Flight Time from Charlotte to Tokyo
For those who travel frequently overseas, understanding the flight time from Point A to Point B is paramount for planning purposes and checking visa requirements. For those who are looking to get from Charlotte, NC to Tokyo, Japan, a flight of over fourteen hours awaits, but there are plenty of ways to make it more bearable for the traveler.
For the most direct flight, the quickest route is to fly from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to the Haneda Tokyo International Airport (HND). This flight is operated by Japan Airlines and carries over one million passengers annually.
The flight time for the direct connection aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is fourteen hours and twenty minutes, even without any possible down time or additional stops along the way. This is due to the nearly 10,000 miles of airspace the plane will cover during the journey. As for the cost of the flight, it can range from roughly $625 to nearly $3,500 depending on the season, the day of the week, the seating choice and other factors.
Aside from Japan Airlines, there are also several other airlines that offer similar flight times with layovers. Some of these include All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Qatar Airways and United Airlines. Some of these airlines have slightly shorter flight times and some of them have much longer, up to twenty hours of total travel time. The arriving airport may also change, from Haneda Airport to the Narita International Airport (NRT).
Additionally, travelers looking for a direct flight may need to wait a week or more to find the right connection; most direct flights occur only once a week or perhaps even once every two weeks. However, there are usually plenty of flight choices for those willing to wait a bit longer.
Once travelers arrive in Tokyo, there are still several more long-distance options. For those looking to explore other areas of the nation, long-distance bus trips can be arranged, but these trips can take several days with multiple stops along the way. Japan’s plentiful shinkansen line is a modern alternative to buses, and there are plenty of destinations along the lines.
Popular Destinations
For those who fly by plane from Charlotte to Tokyo, some of the most popular destinations when visiting Tokyo include the historic Asakusa district, Akihabara (known for its manga and anime culture), the Imperial Palace Gardens, and the Shibuya crossing near the Hachiko statue. Additionally, the nearby Mt. Fuji and Hakone national park can be easily accessed from Tokyo.
The Imperial Palace Gardens, for instance, has many walking trails, stone bridges, and ponds. There are also museums located in the vicinity, including the Tokyo Skytree, where visitors can learn more about the history of the area. Additionally, the surrounding area is popular for its multitude of street shops and stores, such as Kappabashi which is known for its wide range of kitchenware.
The Akihabara district is also favored by many visitors for its numerous stores selling various anime and manga goods. Not only can shoppers find numerous Pop figures, but also limited-edition items such as Boba-Fett Stormtrooper cookies or Batman trading cards.
On the shopping side, trips to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without bargaining at well-known places such as the Ameyoko Shopping District. This area has many shops selling food, medicine, and other items. From a tourist’s point of view, it’s the perfect place to find souvenirs and useful travel items.
Shibuya Crossing is located near the station, and is usually crowded with visitors from all around the world. Many social media photos are taken from the pedestrian crossing, as it is considered as a representation of the typical Japanese cityscape.
Points of Interest
Of course, Tokyo is also home to a variety of delicious foods. Ramen, sushi, takoyaki, and of course, the local staples like tempura and okonomiyaki can all be found in abundance.
Tokyo is also a great place to experience traditional and modern Japanese culture. The Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Odaiba district and Tokyo Disney Resort are all popular destinations for those looking to experience something new. As for the nightlife, Tokyo is home to several entertaining places, from bars to karaoke.
At the recreational places, travelers can also take the time to join in on some of the local festivals, such as the Sanja Matsuri in the Asakusa district, and the Sannō Festival in the Hie Shrine. For athletic enthusiasts, there are plenty of tennis courts, swimming pools, and gyms.
And of course, for those looking for spiritual healing, there are plenty of temples and shrines in Tokyo to explore. The Meiji Shrine, for instance, is a popular destination for those looking to get away from the crowds of the city, as well as those who want to gain some insight into the spiritual side of the city.
Activities
Other activities in Tokyo include a visit to the Tokyo Tower, for an amazing night view of the city. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, dedicated to the creator of popular manga series, is located in near Tokyo Tower and a good place for fans of Fujiko F. Fujio.
In addition, one can also experience the lush green spaces of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This large park is full of trees and flowers, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a nature retreat. For those looking for something to do on the weekends, a visit to the Tokyo National Museum is also recommended, as it houses a variety of pieces from both Japan and the rest of the world.
In terms of entertainment, Tokyo has several theme parks to choose from; the Disneyland Tokyo for those who are into theme parks. There is also a Ghibli Museum in the city, where visitors can explore the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films.
For the most part, Tokyo is a safe city with a pleasant atmosphere, where travelers are able to make the most of their time abroad. There are many activities and attractions to choose from, so visitors are likely to find something that interests them. And of course, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without an understanding of the culture of the people, which can only be found after spending time in the city.
Accomodation
When it comes to accommodations, there are a myriad of options for travelers to choose from. Popular districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya offer hotels for those wishing to stay close to the city center. For those who want a more traditional experience, there are plenty of ryokans scattered throughout Japan, the majority of which offer full-service meals.
Those who are on a tighter budget may instead opt for capsule hotels, which are perfect for those on a tight itinerary. Hostels are also becoming increasingly popular for travelers, as they don’t come with the added cost of amenities, but do offer the essentials. In general, Tokyo has plenty of lodging options for travelers looking to experience the city.
Improving Your Flight
With global flight times on the rise, travelers can benefit from strategies to make their plane rides more comfortable and enjoyable. For starters, packing light is essential; too much luggage can be both inconvenient and tiresome.
Travelers should also look into premium economy or business class seating, as this can provide a more comfortable experience. Seats with better cushioning, legroom, and other features can make a long-distance flight much more bearable.
In addition, bringing headphones and music can help keep one entertained during the flight, and entertainment centers provide movies and other sources of distraction. Finally, travelers should plan ahead and bring lots of snacks in order to avoid airport prices and TSA restrictions.
