tokyo - kyoto - kagoshima/ibusuki - tokyo

Hi Ichi,

On 4/12, can JR get us from Kagoshima/Ibusuki to Narita airport in time to check-in and board for our 8PM flight?

In order to board the 8pm flight, you should aim to be in Narita by 6pm. While you can travel from Ibusuki on the same day this will mean a very early start getting the train at [7am and arriving at 5:30pm]. As this trip will be followed by a flight, you may find it hard going. Here are some tips:

Showers and day rooms at Narita

At Narita you can rent a shower room or small bedroom by the 30 mins period. I really recommend you use these to refresh yourself before your flight - they make a huge difference, are very clean and well organised, and cost around ¥500 per session.

Consider travelling up Japan a little the day before

You'll have an easier time if you aim to get the train from Kagoshima, or perhaps try to travel up the country a little the day before. How about overnighting in Fukuoka - there is great cuisine in the Hakata district and it is a bustling city. Alternatively, you could think about a day and night in Hiroshima/Miyajima which will break the journey back up to Tokyo nicely.

Hope this helps!

Thanks! Breaking up the return trip back sounds good.

where can find a shower room?

Hi there,

Here's some information on [shower rooms and day rooms at Narita]

I would also agree - after a long airplane flight you will probably arrive as the walking dead. Getting some rest and refreshing yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Take some eye drops and aspirin with you during the flight - you will likely need them.
Getting from Kagoshima to Narita by train is possible, but would take nearly 9 hours - and then you want to spend that much time or more on a plane?
Flying from Kagoshima to Tokyo makes a lot more sense. Or stop off in between. Fukuoka makes a nice choice. For Fukuoka, there are many open parks, shopping, seaside historical areas, and urban neon. See this site as a good guide.

For Fukuoka, don't miss the Nanzoin Temple which is one of Japan's finest yet almost totally unknown to the outside world and completely FREE!

Look into a Fukuoka Tourist City Pass also.

You can also see a lot of previews on the best there is to see here.