While we were checking out air ticket prices to Tokyo, we read about JAL introducing the new Boeing 787 into service this year. The price was reasonable, thus we went ahead to book the flight about a month before we flew, paying a total of S$1475 for the 2 of us.
The Boeing 787 nicknamed the Dreamliner features larger windows and higher ceiling. One other cool feature is the electronically dimmable shades.
Everything look sparkling new. In terms of comfort, I felt no difference from the other airlines. However the food was not as tasty. On the flight to Tokyo, there was only one choice of food available. Only on the flight back, we were given a choice.
The flight from Changi International Airport 1 was at 1.55am. We were there around 12 plus and was able to check in our luggage with nary a queue in sight.
Went in search of food but there were a sea of army boys, evident by their crew cut, going on their overseas trip and most fast food there feature a line. At Killiney however, there were only a couple, so we settled for Kaya Butter Toast with coffee and tea to fill our stomachs.
Reached Narita at 9.30am, cleared customs and got our bags all within 20 mins! Very efficient even though we had to input our finger prints. Bought our Skyliner tickets with 2 days Metro Pass for 4880Yen per person and managed to catch the 9.59am train. Whew!
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| Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno Google Map: 35.711857,139.778049 |
For the next 2 nights, Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno was our choice of stay. It's conveniently located, just 20m from Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Station. The room is 18m square, still small but larger than those 12m square rooms! Opened in 2010, everything still looks sparkling new. In fact, you can even see the building under construction in Google Street View!
We were to stay here for a total of 7 nights stay, which we paid an average 11357Yen per night. Do note that booking direct through the hotel website after becoming a member yields the best rate most of the time. However there were 2 nights in which Booking.com gave better rates.
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From picture above starting from top left, 1. Door with magnetic signs 2. Television 3. Toilet with Bathtub and Amenities 4. WC with bidet attachments.
There is a convenient store just across the street, as well as Yoshinoya, Tenya, Matsuya and other restaurants just a stone throw away.
Unfortunately, on our first day there, it was raining cats and dogs and we had to forego plans to visit the Metropolitan Government Building as well as Shinjuku Garden. Sigh! Sometimes things just don't turn out the way you plan.
After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we took the train to Shinjuku after getting Suica cards which proved very useful as you don't have to buy tickets for individual train rides and it can also be used to purchase items and used as payment for lockers!
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| Katsura at Takashimaya Times Square Google Map: 35.685936,139.702501 |
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| Appetizers |
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| Crab Meat Cream Croquette with Fillet Cutlet Set - 1734Yen Rating: 4.5/5 |
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| 170g Ton Katsu Zen Sirloin Set - 2077Yen Rating: 4.5/5 |
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| Milli Crepe Cake - 294Yen Rating: 4/5 |
We then shopped at Tokyu Hands which was just next door. Plenty of Christmas decorations on sale on the first floor. This store is huge, comprises of 7 floor selling a wide range of products, many exclusive to Japan.
It can get dark pretty quickly in Tokyo. Above picture is taken at 4.31pm! It was still raining and one thing I noticed is that Japanese people really likes those transparent umbrella.
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| Ichiran Ueno Google Map: 35.712423,139.775085 |
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| Tonkotsu Ramen Rating: 4.5/5 |
As it was still raining cats and dogs and coupled with the jetlag, we decided to call it a night, returned to the hotel and had a good soak in the bathtub.
