Ladies & Gentlemen, as the Northern Hemisphere mid-summer season rapidly approaches its peak, I hope you will accept my most sincere apologies for the lack of overseas trip reports for the past few months. In order to keep you all updated for this year's main summer season, I would like to warmly welcome you to my 10-day mid-summer overseas vacation trip to eastern Japan for my 29th birthday in June 2024. This main summer getaway vacation journey trip report shall comprise of a total of five central sections, for which, this will be the first section of the entire trip report itself.
There shall be two main focus topics, excluding the prologue, that are to be covered in this first section of the trip report. They are mainly the overnight flight to Tokyo (Haneda) and the major railroad trip to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama in Naka-ku, Yokohama. Though I cannot allow any comments to be posted for my overseas getaway videos published on YouTube for safety reasons, you may leave your comments in the main comment boxes located at the end of each trip report segment.
Part 1 ~ The Prologue
After returning from my first maiden overseas social bonding and learning journey to the Philippines in April 2024, I promptly spent the remainder of April and May helping my mom out with our own family medical business. My dad then returned home to Singapore by mid-May after spending one month Down Under in Western Australia helping my younger brother out with some errands for our Western Australian possessions, like vehicle tire servicing and maintenance matters for our white Australian family car.
Barely a week or so after I had returned to Singapore from the Philippines, I decided that I needed some time to myself overseas. With my 29th birthday around the corner, I instantly decided to do something special for myself by embarking on another solo trip to eastern Japan for a ten-day period in the first half of June. Given that I had enjoyed my very first solo trip to Japan in August & September 2023, there was thus no doubt that I was quite serious about traveling there again on my own for my birthday.
Though my parents found my choice to be rather boring with the exact same thing, they were nonetheless supportive of my main plans and gave me their blessings, directly knowing that I would never give up on my favorite activity of collecting airline mile points for overseas vacation trips. In preparation for my major vacation trip, I went into downtown Orchard Road to purchase my one-week Green-type Japan Rail Pass Exchange Voucher. Given that it would be more pricey to get portable Wi-Fi Internet routers even if booked early in advance, my parents improvised this matter by providing me with a portable Wi-Fi Internet router in Singapore for my own use in Japan.
On the damp morning of Saturday (1 June), I woke up at precisely 11.30 a.m. after having a good night's sleep. Washing up and changing into my normal clothes for the day ahead, I soon proceeded to prepare the remainder of my necessary belongings in preparation for the main summer overseas getaway journey to eastern Japan later that evening. My parents had offered to take me to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 6.30 p.m. sharp, which would be a wise decision as I would have to take the early evening rush traffic into account. I also laid out all my baggage in our living room to ensure that we could carefully load them into our white family car trunk before leaving for the airport.
For the coming in-bound overnight flight from Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda), I would be flying safely with All Nippon Airways on flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda), which would be expected to depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 10.10 p.m. later that night, and then arrive at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) by 6.20 a.m. early the next morning. This would be a positive aspect as it would spare me the trouble of having to pass through transit security checks and change flights at another airport. This trip would then mark the second time I would come into Tokyo via Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) instead of Narita International Airport.
With my family being quite particular about getting a large family car upon arriving in Japan, I knew that it would be difficult or even impossible to get one large car from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) due to the close proximity to the city center. Hence, it would make sense for my family to come into the Greater Tokyo Area via Narita International Airport as the possibilities of getting a large family car to drive around Japan would be at least three times higher. However, since I would not be renting a car, it also made perfect sense for me to come into the Greater Tokyo Area directly via Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport).
Furthermore, for the coming accommodation, I would stay at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama located in the heart of the local Minato Mirai 21 business district of Naka-ku, Yokohama. This serviced apartment was also familiar to me as I had previously stayed there during my first independent journey to eastern Japan back in August & September 2023. Given that several Airbnb places have been rapidly declining in Japan post-pandemic and for security reasons, I quickly knew that it would be better to stay in a major hotel or a reputable serviced apartment whenever I travel to Japan on my own.
Later that evening, the time had come for me to depart the house at around 6.25 p.m.. While my dad started up the white family car, I safely offered help to my housekeeper in placing my baggage into the rear trunk area while my mom accompanied my dad in the front seat area. Once all of my belongings were safely loaded into the rear car trunk, we eventually departed from the familiar surroundings of our house at exactly 6.30 p.m. sharp for an evening road trip of 25 minutes through both the Central Expressway and Pan Island Expressways to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.
It was not that long until we finally reached the main departures and drop-off point situated just outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 6.55 p.m. sharp. While I safely went to collect a single baggage cart, my parents helped to unload all of my baggage from the back trunk area of our white private family car. Once all my baggage had been loaded directly onto the baggage cart, my parents wished me a pleasant 10-day getaway voyage to eastern Japan and told me to contact them daily every few hours.
With my parents seeing me off at the drop-off point, I safely made my way into the central departures and check-in level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with my baggage cart before heading over to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge to check in for my flight. Upon safely reaching the major entrance door to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at seven o' clock later that evening, I then informed a check-in staff agent that I was checking in for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda). The main flight check-in procedures for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) took not more than approximately five minutes.
All Nippon Airways (Japanese: 全日本空輸; Traditional Chinese: 全日本空輸; Simplified Chinese: 全日本空输; Korean: 전일본공수) is one of the two major full-service airline companies of the State of Japan. It is the largest central airline in Japan in terms of passengers carried, and has its headquarters in Shiodome City Center situated around the Shiodome district in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The airline has its two primary hubs at Narita International Airport and Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), with two local western hub airports around Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), and offers just 97 revenue destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania with a large fleet comprising of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.
The local airline was founded from 27 December 1952 as Nippon Helicopter, and began regular overnight freighter operations between both Tokyo and Osaka from 20 January 1954, eventually attaining the current name in 1958. Progressively developing through the 1960s and 1970s, the airline company began its maiden international operations on 3 March 1986 between Tokyo and Guam and became a pure member of Star Alliance on 15 October 1999, making it the first Japanese airline company to join a global airline alliance. All Nippon Airways was also the very first airline to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, beginning with a regional charter flight from Tokyo (Narita) to Hong Kong on 26 October 2011, as well as the very first Japanese carrier to attain Skytrax's five-star ratings on 29 March 2013. The company maintains several code-share agreements with most Star Alliance partners via its ANA Mileage Club frequent-flyer program.
The departures and drop-off point located outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours shortly after I had arrived
Overlooking Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from the departures and drop-off point located outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Finally entering the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Walking past the regular All Nippon Airways check-in counters on the way to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge located in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Arriving at the main entrance to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge located in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
One final look at my bulkier check-in baggage in the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge located in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly before I checked it in for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)
After completing the main check-in process for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) at the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge located in the departure and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, I safely received my boarding pass and airport lounge invitation pass at 7.05 p.m.. The check-in lounge staff agent informed me that All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) would depart by exactly 10.10 p.m. sharp from Gate No. F56 in Concourse F. Boarding would also commence by 9.40 p.m., approximately half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
With that, I thanked the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge agent for all of her services and proceeded to the departure immigration checkpoints with my belongings. To clear the departure immigration checkpoints, I made use of the automatic facial recognition entrance gates, with the major departure immigration procedures taking not more than approximately five minutes that early evening. Once I had directly passed through the main departure immigration checkpoints, I was in the large main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 by around 7.10 p.m..
Given that I had plenty of time left before All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda), I wisely decided to proceed upstairs to the Silver Kris Lounge for some refreshments. Without wasting anymore time, I safely took the nearest escalator up to the main airport lounge mezzanine transit area, where the airport lounges were situated. The entire passageway from the main transit mall to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level took not more than approximately five minutes.
My Business Class boarding pass for the upcoming in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda)
Finally entering the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
The departure flight information screens in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing some duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing The Cocoa Trees (Changi Airport Terminal 2 Transit Area Central Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level during the early evening rush hours
Approaching the escalators connecting to the airport lounge mezzanine transit level in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Passing through the food court in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing a Lotte duty-free retail outlet store in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge during the early evening rush hours
Overlooking the Enchanted Garden in the main transit area from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge during the early evening rush hours
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
After walking through the main transit level of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 for not more than approximately five minutes, I finally arrived outside the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge at precisely 7.15 p.m. sharp. Heading to the lounge reception counters, an airport lounge staff receptionist directly inspected my boarding pass before permitting me to access the lounge area. Once I was confirmed eligible for lounge access, I quickly went into the central Business Class section and secured a nearby vacant seating area near the self-service refreshment counters.
Having changed approximately S$3,322.30 in town and receiving a total of ¥381,000, I knew that I would not have to make any currency exchanges in the main airport terminal building. This, in turn, resulted in the amount of Japanese yen in my major pockets increasing from ¥315,516 to ¥696,516 in total. Since I was feeling slightly peckish, I securely went to the self-service lounge refreshment corners and promptly helped myself to some har gow dumplings, a bowl of cream of mushroom soup with some croutons and a single glass of Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2020 Argentine red wine.
Upon finishing my meal and having some potato chips with a mug of hot cocoa, the clock was soon showing 8.05 p.m.. Given that I had some duty-free shopping to do, I safely departed from the lounge and promised the staff receptionists that I would be returning prior to catching the nearest airport escalator down to the main transit area at Terminal 2. During the course of my duty-free shopping spree, I stopped over at iStudio (Changi Airport Terminal 2 Branch) to purchase one wired earplug set and at The Cocoa Trees (Changi Airport Terminal 2 Transit Area Concourse E Branch), where I purchased some local treats for a good friend living in Tokyo.
Once I had finished my necessary airport duty-free shopping, the clock was now showing 8.20 p.m.. With at least an hour left to go before my flight, I took the closest escalator back up to the Silver Kris Lounge situated within the central airport lounge mezzanine transit level, thus reaching the main entrance at precisely 8.25 p.m.. Securing a vacant seating spot in the inner part of the lounge, I helped myself to a single can and glass of soda water and did some private trip report data editing work on my portable laptop while waiting for the right time to proceed to Gate No. F56.
The view of the dining area near the self-service refreshments corners in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours shortly after I had arrived
Stopping by one of the food counters of the self-service refreshment corners in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Stopping by at the beverage section of the self-service refreshment corners in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Holding up a bottle of Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2020 Argentine red wine at the beverage section of the self-service refreshment corners in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
A plate of har gow dim sum dumplings with a bowl of cream of mushroom soup with croutons and a glass of Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2020 Argentine red wine for myself in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Overlooking the dining area near the self-service refreshment corners from my seating area in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Planning out the first section of my mid-summer overseas leisure getaway trip report on my blog via my portable laptop in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 using Frutiger LT Std as the standard font for the overseas trip report
A plate of potato chips with a mug of hot cocoa for myself in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
The view of the self-service refreshment corners from my seating area in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing the inner seating areas in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to do some airport duty-free shopping during the early evening rush hours
The main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to do some airport duty-free shopping during the early evening rush hours
Walking through the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to do some airport duty-free shopping during the early evening rush hours
Overlooking the Enchanted Garden in the main transit area from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to do some airport duty-free shopping during the early evening rush hours
Taking the escalators down from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level to the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to do some airport duty-free shopping during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing Lacoste (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 Branch) and Kaboom (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing some open-air food and beverage outlet stores by the observation area in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Overlooking the main airport tarmac from the observation area in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Bypassing WH Smith (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Stopping over at iStudio (Changi Airport Terminal 2 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Stopping over at The Cocoa Trees (Changi Airport Terminal 2 Transit Area Concourse E Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
Bypassing the Lotte duty-free retail outlet store in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level during the early evening rush hours
Taking the escalators from the main transit area to the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge during the early evening rush hours
Walking through the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge during the early evening rush hours
Overlooking the Enchanted Garden in the main transit area from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge during the early evening rush hours
Finally arriving back at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Bypassing the dining area near the self-service refreshment counters in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours shortly after I had arrived back
The inner seating areas of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
A can and glass of soda water for myself in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
The departure flight information screens in the inner seating areas of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours
The view of the inner seating areas of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the early evening rush hours shortly before it was time for me to proceed to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F
To: Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) (HND / RJTT), Tokyo, Japan
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Registration No.: JA895A
Class: Business Class
Seat No.: 7H
Date: Saturday, 1 June 2024
After spending approximately 1 hour 50 minutes of having some light early evening refreshments and utilizing my own electronic gadgets in the Silver Kris Lounge located in central the airport lounge mezzanine transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, the clock was soon showing 9.05 p.m. sharp. Given that passenger boarding for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) would commence safely in 35 minutes, I quickly packed away all my baggage and departed from the Silver Kris Lounge for Gate No. F56. The central terminal passageway from the Silver Kris Lounge over to Gate No. F56 took not more than approximately 10 minutes.
