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⭐ DEPARTURE FLOW — TOKYO → AIRPORT → GREENVILLE

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DATE: Wednesday, June 10

You fly home today, landing in the U.S. the same calendar day because you cross the International Date Line.

This guide shows EXACTLY how to get from your Tokyo hotel → the correct terminal → your gate → the flight home.

1. Check Your Departure Airport (HND or NRT)

Both Tokyo airports are extremely easy and English-friendly.

If flying from Haneda (HND):

  • Closer to the city

  • 20–30 minutes from central Tokyo

  • Fantastic signage

  • Very calm experience

If flying from Narita (NRT):

  • Bigger international hub

  • ~60 minutes from central Tokyo

  • Very well organized

Your airline will determine which airport you use.

2. Recommended Departure Day Timing

To stay calm and stress-free:

For Haneda (HND):

➡️ Leave your hotel 3 hours before flight
(1 hr total transit + 2 hrs airport time)

For Narita (NRT):

➡️ Leave your hotel 4 hours before flight
(2 hrs total transit + 2 hrs airport time)

You are seasoned travelers — these timings feel relaxed.

3. Getting to the Airport

⭐ If flying from HANEDA (HND):

Option A — Monorail (fastest + cleanest):

  • From your hotel → JR Yamanote Line → Hamamatsucho Station

  • Transfer directly to Tokyo Monorail

  • Ride straight into Haneda Airport

  • Total time: 20–30 min

Option B — Limousine Bus (no transfers, great with luggage):

  • Leaves from major hotels & stations

  • Goes directly to all terminals

  • Comfortable & easy

  • Time: 30–50 min depending on traffic

⭐ If flying from NARITA (NRT):

Option A — Narita Express (NEX):

  • Board at Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Shinjuku

  • Direct to Terminals 1/2/3

  • Reserved seats

  • Total time: ~60 minutes

Option B — Skyliner:

  • Board at Ueno Station

  • Very fast, comfortable

  • Total time: 41–47 minutes

Option C — Limousine Bus:

  • One-seat ride from major hotels

  • Best if you don’t want train transfers

  • Time: 70–100 min depending on traffic

4. Inside the Airport — What Happens Next

Step 1 — Find Your Airline Counter

Follow the giant boards in English:
➡️ INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES
➡️ CHECK-IN

Airports in Japan are extremely intuitive.

Step 2 — Check In

  • Show passport

  • Check bags

  • Receive boarding passes

  • Ask for your connecting gate information (Tokyo → U.S. → Greenville)

Step 3 — Security Check

Fast, polite, efficient.
You keep your shoes on.
You do NOT have to remove liquids from your bag.

Step 4 — Passport Control

Quick and organized.
You do not answer long questions — just scan your passport.

Step 5 — Find Your Gate

English everywhere.
Digital monitors everywhere.
Follow signs:
➡️ GATES 110–140, etc.

Step 6 — Relax (You’re Early!)

Airports have:

  • Great coffee

  • Bento boxes

  • Japanese snacks

  • Bookstores

  • Souvenirs

Your flight will begin boarding 30–50 minutes before departure.

5. Boarding & Departure

When boarding starts:

  • Line up by group number

  • Show passport and pass

  • Staff is extremely efficient

After takeoff:

You cross the International Date Line and “go back in time,” arriving same day in the U.S.

⭐ 6. U.S. Arrival + Recheck Bags

You will go through U.S. immigration at your first U.S. airport, not Greenville.

Typical flow:

  1. Land in U.S. (likely Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, etc.)

  2. Immigration + passport scan

  3. Collect checked bags

  4. Recheck bags at “Connecting Flights” counter

  5. Go through security again

  6. Board flight to Greenville

This is standard for all U.S.-bound flights from Japan.

⭐ 7. Final Leg → Arrive Home in Greenville (GSP)

You land the same day (June 10)
You’re tired, time-shifted, but happy.