japan layover tour

Narita Airport: Layover or Transit 4-hour Guided Tour

Tired of spending your layovers cooped up in airport lounges? Look no further than Narita Airport: Layover or Transit 4-hour Guided Tour, the ultimate solution for travelers itching to explore the wonders of Japan, even on a tight schedule.

This tour takes the concept of layovers to a whole new level, offering a delightful blend of culture and sightseeing that will leave you feeling like a seasoned traveler. Forget about mindlessly scrolling through your phone or napping in uncomfortable chairs – with this guided tour, you’ll embark on an adventure that showcases the very best of Narita.

So why waste precious hours waiting around when you can embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets of Japan? Unleash your inner explorer and make the most of your time with Narita Airport: Layover or Transit 4-hour Guided Tour.

Quick Takeaways

• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Duration of the activity is 4 hours
• Customize your trip to fit your interests and needs with a personal guide
• Visit Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a thousand-year historical exploration

Activity Details

The activity details for the Narita Airport: Layover or Transit 4-hour Guided Tour include a duration of 4 hours and the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives travelers the flexibility to plan their layover or transit time without worrying about last-minute changes.

During the tour, participants can expect to explore the best places in Narita, seeing Japanese culture, nature , and the local way of life. The tour starts with a visit to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a thousand-year-old historical site that offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage.

Afterwards, travelers can take a leisurely stroll through the quaint, old-fashioned streets of Naritasan Omotesando, where they can soak in the charm of traditional Japan.

For lunch, you will have the opportunity to experience Japanese cuisine that represents the four seasons, a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

The tour concludes with a visit back to Narita Airport, ensuring a timely return for your onward journey.

During the 4-hour Narita Airport: Layover or Transit Guided Tour, travelers can discover the highlights of Narita, seeing Japanese culture, nature , and the local way of life. The tour offers a range of experiences that allow visitors to delve into the heart of Japanese traditions. One of the main highlights is a visit to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a thousand-year-old temple that offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and spirituality. Plus, travelers can take a leisurely stroll through the quaint, old-fashioned streets of Naritasan Omotesando, where they can soak in the charming scenery of Japan. To satisfy their taste buds, participants can enjoy a Japanese cuisine experience that showcases the flavors of all four seasons. With a personal guide, visitors can customize their trip to fit their interests and needs, ensuring a truly memorable cultural exploration .

Full Description

Continuing the exploration of Narita Airport’s 4-hour Layover or Transit Guided Tour, travelers are provided with a detailed and comprehensive Full Description of the excursion.

This tour offers the perfect opportunity for culture during layovers, allowing visitors to experience the essence of Japanese culture, nature, and people.

The tour begins with a quick train ride from the airport to Narita Station, followed by a leisurely walk through Naritasan Omotesando, a charming street lined with traditional Japanese scenery.

Along the way, you will have the chance to explore Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a thousand-year-old historical landmark.

After the temple visit, a delicious Japanese cuisine experience awaits, showcasing dishes that represent the four seasons.

With a personal guide leading the way, travelers have the flexibility to customize the trip according to their interests.

This tour truly encompasses the essence of Narita, providing a memorable and enriching experience for all.

This guided tour includes a private guide to accompany participants, offering a customized experience based on their preferences.

Here are the inclusions of the tour:

• Cultural immersion: The tour provides an opportunity to discover Japanese culture, nature, and people during your transit time. You’ll visit the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a thousand-year historical exploration, and stroll through quaint, old-fashioned streets of Japan.
• Culinary experience: One of the highlights of the tour is enjoying a Japanese cuisine experience that satisfies both the eyes and the palate. You’ll have the chance to taste Japanese cuisine that represents the four seasons for lunch, enjoying the flavors and traditions of Japan.
• Baggage storage fees included: You don’t have to worry about carrying your luggage around. The tour includes baggage storage fees, allowing you to explore comfortably without any extra burden.
• Gratuities included: The tour takes care of everything, including gratuities for your guide. You can simply focus on enjoying your experience without any additional costs or obligations.

With these inclusions, you can expect a fully immersive and hassle-free experience during your layover or transit at Narita Airport.

Select Participants and Date

Who can participate in the Narita Airport: Layover or Transit 4-hour Guided Tour and how can they select the date for their tour? The Narita Airport: Layover or Transit 4-hour Guided Tour is open to participants who have a layover or transit time at Narita Airport. It is a great opportunity for travelers to make the most of their time and explore Japanese culture, nature, and people. To select the date for their tour, participants can check the availability for their desired date. The meeting point is near the Tourist Information Center in the Visitor Service Center area on the Arrival Level of Central terminal building, Narita Airport Terminal 1. The guide, who will be wearing something orange, will accompany the participants throughout the tour.

To begin the discussion on directions for the Narita Airport: Layover or Transit 4-hour Guided Tour, travelers can easily find the meeting point near the Tourist Information Center in the Visitor Service Center area on the Arrival Level of Central terminal building, Narita Airport Terminal 1.

Here are the directions to reach the meeting point:

• Upon arrival at Narita Airport Terminal 1, head towards the Central terminal building.
• Look for the Tourist Information Center in the Visitor Service Center area.
• The meeting point is located near the Tourist Information Center.
• Your guide will be wearing something orange, making them easy to spot.

Following these simple directions, travelers can easily locate the meeting point and kickstart their exploration of Narita city during their transit.

With these airport layover tips, they can make the most of their time and experience the rich culture and beauty of Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cost of transportation to narita station included in the tour price.

Yes, the cost of transportation to Narita Station is included in the tour price. This means that participants don’t have to worry about additional expenses for getting to and from the airport.

Can I Choose the Specific Attractions or Areas I Want to Visit During the Tour?

Yes, participants can choose specific attractions and areas to visit during the tour. The itinerary is customizable based on individual preferences and interests, allowing for flexibility and a personalized experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type or Size of Baggage That Can Be Stored During the Tour?

There are no specific restrictions on the type or size of baggage that can be stored during the tour. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the airport or airline for any baggage restrictions or guidelines.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

Yes, there is a minimum number of participants required for the tour to operate. However, the tour offers flexibility in the itinerary, allowing you to customize the trip based on your interests and needs.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Expenses That Are Not Included in the Tour Price?

Additional fees or expenses not included in the tour price may include transportation to and from the airport, meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary, and any personal purchases or souvenirs.

