Feb 28th, 2024 Tokyo, Japan Day 1 of 28

We missed Feb 27th this year. Kinda. Due to an 11 hour flight and 17 hour time difference we pretty much skipped right over that day this year. We had a wonderful, uneventful flight on Japan Airlines non stop from SFO to Narita, Tokyo. We breezed through immigration, thank you to our first opportunity to use our global entry cards. We were allowed to go through the priority line and avoid the long lines as there were a couple of flights must have landed at the same time. The transportation representative hired by Holland America was at the gate awaiting us as soon as we exited from baggage claim. We were whisked into our private van for transportation to the hotel Keio Plaza Hotel. We were not “allowed” to assist with our luggage. We had a scenic drive into Tokyo. We got to see the sunset against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji between the skyscrapers as we drove right into rush hour traffic. We arrived at the hotel about 5:30pm Tokyo time. Two bellman quickly approached our vehicle and bowed to welcome us to the hotel and to assist us with our luggage. Megan and I transport our own backpacks and small carry ons as they hold our valuables and computers. Many times staff tried to “take” them from us and to put them on the luggage cart and we had to thankfully decline. We got checked into our room and proceeded to the shopping and dining area within the hotel. Megan found some Pocky snacks and then we went to an Asian restaurant for sushi and a ramen bowl. Our goal was to stay up till about 8:00pm Tokyo time to help with the adjustment to the time difference, which was about 3am to us and I feel asleep quickly. With the city noises, sirens, alarms and traffic, I didn’t sleep very well. I was up before the sun and went the gym to work out. When I arrived back to the room the sun had risen and we looked out our window to a breath taking view of a fully snow covered Mt. Fuji. What a wonderful way to start our day and our trip. We are all packed up. Our luggage has been picked up and taken downstairs for transport. We are just waiting to head to the lobby now so we can catch our transportation to the cruise port. We are SO EXCITED to see our friends on board. We are both giddy with excitement and anticipation and ready to give lots of hugs!! We have many adventures ahead and we can’t wait to share them along with you.

Photos Below: Fabulous multi course meal on Japan airlines, Ramen Bowl #1, Sunset over Tokyo, Ramen Bowl #2, Sashimi, and the view of Mt. Fuji from our hotel room window.