Soon enough, I reached the front entrance to the passenger waiting lounge situated at Gate No. F56 in Concourse F at around 9.15 p.m., which was just in time for passenger boarding for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) to commence in approximately 25 minutes. With only a simple and rapid security gate check, I was in the passenger waiting lounge located at Gate No. F56 in Concourse F at 9.20 p.m.. Observing the number of customers by Gate No. F56, I could see that All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) would be almost filled to the brim tonight.
For this journey, All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) would be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jet, registered JA895A and powered by only two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000-J3 aircraft engines. JA895A was delivered to All Nippon Airways on 2 October 2017 as the 26th Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the 62nd Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the airline. The overall major delivery would eventually make the large twin-engine aircraft have a revenue passenger service age of approximately 6.6 years old today.
Bypassing the dining area near the self-service refreshment corners in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 as I begin to make my way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F
Walking through the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F during the late night rush hours
Overlooking the Enchanted Garden in the main transit area from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F during the late night rush hours
Taking the escalators down from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level to the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F during the late night rush hours
Bypassing the Lotte duty-free retail outlet store in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F during the late night rush hours
Bypassing several duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F during the late night rush hours
Bypassing Bee Cheng Hiang (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 Departure South Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F during the late night rush hours
Walking through the automated passageway leading to Gates No. F54 to F60 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the late night rush hours
Bypassing Gate No. F54 on the way to Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the late night rush hours
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the passenger waiting lounge at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the late night rush hours
Finally inside the passenger waiting lounge at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the late night rush hours
My aircraft for tonight, JA895A, being serviced at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming long overnight return flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea back to the State of Japan as All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)
A closer view of JA895A being serviced at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming long overnight return flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea back to the State of Japan as All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)
The interior of the passenger waiting lounge at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 filled with waiting passengers for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) during the late night rush hours
The departure flight information screens in the passenger waiting lounge at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 detailing important information for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)
One additional view of JA895A being serviced at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming long overnight return flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea back to the State of Japan as All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)
The passenger waiting lounge at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly before the first boarding announcements for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) were made
After spending approximately half an hour of anticipated waiting inside the holding area near Gate No. F56 in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, the first major boarding announcements for All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 bound for Tokyo (Haneda) were finally made by precisely 9.50 p.m., approximately 10 minutes behind schedule. The Business Class people, including the ANA Mileage Club members and passengers requiring special assistance, were all called out to board the airplane first. Considering that I was among the very first passengers to be summoned for boarding, I safely got out my boarding pass and passport to be checked by the boarding gate staff members on duty.
Walking through the main jet bridge of Gate No. F56 to Door A, I was finally on board JA895A at precisely 9.55 p.m., which was in ample time for a 10.10 p.m. departure. At the front aircraft entrance door itself, two in-flight cabin attendants warmly welcomed me on board and showed me the direction to my assigned seat situated in the major Business Class cabin. Upon storing all my belongings into their respective storage areas, I settled into my assigned Seat No. 7H for the long major overnight flight of approximately 7 hours 10 minutes over the South China Sea and East China Sea to Tokyo (Haneda).
To ensure that sufficient hydration would be provided before the overnight flight journey, a bottle of mineral water was provided for all Business Class passengers. One of the in-flight attendants also came to my seat to confirm my main meal order for the coming in-flight breakfast service later on. For my main breakfast selection, I would have the Japanese breakfast meal as I had ordered it online during the course of my flight reservations. Once my main order had been recorded, I securely sat back and did some trip report data editing work on my portable laptop while waiting for departure from Gate No. F56 in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.
A clearer view of JA895A while passing through the jet bridge of Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
A view of my seat, 7H, during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
The rear view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Overlooking the main airport tarmac during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
A bottle of mineral water readily provided at my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
A Swiss International Air Lines Boeing 777-3DE/ER, registered HB-JNG, being serviced at Gate No. F54 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming long overnight return flight over the Indian Ocean back to Switzerland as Swiss International Air Lines flight LX 177 bound for Zurich
The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight sector between Singapore and Tokyo (Haneda) during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Reviewing the main dining sections of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight sector from Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda) during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Reviewing the wine and champagne sections of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight sector between Singapore and Tokyo (Haneda) during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Reviewing the white wine and regular beverage sections of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight sector between Singapore and Tokyo (Haneda) during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Continuing with my planning for the first section of my mid-summer overseas leisure getaway trip report on my blog via my portable laptop during the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 using Frutiger LT Std as the standard font for the trip report
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the boarding process at Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 was completed
Awaiting departure from Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
After the clock struck around 10.20 p.m., the aircraft doors were soon closed, and the aircraft pushed back from Gate No. F56 in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, approximately 10 minutes behind schedule. Once the flight safety briefing information video was shown on my front in-flight entertainment video screen, the twin-engine aircraft began to make its way across the airport tarmac to its assigned runway for its overnight flight over both the China Seas to Tokyo (Haneda), also bypassing some aircraft parked in Concourse E at Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 on the way. The airport tarmac passage leading to the assigned runway took not more than approximately 15 minutes.
It was not very long before the aircraft securely reached its allocated runway closer to the existing Terminal 1. Later on, both the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000-J3 engines spooled into action, and the aircraft safely lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at exactly 10.35 p.m. for its long overnight flight duration of 6 hours 25 minutes over both the South China Sea and East China Sea to the national metropolitan capital area of the State of Japan. I then climbed into the dark night sky for a long overnight journey duration of approximately 6 hours 25 minutes across both the South China Sea and East China Sea to the modern national metropolitan capital region of the State of Japan.
Finally pushing back from Gate No. F56 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
About to taxi away from Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 shortly after pushing back from Gate No. F56
A Lufthansa Airbus A350-941, registered D-AIXC, being serviced at Gate No. F58 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming long overnight return flight over the Indian Ocean back to the Federal Republic of Germany as Lufthansa flight LH 791 bound for Munich
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SNB, being serviced at Gate No. F59 located in Concourse F at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming long overnight flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea to the State of Japan as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 636 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)
Overlooking Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4 as the aircraft makes its way across the main airport tarmac to the taxiway near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Making a left turn along the main airport tarmac towards the taxiway near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2
Taxiing along the taxiway leading to the assigned airport runway located close to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
About to make a right turn towards the assigned airport runway located near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
All Nippon Airways Flight 844 ~ Late Night Departure From Singapore Changi Airport
Ascending further into the dark late night sky over the Singapore Strait shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video seat screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Johor, Malaysia, shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Johor, Malaysia, after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
After securely taking off from Singapore Changi Airport later that night, the seat belt signs were soon turned off at 11.15 p.m., which was approximately 40 minutes into my journey. As part of safety requirements following a fatal turbulence incident that happened on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 321 from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 21 May 2024, all flight crew attendants had to remain seated with in-flight services suspended until the aircraft had safely passed through all the possible sections of clear-air turbulence. While the flight attendants sprung into action to commence the in-flight service, I went to the lavatory and got out my portable electronic gadgets for my use use during the flight.
With the in-flight late night supper service due to commence, a flight cabin attendant came by to my seat to confirm my main meal order. For the main supper dish course, I would have the Singapore Hainanese chicken rice and one glass of Poggio Anima Samael Montepulciano d'Abbruzzo 2022 Italian red wine, along with one cup of hot black tea with milk and Maison Cacao chocolates. The flight attendant then informed me that my meal would be accompanied by an amuse-bouche of smoked salmon and egg mayonnaise tart and bocconcini and tomato with basil sauce.
To ensure that I could maximize my sleeping hours during the course of this flight, I instantly requested to have my meal served in one single tray. Once the flight cabin crew attendant had recorded my in-flight late night supper orders, she quickly headed back to the front main aircraft galley to prepare for the coming in-flight supper services for all the Business Class passengers who were still awake. I then did some private surfing and major trip report data editing work on my laptop while waiting for my main in-flight supper meal course to be brought to my seat.
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs had been turned off
A warning sign in the lavatory reminding passengers that smoking on board the aircraft, including the use of electronic cigarettes and tampering with, disabling or destroying lavatory smoke detectors, is prohibited under the Civil Aeronautics Law of Japan
A view of my seat, 7H, in its lounging position during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Continuing with my planning for the first section of my mid-summer overseas leisure getaway trip report on my blog via my portable laptop during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, using Frutiger LT Std as the standard font for the trip report
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Watching "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" (1990) on my portable laptop during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia, with the scene showing Peter McCallister (John Heard) and Kate McCallister (Catherine O'Hara) looking at each other in disbelief upon realizing that their youngest son, Kevin McCallister, is missing during baggage claim at Miami International Airport
After spending the first 20 minutes of doing some personal surfing and trip report editing work on my portable laptop over the South China Sea closer to Sarawak, Malaysia, a flight attendant reappeared at my seat at precisely 11.35 p.m. sharp. This time, she had my main tray containing all my supper dishes and cup of black tea with milk and Maison Cacao chocolates. At the same time, the in-flight attendant then took the chance to kindly pour my glass of Poggio Anima Samael Montepulciano d'Abbruzzo 2022 Italian red wine in front of me, which I greatly appreciated.
With my meal courses safely delivered to my table, I immediately tucked into my own in-flight late night supper meal. The chicken rice tasted tender, with the dark soy sauce being a perfect condiment to the main dish. Furthermore, the amuse-bouche dish and red wine paired well with my in-flight late night meal, with the black tea with milk helping me to keep warm for this coming overnight journey. This meal would thus serve as one of the most filling and sumptuous in-flight late night supper meals I have eaten in my several years of Business Class air travel.
Once I had finished my in-flight late night supper meal, the clock was safely showing 11.55 p.m.. Seeing that I was done with my in-flight dishes, one of the cabin attendants came over to my seat to collect my used in-flight meal cutlery and asked whether there was anything else I wanted for the rest of the coming night. Given that I was feeling really stuffed to the brim at this point, I politely declined and went to a vacant lavatory before reclining my seat into a complete lie-flat bed of 180º. Upon finishing some overseas trip report work on my portable laptop, I eventually turned in by around 12.05 a.m. for a well-earned good night's rest.
My in-flight late night supper meal tray consisting of my amuse-bouche and main course placed on my dining table
An amuse-bouche comprising of smoked salmon and egg mayonnaise tart and bocconcini and tomato with basil sauce
My main in-flight late night supper course: Singapore Hainanese chicken rice with dark soy sauce on the side
A cup of hot black tea with milk and Maison Cacao chocolates to wrap up my in-flight late night supper meal later on
The bottle of Poggio Anima Samael Montepulciano d'Abbruzzo 2022 Italian red wine held by the flight attendant shortly before she poured a glass for me at my seat
My glass of Poggio Anima Samael Montepulciano d'Abbruzzo 2022 Italian red wine poured in front of me at my seat
A glass of Poggio Anima Samael Montepulciano d'Abbruzzo 2022 Italian red wine to accompany my main in-flight late night supper course
About to enjoy my main in-flight late night supper meal with my amuse-bouche and glass of red wine
About to enjoy my cup of hot black tea with milk and Maison Cacao chocolates to wrap up my in-flight late night supper meal
My used in-flight late night supper meal tray shortly after I had finished all of my in-flight late night supper courses
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah, Malaysia
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah, Malaysia, shortly before the cabin lights were dimmed to allow the passengers to get some sleep during the flight
The rear view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah, Malaysia, shortly after the cabin lights were dimmed to allow the passengers to get some sleep during the flight
A view of my seat, 7H, in its complete lie-flat bed position during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah, Malaysia
Cruising over the South China Sea between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah, Malaysia, shortly before getting some sleep during the flight
Part 2(b) ~ The Descent Cum Arrival Into Tokyo (Haneda)
After getting approximately 2 hours 30 minutes of undisturbed rest over the South China Sea, I finally woke up by precisely 2.35 a.m., in accordance with the National Taiwan Standard Time. Given that most of the passengers were still sleeping at this time, I quietly headed to a vacant lavatory to freshen up and brush my teeth before the early morning descent and arrival into Tokyo (Haneda) later on. Noticing that I was already awake, one of the flight crew attendants even asked me whether there was anything I wanted before the coming in-flight breakfast service.
Since I was in the mood for some caffeine before breakfast, I requested for a mug of hot black tea with milk and some Maison Cacao chocolates to begin the day on a proper note. With that, the flight cabin attendant recorded my request and went to the galley to prepare my hot beverage while I took out my laptop to do some voyage report editing and personal surfing. Once the flight attendant brought out my morning tea and chocolates, I immediately sipped my black tea and finished my chocolates within a few minutes. I also requested for a glass of orange juice as soon as I was finished with my black morning tea.
By around three o' clock, most of the passengers were gradually beginning to wake up after getting some sleep during the course of the major flight. The flight cabin lights were then turned on five minutes later to signal the start of the coming in-flight breakfast service preparations. It was not that long until I received my glass of orange juice at exactly 3.15 a.m., though I decided to wait until my main course arrived to consume it. I soon quietly returned to doing some private report editing and personal surfing on my laptop until it was time to have my main in-flight breakfast course.
