The last day finally arrived. After yet another spectacular breakfast at the hotel, we returned to our room to pack for the onward journey – Shinkansen (bullet) train to Tokyo, Narita Express train to Narita airport, then a flight onwards to Bangkok (we had hoped to fly to Thailand from Osaka as it’s much closer, but our tickets were purchased in a manner that such an option was not available).
Our flight out of Narita wasn’t until after 6pm, and the journey to the airport would take about 4-5 hours all told (2h 40m Shinkansen, 1h 15m Narita Express) but we didn’t want to risk being exposed to any delays so we planned on catching the 10:33 Shinkansen from Kyoto, and the 13:24 N’Ex (Narita Express) from Shinagawa to Narita, arriving at 14:28. As luck would have it, there was a delay at Shinagawa; the N’Ex train did not arrive on time (a very unusual occurrence in Japan!). There were plenty of announcements at the station (in English and Japanese) but also, uniformed station agents walked down the platform making sure everyone was aware of the situation.
On the journey from Kyoto to Tokyo, we were lucky enough to see Mount Fuji from the window. Not a great shot, but better than nothing – such an iconic image!
Narita station and airport
Narita airport was very busy but there were plenty of helpful, smiling agents to answer questions, and we progressed through the various stages without incident. As always, everything was well organized, well signposted, well executed.
After checking in our luggage and passing through security and passport control, we reached the food court. This was definitely one of the best airport food courts in the world, if not the best – lots of choices. We settled for our last bowl of Japanese Ramen and some delicious tempura.
Thoughts about Japan
From the moment we arrived in Japan to the moment we left, we never saw one single piece of litter on the ground, anywhere – not even at the train stations. We saw workers actively sweeping the platforms on several occasions. We did not see one single homeless person, not even at Kyoto station. Every public toilet we used was spotlessly clean and functional (and free). Every person we interacted with – station personnel, airline personnel, hotel employees, food vendors, store vendors – was unbelievably courteous and helpful (most people bowing to you as a form of greeting, which is weird but you get used to it!).
When we couldn’t find a product in a department store, the lady we engaged with sought assistance from two or three other employees to try to track down the product. Nothing seems too much trouble for anyone, and no one seems in a hurry to get rid of you. I made a small purchase in a fabric store, and the way the shop owner behaved, you’d think I had spent a million dollars. The two taxi’s we took were pleasant rides with no sense of being ripped off. All the food we ate was great. The trains were fast and clean.
Nowhere else in the world have I experienced anything like this; the people in Thailand are the nicest in the world, but the country can be a little chaotic. The Germans are efficient, but don’t exhibit the same warmth. I would not hesitate for one moment to return to Japan, and in fact have already booked a return visit!
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