Holiday Travel to Yokosuka

[Angie]

Its October, and the holidays are just around the corner! With that said, I am planning a 2+ week trip to Japan to see my man for Christmas. He is planning to take some time off, but we are still waiting for the dates, etc. I have been watching the flights go up and down in price, and they came down significantly this week for the time frame I want to visit. I am not sure if I should continue to hold off on purchasing my tickets until the dates are known, or take a risk and purchase now.

When are the holiday dates usually released? I have heard October, but I am sure there is no guarantees as to when...but just kind of getting a general idea. 

If he is approved for leave, is that easily revoked? 

This will be my first time traveling outside of the country, and I am doing it by myself. There is definitely a sense of major excitement looking forward to seeing him for the first time in 9 months, but there is also a sense of fear for the unknown. Any other insight you want to pass along to me, I am all ears and greatly appreciate anything and everything!

[NavyMomx2]

Angie

Glad you are so excited about the trip.  Taking the bus from Narita to Yokosuka is not bad at all and it's free.  As for things to see, my daughter took me to Yokahama, Hasei to see the Buddha, the Dayei Mall (not far from the base).  There is a place outside the gate of Yokosuka - a restaurant (think it has a red door) that has amazing ramen soup (like nothing you've ever had in the states).  I'm sure there are lots of other places to go.  If I talk to my daughter this weekend, I will ask her about the places to go close to the base.

[TraceJ]

For those of that have traveled to Japan how difficult is it to navigate not knowing the language? My son is asking me to come but I would have to travel alone and wonder how easy it is to get around only speaking English.

[Kim]

My sons ship was stationed in Sasebo for three years.  His ship was always in port for the Christmas holidays.  "Chits" where approved by each division within the ship and they are approved by seniority.  His ship gave two leave dates (Christmas or New Years).  He was always approved sometime in November.  If your sailor is new, he will have last choice and may not get leave.  You could always overlap the two leave periods and hope for the best.  He will still have off duty hours.  He could ask his next in command what the norm is.  I'm sure they are waiting too.

I traveled to Japan on business a few years back (I didn't get to see my sailor).  No one greeted me, but I was able to find my way.  There is a DoD booth at the airport and a lot of information booths.  The people are kind, but shy. 

The flight is long and I suggest taking baby aspirin starting a few days before your flight.  Also get up and walk during the flight.  Wear loose fitting shoes because your feet might swell.

[Donna2d]

YIPPEE!!! We were finally able to make our reservations to go see Son in Yokosuka. Leaving LAX on the 28th of December and returning on the 13th of January. Just in case anyone else is thinking about going: Our total airfare for both of us roundtrip was $1725 through Malaysia Air. Not too bad really, we've seen a lot higher but that was the cheapest we've seen and thought we better grab it...it probably won't get any cheaper. We still need to get to LA (We live in the Phoenix metro area) but we haven't decided if we are going to fly there or drive and leave the car then drive back once we return. We are veteran road trippers and love to drive, we're just still doing price comparison. It's crazy how expensive it is considering how close it is. I learned something by accident that I have to pass on. If planning a trip to Japan, call you debit card company and let them know you will be traveling there & the dates if you plan on using your debit card. It's some sort of security precaution. If you don't let them know in advance, you will probably not be able to use your card. Just passing this along...we were told this by Bank of America. That's all for now ladies, will continue to read the posts and update when I have something to share.

Angie: Have you received word of your boyfriend's leave dates yet?

God Bless Ladies!!

Donna

[NavyMomx2]

Congrats on getting your reservations.  Are you flying into Tokyo?  That's what I did and my daughter met me at the airport.  We took the base bus to Yokosuka (she had made arrangements for us to have a seat).  As for the banking, I did not alert Bank of America that I would be in Japan but I used my card only on the base without issue.  However, I ordered Yen through Bank of America prior to leaving so that I would have it with me upon arrival.I was also able to use the Navy Federal ATM on base and it gives you the option of USD or Yen, so that was cool.  It was a great trip...I stayed at the BOQ on base which was just across the street from the barracks where my daughter stayed.  Perfect.  Anyway, have a GREAT trip....enjoy every moment!