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the East China Sea close to Ishigaki, Okinawa, shortly after I had woken up
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the East China Sea close to Ishigaki, Okinawa, shortly after I had woken up
Cruising over the East China Sea close to Ishigaki, Okinawa, shortly after I had woken up
A view of my seat, 7H, in its lounging position during cruising altitude over the East China Sea close to Ishigaki, Okinawa, shortly after I had woken up
The rear view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the East China Sea close to Ishigaki, Okinawa, shortly after I had woken up
A cup of hot black tea with milk and Maison Cacao chocolates for myself to commence the in-flight breakfast service
About to enjoy my cup of hot black tea with milk and Maison Cacao chocolates as part of the in-flight breakfast service
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Miyakojima and Naha, Okinawa
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Miyakojima and Naha, Okinawa
Cruising over the East China Sea between Miyakojima and Naha, Okinawa
Watching "Scrooge" (1970) on my portable laptop during cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Miyakojima and Naha, Okinawa, with the scene showing Ebenezer Scrooge (Albert Finney) receiving a ghostly visit from the spirit of his former business partner, Jacob Marley (Alec Guinness), on Christmas Eve. In this scene, Marley rises into the air and threateningly bangs his keys, chains and cash boxes to intimidate Scrooge into submission after the former says that he does not believe in him
A glass of orange juice to accompany my main in-flight breakfast course later on
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the East China Sea just aft of Naha, Okinawa
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the East Chin Sea just aft of Naha, Okinawa
Cruising over the East China Sea just aft of Naha, Okinawa
After spending approximately 45 minutes of freshening up and having some early morning tea, a flight cabin attendant finally appeared by my seat with my in-flight Japanese breakfast meal tray at 3.20 a.m. sharp. Everything was served in a single tray to accommodate the rest of my flight from Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda), including my miso soup with some Japanese pickles. The appetizer courses consisted of a scallop with apple cider vinegar gelée, beef and vegetable roll, smoked duck and a single Japanese tamagoyaki (卵焼き) omelet, with the main breakfast meal course comprising of salt-grilled Atka mackerel and steamed white rice.
With everything securely delivered to my dining table, I immediately tucked into my in-flight Japanese breakfast courses. The in-flight appetizer courses tasted excellent to get my taste buds running properly for the day, with the highlight of the major in-flight meal being the salted-grilled Atka mackerel and the steamed white rice. The grilled Atka mackerel fish tasted quite soft and tender, with the steamed white rice and orange juice being the perfect accompaniments to the meal.
By around 3.40 a.m., daylight was beginning to break across the East China Sea, with the sun rising approximately 15 minutes later at 3.55 a.m.. Once I was done with my breakfast courses, a flight attendant came by my seat to collect my used meal breakfast tray and asked whether there was anything else I wanted for the remainder of the flight. To ensure that I was properly hydrated for the rest of the journey, I securely requested for a glass of iced green tea with a Maison Cacao chocolate and a bottle of mineral water.
With that, the flight attendant soon took down my request and came to my seat with my drinks and chocolate within a few minutes. The iced green tea tasted quite refreshing and gave me the daily caffeine I needed prior to the early morning descent cum arrival into Tokyo (Haneda). Once I had finished off my iced green tea and chocolate, I had my tea glass cleared by the cabin attendant and was left to do some private surfing on my laptop for the rest of the long flight until it was time to prepare for arrival.
My in-flight Japanese breakfast meal course and my glass of orange juice presented to me on my dining table during the in-flight breakfast service
My in-flight Japanese breakfast meal tray on my dining table shortly after I had finished my meal over the East China Sea between Naha, Okinawa, and Kagoshima Prefecture
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Naha, Okinawa, and Kagoshima Prefecture
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Naha, Okinawa, and Kagoshima Prefecture
Cruising over the East China Sea between Naha, Okinawa, and Kagoshima Prefecture just as the first signs of daylight begin to appear
A glass of iced green tea with a Maison Cacao chocolate and a bottle of mineral water for myself during cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Naha, Okinawa, and Kagoshima Prefecture
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Miyazaki Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture
Cruising over the East China Sea between Miyazaki Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture as the sun begins to rise
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Miyazaki Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture
A view of my seat, 7H, during cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Miyazaki Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture
The rear view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the East China Sea between Miyazaki Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture
Cruising over the Kii Peninsula between Tokushima Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the Kii Peninsula between Tokushima Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the Kii Peninsula between Tokushima Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture
Cruising over the Kii Peninsula between Wakayama Prefecture and Mie Prefecture
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the Kii Peninsula between Wakayama Prefecture and Mie Prefecture
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the Kii Peninsula between Wakayama Prefecture and Mie Prefecture
The rear view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over Ise Bay between Mie Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture
A view of my seat, 7H, during cruising altitude over Ise Bay between Mie Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over Ise Bay between Mie Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over Ise Bay between Mie Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture
Cruising over Ise Bay between Mie Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the seat belt signs were illuminated in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Tokyo (Haneda)
In accordance with the Japan Standard Time (JST), the seat belt signs were illuminated by 5.35 a.m., approximately 25 minutes in preparation for the coming morning descent and arrival into Tokyo (Haneda). Since there was less than half an hour left before the morning arrival into Tokyo (Haneda) later on, I placed my belongings into their storage areas and fastened my seat belt before the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft could commence its approach into its final destination. The in-flight attendants went through the aircraft cabin conducting their final safety checks at the same time.
The weather began to become more cloudy across Tokyo Bay as the aircraft began to commence its approach into Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport). After a relatively long overnight flight time of 6 hours 25 minutes across both the South China Sea and East China Sea from the small tropical island city-state of the Republic of Singapore, I securely touched down into Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) at six o' clock, approximately 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The aircraft then taxied over the large main airport tarmac to its allocated international arrival contact gate situated at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2.
Tokyo International Airport (Japanese: 東京国際空港; Traditional Chinese: 東京國際機場; Korean: 도쿄 국제공항), also known as Haneda Airport (Japanese: 羽田空港; Traditional Chinese: 羽田機場; Korean: 하네다 공항), is a large major international airport complex located near Tokyo Bay around the suburban outskirts of Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the two international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, the world's fourth-busiest airport complex, the third-busiest airport in Asia and the busiest airport in Japan, with more than 87.1 million passengers passing through the major airport complex by 2018. The airport itself serves as a main hub for Air Do, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Skymark Airlines, Solaseed Air and StarFlyer, including as an integral focus city for Delta Air Lines and Singapore Airlines.
The airport was safely opened for service on 25 August 1931, becoming the gateway for customers entering Tokyo for several years. However, after the opening of Narita International Airport from 20 May 1978, Haneda Airport catered to domestic flights while Narita International Airport catered to all major international flights to and from the large Greater Tokyo Area. From 29 November 2003, Haneda Airport began to cater to limited international services for Mainland China, Hong Kong and South Korea, with a relatively small and isolated International Terminal building. An additional domestic passenger terminal, Terminal 2, was also opened from 1 December 2004 to cater to increased domestic passenger traffic at the airport.
From 21 October 2010, a larger International Terminal complex was officially opened for service, allowing Haneda Airport to cater to international flights during the early morning and late midnight hours after Narita International Airport has ended its business operations for the day. However, this resulted in major complaints due to most facilities and enterprises being closed after midnight hours. To rectify these complaints, a new boarding gate concourse was opened from 30 March 2014, allowing Haneda Airport to cater to more international flights during the daylight hours. A four-star hotel connecting to the main International Terminal building, known as The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda, was also opened for service on 30 September 2014.
From 14 March 2020, the International Terminal was eventually renamed as Terminal 3 as Terminal 2 began to cater to some international flights by All Nippon Airways on 29 March 2020. However, the major international flight section of Terminal 2 was closed from 11 April 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, eventually reopening on 19 July 2023. From 31 January 2023, an airport multi-purpose complex close to Terminal 3, Haneda Airport Garden (Japanese: 羽田エアポートガーデン; Traditional Chinese: 羽田機場花園), was opened, also housing two main Villa Fontaine hotels, 20 restaurant outlets and at least 60 retail outlet stores.
The airport is safely accessible from the Hamamatsucho district in Minato-ku, Tokyo, via the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line, with the premium non-stop Haneda Express services taking approximately 20 minutes. There are no extra charges necessary for the Tokyo Monorail for foreigners traveling with a Japan Rail Pass, with a JR East Travel Service Center situated on the second level at Terminal 3. The Keihin Kyuko Line provides through train services to Shinagawa, with certain railway services going as far as Narita International Airport via the Toei Asakusa Line, Keisei Main Line and Keisei Narita Airport Line (Narita Sky Access Line).
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs were illuminated in preparation for the early morning descent cum arrival into Tokyo (Haneda)
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over Suruga Bay near Shizuoka
Cruising over the waters of Suruga Bay close to Shizuoka shortly before the aircraft began to make its early morning descent cum arrival into Tokyo (Haneda)
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the waters of the Izu Peninsula near Ito, Shizuoka
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the waters of the Izu Peninsula near Ito, Shizuoka
Cruising over the waters of the Izu Peninsula near Ito, Shizuoka, as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport)
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the waters of Tokyo Bay near Futtsu, Chiba
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the waters of Tokyo Bay near Futtsu, Chiba
Cruising over the waters of Tokyo Bay near Futtsu, Chiba, as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Tokyo (Haneda)
Cruising over several local residential areas in Futtsu, Chiba, near the waters of Tokyo Bay as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Tokyo (Haneda)
Cruising over several industrial areas in Kisarazu, Chiba, over the waters of Tokyo Bay as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Tokyo (Haneda)
Cruising over the waters of Tokyo Bay near Kisarazu, Chiba, as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Tokyo (Haneda)
All Nippon Airways Flight 844 ~ Early Morning Arrival Into Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport)
Taxiing along the main airport tarmac near Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 shortly after the aircraft had landed
An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered JA817A, being serviced at Gate No. 59 located in the North Pier of the Domestic Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming regional early morning southbound domestic flight to Shikoku as All Nippon Airways flight NH 583 bound for Matsuyama
An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registered JA984A, being serviced at Gate No. 61 located in the North Pier of the Domestic Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming regional early morning northbound domestic flight to Hokkaido as All Nippon Airways flight NH 051 bound for Sapporo (Chitose)
An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered JA802A, being serviced at Gate No. 65 located in the South Pier of the Domestic Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 in preparation for her coming regional early morning southbound domestic flight to Okinawa as All Nippon Airways flight NH 993 bound for Okinawa (Naha)
An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registered JA902A, resting at Gate No. 66 located in the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 after arriving from her long overnight return flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea from the Kingdom of Thailand as All Nippon Airways flight NH 850 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). She will then have a regional morning flight over the East China Sea to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as All Nippon Airways flight NH 969 bound for Shanghai (Hongqiao)
Finally arriving at my assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 67A, located in the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
The view of the All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after arriving at my assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 67A, located in the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
After taxiing across the major tarmac for not more than approximately five minutes to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2, I soon arrived at my arrival contact gate, Gate No. 67A, by 6.05 a.m.. Once all the seat belt signs had been turned off, I instantly unbuckled my seat belt and retrieved all of my belongings from their stowage spaces before the major disembarkation process at Gate No. 67A could begin. I also conducted one final spot check around my own seat to ensure that nothing had been left behind on board the aircraft cabin.
The flight cabin attendants armed the main aircraft doors open carefully to allow all of the passengers to disembark at Gate No. 67A. As I disembarked from JA895A through the nearest aircraft exit door with all my belongings, all the flight cabin crew attendants thanked me for choosing to travel with All Nippon Airways and wished me a fun-filled 10-day long summer season overseas getaway vacation across eastern Japan. I soon passed through the local jet bridge of Gate No. 67A into the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2.
After flying with an airline on any particular flight sector, I give the airline an overall holistic airline score report to determine whether that airline is worth flying with for that major flight sector. If that flight has a rapid stopover at a different airport before its final destination, the airline shall receive the final score report at the end of the second flight journey section. For example, if I am flying on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore to Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita), the airline will receive the final score report at the end of the second flight sector from Tokyo (Narita) to Los Angeles.
There are five components that constitute an overall airline score report, which consist of the seating, in-flight catering, in-flight service, legroom space and aircraft cleanliness. With each component weighing 20 points (thereby implying 20% of the final scores each), the overall airline score report has a maximum of 100 points. An airline company must attain an overall airline score of 50 points or higher out of 100 points to receive a passing grade following any flight sector, whether it is a one-stop flight service or a non-stop flight service.
The top two grades, 'Outstanding' and 'Exceeds Expectations', are quality passes, while 'Acceptable' is a borderline pass. 'Fair' and 'Poor' are below passes, with the lowest grade being 'Dreadful', thereby meaning that the airline has failed to satisfy the prerequisite for the minimum grade. With increasing competition levels between global airlines, this airline grading system is updated every three to four years, though in view of the global outbreak of COVID-19, there will be delays in implementing a newer and more up-to-date aggregate scoring system until at least 2026 or 2027.