In just four hours, the Narita Airport: Layover or Transit Guided Tour provides a captivating glimpse into the rich culture and history of Japan.

From the charming streets of Naritasan Omotesando to the ancient Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, this tour offers a truly immersive experience.

With the option to customize your itinerary and a knowledgeable guide by your side, this tour is the perfect way to make the most of your time in Japan.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to explore the best of Narita!

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Tokyo Layover Tours

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See the city like you would with a friend who lives there

The best private layover tours & experiences with locals

Do you have an hours-long layover in the Japanese capital? Waiting it out would be a drag, especially when the most iconic city on earth is right at your doorstep. Don’t sit around eating sad airport snacks – instead, join a Tokyoite on a whirlwind experience of the city in whatever time you have! On City Unscripted Tokyo layover tours with a local, you’ll have this spectacular city at your fingertips. Believe it or not, just a few hours is more than enough to get a feel for the true Tokyo, from ancient temples and shrines to futuristic entertainment. It’s all waiting for you on Tokyo airport layover tours – now doesn’t that beat sitting around at an airport?

Meet some of our local hosts around the world

Like the people who travel with us, they have different backgrounds and interests – but they’re all so passionate about the place they call home, they choose to spend their free time sharing it with the like-minded travelers matched to them.

Your layover is just a few hours and Tokyo happens to be the biggest city in the world – we understand if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, when you’re exploring the city with a local on our Tokyo airport layover tours, you’re guaranteed to get the full picture of this sprawling metropolis – both its highlights and hidden gems. Don’t regret not grabbing the opportunity to explore Japan’s exhilarating capital! Who says a layover has to be waited out at the airport? Leave that stuffy lounge and get taken into the heart of Tokyo on unforgettable Tokyo layover tours with City Unscripted.

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of leaving the airport? That’s understandable – you have a flight to catch, and exploring an unfamiliar city isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But on Tokyo layover tours with us, you don’t have to worry about a thing, because we’ll send a local to meet you right at the airport (and get you back on time!). There’s no better GPS and guidebook than someone who knows the city inside and out, and you won’t be navigating unfamiliar streets and tangled transport lines alone. We’ll make sure your Tokyo airport layover tours are totally stress-free.

Tokyo has so many different sides that one person’s dream tour would be very different from another’s. History, culture, food, shopping, high-octane entertainment and neon-lit nightlife all congregate in one sprawling cityscape – and we know some of these attractions appeal to you more than others. That’s why we tailor our Tokyo airport layover tours to each person that travels with us. Your local host will first learn a little about your interests and personality, then craft a custom tour especially for you. You can be sure that Tokyo layover tours with us make every minute count.

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Latest reviews from our guests

Kejei met us at our hotel and explained our itinerary. We added the Sanja Matsuri festival to the plan and it fit right in to his itinerary for the day. We went for an enjoyable sushi place for lunch. Kejei explained so many things about Tokyo and Japanese culture. He showed us how to navigate the train system and gave us ideas for the remainder of our vacation. An excellent guide we highly recommend!!!

Jacqueline T

Wir hatten eine tolle Tour in Tokio mit Marc. Wir waren bereits letztes Jahr ein paar Tage in Tokio, trotzdem war es unglaublich abwechlungsreich und wir konnten viel Neues erkunden. Marc ging spontan auf unsere Wünsche ein, was uns sehr zugesagt hat. We had a great tour in Tokyo with Marc. We were in Tokyo for a few days last year, but it was still incredibly varied and we were able to explore a lot of new things. Marc spontaneously responded to our wishes, which really pleased us.

Es war ein toller und sehr informativer Tag. Chiara hat uns alles gezeigt was wir sehen wollen und hat uns viele tolle Tipps für unsere weiteren Tage hier gegeben. Wir können diese Tour mit Chiara nur weiter empfehlen. It was a great and very informative day. Chiara showed us everything we wanted to see and gave us lots of great tips for our next days here. We can only recommend this tour with Chiara.

Daigo was very concerned about meeting our expectations. It was raining so we needed to improvise and we still saw the highlights. Even better, Daigo helped us learn the subway system so we could feel confident getting around on our own after the tour was over.

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Haneda Layover tour of 6hours with local Japanese guide by train

• airport pick-up / send-off
• trains & subways fair
• We will meet at the airport right after customs. You can easily find us because we have a colored signboard. Flight arriving until 15:00, you can take a tour.
• Haneda Airport, 3-3-2 Hanedakuko, Ota 144-0041 Tokyo Prefecture
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Asakusa Shrine
• Shibuya Crossing

