To Narita then Taiwan

From Osaka to Taiwan

I’m leaving Osaka today and spending the night in Narita before going onward to Taiwan. So after checking out from my hotel, I make my way to Kansai International Airport. One of the great things about Japan is the ease of going through the airport. I arrive roughly 30 minutes before my flight and I’m still able to make it to the gate and have time to do a little shopping. 

Mount Fuji from the Air

While flights between Osaka and Narita/Tokyo are fairly common. One of the things I intentionally did is select my seat on the left side of the aircraft. In the event that the weather is clear, I’ll hopefully get some views of Mount Fuji. Fortunately, the weather cooperates and I get to some of this iconic Japanese landmark from the air!

Meet Inn Narita

Upon landing in Narita, I quickly head to the Meet Inn to check in. Because I fly from Narita tomorrow morning. Instead of travelling an hour or so to Tokyo and then having to make my way back. I book an evening in Narita and for around $50. This way I get to explore Narita which I feel is often overlooked when people visit Tokyo. I do a little repacking and head out to explore this quaint town.

Unagi Kawatoyo

One of the cuisines that Narita is known for is Eel (Unagi). After a bit of exploring, I stop into a popular (and somewhat touristy) Unagi restaurant: Unagi Kawatoyo. While the actual Unagi meal is very delicious, I believe its a bit over priced. It certainly feels like tourist pricing and I’m fairly certain you can find more affordable options. That being said it shouldn’t take away from the tastiness of the Unagi being offered.

Naritasan Park

After eating, I decide to stroll into Naritasan Park. It is a lovely park that his home to various temples and pagodas. One of the great things about coming in the late afternoon is that the park is devoid of any crowds. In many cases, it felt like I had the entire area to myself! In some ways it’s quite cool and peaceful to be amongst all these different elements of Japanese history. However as the sun starts to set, it does also start to feel a bit eerie too!

One very cool pagoda is the Great Pagoda of Peace. It stands at what feels like the summit of the area and overlooks the grounds. It’s pretty stunning and I think being the only one in the area makes it especially special to explore. I’d argue it probably rivals that of more popular pagoda’s like that at Sensoji!

Ramen Fukuichi

As the sun sets and it starts to feel a little too eerie for me alone in the park, I exit the park and look for a spot for dinner. I discover Ramen Fukuichi which comes highly rated. When I get there I’m lucky enough to get a seat without having to wait in line. It specializes in chicken broth ramen and to be perfectly honest, I like this more than Ginza Kagari in Tokyo! This might be my new favourite ramen shop, though it being in Narita is slightly inconvenient. After dinner, I head back to my hotel to do some final packing before I leave Japan tomorrow.

China Airlines Lounge Narita

The next morning, I check out of my hotel and make my way back to Narita Airport. This will be my first time flying China Airlines, so I’m excited to try them out. After checking in I make my way to the China Airlines Lounge. It’s not crowded, has an elegant decor and offers some views of the tarmac as well. I pick up some food to munch on while I pass my time watching planes roll by until it’s time for my flight to board.

China Airlines Narita to Taipei

I make my way to the gate and soon we are boarding. It’s a comfortable narrow body Business Class experience from Narita to Taipei. Prior to this flight, I took it upon myself to pre-order my inflight meal which is a steak. I figure that after a week of Japanese food, I might want some western fare to mix it up. The food is very tasty and certainly hits the spot. No complaints here. The flight is smooth and comfortable and after a few hours we are touching down in Taipei. 

CityInn Hotel

After landing and clearing Taiwanese customs. I hop on the Airport express and make my way into the city. I’ll be spending three days here in Taiwan and hopefully spending it with Lebron, Antetokounmpo and their daughter! I check into the CityInn Hotel Station Branch 3. It’s a modern and comfortable room and only a block away from where my friends are staying. I spend a little time to get settled before touching base with Lebron to figure out our dinner plans.

First Taiwan Dinner

Because their daughter is down to sleep, only Lebron joins me for dinner this evening. We meet up and walk through some of the Taiwan streets weighing our dinner options. We eventually settle on a hotpot restaurant and spend the time catching each other up on our travels. I share with them some of our Japan adventures and he shares with me their activities while here in Taiwan before me. It’s nice to catch up over a meal! Afterwards, we end up doing the first of many bubble tea’s afterwards before heading back to our respective hotels. 

Tomorrow we’ll be heading to the Taipei Zoo so stay tuned!