Originally Posted by Huck

I've done it twice and highly recommend it.

1. Put in for a mid-trip deviation with the ACP.

2. Email both NRT and KIX ops (addresses in ALPA calendar). Tell them what you are doing.

3. When you block in at NRT, they will hand you a printed sheet with your dispo that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do it. They also emailed it to me.

4. When you leave, go out to NRT pax terminal, go to the basement to the JR ticket counter. You can buy tickets for the whole trip (except the Osaka subway). Be sure and get first class. It's still less than bank.

5. Local JR line to Tokyo station. Then the Shinkansen to Shin Osaka. Then the subway to Namba station. Walk to Swisotel.

An awesome way to spend a day - especially when the weather is clear. I brought a book but never touched it - 4 hours spent staring out the window in amazement......