[Travelogue] 9/11 Nagoya One-Day Flash Trip Free Travel
Peach Aviation Nagoya One-Day Flash Trip Experience
Background
The one-day round-trip ticket to Nagoya is a promotion by Peach Aviation:
At that time, I bought a round-trip ticket to Nagoya for one day including airport service fees for $5,600, no checked baggage, no meals, no seat selection; both flights were red-eye:
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Outbound: TPE 02:25 -> NGO 06:30
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Return: NGO 23:15 -> TPE 01:25
According to the official promotion, the maximum stay time is 16 hours and 45 minutes!
Carry-on baggage rules: Two pieces per person & total weight under 7 kg
Date: 2023/09/11, Solo Trip
Visit Japan
To speed up immigration, fill in your entry information in advance and complete the process using a QR Code:
- Here, I filled in the stay duration as 1 day and entered Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport for the contact information in Japan. I wasn’t asked any questions and passed through security smoothly!
Chubu Centrair International Airport Information
KKday Promotion
-
Japan Aichi｜Ghibli Park Large Walk Premium Ticket & Nagoya Hotel Accommodation｜Guaranteed Admission
-
Japan JR PASS｜Takayama & Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass｜International Shipping Available
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Chubu Centrair International Airport NGO ⇆ Nagoya Station \| Meitetsu Airport Express Train E-Ticket
Summary (Written at the Beginning)
A one-day flash trip is a test of both physical and mental endurance. I planned to rest while waiting for the flight or on the plane, but the waiting time was too early to feel sleepy. On the plane, the seat was too small, I didn’t get a window seat, and the engine noise was loud, so I didn’t really sleep. This meant I was basically sleepless all night. After landing at 6:00 AM, I started the Nagoya itinerary right away. I was so tired that I ended up napping for over half an hour in a quiet, nearly empty café at Nagoya Tower around noon.
Time and attractions are limited, so traveling too far is not feasible.
Besides the body’s energy, the phone’s battery is also a big challenge; I used a 20,000mAh Xiaomi power bank to complete the entire trip (charging my iPhone 13 about 4–5 times round trip).
Returning to Taiwan around 2–3 AM, there is no public transportation available, so you can only take a taxi back to Taipei.
You can pay a few hundred more to choose a window seat and bring a neck pillow and earplugs for better sleep.
Departure
9/10 PM 22:03 — Arrived at Taoyuan Airport MRT A1 Taipei Main Station, took the 22:15 express train to Terminal 1
9/10 PM 10:55 — Arrived at Terminal 1 Departure Hall
Arrived too early; the check-in counter opens at 23:55. (Although there was no checked luggage, online check-in was unavailable for some reason, so I still had to wait for the counter to open.)
There was still an hour before check-in opened, so I went back to the B1 food court to find a seat and rest; by 11 PM, all the food court shops were closed (including convenience stores), and there was nothing left to buy.
9/11 AM 00:09 — Completed Departure Procedures
The check-in counter opened early. When I returned to the departure hall at 11:40, check-in had already started. Without checked luggage and only carrying a backpack, I quickly completed check-in, security, and immigration.
Starting from 9/11, the official 24-hour countdown begins!
9/11 AM 00:12 — Wandering Around Terminal 1
It is worth mentioning that Terminal 1 has a free lounge area open to the public. Just follow the signs to the lounge; the environment and seating are similar to a café. There is also a shower room (open from 6 AM to 10 PM). For more details, refer to this article.
The rest area was actually better for sleeping since you could lie down… but I only glanced at it and then started looking for food places in the airport (no airplane meal). As expected, it was too late and everything was closed. In the end, I only found a vending machine selling snacks, so I bought a pack of I-Mei puffs and a can of tea to take with me.
9/11 AM 00:45 — Waiting at the boarding gate
Arrived way too early, and the waiting area was almost empty; the seats come in pairs, making it hard to lie down and sleep (they look ugly, so I got up after taking photos). Sleeping on my back was uncomfortable, and the air conditioning was very cold. However, I still felt fairly alert with no strong urge to sleep. As time passed, more people arrived, and the noise level increased, making it even harder to rest. So, I just closed my eyes to relax and conserve energy while reviewing basic Japanese (hiragana and katakana), planning to sleep on the plane.
9/11 AM 02:14 — Boarding Completed
The flight was slightly delayed. Boarding was originally scheduled to start at 01:55 but was delayed by 10 minutes; I finally completed boarding at 02:15.
9/11 AM 02:26 — Plane Takeoff
The seat was very small, and being on the aisle meant no headrest support. Fortunately, I brought a neck pillow which helped a bit, but the engine noise plus neck soreness meant I barely slept. The flight felt long with no in-flight screen showing the distance, and we bumped all the way to Nagoya.
If I had to choose again, I would pay a few hundred more to get a window seat; first, it’s easier to sleep with something to lean your head on, and second, you can see the sunrise from the window when arriving in Japan in the morning!
