Flights & Transport

Detailed Flight Routing

The finalized routing is an open-jaw ticket into Kansai and home from Narita: land at Kansai International Airport (KIX) at 10:05am on Sunday 4 October, then depart Narita International Airport (NRT) at 12:15pm on Sunday 18 October. Because no direct Glasgow flights operate on these routes, one-stop options remain the most practical fit.

Outbound: Glasgow (GLA) to Osaka (KIX) for Sunday 4 October arrival

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Offers practical one-stop options through Amsterdam (AMS) into Kansai International Airport (KIX), making it a solid open-jaw arrival choice for starting in Osaka.

British Airways / Japan Airlines: Commonly route through London Heathrow (LHR) before continuing into Kansai, giving you a straightforward landing point for Osaka and the wider Kansai region.

Emirates / Qatar Airways: Offer comfortable long-haul connections via Dubai or Doha, often with strong baggage allowances and plentiful departure times.

Lufthansa: Connects via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) into Kansai, providing another reliable one-stop option.

Inbound: Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Glasgow (GLA) for Sunday 18 October departure

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Offers efficient one-stop returns via Amsterdam (AMS), making it one of the cleanest options for the Sunday 18 October departure from Narita.

British Airways: Gives you a simple long-haul return from Narita through London Heathrow (LHR), which pairs well with ending the trip in Tokyo.

Lufthansa: Offers dependable one-stop returns through Germany, with Narita often appearing on Sunday schedules.

Estimated Fares (Per Person):

• Economy: £700 – £1,100
• Premium Economy: £1,200 – £1,800
• Business Class: £2,500 – £4,000+

For an October departure, fares typically average between £800 and £1,200 depending on the airline and connection speed. For the two of you, the total round-trip flight budget should be estimated at £1,600 to £2,400.

🚆 Transportation Options by Price Band

Following the recent price increase of the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, purchasing point-to-point tickets is the most cost-effective approach for the group. However, for the couple's breakout moments, you can elevate your transit:

💲Budget Transit (£15 – £75 per leg for two):

Ordinary Class Shinkansen: Comfortable 3x2 seating. Kyoto to Odawara costs approx. £71 per person.

Local Airport Transit: Shared shuttles or airport express trains (Keisei Skyliner/Narita Express) run £15 – £25 per person.

💲💲Mid-Range Transit (£100 – £200 per leg for two):

Green Car Shinkansen (First Class): Offers spacious 2x2 seating, luxurious padding, and complimentary oshibori hand towels. Approx. £96 per person from Kyoto to Hakone (Odawara).

Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar Train: The Romancecar is a direct limited-express train from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, making the final leg into the capital scenic and transfer-light. The journey takes about 80 to 90 minutes. All seats are reserved, the carriages have large panoramic windows, and there is space to store larger luggage at the ends of the train cars.

Private Airport Transfer: A standard private car from Kansai International Airport to central Osaka is a comfortable arrival splurge, with pricing typically falling within this band depending on vehicle size and arrival time.

💲💲💲Luxury Transit (Honeymoon Splurges):

Luxury Private Chauffeur: A private transfer from Kyoto directly to your Hakone ryokan starts from £182 to £324 per vehicle.

Saphir Odoriko Luxury Train: Book a fully private "Green Car Compartment" for the scenic Hakone-to-Tokyo approach for approx. £100. It offers panoramic coastal and Mount Fuji views.

Best for: quick key

Use the “Best for” column to pick venues that match your moment:

Category	What it means
Foodies	High-impact food, premium experiences, or standout craft.
Relaxation	Onsens/spas or places focused on unwinding and wellness.
Easy-going	Accessible, comfortable pacing, or neighbourhood vibe.
Quick stop	Fast, casual, easy to drop in (great between sights).
Groups	Works well for groups, shared experiences, or large venues.
Views	Great scenery—skyline, towers, rooftops, or panoramic spots.
Couples	Romantic, intimate, private, or honeymoon-friendly options.
Tattoos	Mentions tattoo policy or tattoo-friendliness in the notes.