Melbourne to Narita return seats and other questions

[SRS65]

Hi all
firstly sorry if this has been answered before.
We have just booked return flights in J to Tokyo from Adelaide for 2 people at the start of June with the return leg being a reward booking.
It took 3 attempts with the seats vanishing on the first 2 attempts - once as I topped up points from my wife's account to have the required amount then when another log in was required after the credit card we were using wouldn't work.
We luckily got 2 reward seats in the end albeit not the original desired dates - but you grab them when they are there and adjust the plans to suit.
OK - our questions:
- as a couple we have booked 3A and 3E on the refurbed 330 and want to ensure this is best for communicating and enjoying the flight together?
- we go via MEL and return via Brisbane and wanted to hear what our intl. to domestic transfer will entail?
- how far from Tokyo centre is Narita and what is the best means of travel?
- what is the QF lounge in Narita like ?

Really appreciate any input and advice as this is our first trip to Japan and our first experience with the refurbed business class A330.
thanks

 

[aussiel]

Dom-Int transfer in Melbourne is a short walk between terminals (all inside). Baggage will be checked through from Adelaide and boarding passes issued, so just mosey on over through international security to the lounge of choice.

Coming back through Brisbane you will have to pass through immigration, pickup your luggage, go through customs and drop your bags at the baggage transfer point in the international terminal. Jump on the free bus outside the terminal to take a short ride to domestic.

You can get the Narita Express train to Tokyo or Shinagawa or Shinjuku. Takes around an hour, and there is a spot to store luggage at the end of the cabin.

I've only used the JAL first lounge, which is acceptable but not outstanding, so can't comment on the QF lounge.

 

[Himeno]

- we go via MEL and return via Brisbane and wanted to hear what our intl. to domestic transfer will entail?

You'll arrive in MEL in T1. Bags will be checked through to NRT. Walk (inside) to T2. You'll have to leave the T1 secure area and pass through the T2 check in area to get to the international security and departure immigration. There are signs in T1 showing the path for "International Connections".
On the way back, pass through immigration, collect bags, customs, then domestic connections/bag drop desk before heading outside for the bus over to the domestic terminal.

- how far from Tokyo centre is Narita and what is the best means of travel?

Narita airport is some distance away from central Tokyo and there are a number of ways to get to the city. The best depends on where in Tokyo you are going to.

There are 2 train companies operating between the airport and Tokyo and buses which run to many places in Tokyo. Each train company (JR East and Keisei) has an express option and a slower, cheaper, commuter option.
The Keisei Skyliner is the faster train to Tokyo (38 minutes to Ueno in the NE of the city). The JR Narita Express takes 60 minutes to Tokyo Station, then continues on to other major stations in the south, west and north west of the city. Which other stations it goes to varies with which train.
The other train options can take over 90 minutes to reach the city and don't have baggage storage beyond what you'd normally find on a normal city train.

The bus options take 60-90 minutes, depending on where you are going. The buses tend to go to major train stations or major hotels.

For travel within Tokyo, get a Suica or Pasmo card. Suica is issued by JR East, Pasmo is issued by the other dozen or so Tokyo area transport providers. Both cards are interchangeable. They are much like the metrocard used on Adelaide's public transport system. The cards can also be used in many other places like convenience stores, vending machines, train station luggage storage lockers, etc.
You can get the cards (and recharge them) at almost any train station ticket machine. The ticket machines also have an English mode button.

- what is the QF lounge in Narita like ?

Don't bother. The QF NRT lounge is one of the worst QF J lounges. Flying Business Class would get you access to the AA Admirals Club, JL Sakura Lounge, CX Lounge and QF Lounge. Go to the JL or AA lounges (the NRT Admirals Club is often considered to be the best Admirals Club AA has).

As you haven't been to Japan before, little warning. Most Japanese ATMs will NOT accept non Japanese issued band cards. To use a non Japanese card at an ATM, you will need to use a 7andi or JPBank branded ATM. These are mostly found in 7-11 stores and Post Offices. The ATMs that accept non Japanese cards have an English mode. Having cash on hand in Japan is useful as many shops will not accept card payments (those that do can accept any card). Some other ATMs at the airports will accept foreign cards.