9/11 AM 06:20 — Arrive at Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport
9/11 AM 06:35— Completed Immigration Clearance
It was early morning and without the need to collect luggage, it took less than 15 minutes from landing to immigration; however, the weather was unfavorable, and it was raining heavily in Nagoya.
9/11 AM 7:03 — Waiting for the train to Nagoya city center
One is the seat information, and the other is the boarding pass (to be inserted into the machine).
I first bought a one-way ticket from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya on the Meitetsu Railway plus the uSky train ($271). Since I was already there, I decided to try the newest and best train; it has reserved seats, is very stable and comfortable, and is a limited express train.
However, if you want to save money and be convenient, you can buy the Limited Express ticket on site or just board the local train directly; below is the train timetable and stops, or you can check directly on the Meitetsu website:
Destination 1: Konparu Osu コンパル 大須本店 Eat Fried Shrimp Toast
You need to get off at Kinzan (NH34) and transfer to the Meijo Line to go to Kamimaezu Station.
9/11 AM 8:00 Arrive at Konparu Osu コンパル 大須本店
The doors open at 8 o’clock, and early in the morning there is no one around. The nearby Osu Shopping Street is also not open yet.
Coffee is a must, especially after a sleepless night; the shrimp in the fried shrimp toast is truly whole shrimp chopped up, giving a chewy texture.
2nd Destination: Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle opens at 9:00 AM. Other attractions open later, and since it’s convenient and close from Kamimaezu Station, we visited Nagoya Castle first.
9/11 AM 9:02 Arrived at Nagoya Castle
After eating, I arrived at Nagoya Castle Station around 9:02.
Exiting the station, I found it was raining heavily. I didn’t expect rain in Japan and didn’t bring an umbrella. The area nearby was quite open with no convenience stores in sight. Finally, I found a FamilyMart in the underground passage at Nagoya Castle Station, B1 level, across from Nagoya City Hall, bought an umbrella, and continued to Nagoya Castle!
Entering Nagoya Castle, the rain eased slightly, but the main keep was still under renovation and closed, so we could only visit the nearby splendid Honmaru Palace.
Honmaru Palace
You must take off your shoes and store your bags (free, but a 100 yen coin is required) before entering Honmaru Palace.
2nd Destination: Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (formerly Nagoya TV Tower)
Just to the bottom right of Nagoya Castle, about 2 stops away; I took a bus there after leaving Nagoya Castle.
9/11 AM 10:08 — Arrived at Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (formerly Nagoya TV Tower)
The weather was partly cloudy and partly sunny; it cleared up when I arrived and became cloudy again when I left.
After buying a ticket, you can go up to the observation deck to overlook Nagoya city (if you only want to visit the café on the middle level, no ticket is needed; the café also offers some views).
The cafe view, around 10:30, sleepiness started to hit; I rested my head here and slept until after 11 before leaving. There were many seats, few people, and it was very quiet… perfect for a nap.
The 3rd Destination: Oasis 21
Oasis 21 is right outside Nagoya Tower, but due to rain, a weekday, and morning time, there wasn’t much to explore, so I just walked around briefly and left.
4th Destination: Yabaton Yabacho Main Store
As it approached noon, I wanted to try Nagoya’s famous miso pork cutlet. The main restaurant was about one or two stops away from Nagoya Tower, so I decided to walk.
5th Destination: Osu Shopping Street
When I arrived, I found a long queue… Since time was precious and I was close to Osu Shopping Street, I decided to continue walking there to find something to eat.
9/11 PM 12:09 — Arrived at Osu Shopping Street
Walk straight towards Osu Kannon. Just before reaching Osu Kannon, there is another branch of Shiba. Enter and dine there.
Mindlessly ordered the set meal, but realized I made a mistake. I mainly wanted to try the miso pork cutlet in the top left corner. The set includes miso pork cutlet + fried willow leaf fish + simmered dish + side dish + soup + rice. The miso pork cutlet was delicious but too little to satisfy!
6th Destination: Osu Kannon
This shop is right next to Osu Kannon.
9/11 PM 13:05— Arrived at Osu Kannon
The main hall was under renovation, so we just walked around outside and then left.
If you’re afraid of birds, better not come—there are many pigeons outside. You can buy feed to feed them.
7th Destination: Atsuta Shrine
Stroll through Osu Shopping Street again, then take the Meijo Line back to Atsuta Shrine.
Bought Benten Fruit Daifuku on the way. The skin is thin and soft, the fruit is fresh and juicy. I ate two at once! (I think it’s tastier than Rusui-an XD)
Then I made a quick purchase of some medications allowed on the plane at the shopping street’s drugstore to bring back to Taiwan.
9/11 PM 13:35 — Arrive at Atsuta Shrine
After exiting Meijo Line Atsuta Jingu Station, you need to walk a bit further to reach the main entrance of Atsuta Shrine.
