Hi Ba and Cecilia. Ok everyone is in Japan already except you two but here's how to prepare. Below is the calendar each and every day. Then I broke out each day what to to do.
Welcome Ba & Cecy!
Day 1 Flight from LAS VEGAS to LAX
Here is what I recommend for the long trip tomorrow. You have an 11 hour flight tomorrow.
Here are some tips for surviving a long international flight:
1. Get as much sleep as possible before your flight, so that you can try to sleep during the flight as well.
2. Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to help you sleep more comfortably.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a light sweater or a jacket as cabin temperatures can fluctuate.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid drinking alcohol, as it can dehydrate you.
5. Pack light and bring your own snacks, as the food options on long flights can be limited.
6. Bring a book, magazine, or other entertainment (such as a tablet or mp3 player) to pass the time.
7. Get up and walk around the cabin every so often to keep your blood flowing and prevent blood clots.
8. Pack painkillers, aspirin or ibuprofen in case of headaches or muscle aches.
9. Have a good plan for entertainment, whether that be music, reading, podcasts, videos or playing games.
10. Lastly, try to relax and enjoy the flight as much as possible, and look forward to reaching your destination! I hope these tips help to make your flight more comfortable. Happy travels!
Day 2 Flight from LAX to Tokyo
The flight leaves at 9:40am on Monday. This means get to the airport by 7:00am to check in your flight, and check
It's a very long flight, 11 hours.
While on the flight:
Compression socks. Your feet will get really swollen and big.
Get up and walk around the cabin every so often to keep your blood flowing and prevent blood clots.
Download movies beforehand on you phone Netflix.
QR CODES TO ENTER SAVE TO YOUR PHONE
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER LANDING
After going through customs and picking up your luggage, pick up your pocket wifi from the post office at the airport (instructions in the Stitch travel page). Sean will be there to assist and guide you on getting to Kyoto. Before you leave the airport, go to the JR east travel service center on floor B1 of Terminal 1 and activate your rail pass. It’s important to activate your rail pass because this will cover the cost of the high speed rail to get to Tokyo.
Wifi
Accessing internet while you are in Japan
We will be ordering pocket wifis for family members (you can use this as your internet and connect multiple devices to it). Each family will have their own pocket wifi device (Sean / Anna will have one, Kaelyn / Anna’s family will have one, etc). Please do not lose it or anything that comes with it, otherwise you will be charged for the loss.
Everyone in the family will be using a company called Japan Wireless, which allows for reservations online, and pickup and drop off at the Narita airport post office in Terminal 1 (open from 8:30am-8pm every day). There is no data cap and the network runs on Softbank’s 4G LTE so it should be fast. If you use this service, refer to the Stitch travel tab for pickup / drop off instructions
ACTIVATE TRAIN TICKET
Once you activate your pass, make a seat reservation for the Narita Express. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to go to Tokyo. The train runs every 20-30min from the airport and you will get off at Tokyo Station. This is the station where you’ll be transferring to get on the bullet train to Kyoto. Tokyo Station is a great place to take a break since you’ve been traveling all day and you’ll be boarding a 2hr 15min train ride to Kyoto. Trains from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station run about every half hour until 9pm. Decide what time you’d like to depart Tokyo Station and go to the ticket office to reserve your seat with your JR Pass. Once you’ve done that, relax and explore Tokyo Station until your departure time.
March 10th
Check-in to the Bright Hotel in Kyoto. You have your own room. Joe, Lucey and Don are also staying at the hotel. This is right next to the wedding venue, the Four Seasons.
March 13th
Meet at the Bright Hotel lobby or Kyoto Train Station. Today we go to Hiroshima. Anna's family goes to Nara.
March 14th NARA