 

[SRS65]

Wow - thanks Himeno and Aussiel
appreciate the tips and answers.
can we rely on our visa and Amex cc at most places and paying for transport etc?
is it relatively easy to get around being solely English speaking?
how do the seats we have selected fair as a couple - or should we go row 3 as the centre pair? ( I do like to see outside if possible )
cheers

 

[Conrad_S]

Another option for coming back is to spend the previous night at one of the Narita hotels. Check out and leave your bags at the hotel in the morning. Visit Narita during the day. The temple, garden and Omotesando are well worth a visit. Then go back to the hotel, pick-up your bags and go to the airport in the afternoon. The hotels have free buses for these trips.
We've never really had a problem finding an atm that takes our cards in the major centres or using Cc to pay for meals etc. In smaller towns we've needed to find a post office atm.
The centre seats are probably better for a couple but across the aisle is not a whole lot worse. I prefer forward in the cabin as service starts sooner.

 

[Himeno]

can we rely on our visa and Amex cc at most places and paying for transport etc?

Many places don't have card readers. Those that do tend to have signs in the windows or near the checkouts. I would keep cash on hand and use the card readers where they are available.

is it relatively easy to get around being solely English speaking?

I know very little Japanese. I go to Japan 2-3 times/year. Never have any major problems. Most signage is also in English. All the train stations have English signage (and Korean and/or Chinese where space allows). Any signage that has space for a second language does, and it's in English. If there is space for a 3rd or 4th, it's Korean and Chinese.
Many locals, especially in the big cities, know some amount of English as it is a required class throughout school. The issue there tends to be that while they know some English, they aren't confident with speaking it for fear of getting it "wrong". If required, written English is more likely to be useful then speaking.

how do the seats we have selected fair as a couple - or should we go row 3 as the centre pair? ( I do like to see outside if possible )

I almost always travel on my own, so I tend to look for seats opposite what you're looking for.

For transport, there are a number of different train maps around. Each train company promotes their own lines on their own maps. Some companies don't even show selected lines from other companies on their map at all. The map in the Tokyo Metro Tourist guide would be the most useful. You can get one, in English, at a Tokyo Tourist info center. There are a number around, but the easiest to find is the one on the ground floor of the Tokyo Metro Government office building in Shinjuku (go to Shinjuku station and there are signs showing the way to the building). These guides have area maps of the major areas in Tokyo, transport maps, tourist information, discount coupons for selected tourist destinations, etc. (the office building also has free observation decks at the top of each of the towers).

Carry your passports with you (you'll need them anyway if the police randomly decide to stop you - they can do so legally, but tend to use such a stop to practice their English. Though in all my trips to Japan, I've only been stopped once - while connecting land side between tickets at NRT). There are stores which will give you tax free (tax is 8%) if you have your passport and spend more then 5,000 yen (~$50). Such stores have "Tax Free Japan" signage.
When Japan increased their VAT from 5 to 8% a few years ago, they allowed each store to chose if they included the tax in the price. If a store doesn't have the tax included in the price, they are required to state so around the store.

 

[waflyer]

how do the seats we have selected fair as a couple - or should we go row 3 as the centre pair? ( I do like to see outside if possible )
cheers

My preference on the refurbed A330's as a couple is the centre pair. The centre pair is a lot easier to talk to your partner than across the aisle. You have to lean forward a bit due to the fixed partition, but it isn't too bad. Visibility out the window from the centre is basically zero though, so you need to weigh that up if it is important to you.

 

[boomy]

can we rely on our visa and Amex cc at most places and paying for transport etc?

Most places accept CCs. When in Japan I use AMEX, never had any issues with it. As in all other countries you should also carry cash to use at smaller retails.

is it relatively easy to get around being solely English speaking?

This is the question I'm asked the most by first time visitors to Japan. Yes, it's relatively easy to get around even if you don't know a word in Japanese.
Make sure you get local SIM card (preferably at the airport once you land) so you will always have access to GPS. Download English-Japanese dictionary in case you need to communicate with non-English speaking locals and try to plan each day ahead using your hotel's concierge knowledge. They are usually locals who can advice you on the best routes and also help you find that hidden Onsen or book that local restaurant which doesn't have English website.

how do the seats we have selected fair as a couple - or should we go row 3 as the centre pair? ( I do like to see outside if possible )
cheers

I've tried the centre pair seats and found them uncomfortable for couples due to the fixed privacy partition. My preference is 3A/E, 5A/E or 7A/E.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Check Seatguru website.
Some rows on QF 330s are not straight.
On oneside it might be 3A but 3E might be further back a bit.