As of 1 May 2024, the airline grading system for my overseas trips will be as follows:
Outstanding: 80% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)
Exceeds Expectations: 65% ~ 79% (Airline has a good rating and performance)
Acceptable: 50% ~ 64% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)
Fair: 35% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)
Poor: 20% ~ 34% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)
Dreadful: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the prerequisite for the minimum grade)
All Nippon Airways Flight 844 Score Report
Seating: 19 / 20
In-flight Catering: 17 / 20
In-flight Service: 17 / 20
Aircraft Cleanliness: 17 / 20
Legroom Space: 18 / 20
Total: 88 / 100
Grade: Outstanding
On analyzing the five individual score components, All Nippon Airways has obtained an aggregate score of 88% for the long in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda), thus implying that the airline company has successfully obtained the highest grade of 'Outstanding'. All the flight attendants were professional in delivering their services and approachable, with the in-flight catering service also excellent. Since traveling with them after so many years back in August & September 2023, All Nippon Airways has impressed me with their ability to attain high points in their areas and show themselves as a true five-star airline by Skytrax. All in all, this was an excellent flight. A job very well done, All Nippon Airways!
Part 3 ~ The Journey To The Oakwood Suites Yokohama
After disembarking from All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 from Singapore with all my belongings by Gate No. 67A, I walked across the main terminal passageway leading to the post-arrival immigration checkpoints concourse located within the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2. The entire passage from Gate No. 67A to the main arrival immigration checkpoints lasted not more than approximately five minutes. Reaching the post-arrival immigration checkpoints at exactly 6.15 a.m. sharp, I securely went to the foreign visitors section and got out both my passport and arrival form to be checked by the immigration staff officers on duty. The main post-arrival immigration process took not more than approximately five minutes that early morning.
Upon clearing the arrival immigration checkpoints at precisely 6.20 a.m., I promptly went to check which baggage carousel belt my bulkier check-in baggage would securely arrive at. According to the baggage information display screens, all my bulkier check-in baggage from All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 from Singapore would arrive at Belt A. With that, I securely went over to claim a baggage cart for myself before heading to Belt A to collect my check-in baggage from All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 from Singapore. Once I had collected and loaded my belongings, I had to pass through a Japanese customs checkpoint area to make sure that I was not carrying any prohibited or controlled items into Japan.
Walking through the passageway of Gate No. 67A in the direction leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints located in the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 shortly after disembarking from All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 from Singapore
One final view of JA895A resting at Gate No. 67A located in the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 after arriving from her long overnight return flight over both the South China Sea and East China Sea from the Republic of Singapore as All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 from Singapore
Walking through the automated passageway leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints located in the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the relatively cloudy wee hours of the early morning
Overlooking several All Nippon Airways aircraft parked in the Domestic Flight Area on the way to the arrival immigration checkpoints located in the International Flight Area at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the relatively cloudy wee hours of the early morning
Approaching the passageway leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints and international connecting flight security checkpoints located in the International Flight Area of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the relatively cloudy wee hours of the early morning
After directly collecting my check-in baggage from All Nippon Airways flight NH 844 from Singapore at Belt A and securely passing through a post-arrival customs security check, I was safely in the international arrivals and meeting lobby of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 by around 6.30 a.m.. Given the fact that it was still rather early prior to doing anything else for the morning, I decided to exchange my major Green-type Japan Rail Pass Exchange Voucher for my Japan Rail Pass first. With that, I quickly went to the nearby Tourist Information Center and presented my own passport to the tourist information staff member on duty that morning.
Upon completing the major Japan Rail Pass exchange process at the Foreign Tourist Information Center in the central international arrivals and meeting lobby at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2, I securely obtained my one-week Green-type Japan Rail Pass at around 6.35 a.m.. The valid dates of unlimited railroad usage would then last between Tuesday (4 June) and Monday (10 June). With my Green-type Japan Rail Pass in hand, I headed to the J Wi-Fi & Mobile / Global Wi-Fi counter to obtain a Japanese cell phone SIM card for my own personal use during the course of my main stay in Japan, eventually obtaining them by 6.55 a.m..
Given that I was feeling grubby after arriving from Singapore, I safely knew that I would require a hot shower to freshen myself up prior to traveling to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama later that morning. Heading over to one of the core airport terminal information counters in the South Wing domestic departures and check-in lobby, a staff member on duty kindly informed me that The Shower Room was situated one level down on the first floor. With that instant, I quickly went to a nearby elevator lobby and took the closest elevator down to the first floor area prior to following the signs leading to The Shower Room, with the passage lasting approximately five minutes.
Finally inside the international arrivals and meeting lobby located on the second floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Proceeding to the Welcome Center in the international arrivals and meeting lobby located on the second floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Overlooking the South Wing domestic departures and check-in lobby from the international arrivals and meeting lobby located on the second floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
The overall view of the international arrivals and meeting lobby located on the second floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the South Wing domestic departures and check-in lobby at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the first floor passageway leading to The Shower Room at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Finally arriving at The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
After catching the elevator down from the central international arrivals and meeting level located directly on the second floor to the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2, I safely reached the main entrance to The Shower Room at exactly seven o' clock sharp. Heading over to the airport shower lounge reception counter, a staff receptionist on duty informed me that showers would be free of charge for all arriving First and Business Class passengers within a time limit of half an hour. Upon showing my passport and boarding pass, I was safely given my shower room key and saw that I would be assigned to Room No. 002.
Due to capacity constraints along the airport shower room passageways, the receptionist informed me that I would have to leave my baggage cart at the reception counter, also assuring me that my baggage would be looked after. With that, I soon thanked the shower staff receptionist and took my airport shower room key prior to proceeding to my allocated shower Room No. 002. Inserting the room key into the lock of Room No. 002, I promptly turned on the lights and saw that there was a small shower cubicle with the necessary soaps, a hairdryer, a bidet toilet, several towels and a vanity mirror. As soon as the door was safely locked, I went to have a well-deserved shower in The Shower Room at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2.
Walking through the passageway in The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 in the direction leading to my assigned shower Room No. 002
Finally arriving at my assigned shower Room No. 002 in The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
The interior of my assigned shower Room No. 002 in The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 shortly after I had entered
A pair of Type A and Type B AC power outlets in my assigned shower Room No. 002 in The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
The closet and toilet area in my assigned shower Room No. 002 in The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 shortly before I had my post-arrival airport shower
One additional view of my assigned shower Room No. 002 in The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 shortly after I had finished my post-arrival airport shower
After having a very well-earned and refreshing shower in The Shower Room located on the second floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2, the clock was finally showing 7.15 a.m.. Checking to ensure that there was nothing left behind, I quickly turned off the lights and locked my assigned shower Room No. 002 before proceeding over to the main shower reception counter to return the shower lounge room key and collecting my baggage cart. Given that I was in the mood for some morning tea, I quickly decided to search for a cafeteria before doing anything else for the day.
With that instant, I immediately passed through the central domestic arrivals and meeting lobbies located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 in search of any nearby cafeteria for some early morning tea. Soon enough, I securely arrived at a major cafeteria situated in the North Wing, known as Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店), at precisely 7.20 a.m.. Once the main cafeteria was opened 10 minutes later by 7.30 a.m., I promptly headed to an open counter and ordered a grande-sized cup of cold brew tea. I then headed into the seating areas and quickly secured a nearby vacant table for myself before settling down to enjoy my morning tea.
The main entrance to The Shower Room located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 as I begin to make my way through the domestic arrivals and meeting lobbies in search of a cafeteria for some morning tea during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the South Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Bypassing the escalators and elevators leading to the domestic departures and check-in lobbies on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Approaching the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Finally arriving at Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) located in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
The view of the inner seating areas at Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) located in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 shortly after the cafeteria was opened
A grande-sized cup of cold brew tea for myself at Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) located in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
About to enjoy my grande-sized cup of cold brew tea at Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) located in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
One final view of the inner seating areas at Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) located in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
After having some morning tea at Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) situated directly in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting concourse area on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2, the local outlet clock was already showing 8.20 a.m. sharp. Given that I was feeling hungry after arriving from Singapore earlier on, I soon decided to search for a fast food restaurant outlet for a light breakfast before commencing my railway journey to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama.
With that moment, I gathered all my belongings and departed from Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) by 8.25 a.m. prior to catching a nearby elevator down to the first basement level. Passing through the first basement level area, I finally arrived at a fast food restaurant outlet close to Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station, notably known as McDonald's (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station Branch) (マクドナルド 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅店), at 8.30 a.m. sharp. This joint was familiar to me as I had breakfast here when I first came to Japan independently in late August & early September 2023.
Entering the major fast food restaurant outlet, I quickly headed over to the order counter and ordered three pieces of hash browns, a box of five-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium-sized cup of Fanta grape for myself as a breakfast treat. Upon making the necessary cash payment for my breakfast meal and receiving my orders, I quickly found a nearby vacant seating spot to enjoy my breakfast. This major fast food breakfast was a truly satisfying one, especially knowing that Fanta grape was one of my most favorite and mandatory drinks in Japan.
The main entrance to Tully's Coffee (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Branch) (タリーズコーヒー 羽田空港第2ターミナル店) located in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours as I begin to make my way in search of a fast food restaurant outlet for breakfast
Walking through the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 in search of a fast food restaurant outlet for breakfast during the early morning rush hours
Bypassing some retail outlet stores and beverage vending machines in the North Wing domestic arrivals and meeting lobby located on the first floor at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Finally entering the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 in search of a fast food restaurant outlet during the early morning rush hours
The main ticketing concourse at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station located on the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours
Finally arriving at McDonald's (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station Branch) (マクドナルド 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅店) located on the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours. This particular fast food restaurant outlet is familiar to me as I had a fast food breakfast here once during my first solo getaway journey to Japan in August & September 2023
The interior view of McDonald's (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station Branch (マクドナルド 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅店) located on the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 shortly after I had entered
A single tray of three hash browns, a box of five-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium-sized cup of Fanta grape for myself at McDonald's (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station Branch (マクドナルド 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅店) located on the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2
Overlooking the main order counter in McDonald's (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station Branch (マクドナルド 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅店) located on the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 from my seating area shortly after I had finished my fast food breakfast
After having a rather light and quick fast food breakfast meal at McDonald's (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station Branch) (マクドナルド 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅店) situated directly next to the central ticketing concourse at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station, the clock was now showing 8.50 a.m.. Given that the time had come for me to head to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama, I took my baggage and proceeded to the automatic ticketing machines situated in the major Tokyo Monorail ticketing concourse at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station to purchase a single one-way ticket to Yokohama.
Once I had purchased my one-way railway over ticket to Yokohama, I passed through the automated monorail ticketing gates and promptly checked the departure time for the next Haneda Express train bound for Hamamatsucho. According to the departure information screens, the closest Haneda Express train bound for Hamamatsucho that I could catch would depart by 9.09 a.m. sharp from Track No. 1. Without wasting anymore time, I took the escalator down to the main station platforms for the first main section of the coming trip to Hamamatsucho, eventually reaching there safely at 8.55 a.m..
The Tokyo Monorail (Japanese: 東京モノレール; Traditional Chinese: 東京單軌電車; Simplified Chinese: 东京单轨电车; Malay: Monorel Tokyo) is a passenger straddle-beam monorail line connecting the major Hamamatsucho district in central Minato-ku, Tokyo, with Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) located near Tokyo Bay by the suburban outskirts of Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is currently one of the two regular railroad lines serving Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), the most scenic major railway route connecting to and from the main complex of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) and the world's most heavily-traveled monorail railway network, with more than approximately 51.2 million passengers traveling on the system by fiscal 2018. The line has a maximum operating top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
The line was officially opened for revenue service from 17 September 1964 in preparation for the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. From 8 December 2001, limited-stop Rapid services were introduced to provide faster access between Hamamatsucho and the airport, with the line extended to the new Terminal 2 from 1 December 2004. A main passing loop at Showajima Station was also opened from 18 March 2007, permitting non-stop Haneda Express services to commence and operate alongside the existing Rapid and local services.
From 21 October 2010, the railway line began to serve the new International Terminal with the opening of Haneda Airport International Terminal Station. The Tokyo Monorail thus became valid for passengers traveling with a Japan Rail Pass with the opening of a major JR East Travel Service Center located in the arrivals and meeting lobby of the International Terminal. From 14 March 2020, the International Terminal was renamed as Terminal 3 once Terminal 2 began to cater to international flights operated by All Nippon Airways.