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• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Asakusa Shrine Stop: 50 minutes See details
• 2 Tsukiji Fish Market Stop: 40 minutes See details
• 3 Meiji Jingu Shrine Stop: 40 minutes See details
• 4 Shibuya Crossing Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Z439TJsusanm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tokyo & fish The 8 hour we spent with Tony were the best. We saw so many sights. The fish market with lunch upstairs was a real treat. Learning about the difference between shrines & temples was informing. Read more Written April 28, 2024
• S395GFgrantw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mt. Fuji Tour Great tour and enjoyed our experience! Pick up was on time and accommodative to our needs with our family and children!! Read more Written March 17, 2024
• Q9079MWalexh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t miss out. I went on two tours with Travel Assist Japan. Both such different experiences but equally excellent. Day 1 with Fumi exploring everything Tokyo. I learnt so much and loved the day. The tea ceremony was a highlight. Fumi was so knowledgeable and kind. She has a great sense of humour too which made the day so fun. Day 2 I went with Tony to Nikko. From pick up to drop off the day was full of wow moments. Tony took us to many special places where tour buses can’t go. Often we had the place to ourselves which made it even more special. I cannot recommend this company highly enough. Being customised you decide on what you want to do at a pace you’re comfortable with. I sum up how special these days were by saying Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会). Thank you Fumi and Tony. Read more Written March 3, 2024
• jessicapX8556LJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles IMPECCABLE ONE DAY *HANEDA LAY-OVER TOUR* OF TOKYO I honestly don't even know where to begin, Tony & Travel Assist Japan's Haneda Layover Tour was an extraordinary experience. Beginning with our original communications via email, everything was impeccable, flexible and easy. After booking, we had to tweak the timing of our tour and drop-off location due to the airline changing our flights and Tony was beyond accommodating. THE TOUR! It was absolutely everything we could have ever dreamed of and more. On a work trip to Singapore, we ended up having one day in Tokyo. An absolute bucket list location for my husband and myself. Tony gave us the most incredible private tour of his gorgeous city. From the early morning airport pick-up in his extremely comfortable luxury vehicle, we were off to the absolutely brilliant Tsukiji Fish Market (a true insiders tour away from the trendy tourist sections), a phenomenal hole-in-the-wall ramen lunch we still talk about, Takeshita Street, Asakusa sensor ji temple, Shibuya crossing... the list goes on. He took us EVERYWHERE. Tony was amazing, informative, kind, patient - his tour was EXTRAORDINARY. Again, it was everything we were hoping for and more. We cannot recommend Tony and Travel Assist Japan highly enough. If we are ever fortunate to go back to Japan, Tony will be our first booking. Thank you for everything Tony. The entire day was a dream come true. We will never forget it! Read more Written February 10, 2024
• Odyssey66652199967 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great layover trip Great layover tour with Tony. Amazing view of Tokyo at night from the Government building. We truly enjoyed the temple tour as well as the local cuisine. Looking forward to another trip! Read more Written February 7, 2024
• T6304YTwhitneys 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour and airport transfer too!! Combined tour with a transfer between airports. Worked out fabulously! Got a quick overview tour of Tokyo, had a great meal, and a smooth, quality transfer between airports. Exactly what we wanted! Read more Written January 9, 2024
• 152gaurik 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tokyo Layover Tour We had a great experience with Tony. He was friendly and very helpful. He was on time and really took good care of us. Read more Written December 21, 2023
• Dream49956700030 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mount Fuji and Hakone Our guide Tony was excellent. Brought us to many local places and was flexible with the schedule. An enjoyable trip. Read more Written December 13, 2023
• Oracleoranje 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable tour Did Tokyo and Kyoto day tour. Simple yet efficient. Enjoyable overall! Guides were friendly and helpful. Read more Written November 22, 2023
• gilbertal2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great second experience in Tokyo! We took a tour with Tony one day and Fumie the next day. Both tours were great. The guides were informative and thoughtful in their selections for our tours. I would highly recommend them. It’s my second tour with them and I’m planning another one again for next year. Read more Written October 17, 2023
• Jane D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Day Tour of Tokyo We had a great day tour of Tokyo with Tony! He picked up us promptly in a beautiful, comfortable vehicle. He customized our activities to meet our interests and was willing to adjust as we went. I was astonished at how much of the city (and food!) we were able to see and experience in only 6 hours. I highly recommend this experience on your next long layover! Read more Written October 1, 2023
• Johnne10 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tokyo Layover Experience Highly recommend this tour if you have a long layover in Tokyo. Tony met us at the airport and provided a private tour by car across Tokyo. It was super convenient because we kept our luggage in the car all day are were able to check out the sights with no hassle. Tony was very engaging and easy to plan with. At the end he dropped us off at the airport for our next flight. Great and east way to see Tokyo highlights. Read more Written September 8, 2023
• paulaD6512CH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Haneda Layover tour Did an 8 hour tour by SUV . Our host Tony was great to show us all the major attractions during our 8 hours . He even took bunch of pictures for us and recommended great lunch spots . Would highly recommend one of their tours for those who have layover in Tokyo and don’t want the hassle of doing it on your own . Read more Written August 7, 2023
• Ghee233961 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A layover well spent in Japan Great tour even for a short time Our tour guide Tony is well verse of all the places we’ve been He is very nice and decent He makes us feel comfortable, polite and we enjoyed riding in an elegant car. Thank you Tony for a short time well spent in Japan. Till next year not on a summer😊 Read more Written July 11, 2023
• 279kerwinh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Breathtaking and picturesque Kamikochi Nagano tour!❤️ This is the Third time we chose you for this guided tour. We appreciate that the Kamikochi Nagano trip was smooth. and relaxed. Tony’s guidance and presence made us enjoy the beautiful and postcard sceneries. We also appreciate that he gave us Great service. He not only served as our guide, he also took our pictures and helped us find good and affordable dining places. Read more Written June 11, 2023

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Haneda Layover tour of 6hours with local Japanese guide by train provided by Travel Assist Japan LLC

Tokyo Airport Transfer & Private Tour

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Haneda / Narita Layover Tour

About this Tour

This tour allows you to maximize your transit time in between flights. Your chauffeur will pick you up at Haneda airport, show you around Tokyo and drop you off back at the Haneda airport or at Narita airport in time for your connecting flight. *Important Reminder -If you would like to get a quote or make a reservation for this tour, please write "Haneda / Narita Layover Tour" in itinerary section on the quotation form.

Ideas for this tour

Itinerary idea.

• Pick-up at the airport
• Tsukiji Market
• Hama Rikyu Garden
• Imperial Palace
• Meiji Shrine
• Daikanyama & Nakameguro
• Drop-off at the airport

For 2-3 passengers

Toyota Crown and Lexus

For 3-4 passengers

For 4-9 passengers

Chauffeur/ English Speaker Guide

Our chauffeurs go through a rigorous selection process, and extensively trained on driving skills, Tokyo geography and history.  They are energetic and passionate about their jobs, friendly and eager to please our customers.  They are ready to go above and beyond to make your trip memorable and worthwhile, and often have a special (and pleasant) surprise for you and your guest.  When you think about it, they are much more than a driver/tour guide.  They are your personal concierge.  Please join one of our tours, and we guarantee to deliver the best experience.

Licensed Tour Guide Option

If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of Tokyo more deeply, we can arrange a licensed tour guide for your private tour. They have passed the national exam, have advanced foreign language skills, high-level knowledge related to tourism such as history, geography and culture throughout Japan and they are friendly, professional, and qualified with extensive years of experience. They know each experience is unique and are passionate about guiding you through this wonderful country we call home. *Additional fee apply.

Our Services

• Bottled water
• Tour guide in English
• Taking photos service
• *Anniversary gift service

* Please request * items when you reserve this tour.

Covid-19 Safety Plan

• Driver health checks are carried out daily.
• All drivers to wear protective masks.
• Protective shield/board to create an extra layer of protection for clients and chauffeurs.
• Thorough disinfection before and after each ride.

