When I Travel

International travel to (and from) Tokyo just got quicker and funkier

Arriving at Narita international airport and traveling by train through the concrete clutter of Tokyo’s east side, many tourists can’t help but think that Japan is a grey country with tired infrastructure.

They'll also wonder why it seems so difficult to get to Tokyo, even after landing in Japan. Despite a recently opened high-speed airport train cutting travel times by a third, it can still take over an hour to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo.

The new international terminal at Haneda Airport however, opened on October 21, can get passengers from the airport to downtown Tokyo -- or vice versa -- in around 30 minutes, and at last gives Tokyo a funky new international gateway that enhances the city’s reputation for futuristic designs amid a proud ancient culture.



read more