As of 1 February 2024, the 6-car 1000 series, 2000 series & 10000 series EMUs operate as the various Haneda Express (空港快速), Rapid (区間快速) and local (普通) services at top speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph). Throughout the day, several local trains stop briefly at Showajima Station for just two minutes to allow faster Haneda Express train services to pass through without stopping. There are no charges necessary for the Tokyo Monorail for tourists traveling with a major nationwide Japan Rail Pass, since East Japan Railway Company (JR East) operates local travel service centers in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport).
Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station (Japanese: 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅; Thai: สถานี สนามบินฮาเนดะ อาคาร 2; Chinese: 羽田機場第2航站樓站) is an airport rail link station complex located in Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) at 4-2 Haneda-kuko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Managed exclusively by Tokyo Monorail Co., Ltd., it is located beneath the major passenger terminal of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 and functions as the major southern terminal railway station for the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line. The railroad station is safely connected to the East Entrance of Haneda Airport Terminal 1·2 Station via a long underground passage in the lower levels of Terminals 1 and 2, thus permitting direct railway transfers to the Keikyu Airport Line.
The station was opened for revenue passenger service from 1 December 2004 to coincide with the opening of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2, with its native Japanese name written as 羽田空港第2ビル駅 upon its opening. It also replaced Haneda Airport Station as the southern terminus for the Tokyo Monorail, with the former railroad terminus being renamed as Haneda Airport Terminal 1 Station. From 14 March 2020, the Tokyo Monorail station directly attained its current Japanese name as 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅 after the major International Terminal was rebranded as Terminal 3. As of 16 March 2024, the station has an underground island platform level serving two tracks, with an additional island platform reserved for seasonal events.
The main entrance to McDonald's (Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station Branch) (マクドナルド 羽田空港第2ターミナル駅店) located on the first basement level at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) Terminal 2 during the early morning rush hours as I begin to make my way to Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
Making a brief stop by the automated ticketing machines in the main ticketing concourse at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station to purchase my one-way railway ticket to Yokohama during the early morning rush hours
Approaching the ticketing gates in the main ticketing concourse at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station during the early morning rush hours
Approaching the escalators leading down to the main station platforms at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station during the early morning rush hours
Finally arriving at the main station platforms at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station during the early morning rush hours
A 6-car Tokyo Monorail 10000 series EMU Set No. 10081F, operating as the 8.55 a.m. local service bound for Hamamatsucho, on Track No. 2 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
A 6-car Tokyo Monorail 2000 series EMU Set No. 2011F, operating as the 8.59 a.m. "Haneda Express" service bound for Hamamatsucho, on Track No. 1 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
Overlooking the disused island platform from Track No. 2 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station during the early morning rush hours
A 6-car Tokyo Monorail 10000 series EMU Set No. 10061F, operating as the 9.05 a.m. local service bound for Hamamatsucho, on Track No. 2 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
The overall view of the main station platforms at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station during the early morning rush hours
Track No. 1 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station shortly before the 9.09 a.m. "Haneda Express" service bound for Hamamatsucho arrived at the station
After spending about five minutes of anticipated waiting across both Tracks No. 1 & 2, a 6-car Tokyo Monorail 1000 series EMU Set No. 1037F eventually arrived at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station at 9.02 a.m. sharp on Track No. 1. The train had just arrived from Hamamatsucho in Minato-ku, Tokyo, as a local service bound for Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) earlier, and was to directly become the 9.09 a.m. Haneda Express service bound for Hamamatsucho. Once the train doors were opened, I instantly boarded the train via Car No. 1 (1037) and took an observation seat by the driver's cab.
Once the clock struck exactly 9.09 a.m. sharp, all the main train doors were closed, and the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Express train service pulled out of Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station for the coming routine morning trip of only 19 minutes to the really modern and colossal hustle and bustle of the Hamamatsucho district situated in the very heart of downtown Minato-ku, Tokyo. I was then on my way for a routine regional morning monorail trip duration of 19 minutes to the really modern hustle and bustle of the main Hamamatsucho district located in downtown Minato-ku, Tokyo.
The 6-car Tokyo Monorail 1000 series EMU Set No. 1037F, now operating as the 9.09 a.m. "Haneda Express" service bound for Hamamatsucho, on Track No. 1 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
The interior of Car No. 1 (1037) on board the 6-car Tokyo Monorail 1000 series EMU Set No. 1037F, operating as the 9.09 a.m. "Haneda Express" service bound for Hamamatsucho, during the boarding process on Track No. 1 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
The route guidance information screen above the train doors on board Car No. 1 (1037) of the 6-car Tokyo Monorail 1000 series EMU Set No. 1037F, operating as the 9.09 a.m. "Haneda Express" service bound for Hamamatsucho, during the boarding process on Track No. 1 at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
Awaiting departure from Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
After a routine regional morning commuter rush journey duration of just 19 minutes from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) situated close to the waters of Tokyo Bay in the outskirts of Ota-ku, Tokyo, I finally arrived at the Hamamatsucho terminal station safely by around 9.28 a.m.. Checking to see that I had all my belongings, I instantly disembarked from the train and took the nearest elevator down to the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line transit concourse before making my way directly to the JR Line interchange ticketing gates.
Inserting my major one-way railway ticket into one of the automatic JR Line interchange ticket gates, I went to check the departure timing for the next Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local train service bound for Isogo. According to the railroad departure information panels, the next Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local train bound for Isogo would depart by 9.44 a.m. from Track No. 4. Without wasting anymore time, I quickly took the nearest elevator down to Tracks No. 3 and 4 in preparation for the next sector of the railroad journey to Yokohama, thus reaching the platforms safely at 9.35 a.m..
Hamamatsucho Station (Japanese: 浜松町駅; Traditional Chinese: 濱松町車站; Simplified Chinese: 滨松町车站) is a large main interchange railway terminal complex in the central Hamamatsucho district between 3-1 Kaigan 1-chome and 4-12 Hamamatsucho 2-chome in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Operated by both East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Tokyo Monorail Co., Ltd., it mainly serves the Hamamatsucho district and is one of the 13 main railroad stations to feature cross-platform interchange services between the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line and Yamanote Line. The railroad station also serves as the northern railway terminus for the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line, with the main railroad station directly connected to Daimon Station served by the Toei Asakusa Line and Toei Oedo Line.
The station was opened for service on 16 December 1909 as an intermediate station along both the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line and Yamanote Line, with cross-platform interchange provided between both the urban lines. From 17 September 1964, it eventually became the northern terminal station for the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line, with the monorail having an elevated bay platform two levels above the two JR Line island platforms. The station was also connected to the original Tokyo World Trade Center building until the building was closed down on 30 June 2021 and demolished in mid-2021 for redevelopment purposes.
The 6-car Tokyo Monorail 1000 series EMU Set No. 1037F, now operating as the 9.30 a.m. "Haneda Express" service bound for Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), at Hamamatsucho Station
The Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line arrival platform at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
The 6-car Tokyo Monorail 1000 series EMU Set No. 1037F, operating as the 9.30 a.m. "Haneda Express" service bound for Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), departing Hamamatsucho Station
Gazing out at the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line tracks from the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line arrival platform at Hamamatsucho Station on a bright and clear summer's morning
Gazing out at the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line tracks from the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line arrival platform, with a 6-car Tokyo Monorail 10000 series EMU Set No. 10061F approaching the station on a bright and clear summer's morning
A 6-car Tokyo Monorail 10000 series EMU Set No. 10061F, which would operate as the 9.36 a.m. local service bound for Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), approaching Hamamatsucho Station
One additional view of the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line arrival platform at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
Taking the escalators down to the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line transit concourse at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
The Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line transit concourse at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
Approaching the JR Line interchange ticketing gates in the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line transit concourse at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the passageway leading to the main JR Line interchange transit concourse at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the main JR Line interchange transit concourse at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
Finally arriving at Tracks No. 3 and 4 at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
The overhead departure information panel for Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line trains departing from Track No. 4 at Hamamatsucho Station indicating that the next Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local train bound for Isogo would depart at 9.44 a.m.
Tracks No. 3 and 4 serving the Yamanote Line Outer Loop trains bound for Shinagawa, Osaki and Shibuya and Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line trains bound for Shinagawa, Yokohama and Ofuna at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
Overlooking the Tokaido Main Line and Tokaido Shinkansen tracks from Track No. 4 at Hamamatsucho Station on a bright and clear summer's morning
The train departure information board outlining the weekend and national holiday departure times for Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line trains departing from Track No. 4 at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
A 10-car E233 series EMU, operating as the 9.39 a.m. Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local service bound for Ofuna, arriving at Hamamatsucho Station on Track No. 4
The overall view of the JR Line station platforms at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
The overhead station name plate on Tracks No. 3 and 4 at Hamamatsucho Station during the early morning rush hours
Track No. 4 at Hamamatsucho Station shortly before the 9.44 a.m. Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local service bound for Isogo arrived at the station
After spending approximately 10 minutes of anticipated waiting across both Tracks No. 3 and 4, a 10-car E233 series EMU, currently operating as the 9.44 a.m. Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local service bound for Isogo, safely arrived at Hamamatsucho Station at exactly 9.44 a.m. sharp on Track No. 4. Once all the train doors were opened, I instantly boarded the train via Car No. 6 and secured a vacant seat for the coming routine morning commuter trip of just 34 minutes to the modern and colossal satellite port city of Yokohama.
Soon enough, within just a few seconds, the train doors were automatically closed, and the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local train service pulled out of Hamamatsucho Station for the rest of its early morning commuter rush trip of approximately 1 hour 44 minutes from Omiya to Isogo. I was directly en route for a regional early morning commuter rush trip of approximately 34 minutes to the modern and colossal hustle and bustle of the major satellite port city of Yokohama located along the waters of Tokyo Bay.
A 10-car E233 series EMU, operating as the 9.44 a.m. Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local service bound for Isogo, arriving at Hamamatsucho Station on Track No. 4
The interior of Car No. 6 on board the 10-car E233 series EMU, operating as the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local service bound for Isogo, during the boarding process on Track No. 4 at Hamamatsucho Station
Finally departing Hamamatsucho Station
The route guidance information panel above the train doors on board Car No. 6 of the 10-car E233 series EMU, operating as the 9.44 a.m. Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line local service bound for Isogo, indicating that the next station is Tamachi
Bypassing several downtown office infrastructure in Shiba 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, between Hamamatsucho and Tamachi Stations
Making a brief stop at Tamachi Station
Bypassing several infrastructure under construction near the northbound Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line flyover track in Takanawa 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, between Tamachi and Takanawa Gateway Stations
Making a brief stop at Takanawa Gateway Station
Overlooking several office infrastructure in Takanawa 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, between Takanawa Gateway and Shinagawa Stations
Making a brief stop at Shinagawa Station
Overlooking the Keikyu Main Line flyover viaduct in Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, shortly after departing Shinagawa Station
Bypassing some suburban workers' dormitory infrastructure in Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, between Shinagawa and Oimachi Stations
Making a brief stop at Oimachi Station
Bypassing several residential housing areas estates in Oi 6-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, between Oimachi and Omori Stations
Making a brief stop at Omori Station
Bypassing several residential housing estates in Sanno 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, between Omori and Kamata Stations
Bypassing some residential housing estates in Nishi-kamata 5-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, as the train approaches Kamata Station
Making a brief stop at Kamata Station
Bypassing some residential housing apartments in Nishi-rokugo 1-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, between Kamata and Kawasaki Stations
Bypassing some residential housing apartments in Nishi-rokugo 4-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, between Kamata and Kawasaki Stations
Bypassing a large recreational field near the Tama River in Nishi-rokugo 4-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, between Kamata and Kawasaki Stations
Crossing the Tama River from Nishi-rokugo 4-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, to Horikawa-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, between Kamata and Kawasaki Stations
Overlooking the Lazona Kawasaki Plaza (ラゾーナ川崎プラザ) shopping mall in Horikawa-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, as the train approaches Kawasaki Station
Making a brief stop at Kawasaki Station
Bypassing the JR Kawasaki Tower Commercial building located in Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, shortly after departing Kawasaki Station
Diverging away from the Nambu Line tracks in Tsutsumine, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, shortly after departing Kawasaki Station
Bypassing a residential housing apartment in Motomiya 1-chome, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, between Kawasaki and Tsurumi Stations
Crossing the Tsurumi River from Motomiya 1-chome, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, to Tsukuno-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, between Kawasaki and Tsurumi Stations
Bypassing some residential housing estates in Tsukuno-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, between Kawasaki and Tsurumi Stations
Making a brief stop at Tsurumi Station
Crossing underneath the Tsurumi Line flyover viaduct in Tsurumi 1-chome, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, between Tsurumi and Shin-koyasu Stations
About to cross the flyover bridge above the Tokaido Main Line tracks past some residential housing estates in Kishiya 1-chome, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, between Tsurumi and Shin-koyasu Stations
Bypassing some residential housing estates in Kishiya 1-chome, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, while crossing the flyover bridge above the Tokaido Main Line tracks between Tsurumi and Shin-koyasu Stations
Bypassing some hillside residential housing estates in Shin-koyasu 1-chome, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, adjacent to the Tokaido Main Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line and Yokosuka Line tracks between Tsurumi and Shin-koyasu Stations
Making a brief stop at Shin-koyasu Station
Bypassing some residential housing estates in Shin-koyasu 1-chome, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, shortly after departing Shin-koyasu Station
Bypassing some hillside residential housing estates while intersecting with the Yokohama Line tracks in Urashimaoka, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, between Shin-koyasu and Higashi-kanagawa Stations
Making a brief stop at Higashi-kanagawa Station
Bypassing some residential housing estates in Tammachi 1-chome, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, between Higashi-kanagawa and Yokohama Stations
Bypassing some small office infrastructure in Tsuruya-cho 1-chome, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, as the train approaches Yokohama Station
Finally arriving at Yokohama Station
After a routine morning commuter trip of approximately 34 minutes from the colossal hustle and bustle of the Hamamatsucho district in downtown Minato-ku, Tokyo, I finally arrived at Yokohama Station by precisely 10.18 a.m. sharp on Track No. 3. Checking to make sure that I did not leave any baggage behind, I then disembarked from the train and took the nearest elevator down to the main JR Line interchange transit concourse prior to inserting my used single journey railway ticket into the automatic JR Line ticketing gates.