Additional Info

• Pick-up and drop-off locations are in Tokyo’s 23 wards, Mitaka City or Musashino City.
• This tour will have a maximum of 9 passengers.
• Advance reservations can be made a minimum of 24 hours before departure.
• Your chauffeur may not be able to accompany you and your party to certain locations when a parking for a vehicle is not readily available on site. In such situation, your chauffeur may choose to provide you with relevant information about sites inside a vehicle, and answer any questions you may have prior to your excursion on your own.
• The quoted price on the Tours don’t include tolls, parking fees and entrance fees, and meals.
• The Tours are subject to extra charge (usually 20% of the base price) in case of early morning and late night departure and/or arrival.
• Some tours may not be available on requested dates due to holiday schedule or a scheduled closure of business.
• Please inquire details when making a reservation.
• We reserve the right to assign a type of vehicle (Sedan, Minivan or Van) most suitable for your trip, based on the size of your party.
• Our tour images are for illustrative purposes only.

Cancellation Policy

The following fees will apply to the cancellation. For Sedan or Minivan and Van Tours: Less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time (local time): 50% of Total Price Less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time (local time): 100% of Total Price

Quote and Reservation

We provide customer support in English 24/7/365. Call us

+81-3-6897-8799

SEE MORE TOURS

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Haneda Layover Guide: Ideas for Getting a Short-Term Taste of Tokyo

Closer to Tokyo but with fewer facilities than Narita , Haneda Airport is a mixed bag — but you can make the most of your time there with some tricks in our Haneda layover guide.

Haneda Airport: Staying in

Ok, so it’s not Narita. There are no traditional performances or organized day trips — so unless you leave the building, your time here will be pretty standard. The benefit of location is a pretty good silver lining though, if you can take advantage of it. 69 countries have the right to enter without a visa for a short stay, and some for 15 days — so check here to see your status. You can also apply for one-day tourist visas at the airport (depending on your passport country), so you can avoid the cabin pressure of the international departure terminal. Then you can head out to local Ota or Tokyo and be at the famous Shibuya Crossing in 30 minutes — but make sure you have plenty of time to get back of course.

Domestic transfers/short stays

If your break is short, you’re on a domestic transfer or you are too tired to deal with being a tourist, you can while away your hours in Haneda, in relative comfort. You can still experience a taste of Japan (mainly through food) and get yourself organized for your destination using the services available.

Lounges — Relax With a Paper

There are three lounges in Terminal 1 and four in Terminal 2 — sounds like a lot of lounges right? Maybe it is. The problem with these is they are only day lounges — the last one closes at 9:30 p.m. All are paid entry and offer drinks and magazines and a “relaxing atmosphere”. Terminal 3 has three airline lounges that are open 24 hours, however one of them — the Sky Lounge South — is currently closed.

Restaurants — Try some local cuisine

Both terminals have a wide range of food available, including traditional Japanese dishes and international options too. There are organic cafés in Terminal 1 along with familiar faces like Starbucks and plenty of curry, ramen, sushi, and soba places.

Times change with each place, most opening from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., with a few options open until 10 p.m. Curry Smile and Marufuku Coffee shop are open until 10:30 p.m., and only Pronto is open later, closing at 11 p.m. After that, you’re on your own. In Terminal 2 it’s a similar story, plenty of options but most close at or before 10 p.m.

For late arrivals, the Flyers Table in Terminal 2 is open from 5 a.m. until midnight with the last order at 11:30 p.m. — so if you’re starving then the prices might be worth it. They have a breakfast buffet, à la carte options throughout the day, and both Western and Japanese course menus.

Shops and services — Get yourself organized

Whether you’re heading for another spot in Japan or leaving for good you might have some organizing to do, be it of your itinerary, life, or hair. Luckily there are plenty of handy services available so you can make the most of your time.

• Free charging stations on B1F of both terminals and plenty of coin-operated computer points to access the internet. Wifi is available throughout the airport.
• Shoeshines, cobblers, and laundry services (although the latter takes 4 days, so that may be an odd choice).
• Hairdressers and barbers as well as the Plaza store which offers a range of beauty goods.
• Relaxation lounges — there are four to choose from, including aromatherapy, massage, and reflexology with 15-minute short courses available.
• Showers are available in private rooms at just over ¥ 1,000 for 30 minutes — you get a bathroom with sink and amenities like towels and shower gel, as well as a hairdryer. It may not sound much, but it can be a lifesaver after a night spent on a bench.

Hotels — Sleep it off

There is definitely nowhere to sleep in Haneda if you arrive late — and those benches are not comfortable, take it from us. The airport has plenty of hotels with later check-ins accepted and there are many hotels and hostels nearby — although do check the latest check-in times. One reasonable and nice option is First Cabin Haneda. Prices start from ¥ 15,000 and you can book here .

Families — Keep the kids happy

There is a children’s cafe lounge in Terminal 1 with a play area and shop — sure to provide a good distraction for a while if needed. The food court in Terminal 1 has a choice of six restaurants to choose from, including Japanese, Italian and Chinese and may be a good all-round crowd-pleaser option when people are too tetchy for restaurant atmospheres and just want pizza. There is a small stamp trail in the airport, with leaflets offering spaces for each different design — it’s not much, but who doesn’t love a stamp? If they need to run around and let off steam, the rooftop observation deck is a good spot, with great views of the planes and lots of space (with plenty of barriers) to run amok. Despite its un-fun name, Juveniland has a series of displays of old-fashioned toys which may be interesting to slightly older kids.

Hourly daycare is available at the Ange Nursery School  (link in Japanese) in Terminal 1, but must be booked two days in advance. You can rent strollers from both terminals and there are baby-changing facilities all over the airport.

Staying in – International transfers

If you do not have the time or paperwork to leave the departure zones, there are facilities available. You can stay at the guest rooms connected to the departure lounge on the third floor or stay at the Transit Hotel (The Royal Park Hotel, Haneda) which negates the need for immigration procedures. There are also lounges in each terminal as well as shower facilities and food.

Short layover: Staying local in Ota

If your Haneda layover is on the longer side and you have the necessary paperwork to enter Japan but maybe not enough time to explore Tokyo, Ota is the answer. The area is Tokyo’s largest ward and has some great highlights which allow you to experience Japan with a short time limit.

Kamata is the main hub of Ota and has plenty of tiny restaurants down busy alleys as well as izakaya and bars — ideal if you have an evening stopover. Two great options if you are on a time-limited layover here are:

The Morning Wholesale Market

Ota has some great highlights which allow you to experience Japan within a short time limit. If you arrive early you can head to the biggest fruit and veg market in Japan which starts at 7 a.m. The market has a visitors center and a fishery exhibit along with plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy the freshest of ingredients. It opens at 5 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is closed on Sundays and National Holidays.

