The pilot gave the double ping signal, then the routine voiceover came on air…”In a short while, we will be landing at the Narita International Airport"…. "Siguraduhin po lamang na nakasuot ang sinturong pangkaligtasan….,.” The announcement that came in Nipongo as well.
Goosebumps!
This geisha (in his past life) is almost home. Through the plane’s window, the shoreline of Japan approached, then the manicured pastures, and finally, Narita Airport's runway.
Touchdown.
It was wise to take the flight that arrived in Japan by noon. I was traveling alone, and as a first-time visitor, I bore the apprehensions of “what ifs,” like getting lost in bustling Tokyo and in translation. Daylight will be a good companion should I have to search for my hotel by myself.
Clearing Japanese immigration went without any hitches. I got cleared after a couple of questions, one of which was if I had food and cosmetics in my luggage. With the only flight arriving from abroad at that moment, the airport was bare of crowds; ergo, there was no long immigration queue. I cruised the distance from plane to bus in minutes.
Choosing the limousine bus to transport me to the city hotel was my top choice. With the same length of time to get to my destination, taking the train was another, but I'm not familiar with the connectivity of the train lines yet. Taking a cab was out of the question. It will cost an arm and a leg.
Limousine Bus: Fare- Y3,000. Travel time- 1½ hours. Shinjuku here I come.
It could have been the famous shopping district of Ginza, but a friend suggested I stay in Shinjuku on my first visit. It's where Tokyo business mixes with shopping. So I booked a hotel in the area nearest to the terminus of the bus ride. The idea made me feel secure.
The bus ride was a journey on its own. The highway we cruised on was spotlessly clean. Green clusters sprouted every so often, and bridges offered refreshing sights of blue waters. These scenes alternated with the concrete groupings of buildings.
As the structures got taller, I knew we were nearing the city center. The streets got busier. Automobiles fill the multi-lane roads, and hundreds of pedestrians in dark suits trod the sidewalks in their quick, small gaits. I was in the central business district.
Exactly 90 minutes later, I alighted the bus in Shinjuku beside the massive JR Train Station. To my knowledge, the hotel I booked would be beside this stop. I didn't see it. Even with a printed map on hand, I was disoriented.
Panic time? No. I got used to asking for directions all the time everywhere I go. A kind Japanese man who came to my aid offered to show me to the hotel’s doorstep. After several small bows and domo arigatos from this tourist, the savior went his way. Hallelujah to Japanese hospitality!
And now for some good news. I was upgraded to a higher room category—a bigger room! Apparently, they overbooked. Luckily, I had a confirmed booking with requests on a high floor with a great view of the city. I got all.
From my window I yelled out, "Konnichiwa, Japan!"
I knew it was going to be one fabulous trip!
CONVERSATION