Once I was in the JR Line ticketing concourse, I quickly made my way to the East Entrance of the main station complex in search of a cab stand to get a black cab to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama. Bypassing a few major outlet stores in Lumine Yokohama, I soon arrived at the cab stands located at the East Entrance of the station complex by around 10.30 a.m.. Flagging down the closest black standard-sized cab, I instantly informed the driver to take me to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama in downtown Naka-ku, Yokohama.
The cab driver then informed me that the Oakwood Suites Yokohama was located in the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot, even offering to fetch me to the first basement cab drop-off point of the complex. Readily agreeing to this recommendation, the driver then helped to load my bulkier baggage into the rear trunk area while I immediately got into the major passenger seat. With everything safely loaded, I departed Yokohama Station within just a few seconds for a morning city cab trip duration of just 10 minutes to the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot located in the upscale central neighborhood of Kitanaka-dori, Naka-ku, Yokohama.
Yokohama Station (Japanese: 横浜駅; Malay: Stesen Yokohama; Traditional Chinese: 橫濱車站; Simplified Chinese: 横滨车站) is a major intercity railway station on the central intersection between 16-1 Takashima 2-chome & 1-1 Minami-saiwai 1-chome in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. It is the central railway station for the modern satellite port city of Yokohama, the fifth-busiest railway station complex in the world and the busiest intercity railroad terminal in Kanagawa Prefecture, with approximately 760 million passengers passing through the main station complex in 2013. Apart from catering to the Tokaido Main Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Yokohama Line, Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line and Yokosuka Line, the railroad terminal also serves the Sagami Railway Main Line, Minatomirai Line, Keikyu Main Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line.
The railway station was opened on 15 August 1915 after the original station was renamed as Sakuragicho Station, which had been serving the major city since 12 June 1872. Initially serving the JR Lines, the railroad station became an interchange railroad terminal for the Tokyu Toyoko Line on 18 May 1928 and moved to its current station location on 15 October 1928 after the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake. From 27 December 1933, the local railroad station complex became an interchange station for the Sotetsu Main Line, with the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line securely serving the railroad station complex on 4 September 1976.
From 1 February 2004, with the official railway closure of the Tokyu Toyoko Line section between Yokohama and Sakuragicho, the local railway station became an interchange railway station with the Minatomirai Line, offering direct revenue train services both to and from the Tokyu Toyoko Line using new major underground platforms. The station houses several department stores in its complex, such as the Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama electronics store and the Yokohama Takashimaya Department Store.
Tracks No. 3 and 4 serving the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line and Yokohama Line trains at Yokohama Station during the morning off-peak hours
Walking through the JR Line interchange transit concourse at Yokohama Station during the morning off-peak hours
Approaching the JR Line ticketing gates in the JR Line interchange transit concourse at Yokohama Station during the morning off-peak hours
The JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station shortly after I had exited through the JR Line ticketing gates during the morning off-peak hours
Bypassing the JR Ticket Office in the JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama during the morning off-peak hours
Walking through the main JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station in the direction leading to Lumine Yokohama during the morning off-peak hours
Approaching the East Entrance at Yokohama Station leading to Lumine Yokohama during the morning off-peak hours
Walking through the first basement level at Lumine Yokohama on the way to the cab stands near the East Entrance at Yokohama Station
Bypassing several retail outlet stores in the first basement level at Lumine Yokohama on the way to the cab stands near the East Entrance at Yokohama Station
Walking through the open-air passageway leading to the cab stands near the East Entrance at Yokohama Station shortly after exiting Lumine Yokohama on a bright and clear summer's morning
Finally approaching the cab stands located outside Lumine Yokohama near the East Entrance at Yokohama Station
The black cab that would soon take me to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama in the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot at the cab stands located outside Lumine Yokohama near the East Entrance at Yokohama Station
Finally departing the cab stands located outside Lumine Yokohama near the East Entrance at Yokohama Station
Entering the main roads of Takashima 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, shortly after departing Yokohama Station on a bright and clear summer's morning
Making a left turn along the main roads of Takashima 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, adjacent to the Shuto Expressway Yokohane Route K1 on a bright and clear summer's morning
Bypassing the Hara Model Railway Museum while traveling along Takashima 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Making a right turn towards Minatomirai 5-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Bypassing the Yokohama Symphostage while traveling along Minatomirai 5-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Bypassing the Minato-mirai BMW car dealership store while traveling along Minatomirai 4-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama
Bypassing the Yokohama Landmark Tower while traveling along Minatomirai 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Traveling along the roads of Minatomirai 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Overlooking the InterContinental Hotel Yokohama Grand, where I previously stayed with my family back in December 2015, while crossing the Kitanaka Bridge along Kitanaka-dori 6-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama on a bright and clear summer's morning
Crossing the Kitanaka Bridge along Kitanaka-dori 6-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, with the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot coming into view on a bright and clear summer's morning
Crossing a road junction close to the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot along Kitanaka-dori 6-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, before making a go-around along Honcho 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Bypassing the Yokohama No. 2 Joint Government Office Building along Honcho 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
About to make a left turn towards Kitanaka-dori 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, along Honcho 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Overlooking the Yokohama Landmark Tower while traveling along Kitanaka-dori 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a bright and clear summer's morning
Making a left turn to the main vehicular pick-up and drop-off point at the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot along Kitanaka-dori 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a relatively bright and clear summer's morning
Finally arriving at the first basement pick-up and drop-off point leading to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama at the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot
After a rapid and routine major morning road cab trip of 10 minutes from Yokohama Station located in downtown Nishi-ku, Yokohama, I eventually arrived at the major vehicular pick-up and drop-off area at the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot safely by 10.40 a.m.. Paying my cab fare, the driver got out and helped me to unload my bulkier baggage from the rear trunk while I checked to see that nothing had been left behind. Since I was in need for some beverages during my upcoming 10-day summer stay in Yokohama, I instantly knew that the first thing to do was to stop briefly at any nearby supermarket before heading to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama.
With that moment, I promptly thanked the cab driver for his services and headed over to the first basement elevator lobby of the Oakwood Suites Yokohama before catching the nearest express elevator to the first floor. Once I was on the first floor, I finally stumbled upon a local supermarket located adjacent to the first floor hotel entrance door, known as LINCOS (Yokohama Bashamichi Branch) (リンコス 横浜馬車道店), at exactly 10.45 a.m.. There, I purchased just two large bottles of mineral water and two medium bottles of plain tea without sugar to ensure that I was properly hydrated throughout my stay in Yokohama.
Later on, I was back at the first floor express elevator lobby entrance door to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama by precisely 10.50 a.m.. Catching the nearest express elevator up to the main hotel lobby on the 46th floor, I went over to the major check-in reception counter and informed a hotel staff receptionist on duty that I had an upcoming 10-day stay with the hotel. Showing her my passport and relevant traveling documents, I informed the staff receptionist of my plan to check in early since I was still feeling quite tired from the long overnight flight from Singapore. The staff receptionist was familiar with me as she had previously seen me from my first getaway stay at the major hotel property back in August & September 2023.
At the very same time, I requested the receptionist for a late check-out time on Tuesday (11 June), knowing rather well that my long return flight bound for Singapore would depart late that night. Upon paying the required early check-in fee, I safely received my assigned room keys at eleven o' clock. The hotel staff receptionist eventually informed me that I would be assigned to Room No. 4917 situated on the 49th floor for the coming stay in Yokohama, with a late hotel check-out available without charge until 12 noon.
With that instant, I quickly thanked the hotel check-in staff receptionist for her services and headed over to the hotel elevator lobby with my baggage. Catching the closest guest elevator to the 49th floor, I immediately walked along the passageway before safely arriving outside my assigned Room No. 4917 at 11.05 a.m.. Tapping one of the key cards onto the sensor, I entered the hotel room and was promptly impressed by its layout and decor. I even inserted one of the key cards into the key card power sensor to brighten it up further.
My studio room had a small kitchenette by the main entrance door, with a refrigerator and an induction cooking stove, though I would not be doing any cooking since I would be out daily. There was also one single king bed and a small balcony that offered views of downtown Naka-ku, Yokohama, together with a built-in major safe in the closet. Entering the bathroom, I quickly saw that there was a cubicle containing a standard shower pod by the sink and an all-in-one washing and drying machine closer to my toilet. This would be very convenient since I could wash all my clothes overnight after returning from my long day trips.
Placing my bulkier baggage close on the folding baggage rack, I promptly sorted out my daily attire for the coming days ahead prior to washing my used clothes and having a warm shower to reduce the risks of contracting COVID-19 in Japan. Upon washing up, I quickly changed into a new set of clothes and got my personal electronic gadgets to be charged up prior to having a well-earned rest in my assigned Room No. 4917 at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama for the afternoon. I also took the opportunity to inform both my parents that I had arrived safely in Yokohama.
The first basement pick-up and drop-off point leading to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama at the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot shortly after I had arrived
Approaching the first basement hotel entrance leading to the first basement express elevator lobby of the Oakwood Suites Yokohama shortly after I had arrived
Approaching the first basement elevator lobby of the Oakwood Suites Yokohama from the first basement pick-up and drop-off point at the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot
Bypassing the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot Entrance at Bashamichi Station in search of a nearby supermarket before heading to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
Stopping over at LINCOS (Yokohama Bashamichi Branch) (リンコス 横浜馬車道店) to purchase some beverages during the course of my coming stay in Yokohama
Overlooking the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot Entrance at Bashamichi Station on the way to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama shortly after I had purchased my necessary groceries at LINCOS (Yokohama Bashamichi Branch) (リンコス 横浜馬車道店)
Approaching the first floor hotel entrance leading to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama shortly after I had purchased my groceries from LINCOS (Yokohama Bashamichi Branch) (リンコス 横浜馬車道店)
Finally arriving at the first floor hotel entrance and express elevator lobby to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
Walking through the observation area close to the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
Finally arriving at the hotel check-in reception counters in the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
Overlooking the Yokohama Bay Bridge from the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a bright and clear summer's early afternoon
About to catch one of the hotel guest elevators up to my assigned hotel Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor from the main hotel lobby on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
Finally arriving at my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama as the weather becomes slightly cloudy
The all-in-one washing and drying machine close to the toilet in the bathroom of my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
The shower cubicle in the bathroom of my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
Overlooking the Yokohama Landmark Tower and Minato Mirai 21 business district from my assigned hotel Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's early afternoon
The kitchenette area in my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
One additional view of my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's early afternoon shortly before I had my well-earned afternoon rest
After spending the rest of the early afternoon sorting out my clothes and having a long, well-earned afternoon rest in my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama, the in-room clock was finally showing 2.25 p.m.. Given that I had some errands to run later on, I gathered my necessary belongings and departed my Room No. 4917 before catching the nearest elevator down to the main hotel lobby situated on the 46th floor, thus reaching there safely by around 2.30 p.m. later that afternoon.
Transferring to the express elevator lobby area, I immediately caught the nearest express elevator down to the first floor of The Tower Yokohama Kitanaka before heading outside to the major Yokohama Kitanaka Knot Entrance of Bashamichi Station. Once I had entered the station complex safely, I took two sets of escalators down to the station's major ticketing concourse level before heading to the automated ticketing machines to purchase a one-way Minatomirai Line ticket to Yokohama Station for an affordable price of ¥200 (S$1.70).
Upon purchasing my direct one-way Minatomirai Line ticket, I safely passed through the ticketing gates and checked the departure timing for the next Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line Express train bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. According to the local railway departure information screens in the ticketing concourse lobby, the next Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line Express train bound for Wakoshi via Shibuya and the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line would depart by 2.44 p.m. from Track No. 2. With that instant, I quickly took the nearest escalator downwards to the station platforms in preparation for the coming regional trip to Yokohama Station, thus reaching there safely at 2.40 p.m..