Ota Wholesale Market

Soak in an onsen.

Luckily, arrival time is not an issue with Heiwajima Onsen as this natural hot spring is open 24 hours a day. There are a wide range of traditional baths and the facility is modern, with hot stone saunas, carbonate baths, and more — all using the natural spring water. The only issue is that the shuttle bus must be reserved 12 hours in advance to use the spa, but this service is offered in many languages.

They run late-night and early-morning buses, so this is a great option if you find yourself stuck after trains finish. There are two options: overnight use allows the customer to stay until 2 p.m. the following day and breakfast is included. (There are free shuttle buses back to the airport as well.) The second option is the Flight Course where you can arrive at 6 p.m. and be taken to the airport during the night. These options can be combined for layovers. Reservations cost ¥ 3,500 yen including bus, facility use, and breakfast.

Heiwajima Natural Onsen

Longer layover — take a trip into tokyo.

Thanks to a handy train line and great location, you can see a lot of the main sights pretty easily. However, trains do stop around midnight, and don’t run until around 5 a.m. — so make sure to check our transport guide for more information to avoid getting stuck.

Here are some of the main sights:

• Asakusa ‘s Sensoji is a direct train ride away taking only 26 minutes
• Shinjuku is only 40 minutes away and has great parks for cherry blossom and the best free view of Tokyo
• Shibuya is 40 minutes away with the famous crossing , plenty of food and great shopping
• Tsukiji Fish Market is 40 minutes away (with a few transfers) — great for an early morning
• Harajuku is 40 minutes and you can see the famous shopping street as well as Meiji Jingu

You could, for example, head to Asakusa (26 minutes by train) for an hour or two, then go to Shinjuku (30 minutes) for the view, then to Harajuku (5 minutes) and finish in Shibuya (3 minutes) all within 4-5 hours and then 40 minutes back to Haneda.

Haneda layover private tour

¥ 80,000 for up to 4 people Book here Customized itinerary, airport pick-up/drop-off

This luxury tour is a good option for families and those traveling in groups. You’ll be picked up from Haneda Airport by an English-speaking chauffeur, who’ll take you on a 5 to 6-hour customized tour of Tokyo. It’s a great, stress-free way to see the city in a short space of time — no need to worry about navigating complicated transport systems. Make sure to book online in advance.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Last updated in April 2023 by Maria Danuco.

• Haneda Airport
• Tourist guide

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Best Things To Do on a 10-Hour Layover in Tokyo

by Aliya | Japan , Tokyo , Travel

I’ve always wanted to visit Japan! Even though I haven’t been able to plan a full country-exploring trip yet, I wanted to leverage a 10-Hour layover in Tokyo on my way back to the U.S. to experience the city. Originally, I was planning to try and find a nice Tokyo spa or onsen to relax at for that time since I was coming back from a jam-packed business trip, but a few people I was traveling with wanted to explore the city. 

I’m glad I changed my mind, as it gave me a chance to do some exploring and experience Japanese culture. This is one trip where I didn’t master plan these activities, but I’m outlining what we did and how long it took us so you can best plan your time if you have a layover in Tokyo and want to explore. Check out the video below if you’d like to see a fun snapshot of all I saw!

• HOW I SPENT MY 10-HOUR LAYOVER IN TOKYO

Please note that this itinerary is based on a layover at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Tokyo is a large city and has two airports. Narita International Airport which is well outside and to the east of the city. Haneda Airport is much closer to the city center (and a better airport to travel through for easy access to explore on a flight layover). 

We arrived on a Monday in February. This itinerary is based around a weekday for travel time and cold weather activities. I’m noting the time it took us to get around for reference. Obviously, the conditions may be different on the day you travel. 

BAG STORAGE

Shibuya crossing, takeshita street in harajuku, meiji shrine, menya musashi ramen, imperial palace, subway back to haneda airport, additional notes and tips, layover in tokyo schedule overview.

Below I’ve outlined our schedule for the day along with the tips and tricks I learned along the way.

• Flight arrival 9:45 AM in Tokyo
• Stored Bags
• At Subway by 10:12 AM
• Shibuya Crossing 10: 50 AM
• Walked to Takeshita Street 11:20 AM
• Went to Meiji Jingu 11:46 AM
• Walked to Menya Mushashi Ramen 1:38 PM
• Cab to Imperial Palace 2:44 PM
• Cab to Daimaru 3:37 PM
• Subway back to Haneda Airport 4:30 PM

9:45 AM Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport from Singapore

Our flight arrives from Singapore (which we boarded at 2:15 AM) and got little sleep on the plane. But we don’t care – we came here to explore! Our next flight leaves at 7:30 PM, so we are going to see as much of the city as we can.

Cost: $4-10 USD (400-1200 yen)

The first thing you’ll want to do is store any carry-on luggage you don’t wish to bring sight-seeing. I always travel with a carry-on shoulder bag and a small suitcase with a change of clothes, after my horror story of losing my bags on my trip to Paris. However, no one wants to be toting around a suitcase while exploring a city. So thanks to some early research, I found that I could pay for day storage of my carry-on bag at Haneda Airport Temporary Baggage Storage . 

They have these bag storage areas in all three airport terminals for a fee, based on the size of your bag. At the time of this writing, the fee ranges from roughly $4-10 USD depending on the bag size. 

Also, not all locations are open 24 hours, so make sure to check your flight arrival and departure time to be sure they are open. These tend to fill up quickly — when we returned to the airport later in the afternoon there was a notice saying storage was full, so it’s best to get your bags in as early in the day as possible.

Be sure to take out some local currency if you don’t already have some, as many of the places we visited in Tokyo and cabs would only accept cash and no credit cards.

The Haneda airport website is super helpful and has a list of ATM locations here . 

The easiest way to get around Tokyo is by subway, and many of the stops are announced in Japanese and English. I also found it helpful to follow the route we were taking in Google Maps on my phone, as I am more of a visual person and this is easier for me to navigate.

We took the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda and transferred at Shinagawa to get to our first stop of the day. If you have a tight layover in Tokyo, it might be faster to use taxis.

