Do you have an upcoming travel with layover in Japan? Whenever I traveled to the US, I usually had a layover in Japan first. I have been to different airports in Japan such as Narita International, Kansai International and Chubu Centrair International airports where I had 4-22-hr layovers. But, whether it is as short as 4 hours or longer, here are 7 things you can do that would give you a glimpse of Japan but won’t make you miss your flight.
1. Check out restaurants
The airport and nearby areas (depending which airport you are) offer different restaurants you can try. We were hungry and planning to try out a legit traditional ramen but our flight got delayed and the starvation landed us to this restaurant wherein you could eat a rice meal in 4 different ways and it was a beautiful and yummy accident.
If you only have 2 hrs of layover, and do not have time to go out of the airport. Airports in Japan usually have sushi restaurants that serve great sushi!
2. Visit variety of shops
Outside and inside the airports there are variety of shops. You can find anime stuff, souvenir shops, skincare and makeup kiosks stores that are worth a visit.
3. Roam nearby areas
If you have extra time to go out and roam around, why not? Every corner in Japan offers a refreshing view of how the area functions everyday.
4. Hop on the and experience the train
This is possible if you have more than 6 hours of layover and planned your trip very well. Japan is know for their very good train system. From the airport, the train ride can give you bigger panorama scene of Japan from the airport to a specific train station. Just make sure you have enough time to go back before your connecting flight.
5. Taste unique-flavored snacks
Aside from the souvenirs you may find in the souvenir shops, you can find unique flavors of some snacks like this Godiva macaroons. Not only in souvenir shops, but their convenience stores are surprisingly offering a wide variety of things you won’t expect they have like different sake-flavored KitKat or curry-flavored Pringles. And, they are worth a try!
6. Get some goods from the vending machine
Japan is also known for their colorful vending machines. Inside and outside the airports you will find one so do not miss the opportunity of trying out any of those. I tried the drinks and ice cream and they are worth your loose coins!
7. Walk around the airport
If your schedule will not allow you to go out or walk a lot in the airport, close to the gates you will find interesting stuff like these random ninjas on top of the check-in kiosks or even restaurants when you go upstairs.
The key is know the amount of time you have to walk around the airport or even go outside and feel the Japan atmosphere even for a half a day. It is really a fun experience.
larswrites 