The whole day was a mess and to start it off, even before i arrived in Japan troubles started in Vietnam already. At first arriving at Terminal 1 in Hanoi we realized, that that one is for domestic flights exclusively. Finally arriving at Terminal 2, manual check-in is required and apparently a lot of people wanted to catch those sweet cheap overnight flights to Japan (Narita/Nagoya, Fukuoka). Security check, and board control took it’s time and i was barely making my flight at 00:55 am even though we already arrived at the airport at 11pm. I was so tired i slept on the plane in various positions and somehow apparently lost my glasses. I even asked the staff two times, and two other friendly passengers would help me look for it with no avail. I couldn’t explain how it would get lost or how anyone would pick up the half broken glasses and keep it for themselves. Anyhow it is what it is and departing the airplane, a strong cld wind welcomed me to Japan. Naturally, immigration check again took literally two hours. Fortunately for me, i even did the fast track quarantine check online first i thought to myself, as i past a long queue of people waiting in line to prove their vaccination certificates.
Finally outside the airport, first things first was to find out how to get contact lenses in Japan. Apparently JINS does measure your eyes and offer cheap lenses so JINS it is. I decided to not get an additional data plan throughout this trip just as a challenge which is why i needed to google everything right now at the airport, while wifi was still available. Finding out the most financial and time efficient route was not a simple task either. Apparently one JINS was in Ueno,which is perfect, because i still know my way around that area a bit and also needed to go to Uniqlo for some additional socks and a belt. Apparently there is a skyliner to Ueno, which costs around 2500 yen, however after a little bit of digging there is also a cheaper alternative with the Keisei Narita Skyaccess transfering in Asakusa, which only comes at around 1300 yen. I took my first snack of two mayo tune onigiris from Family Mart and hopped into my train.
At Asakusa i would need to transfer to the Ginza Line to get to Ueno. I realized though, that i could get directly to Shibuya with that line, a more advantage and central spot from which i could arrive in Kofu, so i spontaneously decided to go to Shibuya instead, since it would also have a JINS and Uniqlo store. On my way i was so tired from all the decision i wanted to take a nap, put my arms together to my chest… and realized something sharp, something familiar – well it was my glasses. My stupid butt put them into a unfamiliar pocket and due to the stress i did not check for it. Anyhow one worry less i headed for Shibuya. The first meal was a Gyuusukidon bowl at Yoshinoya in Shibuya. To my dismay, socks at Uniqlo came a bit more expensive than i estimated, so a quick google search revealed, that GU is a appropriate alternative to get socks as well, so now lets change plans one again.
15:15: I am in Shinjuku and was ready to go to Kofu, but with what kind of transportation ? There is a Chuo Express Line which comes at 3300 Yen. Asking the lady nicely, whether there is once again a cheaper alternative, she told me to utilize the express bus, which would also connect Shinjuku to Kofu Station, but would depart in 20 minutes. She was nice enough to show me the right exit, since she coincidentally had to change information points as well. Running to the Shinjuku Bus Hub, i arrived at the ticket terminal. Fun Fact i did not know before but learned through instagram. People work behind the ticket machines and would open a window if you push a button which asks for help. The staff explained the costs and bus gate nicely and off i go on a bus to Kofu.
Arriving in Kofu at 18:00, i was still not quite there yet. In fact i would need to walk 40 more minutes. The sun was already set and the wind blew strongly against my tired face. I decided to again get some help at the information point, and luckily a bus would arrive soon shortening the walking distance greatly. Finally at 18:30, after 19 hours of travel time i arrived at our accommodations at the Kofu city, where self introduction was already over and i could see some last explanations of making the bed and where bathroom utilities are.
We went out to get some food and i took the opportunity to get to know some people for a bit. Apparently we are around 20 students. We went out to get some food and i took the opportunity to get to know some people for a bit. It turns out, even though i already said goodbye to Germany, Germany apparently does not want to say goodbye to me. Three other attendees are from my home university, 12 were from Cambodia, with 4 of them having a full scholarship including flight. We have two students from Thailand and one Chinese girl doing her studies in Thailand. So a really interesting mix of people.