10:55 AM Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan 

Travel Time: Approx 40 minutes

If you don’t know anything about this place, Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest crosswalks in the world and is considered Japan’s version of Times Square. It’s buzzing with activity, and there are lots of cool buildings and architecture to look at. 

Shibuya Crossing is also very close to other popular areas Takeshita Street or the Meiji Shrine, so it’s easy to make a quick stop here on the way. 

11:20 AM Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan 

From Shibuya Crossing we took a short walk to Tokyo’s famed Takeshita Street in the Harajuku District. Here you can find lots of colorful trendy shops, fashion boutiques, and food stalls. As a designer, this street offers serious eye candy and I loved snapping photos of all the color, architecture, fashion designs, and food. 

Some cool things to sample or explore here are the rainbow cotton candy from Totti Candy Factory and visit Cute Cube , a mini-shopping mall with 10 restaurants and shops. 

If you’re a foodie and shopping lover, you could spend the majority of your day here and skip the rest of the itinerary. We wanted to explore as much of the city as possible on our layover in Tokyo. We did a quick stop here, and then went on to explore our next destination.

11:46 AM Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan  

Cost: Free Entry (with additional fees of 500 yen for visiting the inner garden)

Located a few blocks to the west, the Meiji Shrine is a short walk from Takeshita Street. This beautiful Shinto shrine was dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who passed away in 1912. 

We spent the bulk of our time here exploring the grounds. The main Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from the South entrance near the Harajuku Station. Along the way, you will come across the painted sake barrels and the entrance to the inner garden. 

Visiting the shrine is free, but if you want to visit the inner garden there is a fee of 500 yen. It’s worth checking out as the garden itself is a tranquil retreat from the busy city, and the architecture and landscaping are exquisite. Additionally, there is a wishing well called Kiyomasa’s well that you can walk down to and make wishes. 

Once you get to the main shrine you can explore and participate in various Shinto activities like making offerings, purchasing wooden tablets (Ema) to write your wishes, or writing your wishes in an envelope called a Kiganbun. 

1:38 PM Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan  

Cost: 1100+ yen ($10+ USD)

By this point in the day, we were pretty famished from walking all over the shrine and it was time for lunch. One of the people I was traveling with wanted to visit a cult-favorite ramen house in Shinjuku, and it did not disappoint! We walked about 40 minutes northward (taking in the sights along the way) to Menya Musashi. On a cold February day, it was really nice to get some hot soup. 

Dining at Menya Musashi is an experience in itself. They have a cash vending machine where you place your order, and an open kitchen where you watch your order being made. This location is known for its limited-edition and seasonal ramen. They have a bar-style layout, where you take a seat at the counter and watch the chefs make your order. The ramen itself was delicious, and it was nice to experience some traditional cuisine. This restaurant is very popular with locals and tourists alike. It was quite crowded when we arrived and we had to wait a while for the seats. 

At this point we were starting to run short on time on our layover in Tokyo. We decided it would be best to take cabs to our remaining two destinations, and then hop on the subway line closet to our last stop for the return back to the airport.

2:44 PM Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan  

Next, we wanted to visit the Imperial Palace. We took a cab (cash only) from our lunch spot. Because of the language barrier, the cab driver wasn’t understanding when we were saying we wanted to go to the “Imperial Palace”. I pulled out my phone to show him on google maps where we wanted to go and he understood from looking at the map, so keep this in mind as you are navigating around Tokyo in cabs. 

The Imperial Palace is the current home to the Emperor of Japan and the rest of the Imperial Family. It’s located in a large park area in the Chiyoda area of Tokyo, about a 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Station, should you decide to travel by subway. 

The beautifully maintained gardens have gorgeous seasonal flowers in bloom depending on the time of year that you visit. The inner grounds of the palace are off-limits for most of the year, but tourists can visit the parks and gardens for free. 

The park area is divided into three sections: the East Garden, Kitanomaru Koen Park, and the Kokyo Gaien National Garden. Free guided tours are offered in English and Japanese at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM every day except on Sundays and Mondays, but you will need to register in advance with the Imperial Household Agency . 

Alternatively, you can register for a same-day tour at the Kikyoman Gate if space is available. The tours last approximately 75 minutes and accept about 500 guests each day, with 300 spots reserved for same-day reservations. it’s best to arrive early if you want to reserve a spot on the tour, but there is also a guided audio tour app should you not get a spot and want to wander around at your own pace. Note that the East Gardens are also closed on Mondays and Fridays. 

The day of our layover was a Monday in Japan, so we arrived at the Imperial Palace with the bad news that we couldn’t take a tour, or visit the East Gardens as they were closed. Instead, we walked the grounds and snapped some photos around the Kokyo Gaien National Garden, and of the Niju-bashi bridge. It’s definitely in your best interests to plan ahead if this is a spot you want to visit, had we know the gardens would be closed we could have better planned out our time.

Since this plan was a bust we still had some time to kill on our layover in Tokyo before needing to head back to the airport. We decided to switch gears and take a taxi to a nearby high-end Japanese department store.

3:37 PM Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan 

Cost: Free to enter, spend $$ on food and goods at your leisure

Daimaru is one of the largest department stores in Central Tokyo, and we came to check out its popular basement food hall. There are roughly 50 different kinds of Japanese and Western chocolates and sweets on the first floor, and over 600 different kinds of freshly-made, boxed lunches on the basement floor. It’s fun to walk through the food hall, taste samples, and watch the artistry behind the meals being created because the presentation is impeccable.

Since it was close to Valentine’s day when we visited, they had lots of Valentine’s treats. I found some gorgeous rose-shaped French chocolates that I purchased as a yummy souvenir for myself. 

(I don’t know why I go all the way to Japan to buy French chocolates – this tends to happen to me when I travel).

By this point in the day, we were dog-tired and ready to head back to the airport as it was getting close to crunch time. My pedometer says I logged 32,347 steps walking around Tokyo on this day! 

Tokyo Station, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan 

Time: 4:00 PM

Travel Time: 30-45 mins

We walked to the Tokyo Station and took the subway back to Haneda Airport for our flight back to the U.S. It was scheduled for a 7:30 PM departure. Since we didn’t have to check bags, the process was relatively easy. It was easy to retrieve our bags from Haneda Temporary Storage.

I hope you found this guide to spending a long layover in Tokyo helpful!

