I had a really slow start to the trip. I took a lot longer this time to pack, trying to minimize the amount I was bringing using my only trusty Timbuk2 Copilot bag, a somewhat flexible carry-on sized bag. Once I got there, I was of course greeted with a 5 hour delay. For my inconvenience, we were all given vouchers to use to have some free lunch. (I used mine to try Tortas Frontera for the first time!) I did have some logistical concerns, but after a long wait, I was finally on my way!
Usually for longer plane rides, I would like to have some entertainment options outside of what might be available on the collection of TV shows and movies that are on the plane. I've had some pretty decent success with catching some subtitled Japanese movies I wouldn't have had the chance to, and I had success again on this flight. I took the chance not to take my PSP on this trip or any supplemental book, and it wasn't needed at all. I had my tablet with me and had a large collection of anime to watch, which I never had to take advantage of.
I can't remember if I watched it on the way there, or on the way back, but I got to watch Tokyo Kazoku (Tokyo Family). Being a fan of "slice of life" type of stories, I thoroughly enjoyed. Here's a trailer if you want to get a feel for the movie. (Though, don't watch it if you want to be completely surprised by the story.) It was filmed pretty recently, and even made mention to the events of March 2011.
In terms of logistics, I found out via email that the internet hotspot that I was picking up from the airport was going to be waiting for me at a late night counter that stays open until the last flight arrives. Additionally, since the Shinkansen and even some local trains were probably off service by then, American Airlines had arranged for a shuttle to take people into Tokyo (or a hotel in Narita). I believe they only did two stops: one at Tokyo Station and one at Shinjuku Station. Once I finally arrived, it was a quick hop into the last JR Yamanote Outer Loop train bound for Ikebukuro Station and my previous base of operations from Japan Trip v.2, Ikebukuro. I got a pretty cheap place to stay that night, and getting there after a long walk (maybe 10-15 minutes) and a longer than expected trip pretty much eliminated all of the things that I thought I'd be able to do by getting into the Tokyo by about 7 pm. (For example, heading out to Shibuya to see Hachikō and to people watch at the crossing.)
However, getting into your room at approximately 1, 1:30 am will change that those plans into ones of sleep. Especially since tomorrow was an early morning checkout and travel outside of Tokyo and a return to Kyōto!
-- wake.eat.sleep