 

[blu]

You can get cash at Narita ATMs, then as required. Do have several means of getting cash. Also, there are cards that are totally fee free.
ATMs in Japan

 

[njba]

Hi all
- as a couple we have booked 3A and 3E on the refurbed 330 and want to ensure this is best for communicating and enjoying the flight together?
- we go via MEL and return via Brisbane and wanted to hear what our intl. to domestic transfer will entail?

Firstly, I'm so excited on your behalf. Japan is my favourite place, and you'll have a splendid time!

Others have addressed the bulk of your points, but I wanted to answer two of your questions.

Seats: I had the exact same question, and we picked the same exact same seats. And honestly, on our next flight I've booked us both into window seats (2&3K). You can't really see your partner unless you both lean forward and are willing to talk over the aisle. I imagine the centre seats would be marginally better, but even so it's still going to be difficult to talk etc. Given that the return trip is a night flight, and you've just spent a lot of time together, why don't you both get prime window seats and just relax? You can always get up and deliver a goodnight kiss before turning in.

BNE International to Domestic: This is pretty awful, there's no way of sugarcoating it. You have to wait outdoors for a crowded bus with 40-50 other people. It's shameful that QF doesn't provide a better option for their connecting passengers. The buses (at least at 5:45am) were seemingly 20 minutes apart, and it was just not fun. Hopefully the new J lounge will be open at the time of your trip, not the incredibly hot sauna they've got open now.

I hope you consider doing a TR.

 

[Steady]

Its been 5 years since I transferred between the BNE Int and Dom but I always caught the train. I take it this is no longer a free option?

 

[SRS65]

Firstly, I'm so excited on your behalf. Japan is my favourite place, and you'll have a splendid time!

Others have addressed the bulk of your points, but I wanted to answer two of your questions.

Seats: I had the exact same question, and we picked the same exact same seats. And honestly, on our next flight I've booked us both into window seats (2&3K). You can't really see your partner unless you both lean forward and are willing to talk over the aisle. I imagine the centre seats would be marginally better, but even so it's still going to be difficult to talk etc. Given that it's a night flight, and you've just spent a lot of time together, why don't you both get prime window seats and just relax? You can always get up and deliver a goodnight kiss before turning in.

BNE International to Domestic: This is pretty awful, there's no way of sugarcoating it. You have to wait outdoors for a crowded bus with 40-50 other people. It's shameful that QF doesn't provide a better option for their connecting passengers. The buses (at least at 5:45am) were seemingly 20 minutes apart, and it was just not fun. Hopefully the new J lounge will be open at the time of your trip, not the incredibly hot sauna they've got open now.

I hope you consider doing a TR.

Firstly - thanks to everyone who has provided info and tips - truly appreciated!
We are really excited to be visiting Japan and are looking to book at the RC in a club room - having stayed with them in Sing and HK which was brilliant (especially the club offerings)

njba - we travel for leisure with each other to enjoy the trip together and really like the interaction during the flight (one of us is a nervous flyer)
Do the seats 3A/E line up reasonably close across the aisle? - with just a need to lean to chat?
It's a daytime flight over and o/night return - so I should be in the appropriate mood for the BNE transfer
The seat selection has become the initial "worry" as we have read so many conflicting flight reviews online - hence asking the AFF experts.
I know its first world problems but we have saved hard for this J trip and are both QFF members (myself Gold - wife Silver)

Our CC is an ANZ Amex so I am assuming that this will be fine for most instances - then a NAB Visa as the backup (please let me know if this is appropriate) - plus we will grab some cash whenever available to cover the smaller purchases and when cards are not usable.

It seems nearly as exciting as actually travelling leading into a new adventure and the planning and feedback enhances this.
Thanks again!

 

[njba]

Because I am the world's biggest dumb-dumb I had no idea this was an option.

