Just curious, looking for flights back to the US from Thailand and see a JAL flight with a 17 Hours layover in Haneda. Never did such a long layover, but would be very interested in staying in Tokyo for the night (not sleeping much.) Just having a little impromptu visit to Tokyo.
Question being, how does that work? Can we book a hotel with a 17 hour layover and US passports with no problem or is there much more involved? Any help is appreciated. Like I said, never had such a long layover, usually just fly somewhere and sit in the airport for a few hours. Wondering if it’s worth it.
by Imasmorgasbord
3 comments
You’ll have to go through customs and immigration in order to leave the airport but that’s about it.
I’d say it’s worth it only during the day-time. Most places in Tokyo open around 11-12 and close at 8. Public transport also stops between midnight and either 5 or 6am so not much to do at night aside from maybe bar hopping and crashing in the same location.
>Can we book a hotel with a 17 hour layover and US passports with no problem or is there much more involved?
You’ll just need to fill out some immigration/customs forms on the plane or fill out Visit Japan Web (the online version) before landing. But that’s about it. You can enter Japan for up to 90 days visa-free with US passports, and you’ll have no problems booking a hotel.
I’d say in your case, it’s definitely worth leaving the airport. Haneda is very close to Tokyo (about 20-40 minutes away by train, depending on where you’re going in the city), and 17 hours is enough that you’re likely overlapping at least some daytime where you could walk around, explore, see sights, get food, etc.
What are your landing time and departing time?