Do I need a visa for a layover in Japan? Quick things to do in Tokyo?

[jm21-2]

I'm looking at a flight to China that's inexpensive but has a 14-19 hour stop in Tokyo. A major inconvenience for some but I thought it might be a great opportunity for me as I've always wanted to visit Japan. Just not sure what I need to do to avoid trouble. It sounds like you jsut get issued a 3-month visa upon entry (and probably a fee)?

And also, some quick things to do in Tokyo that would be fun. I'm starting to make a list of things I'd like to do based on what I've studied of Japanese culture (e.g. go to a fancy sushi shop) but It'd be nice to hear from some people who have been there. Depending on the flight it's about 14-19 hours, a few of which are getting to and from the airport and maybe some for sleeping. I'm not much of a city person so hadn't really though of things to do in Tokyo.

Thanks for any help you guys can give, and looks like I will finally be getting on that plane unless there's some sort of dire emergency that pops up or they screw up my Chinese visa application majorly.

[GatoAzul]

If you think it is worth exploring Japan, go for it.   About visa, I am afraid I do not know anything about it.  Try to look in google search for information.

Some days I will go to China, because I sell Oriental Fashion for living .....

Good luck

[Capstone]

I'm looking at a flight to China that's inexpensive but has a 14-19 hour stop in Tokyo. A major inconvenience for some but I thought it might be a great opportunity for me as I've always wanted to visit Japan. Just not sure what I need to do to avoid trouble. It sounds like you jsut get issued a 3-month visa upon entry (and probably a fee)?

No, no visa is needed for US citizens to visit Japan - you will automatically be given a 90 day visa if you decide to leave the transit area in the airport.  Unfortunately Narita Airport is a good distance outside of Tokyo (about 40 miles) so it will take you a bit of time to get into town. I like to take the train into town as it has always been faster for me than a cab or a bus - it takes anywhere from just under an hour to 90 minutes to get to the city center depending on which train that you take. If I were you with that short of time frame, I would probably take the Narita Express train into town and then head to the Ginza district to have a look around - Ginza is pretty much a must if you are visiting Tokyo.

[Jeff S]

Yes. Capstone is right - no visa needed. It's issued (at no charge) when arriving. I'm sending you a PM with some Tokyo sights. The train system is quite easy to use. though it looks complex:



Don't worry, there are English speaking Information booths at every train station.

What time of the day or night you're there, and what you like to do, will determine the most interesting half day in Tokyo. If a weekend afternoon - Yes Ginza. If an evening and you don't mind spending a few yen then Roppongi - if early morning - Tsukiji can't be missed. If you're just wanting to have a relaxing weekday afternoon - the National Museum in Ueno Park is lots of fun. You'll probably be approached by lots of high school and college girls wanting to practice their English - They'll all be in their uniforms. Have fun.


- Jeff

[jm21-2]

Have to give a big salute to all you guys who have done this. Shelling out a significant sum of money for passport, visa, plane ticket, hotel, etc., all to go to a country where you probably don't know the language, haven't tasted the food, don't know what to expect, all to meet a girl you may end up not matching well in person....it was pretty hard for me to pull the trigger at this stage in my life. Couldn't quite do it, took a break for lunch, came back and just said F it and pulled the trigger. Fortunately I clicked a different option or something when I came back and my ticket price was about $140 less. So...set for July 11. I'm a pretty cautious guy who's conservative with money and this was a hard decision. But I think if I put it off once I'd put it off a hundred times.

[Capstone]

Have to give a big salute to all you guys who have done this. Shelling out a significant sum of money for passport, visa, plane ticket, hotel, etc., all to go to a country where you probably don't know the language, haven't tasted the food, don't know what to expect, all to meet a girl you may end up not matching well in person....it was pretty hard for me to pull the trigger at this stage in my life. Couldn't quite do it, took a break for lunch, came back and just said F it and pulled the trigger. Fortunately I clicked a different option or something when I came back and my ticket price was about $140 less. So...set for July 11. I'm a pretty cautious guy who's conservative with money and this was a hard decision. But I think if I put it off once I'd put it off a hundred times.

All of those unknowns/chances are what makes these trips fun - who wants to go someplace that is just like where you came from??? Don't worry, you will have a great time - even if things don't happen to work out with the girl you will have experienced something that you will remember for the rest of your life.