According to their website it is only free for VA pax: https://airtrain.com.au/ticket-information (Which I think underscores my point about QF letting the ball drop so). It is $5 for everyone else.

njba - we travel for leisure with each other to enjoy the trip together and really like the interaction during the flight (one of us is a nervous flyer)
Do the seats 3A/E line up reasonably close across the aisle? - with just a need to lean to chat?
It's a daytime flight over and o/night return - so I should be in the appropriate mood for the BNE transfer
The seat selection has become the initial "worry" as we have read so many conflicting flight reviews online - hence asking the AFF experts.
I know its first world problems but we have saved hard for this J trip and are both QFF members (myself Gold - wife Silver)

Yeah, it was certainly manageable. When the seats are upright, the person in 3E is quite visible (especially while eating, where one is naturally leaning forwards a bit.) Obviously if either of you recline your seats, you'll disappear behind the seat wall, meaning you'll have to lean a lot more forward for eye contact and to communicate.

We were perhaps quite lucky, but in our NRT>BNE flight the J cabin was barely half full. We could have had both our original seats, as well as two centre seats, so if you have the same situation, you can always find what works best for you both.

And as residents of the first world, we are perhaps entitled (and lucky, of course) to be able to have such complaints!

 

[Matt_01]

Some rows on QF 330s are not straight.
On oneside it might be 3A but 3E might be further back a bit.

The seats on the 332 are off set in the numbering i.e. 1A is next to 2E. On the 333 there is minimal off set with the seats being essentially next each other 1A is next to 1E.

BNE International to Domestic: This is pretty awful, there's no way of sugarcoating it. You haveto wait outdoors for a crowded bus with 40-50 other people. It's shameful that QF doesn't provide a better option for their connecting passengers.

On a couple of occasions, I have found it easier to get your bags and get in cab to the domestic terminal, cost about $15 but enabled me to get on an earlier flight.

On the lounges there are 2 JAL lounges at NRT one just after customs and the other in the satellite terminal, I would go to the main JAL lounge then go to the satellite lounge closer to boarding, also JAL do not announce the QF flights so you should watch your time. Personal preference are the JAL lounges, AA is nice but it seems to have more noise, CX is small and a bit more difficult to find. Unfortunately, QF would be the last pick.

 

[Himeno]

Given that it's a night flight, and you've just spent a lot of time together, why don't you both get prime window seats and just relax?

The MEL and BNE-NRT flights are day flights north and overnight south (like every other QF flight to Asia other then SYD-HND).

JL has 4 J lounges at NRT T2. 1 is in the domestic area. There is the main lounge just past immigration and beside the F lounge. There is an overflow lounge above this that is only open in the mornings, and there is one in the satellite building.
The AA lounge is in the main building on the left side of the concourse from immigration near gate 71. The CX lounge is near the AA lounge on a different level.
The QF lounge is in the satellite building to the left of the walkway from the main building.

QF flights at NRT tend to arrive/depart near the lounge in the satellite.
I would use either the main JL lounge or the AA lounge, then leave the lounge and head towards the gate around 10 minutes before boarding is due.

 

[njba]

The MEL and BNE-NRT flights are day flights north and overnight south (like every other QF flight to Asia other then SYD-HND).

Quite right--I was (opaquely) referring to just the BNE homewards night flight, as that was what I had direct experience with. I will make that clearer now.

Back to the original question, while the ANZ Amex is a great card, if you're like me you'll surely get annoyed with the endless foreign transaction fees.

We picked up the BW Qantas Mastercard that has no Foreign transaction fees (and has a 50k bonus points promo) for our trip and were very happy with it.

 

[kevrosmith]

If you want to pay on CC without foreign currency conversion fees, consider getting the 28 Degrees mastercard.
For fee free cash withdrawals with a great exchange rate, get a Citibank Plus transaction account (which has no ongoing fees itself). Transfer some cash from your bank account to it, and then withdraw cash at ATMs. I mostly used the ATMs in the 7-Eleven stores, which are easy to find and mostly everywhere. Easy to find on Google Maps as well.
While others are saying "paid with CC easily", note that many smaller places only accept cash still, and Japan is predominantly known as a cash economy still. It's advisable to have a wad of cash available.