After a simple visit, I bought some omamori charms and left.
8th Destination: Meitetsu Nagoya Shopping
The last stop was to visit Meitetsu (actually, I was already very tired by this point).
9/11 PM 14:40 — Arrived at Meitetsu Nagoya
After walking around the underground shopping street, head to JR GATE TOWER and go up to the Starbucks on the 15th floor for free scenic views.
Because it was raining, the outdoor seats were closed, and the indoor seats were full, so I didn’t buy a coffee to sit and relax while enjoying the view. After taking some photos, I started walking down to explore Takashimaya Department Store. There is a Harbs on the lower floor, but it requires waiting in line.
Across the street is the Sky Promenade, Nagoya’s new observation deck, but due to fatigue, the need to buy another ticket, and bad weather, I didn’t go. There were no other attractions of interest within the available time. In the end, I just strolled down to the underground shopping area and bought some souvenirs (Kaeru Honke). Then I purchased a one-way ticket on the Nagoya Railroad → Chubu Centrair International Airport plus the uSky train ($271) back to the airport.
It’s not even 5:00 PM yet, which is a bit of a pity… but other attractions are too far away… so I decided to avoid the rush hour crowds.
9th Destination: Wandering Around Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport on the Way Back
Took a quick shot of the real uSky.
9/11 PM 16:44 — Arrived at Chubu Centrair International Airport Terminal 1
23:15 The plane takes off, and there is still a long, long time ahead.
First, buy Nagoya’s famous Tebasaki to try.
NGO Airport has many things to explore. Besides food, drinks, and souvenirs, there is a large observation deck where you can watch planes take off and land up close! (Terminal 1)
Or visit the free airplane museum at Terminal 2 first (it was already closed when I went).
There is also a Lawson and a capsule toy shop here (but they have business hours).
9/11 PM 19:30 — Chubu Centrair International Airport Terminal 1 Dinner
For dinner, I had Nagoya Udon at the airport. Nagoya’s specialty noodles are flat.
The taste was good, but I accidentally ordered two main dishes… His pork cutlet came with rice XD
After eating, continue waiting at the gate… waiting for the counter to open (opens at 20:45).
9/11 PM 20:45 — Chubu Centrair International Airport Terminal 1 Departure Procedures
Took a short nap in the corner until after 8:00 PM, then lined up to prepare for departure; Peach Aviation is quite strict with carry-on luggage, allowing only two pieces under 7 kg each, no exceptions. I saw some people just going to buy a PS5 and come back—it seems like a great option for a one-day quick trip.
9/11 PM 21:45 — Chubu Centrair International Airport Terminal 1 Duty-Free Shopping and Waiting for Flight
I only have one bag, so I can carry one more by hand. I conveniently bought a bottle of Dassai 23 750 ml to bring back to Taiwan. (5,700 yen, 100 yen more expensive than in Tokyo)
Draft beer-style cola tastes great. You can try buying it at supermarkets or vending machines. It’s a product launched by Suntory and Pepsi, not available in Taiwan. Made like draft beer, it has strong carbonation and isn’t too syrupy. I usually pour out regular cola because it gets too sweet, but I can finish draft cola!
Back to United Airlines’ strict carry-on baggage check: before boarding, they verify if you have only two pieces. If not, you must reduce to two pieces on the spot or pay an extra fee.
9/12 AM 00:09 — Chubu Centrair International Airport Terminal 1 Departure
Due to a flight delay, the original departure time of 23:15 was postponed to 23:50; the plane took off around 00:15.
But luckily, I got a window seat, so I could get some good sleep.
After waking up and checking the onboard facilities, I found out that flight information and entertainment videos can be accessed by connecting your phone to the onboard WiFi. You can also order food directly using your phone.
Someone ordered something like pork rib chicken noodles, and the whole cabin was filled with the aroma. It was so tempting.
9/12 AM 02:25 — Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport
Luckily, I was by the window and managed to get some sleep on the plane; my energy was still okay.
9/12 AM 03:30 Arrived at warm Taipei residence
I have to say Taiwan’s transportation is quite inconvenient. Taking a red-eye flight to Taoyuan Airport means you can only take the expensive flat-rate taxi or a costly Uber back to Taipei. If you want to use public transport, you have to wait for the bus at 4–5 a.m.
Purpose of this trip: To visit Nagoya Castle, one of the three major castles:
I later found out that Nagoya also has Inuyama Castle to visit. If I were to plan again, I would probably go to Inuyama Castle first. Also, I didn’t get to try the eel rice!
KKday Promotion
-
Japan Aichi｜Ghibli Park Large Walk Premium Ticket & Nagoya Hotel Accommodation｜Guaranteed Admission
-
Japan JR PASS｜Takayama & Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass｜International Shipping Available
-
Chubu Centrair International Airport NGO ⇆ Nagoya Station \| Meitetsu Airport Express Train E-Ticket
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