Paula

[Angie]

This is amazing! I am so glad you finally were able to finalize your travel...that Malaysia Air, I tell ya! It has had the cheapest flights all along. The dates I want, Malaysia air is sold out now. I am looking at a Delta flight that would put me into Haneda that is about the same price as going into Narita, but I am still in a waiting period for finalized dates from my sailor. I am hoping to find out soon, I really want to purchase and get officially excited! 

My boss did approve the time I want off and he is ok with me waiting on the Navy. Thankful for a great boss, especially going into to the holiday season (its super busy now through the end of January) and I have to be back in the office by January 3rd to be on my way to Las Vegas 4 days later for work. 

I cannot wait to hear about your trip when you return! Countdown begins!!! :)

Everyone's tips they have shared and sites to see have been truly amazing and really appreciated!!! 

[Angie]

I got the call this morning with dates from my sailor! YAY!!!

Now, one last hurdle to go through is getting his chit approved, which he is working on. Looks like I will be in Japan from 12/16-1/2. Although, he will have to go back to work for the last couple of days I am there, I would rather be at home when he is off work, make him dinner, and spend any time I can with him since I have the ability to do that with my time off from work...and not knowing the next time I will see him. 

Can't wait to officially book my ticket!

[yamamom]

Hello Angie, Just happened to see this and wanted to put my 2 cents in. If you are a member of AAA, you can exchange currency at their offices, but there is a limit on the amount. Airports have currency exchange booths, but the fees are higher than most other places.

If you get there and find your sailor has to work and you have time on your hands, Daiei Mall is just a few blocks from the base. You can get a little flavor of Japan there, especially in the basement food market where there are foods I never saw before going to Japan. It helps to know a few words and phrases, but as long as you understand your currency, you should be all right. Verny Park is just beyond Daiei Mall, and JR Yokosuka Train Station is at the far end of the park. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take the train to Kamakura where there are beautiful gardens and shrines, 2 art museums and a museum of film, lots of wonderful shops and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. 

If you haven't already booked your flight, you might want to return a bit earlier because they're a day ahead of us and also because of the jet lag. 

All the best to you! Have a great trip!

[Angie]

I just booked my ticket yesterday, I will be in Japan for 2 1/2 weeks and I cannot wait!  Countdown begins...43 days away! It will be amazing to finally give my sailor a huge hug after 9 months. I do return the afternoon prior to me going back to work, and although the jet lag is going to be rough...I want to spend as my time with him since I dont know the next time we will be together. Will be interesting to see my recovery from that. :)

The AAA is great news! I will have to go in the week before my trip, that is excellent.

My sailor will have to return to work while I am still there, as he will only have a certain amount of days off while I am there. Do you find it safe to travel on your own in Japan? I would love to be able to explore on my own those few days he has 24 hour days.

I have learned so much from everyone who has contributed to this post. I am leaving for Japan with more knowledge than I could have imagined, and I sincerely appreciate it! Now, that day needs to come, I'm ready to see my man! 

[Anti M]

Japan is the safest country I have ever been in.  Oh, the bar district can get rough at night, but you're more in danger from the Americans than the Japanese.  

You can get directions and local walking maps from the Family Service Center on base, have your sailor take you in to get the handouts.  I got thoroughly lost my first weekend in Japan and a nice older man went out of his way, I mean really out of his way, just to make sure I got on the correct train back to base.  People have left wallets full of money on the trains and got them back, theft is rare (except for umbrellas and bikes).   When I was there, the cops didn't even carry guns.

[Angie]

You have definitely made my comfort level much higher! Thank you so much Anti M. 

I have heard so many wonderful things about the country, that is is making me more anxious to get there! Good to know about the umbrella...I'm notorious for losing them. 

The sites you sent earlier were super helpful too, I am starting to put my travel wishes together. I have a feeling most of the site seeing I do will be on my own when he returns to work, as he wants to relax for his time off. Which, I totally get! We will do some together, as he still hasnt seen majority of Tokyo and now I can go to him with suggestions. 

Now for packing the bag! Hoping its not too cold for this Southern California girl who doesn't have that many winter-esque clothes. 

[NavyMomx2]

I took a jacket with a hood instead of an umbrella, which worked really well.  There are things you can do closer to the base when your sailor is working - that will minimize your chances of getting lost!  I found the train system totally confusing but it might just be me. 

Enjoy yourself!