Originally Posted by
rswitz
Hey guys,
Heading over to the Marianas Islands for a flying job in a couple weeks by way of Hong Kong or Tokyo Narita. Trying to figure out where I'd rather spend a long layover.
Option 1 puts me in Hong Kong for about 6 hours and Guam for 5.
Option 2 puts me in Tokyo for about 5 and Guam for 8.5 before my short flight to Saipan.
Anybody been to these airports and have any input?
Thanks
I've done both plenty and I'd favor HKG by a mile. Six hours gives you plenty enough time to pop into town and sightsee/eat if you want. There is a left luggage right in the arrivals hall that's pretty cheap, and on the way to ticket machines for transport. If you decide to do that, take the Airport Express (train) which takes only 20-25 minutes from the airport to either Kowloon or Central station; get a same day return ticket at the Central rate for 100 HKD. I'd get off at Kowloon and take the free hotel shuttle to the Peninsula Hotel as this will set you up for Avenue of the Stars and the harbor promenade that gives you the best view of the skyline in Central across the harbor. Then, you can take the Star Ferry right across to Central for walking around, maybe the view from the Peak if the weather is good, Mak's Noodle for won ton mee, etc. Pick up the Airport Express at Central station maybe 1.5-2 hours before departure time and you'll have plenty of time to clear security/immigration/duty free. Easy layover and well worth it.
Hong Kong travel guide - Wikitravel
6 hour layover in Hong Kong...? - FlyerTalk Forums
The reason I say all this is because there isn't a whole lot to do with five hours at NRT. There's a food court and runway viewing deck at the terminal, but there isn't much to see in Narita town except for the temple and the Jetlag Club. Plus, you'll want to minimize your time stuck in GUM because there really isn't anything at that airport except for a United Club (duty free is better at HKG and NRT too). Have a good trip!