Our Family's First Taste of Japan: From UK Skies to Yokohama's Charm


A Journey Across Continents: The UK to Japan Flight Experience

The anticipation of a trip to Japan is thrilling, but for those flying from the UK, it also means bracing for a long journey. Direct flights typically range from 11.5 to 13 hours, a considerable stretch across the globe. My family recently embarked on this adventure, opting for a direct Virgin Atlantic flight, and they were pleasantly surprised by the experience.

They praised the overall comfort and the quality of the in-flight meals, which can make a huge difference on such a lengthy journey. Beyond the essentials, many modern airlines, including Virgin, offer a fantastic array of entertainment options — from blockbuster movies to engaging games — to help pass the time. As a seasoned traveller, my personal tip for surviving long-haul flights is to prioritise hydration, take opportunities to stretch and move around the cabin when possible, and try to adjust your sleep schedule to your destination's time zone even before you land. This pre-emptive approach can significantly reduce the impact of jet lag.

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Landing in Japan: Navigating from Narita to Yokohama

Upon landing at Narita International Airport (NRT), the first hurdle is often deciding the best way to reach your accommodation, especially if you're heading to areas like Tokyo or Yokohama. While Japan's train system is renowned for its efficiency, for many visitors, especially those with luggage or young children, a direct bus transfer can be a game-changer.


I always recommend the bus for most travellers, particularly if your final destination isn't directly within a major train station like Ueno, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Yokohama Station. The beauty of the bus service is its simplicity: no changing trains, no navigating complex station layouts with heavy bags. It often takes you directly to a station or a key landmark closer to your actual lodging.

For my family, their destination was Center Minami in Yokohama, which is conveniently close to my home. I advised them to take the bus from stop number 9 at Narita. This seamless connection allowed them to arrive at my doorstep around 1:30 PM, ready for a much-needed rest before dinner.

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Conquering Jet Lag: Our Go-To Strategy

Jet lag can easily derail the first few days of any international trip. My ultimate advice to my family, and to anyone travelling across significant time zones, is to avoid sleeping until your natural bedtime in your destination country.

We had a brief rest, but I firmly encouraged them to stay awake. In my experience, pushing through that initial fatigue and going to bed at a reasonable local time is the most effective way to reset your body clock quickly. While challenging, it truly makes a difference in maximising your trip from day one.

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Dining in Japan: An Italian Surprise (and a Fussy Eater!)

When in Japan, one might expect to dive headfirst into sushi, ramen, or tempura. And while we certainly did that later, our first dinner with my family took an unexpected turn. We headed to Gratzi Garden, a popular Italian chain restaurant.

You might be thinking, "Italian in Japan, why not sushi?" And you'd be right to wonder! However, with my brother-in-law Ken being a bit of a fussy eater, we opted for a safe and familiar choice for the first night. Even there, he didn't eat much, which was quite amusing! It just goes to show that sometimes, comfort food, even if it's not local, is the best option when adjusting to a new environment.

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A Poignant Discovery: The Shrine for Children in Yokohama


On our walk back from the restaurant, we stumbled upon a small, serene temple and shrine. It was a truly touching discovery. This particular shrine was dedicated to children who had passed away, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep spiritual traditions in Japan.

It was a somber yet beautiful place, offering a quiet space for reflection. These types of shrines, often adorned with tiny statues of Jizo Bosatsu (a Bodhisattva revered as the guardian of children), are common across Japan and offer solace to grieving families. Witnessing such a tender aspect of Japanese culture left a lasting impression on all of us. It served as a gentle introduction to the profound spiritual side of Japan, even amidst the bustling urban landscape.

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