Below is a summary of the most helpful info and links from this post. Thank you for checking out my page! I’m using my professional broadcast TV experience and developing a video-producing guide for current and aspiring content creators. I’m offering special pricing for my subscribers only – sign up for the waitlist here . Check out more guides on my travel page or shop my travel-inspired art prints here .

• While in Japan, try to sample a green tea or wasabi Kit Kat bar – you can usually find them at the airport. They are so unique and different from the American Kit Kats we are used to!
• Bring cash! Not all places will take American cards.
• Bag Storage Haneda Airport
• ATMS Haneda Airport
• Menya Musashi Ramen Shinjuku
• Meiji Shrine
• Japanese Imperial Palace
• Imperial Palace Flower Calendar
• Imperial Palace Audio Guide App

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Thank you for this post, it was super helpful to know what to expect for my layover.

You’re so welcome! Have an amazing trip!

What a great itinerary. Thanks for sharing all your planning! Incredibly helpful!! You’re a doll & I love your adventurous spirit! Sleep later!!!

You’re so welcome Bridget! Glad you find it helpful. Sleep can definitely wait when there is adventure to be had. 🙂

Best article I have seen so far for Tokyo layover!

Thank you so much!

Your detailed itinerary was super helpful in planning. Thanks to your blog, had no trouble spending over 8 hours roaming around Tokyo!

I’m so glad to hear it helped you! It means so much that you came back to my blog to tell me. So much care & planning goes into these posts & it is so great to know they are appreciated. Thank you!

You should know you are awesome 🙂

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Hi, I’m Aliya. Thanks for checking out my page! I’m a creative producer, designer & world traveler and this is where I share all my tips & adventures. I have nearly a decade of experience working in media for companies like NBC & Tribune Media, and I love using my design & media background to help women entrepreneurs create amazing content for their brands.

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Where Time Stands Still: Surviving Layovers in Japan's Busiest Airports

Time slows to a crawl. You start to wonder if the faux-leather seats really are any more comfortable than lying down on the floor…

Like it or not, spend long enough traveling in and around Japan and eventually you’re going to end up spending some time on a layover. If you’re lucky, that just means staving off boredom for a few hours. If you’re not so lucky, you could find yourself flushing upwards of 8 hours of your life down Japan’s high-tech toilets. But lose not hope, weary traveler. A quick look at this guide and you’ll be ready to ditch your bag in a coin locker and get exploring. You might just enjoy yourself!

Narita International Airport

Frustratingly, getting between central Tokyo and Narita can be a real pain. At roughly an hour from most of Tokyo’s main attractions, it’s just close enough to be tempting, just far enough to cause real problems when transport issues arise.

Unless you’ve got a lot of time kill, you’re better off sticking to the Narita area than heading into downtown Tokyo. If you’re really desperate for some city action, there are a bunch of transport options , just be sure to leave plenty of travel time for your return trip.

Fortunately, Narita Airport offers a wide range of guided tours of the local area, complete with shuttle buses during the day. Not so keen on the idea of a volunteer companion? It’s still worth checking out their website for inspiration. It details tour routes to suit a range of budgets—as well as a list of nearby cultural events sorted by date. Just rock up at the Narita Transit & Stay counter in the airport before 5pm for help arranging your volunteer or self-guided tour. There are often also cultural shows and exhibitions to enjoy within the airport.

If you’ve arrived late at night, your options are decidedly less bountiful. Your best bet is probably to grab a shower and relax in privacy at Terminal 2’s capsule hotel . Prices start around ¥ 4,900 per night.

Want more information? Check out our more detailed guide to surviving your Narita layover .

Haneda Airport

Haneda may be Japan’s busiest airport, but an overwhelming majority of Tokyo’s international flights go through Narita. That means you’re actually not all that likely to spend a long layover here—but it does happen.

Haneda lacks many of its sister airport’s amenities. But what it lacks in lounges, cultural events and volunteer tours, it makes up with its proximity to central Tokyo. There are plenty of transport options , so it’s well worth stretching your legs outside the airport if you’ve time. Many countries don’t require a visa for short stays, otherwise you may need to arrange a one-day tourist visa.

If you’ve had your fill of the usual tourist hotspots, or you’re worried about getting back in time, you might want to consider staying local and exploring Ota. It’s only a 10-minute journey, and with temples, shops, bars and even a 24-hour onsen (natural hot-spring bath), you’ll find something to do whenever you arrive.

See our detailed guide for more ideas on how to spend your Haneda layover .

Fukuoka Airport

While the airport itself isn’t much to write home about, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump from the action of the city itself.

In terms of ways to pass your time outside the airport, consider yourself lucky—Fukuoka is full of cultural and culinary delights that many travelers leave off their itineraries. Check out our guide to Fukuoka for more ideas on how to spend your day there.

Owing to the airport’s proximity to the city center, flights stop at 10pm and resume again around 7am—so expect your terminal to be a ghost town later on. The airport apparently forbids overnight stays, kicking people out at around 10:30pm, though I have to imagine there are exceptions to this rule (presumably some people can’t leave the airport for visa reasons). Unless you’re happy taking your chances snoozing on a chair, a good plan is to find a reasonable place to stay, slurp down a bowl of the local ramen, and sleep though your layover.

If you’re looking for a reliable no frills option, Fukuoka Backpackers Hostel is within walking distance of Hataka Station—just remember to let them know in advance if you’re arriving late. If your flight leaves early in the morning be prepared to book a taxi, as public transport from the city center doesn’t start until after 5:30am.

Kansai International Airport

Situated on an artificial island to the southwest of Osaka, Kansai International is among Japan’s most inconveniently located airports for potential explorers. There are a few possible routes , but getting the train to Osaka is the most popular option.

Getting there takes around an hour from Osaka’s city center. Factoring in a return journey and a couple of hours to get through security, your time gets eaten up pretty quickly—so leaving the airport is only really an option for longer layovers.

Unlike the location, the facilities here are great, including 24/7 eating options, coin-operated showers and an observation deck. There’s also a dedicated sleeping area, which offers free blankets and pillows at night. If you can rest while the world rummages around you, it’s certainly your cheapest bet. There are a few lounges that allow you to pay for entry, but with their lack of sleeping facilities, there’s not much point unless you’re just looking for somewhere slightly more private.

If a comfortable bed is something you can’t go without, Bigtree Guesthouse near Izumisano offers some of the most reasonable rates in the area, just a couple of stops from the airport on the Nankai line.

