About mid day flight from Taiwan to Tokyo, on Vanilla Air.

There’s a few reasons I chose a LCC this time. Surprisingly the first reason is not because of money, but scheduling.

I intends to enter Tokyo and exit Kansai, which removes choices like ANA and a few others. Then I wanted a mid afternoon entry and an even later exit, but most airlines usually just had a very early one (too early for me) and an afternoon exit.

By going with LCC I’ve removed the need to buy return tickets and be locked into the schedule of one airline, instead able to pick and choose the times I want from Scoot, Vanilla, Peach and Jetstar. It’s also not typhoon or snow season which removes much of the risk of flying with a LCC.

 

The seat is surprisingly comfortable, my guess is due to its thickness. The leather seat is a lot thinner than say the sponge on Cathay, which gives more actual space between seats despite being located at same distance. Whatever the reason, I find I can stretch my legs beneath the seat in front without worrying too much about hitting my shins.

 

Like other LCC, Vanilla does not include food in the ticket. Doesn’t stop people from ordering though, a plate of sandwich or rice and beef costs about 500-600Y, and drinks about 200Y. So about convenience store price. From an aussie stand point, even cheap! (5-6 bucks food, in Sydney? hah). Pricely for someone from Taiwan, which most of the passengers appears to be.

There’s a few things in the airline’s favour. They sold at a 30% discount, something about being the last flight of the day. Presumably they stock up for the whole day to push the turnaround time of aircraft. Then there’s that they sell instant noodles.

Instant noodles ought to be banned on LCC flights, out of the fact that they smell so good. As soon as someone orders one (and the flight attendants will be wise to make one anyway), the entire cabin is filled with the smell of delicious delicious ramen. Irresistible and guaranteed to make everyone think twice about saying “no” when the trolley comes rolling down the aisle. I think at least 1/3 of the passengers bought something, if not food then some drinks.

 

 

A plus side to having paid drinks is the quality is much higher, instead of generic brand drink poured from huge cartons the juice or calpis comes bottled much like what you’d expect from a convenience store.

I said no by the way, benefits of having been to the lounge before boarding.

Also, I had other things on the mind, namely the question of how much is an hour (plus a bit more) worth.

See, due to bad planning (or not, we shall see yet), I decided upon a 15 day trip when the entire trip plan was only vaguely in mind, thinking I’d be in Osaka on the last day anyway. So when I worked out the end trip, it needed me to be in Utsunomiya on the first day and Takamatsu on the last.

Meaning, I’ll need to pay for travel for one day, and I decided it best be the first day to keep the last day flexible (I might not end up in Takamatsu…. eh, backup-backup-plans).

There’s a few ways to get to Utsunomiya. NEX then connects to Shinkansen at Tokyo station is quickly ruled out since NEX is too slow, even if it cost only 1500Y for foreigners (50% off) for 5900Y total.

Keisei Skyliner and connects to Shinkansen at Ueno. About 6700Y and can get there under 2 hours.

Or bus direct to Utsunomiya but costs only 4200Y, runs once every hour and takes 3 hours.

So the question is, is being there at least an hour early worth it?

I had intended on deciding after I land, but Vanilla forced my hand early by offering a 270Y discount on the Skyliner.

In the end I asked, why do I pay 15 bucks to get to the Sydney airport by train when the bus would take just 5? Yes, 20 bucks is probably worth it, it means I’ll get to settle into the hotel earlier, get to walk around the immediate area for a bit, put some thoughts to the plans for the next day and beyond, whereas the bus means I get to the hotel and need to go to bed right away.

 

After landing it’s a quick rush through customs (just over 30minutes, must be some kind of a record, small aircraft means faster luggage). And then off to get some cash, exchange my JR Pass and tickets.

 

Disappointingly, if not unexpected, the Twilight Express train is a complete no go. I did get my backup Sunrise Seto Nobinobi seat/bunk which at least give me some comfort as it means I don’t need to go to Plan Z.

 

The Skyliner takes me to Ueno in just 40 minutes, that’s when I thought, there’s no rule saying I must connect to the next Shinkansen right away, why not have a ramen first? Ichi-ran is right outside the station (from my last Tokyo trip).

 

So I jump in the queue outside Ichi-ran ramen, have a quick fill (I’m probably crazy but.. I think I’ve gotten so used to Menya, Ichi-ran doesn’t taste as good as I remembered), jump back in on the Shinkansen and still got to Utsunomiya an hour earlier than the bus would have.

Hotel Sunroute is right outside the station, as I walk to it I am very glad I traded my original choice (700metres further and 300Y cheaper) for it. It’s slightly drizzy and dark, not the most lovely environment to be hauling luggage for any length of distance. The hotel staffs are very nice, and speak the best english I have yet to encounter in Japan. The room is small, aged but not patchy or soggy, quite happy with the overall package.

After a shower I head out for a quick walk about. There’s no Doutor in the vicinity so I am in need of a breakfast place (one that opens at 6, I stress). A quick tour of the station indicates I have a choice between Mos Burger and some local cafe. Oh and dumplings are evidently the thing in Utsunomiya, lots of dumpling places.

 

I also discovered two small supermarkets which is a very very good thing for cheaper drinks and fruits. I’ve learned fruits are one of the most important thing to eat while on a trip. It’s tempting to just feed on junk food and 7-11 bread, but without fruits my stomach will start feeling full of gas after 3-4 days.

 

 

No fruits today, I’ll grab some tomorrow. For now I’m happy to spoil myself with a bottle of milk tea.