Bashamichi Station (Japanese: 馬車道駅; Traditional Chinese: 馬車道站; Thai: สถานีบาชามิจิ; Korean: 바샤미치역) is a major underground railroad station at 49 Honcho 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Operated by Yokohama Minatomirai Railway, it is situated on the Minatomirai Line and primarily serves as the nearest railway station for the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Kanagawa Museum of Cultural History and the NYK Maritime Museum. Having opened for service on 1 February 2004, the major station complex currently serves as a mandatory stopping point for all Commuter Express, Express and local services connecting both to and from the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line with just one underground island platform serving two tracks.
Overlooking the observation area from the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
Overlooking the Yokohama Bay Bridge from the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
The main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
The observation area close to the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
Approaching the express elevator lobby connecting to the first floor hotel entrance and the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
The first floor hotel entrance to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
Finally arriving at the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot Entrance at Bashamichi Station on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
Overlooking several retail outlet stores in the Kitanaka Brick & White commercial and cultural shopping district from the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot Entrance at Bashamichi Station on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
Approaching the first basement level passageway leading to the main station ticketing concourse at Bashamichi Station on a slightly cloudy summer's afternoon
About to take an additional set of escalators down to the main station ticketing concourse located on the second basement level from the first basement level at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the main station ticketing concourse located on the second basement level at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The main station ticketing concourse located on the second basement level at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
About to pass through the ticketing gates in the main station ticketing concourse located on the second basement level at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The main transit concourse located on the second basement level leading to the station platforms at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Finally arriving at the station platforms located on the third basement level at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The overhead departure information panel for the Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line trains departing from Track No. 2 at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours indicating that the next Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" train bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line would depart at 2.44 p.m.
Track No. 2 serving the Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line trains bound for Shibuya, Wakoshi and Shakujii-koen via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line & Seibu Lines at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Track No. 1 serving the Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line trains bound for Motomachi-chukagai at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The overhead departure information panel for the Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line trains departing from Track No. 1 at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The station name plate across the railway tracks on Track No. 2 at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The overall view of the station platforms located on the third basement level at Bashamichi Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
An 8-car Yokohama Minatomirai Railway Y500 series EMU, operating as the 2.41 p.m. Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line local service bound for Motomachi-chukagai, arriving at Bashamichi Station on Track No. 1
Track No. 2 at Bashamichi Station shortly before the 2.44 p.m. Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line arrived at the station
After spending approximately five minutes of anticipated waiting across the railway platform, an 8-car Tokyu 5050 series EMU, painted in the SDGs Train livery and now operating as the 2.44 p.m. Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line Express rail service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, finally arrived at Bashamichi Station by 2.44 p.m. sharp on Track No. 2. Once all of the train doors were opened, I quickly boarded the train via Car No. 2 and settled into a vacant seating area for the regional mid-afternoon commuter trip of only four minutes to Yokohama Station situated between Takashima and Minami-saiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama.
Soon enough, within a few seconds, all the train doors were closed, and the Minatomirai Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line Express train service pulled out of Bashamichi Station for the rest of the routine mid-afternoon commuter trip timing of only 1 hour 20 minutes from Motomachi-chukagai to Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. I was eventually on my way for a routine mid-afternoon commuter trip of approximately four minutes to Yokohama Station situated on the neighborhood intersection between Takashima and Minami-saiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama.
An 8-car Tokyu 5050 series EMU, painted in the "SDGs Train" special livery and operating as the 2.44 p.m. Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, arriving at Bashamichi Station on Track No. 2
The interior of Car No. 2 on board the 8-car Tokyu 5050 series EMU, painted in the "SDGs Train" special livery and operating as the 2.44 p.m. Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, during the boarding process on Track No. 2 at Bashamichi Station
Finally departing Bashamichi Station
The route guidance information panel above the train doors on board Car No. 2 of the 8-car Tokyu 5050 series EMU, painted in the "SDGs Train" special livery and operating as the 2.44 p.m. Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, indicating that the next station is Minatomirai
Making a brief stop at Minatomirai Station
The interior of Car No. 2 on board the 8-car Tokyu 5050 series EMU, painted in the "SDGs Train" special livery and operating as the Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, between Minatomirai and Shin-takashima Stations
The route guidance information panel above the train doors on board Car No. 2 of the 8-car Tokyu 5050 series EMU, painted in the "SDGs Train" special livery and operating as the 2.44 p.m. Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, indicating that the next station is Yokohama
Passing through Shin-takashima Station
The interior of Car No. 2 on board the 8-car Tokyu Metro 5050 series EMU, painted in the "SDGs Train" special livery and operating as the 2.44 p.m. Minatomirai Line & Tokyu Toyoko Line "Express" service bound for Wakoshi via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, between Shin-takashima and Yokohama Stations
Finally arriving at Yokohama Station
After a rapid afternoon commuter railroad trip timing of only four minutes from Bashamichi Station in Honcho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, I safely arrived at Yokohama Station at exactly 2.48 p.m. on Track No. 2. Checking to see that there was nothing left behind, I soon disembarked from the train and took the closest elevator to the central Tokyu Toyoko Line and Minatomirai Line transit concourse area before inserting my one-way railroad ticket into the automated ticketing gates and changing to two sets of escalators to the JR Line ticketing concourse.
Soon enough, I was in the central JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station by precisely 2.55 p.m. sharp. Given that I had some Green Car (first class) seat reservations to make for my coming railway journeys, I instantly decided to stop by at the JR Ticket Office as the very first port of call. With that instant, I soon made my way to the main JR Ticket Office to make my Green Car (first class) seat reservations for my railway day trips during the course of my vacation in Japan. The seat reservations included day trips to familiar destinations like Osaka and Hakodate, with Tsuruga included as a new destination.
Upon completing my required Green Car (first class) seat reservations at the JR Ticket Office in the major JR Line ticketing concourse, the clock was now showing 3.55 p.m.. Given that I had other errands to run for the rest of the afternoon, I instantly decided to search for a nearby electronic department store near the station complex to do some shopping before heading for an early dinner later on. With that moment, I quickly gathered my belongings and walked through the major JR Line ticketing concourse in the direction leading to the West Entrance of the railroad station building in search of a nearby department store for some shopping.
The overall view of the Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line station platforms at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The station name plate across the railway tracks on Track No. 2 at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line transit concourse at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the ticketing gates in the Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line transit concourse at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
About to take escalators up to the JR Line ticketing concourse from the Tokyu Toyoko Line & Minatomirai Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the JR Line ticketing concourse in the direction leading to the JR Ticket Office at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Making a stopover at the JR Ticket Office in the JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours shortly after I had finished making my Green Car (first class) seat reservations at the JR Ticket Office
Approaching the staircase and escalators leading to the West Entrance at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
The entrance plaza located close to the West Entrance at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
The vehicular pick-up and drop-off point located outside the West Entrance at Yokohama Station on a cloudy summer's late afternoon
Overlooking the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers from the West Entrance at Yokohama Station on a cloudy summer's late afternoon
Overlooking the CIAL Yokohama Department Store (CIAL横浜) from the West Entrance at Yokohama Station on a cloudy summer's late afternoon
Overlooking the Yokohama Takashimaya Department Store (横浜高島屋) from the vehicular pick-up and drop-off point located outside the West Entrance at Yokohama Station on a cloudy summer's morning
Walking along the sidewalks of Minami-saiwai 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a cloudy summer's late afternoon
Finally arriving at a multi-purpose electronic department store, known as Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜), located along Minami-saiwai 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a cloudy summer's late afternoon
The main entrance to Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜) shortly after I had arrived on a cloudy summer's late afternoon
After walking through the local streets of Minami-saiwai 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, for approximately five minutes from the West Entrance area at Yokohama Station, I soon arrived at a multi-purpose electronic department store located close to the station, known as Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜), by four o' clock sharp that afternoon. Knowing that a heavy rainfall was imminent, I securely went to the main entrance area of the multi-purpose department store and caught the nearest elevator up to the camera sections located on the third floor.
In the camera sections on the third floor at Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜), I securely purchased four 128GB SD memory cards for myself to record videos on my coming railway day trips. I then took another elevator up to the sixth floor housing many hobby models of various types, where I purchased two military model kits with model components for my younger brother as his birthday souvenirs. Upon finishing all the shopping errands in Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜), the local clock was safely showing 4.25 p.m..
Since I was beginning to feel hungry, I decided to head to the Sakuragicho district for an early dinner. Without wasting anymore time, I securely took the elevator down to the first floor area and exited the large department store prior to proceeding back to the West Entrance at Yokohama Station, thus reaching there safely by 4.30 p.m.. Once I was in the JR Line ticketing concourse, I went to the automatic ticketing machines and purchased a JR Line train ticket for a one-stop journey to Sakuragicho, knowing well that there would be several good restaurants around the area.
Upon securely purchasing my main one-way JR Line railway ticket bound for Sakuragicho, I passed through the JR Line ticketing gates and went to check the departure time for the closest Yokohama Line Rapid Service train bound for Sakuragicho. According to the departure information panels, the closest Yokohama Line Rapid Service train bound for Sakuragicho would depart by 4.41 p.m. from Track No. 3. Without wasting anymore time, I quickly caught the nearest elevator up to Tracks No. 3 and 4 in preparation for the coming one-stop JR Line railway journey over to Sakuragicho, eventually arriving at the main platforms by around 4.35 p.m..
The main entrance to Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜) shortly after I had finished my shopping on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
The exterior view of Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜) located along Minami-saiwai 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon as I begin to make my way back to Yokohama Station
Walking along the sidewalks of Minami-saiwai 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, in the direction leading to the West Entrance at Yokohama Station shortly after departing Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama (ヨドバシカメラ マルチメディア横浜) on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Bypassing the cab stands near the West Entrance at Yokohama Station on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Getting closer to the West Entrance at Yokohama Station on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Walking through the entrance plaza near the West Entrance at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Walking through the JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station on the way to the automated JR Line ticketing machines during the late afternoon rush hours
Making a stopover at the automated JR Line ticketing machines in the JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Approaching the JR Line ticketing gates in the JR Line ticketing concourse at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Walking through the JR Line interchange transit concourse at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Finally arriving at Tracks No. 3 and 4 at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
The overhead departure information panel for Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line and Yokohama Line trains departing from Track No. 3 at Yokohama Station indicating that the next Yokohama Line "Rapid Service" train bound for Sakuragicho would depart at 4.41 p.m.
Tracks No. 3 and 4 serving the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line and Yokohama Line trains at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Overlooking Track No. 2 serving the Keikyu Main Line trains bound for Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), Shinagawa, Sengakuji and Narita International Airport via the Toei Asakusa Line and Keisei Lines from Track No. 3 at Yokohama Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Track No. 3 at Yokohama Station shortly before the 4.41 p.m. Yokohama Line "Rapid Service" train bound for Sakuragicho arrived at the station
After spending approximately five minutes of anticipated waiting on both Tracks No. 3 & 4, an 8-car E233 series EMU, directly functioning as the 4.41 p.m. Yokohama Line Rapid Service bound for Sakuragicho, soon arrived at Yokohama Station at precisely 4.41 p.m. sharp on Track No. 3. Once all the train doors were opened, I soon boarded the train via Car No. 8 and settle down for the coming one-stop late afternoon railway journey duration of approximately four minutes over to the Sakuragicho district in downtown Naka-ku, Yokohama.
Soon enough, within just a few seconds, all of the train doors were closed, and the Yokohama Line Rapid Service train soon pulled out of Yokohama Station for the remainder of its routine late afternoon commuter journey time of just 56 minutes between Hachioji and Sakuragicho. I was soon en route for a short and regional one-stop late afternoon commuter railway journey duration of approximately four minutes to the central hustle and bustle of the Sakuragicho district in downtown Naka-ku, Yokohama.
An 8-car E233 series EMU, operating as the 4.41 p.m. Yokohama Line "Rapid Service" bound for Sakuragicho, arriving at Yokohama Station on Track No. 3
The interior of Car No. 8 on board the 8-car E233 series EMU, operating as the 4.41 p.m. Yokohama Line "Rapid Service" bound for Sakuragicho, during the boarding process on Track No. 3 at Yokohama Station
Finally departing Yokohama Station
The route guidance information panel above the train doors on board Car No. 8 of the 8-car E233 series EMU, operating as the 4.41 p.m. Yokohama Line "Rapid Service" bound for Sakuragicho, during the boarding process on Track No. 3 at Yokohama Station
Diverging away from the Tokaido Main Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line and Yokosuka Line tracks in Takashima 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, shortly after departing Yokohama Station
Traveling parallel to the abandoned elevated Tokyo Toyoko Line tracks in Takashima 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, between Yokohama and Sakuragicho Stations
Bypassing several residential housing apartments in Sakuragicho 4-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, between Yokohama and Sakuragicho Stations
Overlooking several downtown infrastructure in Sakuragicho 3-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, as the train approaches the Sakuragicho terminal station
Finally arriving at the Sakuragicho terminal station
After a routine one-stop late afternoon commuter railway journey duration of just four minutes from Yokohama Station located between Takashima 2-chome and Minami-saiwai 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, I finally arrived at the Sakuragicho terminal station at exactly 4.45 p.m. on Tracks No. 2 and 3. Checking to see that I had not left anything behind, I securely disembarked from the eight-car train and took the nearest elevator down to the JR Line interchange transit concourse before directly inserting my used one-way JR Line ticket into the automated JR Line ticketing gates.