If you are making the journey into the city, check out our full guide for so many ideas you’ll want to come back with a longer layover.

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AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.  

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”   

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.  

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.  Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.  

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.  

  Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.   

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX   

Source: INRIX  

Top Destinations 

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Travel Trends   

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:  

• Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips  
• Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips  
• Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan   
• Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves  
• Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours  
• Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe  
• Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific  

  Travel Agent Survey  

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:  

• Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips  
• 77% of agents say ocean cruises  
• 70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations  
• 67% of agents say river cruises  

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology   

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.   

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.   

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology 

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

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Rome’s New Six Senses Is One of the City’s Most Unique Hotels — Here’s Why

The wellness-focused brand is making a splash in the Eternal City.

Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015 and going freelance in 2016. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure , her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest , Surface Magazine , Brooklyn Magazine , T Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country , Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy"

Food and Drink

Activities and amenities, family-friendly offerings, accessibility and sustainability, how to get the most value out of your stay.

Courtesy of Six Senses

Rome is a city known more for historic charm and a fun, carefree lifestyle than for modern design and wellness, so the arrival of the wellness and sustainability-focused brand Six Senses has made quite a splash in the city’s hospitality scene. Opened in spring 2023 in the historic Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini on the bustling Via del Corso, it immediately became the talk of the town. As the first urban Six Senses and the first in Italy, it’s also a big deal for the brand — part of IHG Hotels & Resorts.

On a recent afternoon spent soaking and sweating in the hotel’s peaceful Roman Baths, I was struck by how unique the Six Senses Rome is in the city. As a travel writer based in Rome, I’m intimately familiar with the city’s five-star hotels — and no other hotel in the historic center has a spa like this.

Courtesy of Six Senses Rome

But even before you get to the spa, the first thing that makes an impression is the hotel’s sleek modern design. While the city’s other hotels may feel more traditionally Roman, the Six Senses is full of subtle touches that root it in the Eternal City. Patricia Urquiola, the acclaimed architect behind the design, drew inspiration from the ancient Villa of Livia to create a digital mural behind the reception desk, embedded mosaics in the floors of BIVIUM restaurant and the spa, and liberally used travertine, the ubiquitous local stone. The abundance of potted plants sprinkled throughout the lobby lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass, and the low seating arrangements may make the hotel feel like it belongs in Los Angeles, but make no mistake: Rome has evolved countless times for more than 2,700 years, and it’s evolving again.

“After almost three decades away from my hometown, it is a pleasure and an honor to return to lead such an incredible project that represents both my personal philosophy and a wonderful opportunity for the city of Rome,” Francesca Tozzi, the hotel’s general manager, told Travel + Leisure . “Rome, the city of eternal beauty, has been for far too long a ‘layover destination’ in Italy, when it comes to high-end tourism. But now, with our opening and many more to come, the future of the city is looking bright. Rome, just like Paris or London, is about to become an essential destination for experiential travel at the highest level.”

I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I checked in as one of the hotel’s first guests when it opened last year and returned subsequently to soak in the Roman baths and sip a creative take on an Aperol Spritz at the rooftop bar. Read on for everything you need to know about the Six Senses Rome.

Six Senses Rome

• The sleek, modern design incorporates many natural materials and subtle nods to the Roman empire.
• Serene rooms have big, comfy beds and noise-blocking windows to ensure a good night’s sleep.
• The massive spa is one of the city’s best, with cutting-edge treatments, a Roman bath circuit, and yoga and meditation sessions to detox — and then retox — at the rooftop bar.
• It’s in the heart of Rome’s historic center, a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

John Athimaritis/Courtesy of Six Senses Rome

The 96 rooms and suites are modern and minimalist. Featuring a neutral palette of sandy beige and muted gray with natural materials like wood, cotton textiles, and travertine, they feel soothing—a welcome haven from the busy street outside. They range in size from about 300 square feet for a Classic room to 1,356 square feet plus an outdoor terrace that’s more than 1,000 square feet in the Lata Suite, which has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious living room.

The Roman influence on the hotel continues in the restaurant, and fans of the Six Senses brand will find familiar healthy options. The breakfast buffet at BIVIUM includes detox juices and indulgent tiramisu croissants. (One thing you won’t find is smoked salmon, which isn’t sustainable.) In the evening, you can eat delicious pizzas and pasta, sustainably sourced fish, and meat. At NOTOS rooftop, fantastic city center views come with cocktails and light bites.

Six Senses Rome has a robust schedule of activities that are offered on a daily or weekly basis. During my stay, I did a healing sound bath meditation. Guests can also do yoga, sustainability tours, olive oil tastings, fermentation, recycled paper card workshops, natural color drawing workshops, and stretching sessions. 

In keeping with the brand’s emphasis on wellness, the Six Senses Rome boasts a massive spa spread over two floors. There are treatment rooms for massages and a proper Moroccan-style hammam; a nail salon; a studio for yoga, meditation, and sound baths; biohacking equipment like compression boots and a collagen-boosting face mask; an alchemy bar, where guests can learn to make salves and scrubs; and the Roman Baths, a circuit of pools, saunas, and a steam room at various temperatures, inspired by ancient Roman baths with a tepidarium, caldarium, and frigidarium.

Kids are welcomed with various amenities, including drawing books and pencils, backpacks, cookies, and one free scoop of gelato daily. They can participate in activities like yoga for kids and mocktail-making classes. The hotel’s Guest Experience Makers can also organize family-friendly tours of the city’s attractions.

Six Senses is on a mission to eliminate plastic from all its hotels, so you won’t find any single-use plastic here. At the Earth Lab, interactive talks and workshops educate guests about the hotel’s sustainability efforts. As part of the brand’s mission to give back to the local community, it’s also restored the façade of the adjacent Church of San Marcello al Corso.

The hotel is centrally located on the bustling Via del Corso, the main thoroughfare from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. From here, getting around Rome on foot or by taking taxis, the metro, or buses is easy. The Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon are each about a five-minute walk away. The Colosseum is about a 20-minute walk or 15-minute taxi ride away. The area tends to get crowded with foot traffic, but the Six Senses is a serene retreat where you can forget about the crowds outside.

IHG One Rewards members can earn or redeem points during a stay at Six Senses Rome by booking through IHG.com . The hotel is also a member of Fine Hotels and Resorts, Virtuoso, Internova, and Signature, among others, and has related benefits.

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