[Bob_S]

I'm looking at a flight to China that's inexpensive but has a 14-19 hour stop in Tokyo. A major inconvenience for some but I thought it might be a great opportunity for me as I've always wanted to visit Japan.

A 14-hour layover is not as much time as you may think.  Narita is way out in the sticks.  From debarkation to the city center, you are looking at about 2 hours (passport control, customs, finding transportation, etc.), 3 if you take a shuttle bus and traffic is bad.  Then it is 3 hours back to your flight.  And when you step off the plane after a 12 hour flight, you will be wiped, tired as an old hound dog that's chased too many rabbits.

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If you are meeting your lady at the airport in China, you'll want to arrive somewhat refreshed.  Instead of sightseeing in Japan, head to a hotel to deal with some of your jetlag and get a shower.  I would advise you check out the Narita Airport Rest House that is right outside the airport's front door almost.  It is old and looks a bit rundown, but it is relatively dirt cheap and they are used to dealing with foreign travelers.

If, after a good nap to adjust to local time, you wake refreshed and still have many hours before your flight, stay within the city of Narita.  It's not Tokyo, but you can still get a taste of local culture.  Visit Naritasan Temple and the old souvenir street.  Lots of restaurants there (and back in the airport) have menus in English or plastic samples of dishes you can point to if it looks like it may be appetizing.

But for Gawd's sake, don't do anything that will make you miss the next leg of your trip!    Note that there are two terminals at the airport, so you'll want to make sure you are at the right one, and it could take time to get from one to the other if you don't know where you are to start.

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BTW, Jeff's map shows just the Japan Rail routes.  There are also subways and private run lines.  If you still want to brave running into heart of the world's largest MegaCity, see a more comprehensive map here.

[Capstone]

If you want to just rack out and not try to explore Tokyo then another option to what Bob suggested above is a Day Room within the Narita airport itself. These are pretty much closet sized rooms which have a twin sized bed and a small shower cubicle in them. Definitely not luxury accommodations but they are in the airport, pretty cheap and are a good way to get some sleep and a shower in between flights.

[Ray]

Have to give a big salute to all you guys who have done this. Shelling out a significant sum of money for passport, visa, plane ticket, hotel, etc., all to go to a country where you probably don't know the language, haven't tasted the food, don't know what to expect…
 

Thanks, but when I visited Japan it didn’t cost me a dime. And I didn’t even need a passport! Even the meals were free… LOL!

Just for the halibut, you should walk into a Navy recruiting office some day during your lunch break and see what kind of incentives they offer if you were to sign up as a JAG Corps officer. The duty would be great and they have some nice overseas billets for lawyers.

Have an adventurous and safe trip…and Stephen wants to see lots of pics! 

And be sure to try a whale dog on a stick when you’re in Japan!

Ray

[Jeff S]

Just out of curiosity - Where are you going in China?

[jm21-2]

Bob,

It looks to be a 19 hour stay so I figure I can get a little sight-seeing in. Even if I end up getting pretty washed out it's a good chance. Maybe I'll jsut wait and see how I feel after that long flight. I didn't realize Narita was that far from Tokyo either.

Capstone,

Yes, I think it'll be fun and will be a good story if nothing else. Just a big leap for me and I'm worried about not working for that long.

Ray,

I looked into Navy JAG (by far the most interesting branch for JAG) and actually almost joined the Army as a normal officer at one point. I've had a lot of friends in the military and it's one of the few places you can get decent vacation and pay right off the bat. I'm out of shape right now though and I'm not sure if I'd be able to get in with a DUI on my record even if it was mostly wiped out due to a diversion program. One of the guys in the firm I lease space from was career JAG (22.5 years I think) and loved it. My impression from the JAG recruiters I talked with was it was fairly difficult to get stationed abroad as a young JAG and almost impossible to get on a ship.

Jeff,

We were originally going to meet up in Sanya, but the company she was working at basically went under when they lost a big contract. Her parents were having some health issues so she moved back to Qingdao to help out and is starting work again in a little bit. Anyways, I'll be meeting her in Qingdao, which is actually where I wanted to go anyways (she really wanted to go to Sanya). Cooler weather, Tsingtao beer, sailing capital of China...all sounds good to me. Probably visit some of the surrounding areas too I'm sure.

[Jeff S]

Did you get my PM? Another on the way.