Japan - 2022 Osaka Hakone Tokyo 12 Days Itinerary (Day 1 Singapore to Osaka)

This is a posts series about Singapore -> Tokyo -> Osaka -> Hakone -> Tokyo -> Singapore 12 Days itinerary.

Predeparture Information

This travel was made at Dec 2022 and Japan has opened up. 

COVID-19: Current Japanese Border Measures

Summary

• Register at  Visit Japan Web - As of April 2023, you should complete the quarantine procedures at least 6 hours before your scheduled arrival time at
• Valid vaccine certificate does not require pre-departure test
• Children under 18 without a valid vaccine is allowed to enter if they are accompanied by a guardian with a valid vaccination certificateto See COVID-19 vaccination certificate FAQ 3 - 2 Do children also need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate?
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information says "Starting from 13 March 2023, the use of mask will depend on personal choices. Please remember to be understanding and respectful of personal choices not to force someone to wear or take off their masks."

ANA Airline provided a very helpful page about - Information Regarding Travel from/to Japan and Other Countries

In addition, Japan Travel by NAVITIME is a really good mobile application which help you to navigate complex Japan rail system (e.g train timing and arrival platform are very accurate).

Day 1 Singapore -> Tokyo -> Osaka

We took ANA NH802 operated by Air Japan to Narita Airport at 0640 Hrs.

ANA provides a pretty generous amount of checked bags limit - 2 pierces for Economy, 23/kg per pieces. The ticket fare for 3 persons was S$1200-rish, which is pretty pricy because of last minute booking.

The flight was stable and the inflight entertainment is up to date. This flight took us 6hr 55min and we reached Narita Airport at 14:35 Tokyo time.

The first thing we do is to exchange our JR Pass. We purchased our JR Pass at Singapore JTB Takashimaya #03-11C. The price for 7 Day JR Rail Pass for an adult is S$313. This price is more expensive then online price (e.g. Klook) but I prefer the immediate collection of the exchange ticket at JTB Takashimaya than waiting for 3 to 7 days mail delivery. In addition, 7 JR Rail Pass is worth for us because we will be taking a few Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka to Hakone to Tokyo.

At the Narita Airport Terminal 1, JR office is just in front of the Narita train station. 

There will be helpful JR officers, who could converse with English, to assist you. 

Below is an example of adult JR pass and kid JR pass.

Below are some English explanation about how to use JR Pass.

During the exchange of JR Pass, we reserved the seat from Narita to Shinagawa with Narita Express Train and from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka with Shinkansen Hikari Express.

Note: The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO.

We took the Narita Express at 15:44 TYO at the reserved section. The train rides will take 1 hr 10 min.

We reach Shinagawa around 16:53 TYO. The reason we choose Shinagawa is because it is really much simpler to transit to Shinkansen compare to transiting at Tokyo station. (This is the same since 10++ years ago).

Our Hikari Shinkansen train departed at 17:10 TYO and it will take around 2hr 45min to reach Shin-Osaka.

Of course, I did not missed the chance to has a ekiben. But honestly, it is just ok and cold...

It was rather a torture to take 7 hours flight + 4 hours train ride to Osaka. We were all tired. 

So, before we check into the hotel, we has a nice Ramen at Ramen Shioji at the Shin-Osaka station. 

For the night, we stayed at Ostay Shin-Osaka Hotel. It was for 3 nights costed S$622.65.

It is less than 5 minutes walk from Shin-Osaka JR station.

This hotel - or I rather say - it is an apartment is very interesting. The front entrance code, room door code and room number was sent to us few day via email before our arrival. There is no reception or anyone at first floor. It is totally self service. I was rather skeptical and lost on arrival.

To my surprise, the room is clean and has everything we need to stay - everything explained in both Chinese and English.

The washing machine was an highlight to my wife!!

The room size is spacious in Japan standard.

And we end the night after all these excitement with the room 

PS: The excitement comes from this toilet. 😂