We Made It To Japan!

We started our journey at 8.00pm from our home, taking the airport limo. No issues using airport limo services as we had always prefer the taxi rather than the ERL train service. Total fare : RM63.20.

Arrived KLIA Airport half an hour later, to be met with a rather festive airport. KLIA was is Hari Raya mood. :-)

It was smooth sailing through immigration, even though the security checks at KLIA was noticeable more thorough and stricter this time than it had ever been before. Raimie got beeped twice going through the security gate.

However, we weren't so lucky when it came to our flight. Our flight was delayed 3 hours! That 3 hours was spent in the plane waiting for the crew to unload cargo to lighten the load. We were informed that the delay was due to fuel alignment. So, I guess in order to lighten the load some more, we ate snacks, drank our drinks and got our midnight meal all while still on Malaysia soil. Our 10.50pm flight was only took flight at 2.00am! Well, at least we were comfortably seated in the place, and not having to spent the time in the boarding area. Raimie was fast asleep way before the plane took off.

Snacks given out. Even though we might not eat them, these snacks can be a good (and free) souvenirs for friends. Oh yes, Raimie got a model plane too.

Our other meals. Just a light meal given out at midnight, and some chocolate muffins in the wee hours of the morning.
Raimie woke up after just 4 hours' sleep. He was keen to play games and watch movies (and going to the toilet!) Outside view at 6.00am. So bright...

Arriving Narita Airport and going through Immigration went smoothly. The foreign passport holders' lanes were empty so we went through pretty quickly. Baggage also came fast and Customs went smoothly. No need to inspect our luggage. I think the Customs guy would be curious to see that our biggest luggage contains not clothes but Kuih Raya (festive cookies) and Kerepek (crackers).

We went down immediately to the ticket counter area.

The JR East Travel Service Center wasn't open yet, so we headed to the JR ticket counter opposite to buy our JR East Passes.

Of course, you can buy your ticket at the machine too instead of queuing. You can buy your JR train (local), Narita Express and Airport Narita ticket here at the machine. JR Passes have to be bought at selected JR counters and offices.

While Zaini completed our transaction at the JR counter for our JR East passes, I went to the JR East Travel Service Center to hoard their brochures. See that orange brochure on top of the pile? In that brochure contains a few discounts coupons to Museums, Zoo and few attractions so you can save a bit of money by getting one (or two, or three).

Anyway, once the office opened, we went inside to buy our Suica and NEX card. For 3,500yen, we get to board Narita Express and still have 2,00yen in our Suica card (includes 500yen deposit) that can be used to pay for train tickets and purchases too.

If we are not buying the Suica NEX card, we would've chosen to board Keisei train at a mere 1,000yen. It is not an express train, so getting to Tokyo takes a little longer but it is cheap! Alternative to Narita Express would be the Skyliner. All these counter are located next to each other, so no worries. Just head down and choose which line you want to use.

Or, you can use the Airport Limo bus service available upstairs, but taking a bus might mean that your travel time are affected by the traffic condition.

Anyway, Narita Express is pretty comfortable and when we board the train there weren't too many passengers on board.

We arrived Tokyo station safely and one piece at exactly 11.44am, by taking the 10.48am train. Man, I forgot how big is the station.

Next up, our meals on our first day and checking in at a hotel in Ginza.