I can recommend Yokoso Sim for data-only local SIMs. I have iPhone devices, so usually take a spare one to put my Aussie SIM into (to receive SMS). Then had the Yokoso SIM in my regular iPhone. For communicating amongst our group, we could use iMessages or Facetime audio/video, or other data-only services, such as WhatsApp, Viber or Skype, though it meant we didn't have a local number to receive or make normal telephone calls (though Skype can over come that for making calls if necessary). Depending on the length of time you are there, you can rent a Japanese mobile phone which gives you local voice services. It's very rare to find a service which allows you to get just a voice SIM in Japan to put into your device.

Rather than using the pay-as-you-go Suica/Pasmo cards for the Subway, you can get the Metro passes (24 hour, 48 hour or 72 hour options) which cover the Metro and Toei subway lines. Tokyo Metro | To Customers Visiting Tokyo
Buy as many as you need at Narita airport to cover the period you're in Tokyo from the Keisei Bus counter in the arrivals hall when you land. They don't activate until first use.

JR Rail Pass is only cost effective if you are doing a few longer trips out of Tokyo, such as to Nagano, Odawara (for Mt Fuji) or to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima etc. Then you can use the JR Rail lines around the cities as well as the long distance Shinkansen. While Rail Pass doesn't allow tickets on the most express Shinkansen (such as Nozomi or Mizuho) the next level express trains means you are often only stopping at one or two more stations along the way, so it doesn't add too much time overall.

Hyperdia is fantastic for working out train timetables, though don't download the App version until you are about to depart as you get 30 days free trial (or otherwise it costs $4.49 to get access again for 1 month). You can use it through a browser for free still though.

Google Maps is your best friend for navigating around, as it even zooms into the subway level, for example, and shows Exit numbers on train stations so you know which exit to head for to best reach your destination (considering a platform is often more than a block long, it's handy to know where best to pop up from underground.)

Google Translate is also invaluable for translating Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana writing. With the Photograph option, you can take a photo of something and then it helps to translate the words. I also found it handy to have the Japanese keyboards turned on, and often handed people my phone to get them to write something and translate it to English if we were having trouble understanding something.

The website japan-guide.com - Japan Travel and Living Guide is a fantastic resource for information on travelling to Japan. Lots of really detailed information about the trains, tourist sites, costs, getting to places etc. Lots of maps and explanations of how things work in Japan which help you understand what you need to know.

 

[SRS65]

Fantastic information - we absolutely appreciate all the input.

Unbelievably - just got a call from Qantas to inform us of a schedule change - 40 mins later going over from Melb to Narita (which is fine) then 10 mins later departing Narita for Brisbane.
This meant we cant make our connection back to ADL and the next dom flight was 5 hrs later!
Qantas were brilliant and put us on the Narita to Melbourne flight meaning we will be back in ADL only 10 minutes later than originally.
Gone is the Brisbane transfer dilemma and we have the same seats all round.
I was expecting the worst when they called but they were excellent in accommodating us.

 

[Himeno]

re the suggested public transport timed passes...
They are quite limiting in what services they can be used on and if used can substantially eat up more time with needing to work out which lines accept the pass and trying to get to/from places using those lines.

The JR pass can only be used on JR lines (and the Tokyo Monorail to HND). It is not cost effective unless taking at least 3 long distance trains.

As an example, there are close to 50 different train lines within or which pass through Tokyo, across 13 odd different companies. There are 2 subway companies, Tokyo Metro (9 lines) and Toei Subway (4 lines). The Metro day pass only lets you use those 13 lines. You can potentially lose hours each day making connections and extra walking to use the lines the passes allow.
The Suica/pasmo is much more convenient and easier to use, can be used in many more places, doesn't require working out how much each trip (distance based pricing) might cost and unless you're hopping around to opposite sides of the city multiple times a day, can be more cost effective then the passes.

As for data access and renting local SIMs, I've never bothered. Most hotels have free wifi, as do many train stations, cafes and a number of larger stores. Most AirBnBs in Tokyo also offer a pocket wifi router which you can carry around the city with you while staying. There is really no need to get a local SIM when there are so many places that have free wifi available.