Given that I was feeling famished for some dinner, I soon decided to walk around the adjacent surrounding neighborhood districts of Hanasaki-cho and Noge-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, in the hopes that I could find a good restaurant. With that instant, I quickly exited Sakuragicho Station at 4.50 p.m. sharp through the West Entrance and crossed the nearby pedestrian road crossing areas in Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, before safely entering the local streets and alleys of Hanasaki-cho and Noge-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, where most of the dining outlets were located.
Sakuragicho Station (Japanese: 桜木町駅; Korean: 사쿠라기초 역; Traditional Chinese: 櫻木町站; Simplified Chinese: 樱木町站) is an interchange railway station complex by 1 Sakuragicho 1-chome and 34 Hanasaki-cho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. It is situated closer to the Minato Mirai 21 district and Yokohama Landmark Tower, with the major railroad station providing access to the local Yokohama Air Cabin gondola system connecting directly to and from the Yokohama Cosmo World theme park complex. Operated directly by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Yokohama Municipal Subway, the major station serves as an interchange railway terminal complex for the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, Yokohama Line and Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line.
The station was formally opened on 12 June 1872 as the original Yokohama Station when revenue services from Shinagawa commenced, thus making it one of the oldest passenger railroad terminals in Japan. Initially serving the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line and Yokohama Line, the railway station gained its current name on 15 August 1915 when Yokohama Station was relocated twice, especially following the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake. It also served as the western railroad terminus station for the Tokyu Toyoko Line from 31 March 1932 to 30 January 2004, when the line was extended to the Minato Mirai 21 district via the Minatomirai Line.
From 4 September 1976, the railway station became an interchange station complex with the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, with the subway line directly running parallel to the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line, Yokohama Line and the Tokyu Toyoko Line railroad section beyond Yokohama Station until the line sector was closed down on 31 January 2004. It then became a connecting station complex with the Yokohama Air Cabin cable car system from 22 April 2021, thus allowing passengers to access Unga Park. As of 16 March 2024, the railway station has two elevated island platforms housing three tracks for the JR Lines and an underground island platform with just two tracks for the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line.
Tracks No. 3 and 4 serving the Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line trains bound for Ofuna and terminating Yokohama Line trains at Sakuragicho Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Walking through the JR Line interchange transit concourse at Sakuragicho Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Approaching the automated JR Line ticketing gates in the JR Line interchange transit concourse at Sakuragicho Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Walking through the JR Line ticketing concourse at Sakuragicho Station during the late afternoon rush hours
Overlooking the JR East Hotel Mets Premier Yokohama Sakuragicho located along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's late morning
About to cross the downtown pedestrian road crossing along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, leading to the JR East Hotel Mets Premier Yokohama Sakuragicho on a damp and cloudy summer's late afternoon
Crossing a downtown pedestrian road crossing along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, close to Sakuragicho Station on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Crossing an additional downtown pedestrian road crossing along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Bypassing Isomaru Suisan (Sakuragicho Station Branch) (磯丸水産 桜木町駅前店) located along Hanasaki 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Bypassing some small local alley restaurants and cafeterias near Noge-nakadori in Hanasaki 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Bypassing some more local alley restaurants and a convenience store along Noge-nakadori in Hanasaki 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Crossing a small road along Noge-nakadori in Hanasaki-cho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's late afternoon
Finally stumbling upon a local charcoal barbecue restaurant, known as Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち), located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp rainy summer's late afternoon. This particular restaurant joint was familiar to me as I had eaten dinner here during the course of my first independent solo overseas getaway vacation to eastern Japan in August & September 2023
After walking through the main sidewalks and alleys of both Hanasaki-cho and Noge-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, for not more than approximately five minutes from Sakuragicho Station, I eventually arrived at a major charcoal barbecue restaurant outlet, officially known as Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち), safely by 4.55 p.m.. This restaurant was quite familiar to me as I had dinner here during the course of my first independent solo overseas getaway vacation to eastern Japan in August & September 2023.
Entering the restaurant, I immediately requested for a table for myself near the restaurant's main entrance. One of the restaurant outlet's waiters, who was familiar with me from my first visit to the restaurant, soon directed me to a vacant counter table by the main entrance door and provided me with the main food and beverage menus to make my reviews before placing my main meal orders for dinner. While gradually reviewing the main food and beverage menus, the waiter provided me with a glass of iced water to help me keep hydrated during this warmer period of the year.
As soon as I was ready to have dinner, a restaurant staff waiter came by to my table to take down my major orders for my coming charcoal barbecue dinner. For the major meat courses, I would have the thick sliced Premium Wagyu beef tongue, sliced premium pork belly, local beef large intestines, pork jowl and marbled Premium Japanese Wagyu beef short ribs. I would also have a platter of wrapping lettuce, a medium-sized bowl of steamed white rice and a single glass of Coca-cola Highball to accompany my main Japanese charcoal barbecue dinner (焼肉; yakiniku).
With my main orders recorded, the staff waiter went into the inner kitchen area and immediately brought out the portable charcoal pot and barbecue dining grill to my table. As my dinner orders were gradually brought to my counter table by the waiter, I ensured that everything was present before I started cooking my main barbecue meat dishes. Later that evening, I had a really sumptuous and filling major charcoal barbecue dinner at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち). This dinner was an excellent way to commence a proper main culinary dining adventure upon arriving in Japan.
The interior of the counter table area located on the first floor at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, from my counter table shortly after I had settled down
Reviewing the food sections of the main menu at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Reviewing the beverage sections of the main menu at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Reviewing the special dish section of the main menu at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A glass of Coca-cola Highball for myself to accompany my local charcoal barbecue dinner later on at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The view of the counter table area located on the first floor at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, shortly after I had placed my main meal orders for dinner
The portable charcoal pot and barbecue dining grill set up in the middle of my counter table at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A platter of wrapping lettuce to be wrapped with my barbecued meats later on at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A platter of thick sliced Premium Wagyu beef tongue to be grilled on the portable charcoal barbecue grill later on at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A medium-sized bowl of steamed white rice to accompany my local charcoal barbecue dinner later on at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A platter of pork jowl to be grilled on the portable charcoal barbecue grill later on at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A platter of sliced premium pork short ribs to be grilled on the portable charcoal barbecue grill at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A platter of beef large intestines to be grilled on the portable charcoal barbecue grill at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
A platter of marbled Premium Japanese Wagyu beef short ribs to be grilled on the portable charcoal barbecue grill later on at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The overall view of my local charcoal barbecue dinner meal on my counter table at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of thick sliced Premium Wagyu beef tongue grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of thick sliced Premium Wagyu beef tongue in the final stages of grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill before I could eat them at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of sliced premium pork belly grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of sliced premium pork belly in the final stages of grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill before I could eat them at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of beef large intestines grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of beef large intestines in the final stage of grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill before I could eat them at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The portable charcoal pot equipped with a clean barbecue dining grill in preparation for my next two meat courses at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of pork jowl grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of pork jowl in the final stages of grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill before I could eat them at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of marbled Premium Japanese Wagyu beef short ribs grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
The pieces of marbled Premium Japanese Wagyu beef short ribs in the final stages of grilling on the portable charcoal barbecue grill before I could eat them at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Overlooking the other counter tables and kitchen area located on the first floor at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, shortly after I had finished my local charcoal barbecue dinner
After having a sumptuous and filling local Japanese charcoal barbecue (焼肉; yakiniku) dinner at Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, the outlet clock was showing 6.20 p.m.. Given that I was already feeling stuffed to the brim and that there was nothing else left to do, I promptly decided to head back to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama to retire for the evening. With that moment, I promptly paid my dinner check and thanked the restaurant staff waiter for his services before departing the restaurant at 6.25 p.m..
Once I had securely departed from Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち), I promptly walked through the narrow alleys and major pedestrian roads of Noge-cho and Hanasaki-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, in the core alley direction leading to Sakuragicho Station. I then crossed the busy main roads of the Sakuragicho district past Sakuragicho Station before crossing the Kitanaka Bridge with my umbrella open due to damp weather. The walk back to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama in Kitanaka-dori, Naka-ku, Yokohama, took not more than approximately 20 minutes that evening.
The exterior view of Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち) located along Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening as I begin to make my way back to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
Walking along the streets of Noge-cho 2-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening shortly after departing Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち)
Bypassing several restaurants and convenience stores along Noge-nakadori in Hanasaki 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on the way back to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Getting closer to the main roads and streets of Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Crossing a downtown pedestrian road crossing along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on the way back to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Crossing an additional downtown pedestrian road crossing along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, close to Sakuragicho Station on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Overlooking the Yokohama Landmark Tower while crossing the roads of Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, close to Sakuragicho Station on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Walking along the sidewalks of Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, near Sakuragicho Station and the JR East Hotel Mets Premier Yokohama Sakuragicho on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Crossing underneath a pedestrian footbridge along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, close to the East Entrance at Sakuragicho Station on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Bypassing the Cross Gate Yokohama shopping mall located along Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Overlooking the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot and Oakwood Suites Yokohama while walking along the streets of Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, just aft of the Cross Gate Yokohama shopping mall on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Overlooking the Yokohama Air Cabin cable car system while walking along the sidewalks of Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Overlooking the Hulic Minatomirai commercial and financial complex while walking along the sidewalks of Sakuragicho 1-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Overlooking the InterContinental Hotel Yokohama Grand from the Kitanaka Bridge located along Kitanaka-dori 6-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Overlooking the Yokohama Air Cabin cable car system while crossing the Kitanaka Bridge along Kitanaka-dori 6-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Crossing the Kitanaka Bridge along Kitanaka-dori 6-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Walking along the sidewalks of Kitanaka-dori 6-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, while getting closer to the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
About to cross another pedestrian road crossing along Kitanaka-dori 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, near the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Getting closer to the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot located along Kitanaka-dori 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Bypassing LINCOS (Yokohama Bashamichi Branch) (リンコス 横浜馬車道店) along Kitanaka-dori 5-chome, Naka-ku, Yokohama, on the way back to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Bypassing the Yokohama Kitanaka Knot Entrance at Bashamichi Station on the way back to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Approaching the first floor entrance door of the Oakwood Suites Yokohama and The Tower Yokohama Kitanaka in the Kitanaka Brick & White commercial and cultural shopping area on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Finally arriving at the first floor hotel entrance and express elevator lobby to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Bypassing the observation area in the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening shortly after I had arrived back
The main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening shortly after I had arrived back
Approaching the hotel guest elevator lobby in the main hotel lobby located on the 46th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama on a damp and rainy summer's early evening
Finally arriving back at my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor at the Oakwood Suites Yokohama
After walking through the main street areas and roads of Hanasaki-cho and Sakuragicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, from Sumibiyaki Noge Horumon Daikichi (炭火焼野毛ホルモン だいきち), I eventually arrived at the first floor entrance door to the Oakwood Suites Yokohama at 6.45 p.m. sharp. Heading into the first floor express elevator lobby entrance area, I caught the nearest express elevator up to the main hotel lobby on the 46th floor before transferring to the hotel guest elevator lobby and catching another elevator back up to my assigned Room No. 4917 located on the 49th floor.
Once I was back in my allocated Room No. 4917 by around 6.50 p.m., I went to have a shower and placed my used clothes in the washing machine to be washed overnight before setting up all my portable electronic devices to be charged overnight. At the very same time, I took the opportunity to inform my parents that I would be doing some aircraft spotting and some regional explorations around Tokyo the next day, as I had plans to see what possible places the western area of Tokyo would have. Upon doing some surfing via my laptop and ensuring that my portable electronic gadgets were charging properly, I soon turned in at 9.30 p.m. for a well-earned good night's rest.
This officially brings the first major section of my solo independent ten-day mid-summer overseas vacation up to eastern Japan for my 29th birthday in June 2024 to a formal conclusion. As with all other existing major overseas trip reports featured on this blog site, questions and / or comments will be more than welcome in the comment boxes situated at the end of each trip report section. The remaining four sections of this mid-summer trip report will be posted once the best quality photos and videos have been selected for them. Please do be patient as this will definitely require extensive time and effort to publish them thoroughly and effectively.
