Something to do at NRT?

[simongr]

Hi all
Just planning a circle Asia bolted onto a trip to India and the final options/question is what to do in Japan. As I am very keen to do this trip despite pressure on travel costs I am going to use my HHonors points to fund the Tokyo visit (given I have earned 600K+ of HHonors points on business travel I think I can splurge here ).
I will have to have two nights in Japan, arriving Wednesday evening and flying out Friday evening.
If I stay at the Hilton Tokyo it will cost 80K points and only 40K at the Hilton NRT. I will probably spend most of one day working in the Hotel and am wondering whether it is better to go to the Hilton Tokyo and experience Tokyo again or stay at NRT and see if there is anything worth doing around there.
Any thoughts?
I am planning to travel with Hand luggage only but that might be tricky given it will be Winter in Japan and still stinking hot in India...
S

 

[Happy Dude]

Given your arrival time, I'd plumb for NRT. Depending on what you're into, there's enough for a day around there, or you can just hop on the train into the hustle and bustle if you wish. Also, I know I'd struggle to keep my mind on work in a hotel room in Tokyo.

 

[Febs]

I'm in the middle of a 2 night/3 day trip to Tokyo, staying right opposite the Hilton (Hyatt Regency Tokyo).

Not too sure what's around NRT...but personally I'd make the effort to get into Tokyo. Even if you have a day of work..at least that night you can get out to the surrounding area (Shinjuku) or catch the metro somewhere to break up the boredom.

I've only been here 24hrs and already I've managed to do and see HEAPS. I know you said you've been before, but still, if making the effort to come all the way to Japan, I'd personally go into the city.

Cheers ,
- Febs.

 

[simongr]

I would like to actually get to see the Imperial palace/gardens - just wondering if they are worth burning 40K of HHonors points for. I am not the best at cruising late at night either by myself. I found Tokyo challenging from a language perspective last time so not sure how easy to get food by myself with no spoken Japanese...

 

[Cynicor]

FEBS,

I've just booked two basic rooms (view king and a twin) at the regency Tokyo for late December (7 nights). It's fully flexible, so I was wondering if you would recommend the hotel and let me know what it is like? Tripadvisor seems to have some good reviews.

Thanks

 

[jaredr]

I would like to actually get to see the Imperial palace/gardens - just wondering if they are worth burning 40K of HHonors points for. I am not the best at cruising late at night either by myself. I found Tokyo challenging from a language perspective last time so not sure how easy to get food by myself with no spoken Japanese...

I found my way around pretty easily. I found that even if the shop assistant doesnt speak english, there will be someone around who is happy to help.

The other alternative, point at the pictures

 

[Febs]

Yep, I'm finding it very easy to get around and communicate, and I speak no Japanese whatsoever (ok, I lie, I know 2 words ).

Public transport is a piece of cake, and as jaredr mentioned, you can always just point at pictures. In fact the place I had brekky at today (in the Tsukiji Fish Markets which, by the way, are DEFINTELY worth getting up at 4am to see) made everyone use laser pointers to point to the dish they wanted.

FEBS,

I've just booked two basic rooms (view king and a twin) at the regency Tokyo for late December (7 nights). It's fully flexible, so I was wondering if you would recommend the hotel and let me know what it is like? Tripadvisor seems to have some good reviews.

Thanks

No probs. I rate it highly.
With hotels, I've stayed in some very nice ones that I just haven't really felt all that great about. Hard to explain - but usually it's something like a poor room layout, poor service, etc...

I've probably stayed at 25+ hotels this year, and this is up there with my favourites*. Not because it's the most luxurious or glamorous (though it is quite nice), but because it comes together as a great package. The room is big (for Tokyo especially, but even compared to most US hotels), well-laid out, the staff are friendly, the concierge is brilliant and the club lounge is fantastic. Nice pool and spa on the top floor too.

If you're looking for ultra-luxurious, check out the Park Hyatt (even if you don't stay there, check out the New York bar before 8pm - amazing views)...but I can highly recommend the Regency as a nice, comfortable, and still very luxurious hotel. (Note though I was upgraded to a Club room as a Diamond, so I'm not sure if the other rooms are bigger/smaller.)

Cheers,
- Febs.

* Sharing company such as Four Seasons Mumbai, W Dallas and Crown Towers. Absolute bottom of my list this year is W Union Square, New York.