Hi there,

Long-time reader, first time caller (poster).

I'm traveling to Japan this weekend. It's my second time there and the beginning of my trip involves a transfer from NRT to HND (arrive 3pm, depart 9pm) to get to my destination of Osaka. It seems like the 6 hours is longer than I need for just travel between the two airports, so I'm hoping the hive mind of Fodor's might have suggestions for a place I could stop between the airports for dinner and a walk.

Based on the transfer options, it seems like Shinagawa Station or Aoto Station (https://matcha-jp.com/en/3940) could work? I'd welcome ideas/suggestions for any kind of food or area for walking. I don't speak or read Japanese but I'm comfortable with hustle and bustle.

Thanks in advance!
Hillary

Hi,
Well first, there are some potential issues with your travels. The first of course is time - don't think you'll have 6 hours to wander around. You'll need to go through Customs and Immigration, as well as get your bags. That will likely take 45 min to an hour. Getting to Tokyo can be about 40 minutes by the Keisei Skyliner, to about 55 min by the Narita Express, or 1 hr 10-15 min by bus (the cheapest is ¥1000). And you'll need to be at Haneda, go through security again etc. For a domestic flight, an hour before is enough but give yourself a good safety margin too.
The other big issue is your timing. From about Dec 28-Jan 3 or 4 you will have to deal with New Year's - many stores and restaurants will be closed. Going for a walk is no problem, and some restaurants will be open, but maybe not your first choice. Worst case, convenience stores are always open and have a varied selection.
Most temples and shrines will be open, but some not - I strongly urge you to check first on where you are going. You could see some parks like Yoyogi Koen, and walk through Meiji Shrine if you like.
There are many other possibilities, but you give no info on your interests.

I have this place bookmarked for tranfer stay that has transfer to Haneda,

https://www.heiwajima-onsen.jp/en/.
Haven't been there myself but bookmarked for long layover.
don't know policy but good walking in Ota ward.

http://ota-tokyo.com/

Have fun

I wonder whether Aoto Peace Park would work. It would be already in the dark when you were there. Shibamata nearby could be a lively traditional area. But it could also be better in the daytime. Shinagawa Aquarium will be open. There are some illumination events still ongoing. No interests on such? There are SkyTree Town, Asakusa, Ginza, Shiodome, and Tokyo Tower between Aoto and Shinagawa. Shinagawa is not so bad. Big Bird, Haneda domestic airport building itself is a good attraction.
http://www.gotokyo.org/en/tourists/a...umination.html
https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainmen...ions-in-tokyo/
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things...-illuminations
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetud...r/us/index.php

In winter, there is a strong jet stream flown from Siberia to the Pacific Ocean. Westbound flights from the States usually make a delay. You might not have enough time to enjoy Tokyo. I might go straight to Haneda by a Limousine bus to view the Rainbow Bridge on the way. Or, I would take a Keisei Skyliner to Nipporo, then go to Okachimachi. Ameyoko nearby would be in the busiest period for the year-end sales.

Thanks for the quick responses! Shibamata seems like it could be a great fit, I'm researching that further now. I had looked at Aoto Peace Park but that felt like too much, especially as I'm going to Nagasaki on this trip.

I've been to Tokyo before and will likely be there on the back end of my stay, so I should have been clearer that my goal isn't to see the sights but rather to spend an hour walking around somewhere that isn't an airport while getting some food for dinner, en route between NRT and HND.

I'll only have carry on luggage, so while I definitely won't have 6 hours to wander around, I think I stand a good chance of clearing immigration and customs quickly and having some time to walk.

I really appreciate the point about it being January 1, which I hadn't thought about in context of this plan. My original thought was that I would just go from one airport to the other, but upon reflection I realized that a stop in Tokyo might be possible and would definitely be more interesting.

Thanks again, Hillary

Shibamata... So, Kameido, Kamata, and Naritasan could be its backups. Ameyoko should be still valid for a year-end candidate.
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things...ido-area-guide
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things...ata-area-guide
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/destinati..._sample01.html
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/attractions/ameyoko/

No, no, no. You leave home on 31 Dec and arrive at Tokyo on Jan 1. Right? Jan 1 is called Gantan; Japanese Christmas. Sanganichi, from Jan 1 to Jan 3, are holidays. Very few opens on Jan 1. Here are such exceptions.

Shinjuku MyLord
Ikebukuro Seibu
Ikebukuro Sunshine City Alpa
Ikebukuro PARCO
Shibuya Seibu
Shibuya PARCO
Laforet Harajuku
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando-Harajuku
Omotesando Hills
Odaiba Venusfort
Odaiba DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Aquacity Odaiba
DECKS Tokyo Beach Odaiba
Roppongi Hills

All are closed in Ginza. Any traditional area would be like a ghost town. It is the days of Hatsumoude. Shrines and temples should be OK but in the evening? Naritsan in Narita would be very crowded. In Shibamata, there is Taishakuten. It will open until 20:00. Some in the below said roadside stores would close by 18:00. In that case, it would be better to go to Big Bird for a dinner.
http://www.taishakuten.or.jp/index2.html
https://translate.google.co.jp/trans...-text=&act=url
https://translate.google.co.jp/trans...-text=&act=url
https://translate.google.co.jp/trans...-text=&act=url
https://translate.google.co.jp/trans...-text=&act=url
https://translate.google.co.jp/trans...-text=&act=url
https://www.tripadvisor.jp/ShowUserR...yo_Prefec.html

I’m curious why you are flying to Osaka. You need to kill six hours between arrival in Japan before boarding your Osaka flight, and once you get to Osaka, will spend another hour getting from the airport to your hotel.
I’d take the Skyliner from Narita to Tokyo station, then one of the very frequent Shinkansen straight into Osaka. In about four or five hours, you’d be in Osaka, without having to navigate two additional airports and the hours of trains getting you to and from those airports.

I agree with lcuy. Recently flew into Narita and took the Shinkansen thru from Tokyo to Osaka. You will get there far less painfully than two additional airport experiences. And quicker. Assuming train scheduling is approx 4 hours, if you can get a 4pm train or so, you will be in Osaka by 8pm (arriving NRT at 3pm and figuring 1 hour to transit Passport Control)rather than waiting on a 9pm flight which at best is going to get you to downtown Osaka no earlier than 11pm with flight time and transit from airport ot hotel.

fyi, OP is probably already in Japan so no point in asking why he flew from HND to Osaka.... ;-)

Maybe a free flight by the mileage. Or to enjoy Tokyo night view from the above. The latter might have been better to take a flight to Nagasaki in this case. In general, from Narita to Osaka, take a NEX to Shinagawa for an easier transfer to a Shinkansen there, or a faster Skyliner to Nippori, then go to Tokyo for a Shinkansen departing from the terminal.

The Tokyo night view would start around 10:00 in this 4K video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m9--MJ0z3o