroom was fine - but we had our first fancy Japanese toilet!

By the time we checked in, the local clock read 11:30 PM. After 16 grueling hours of travel, the only thing on our minds was sleep.

The view from our hotel window, out over the massive Tokyo Station and all the rail lines that converge.

...But the alarm is set for 4:15 AM.

Why the ungodly wake-up call? Because our first true Japanese adventure, the electric, word-famous Tokyo Fish Market Tuna Auction, doesn’t wait! Wish us luck—we're going to need it.