Japan Family Travel: KLM Flight

We began our family journey from Amsterdam to Tokyo on August 3rd, 2024. From a seat mix-up at the airport to a birthday surprise mid-air, this is the story of our unforgettable first day in Japan.

After my Japan visa was approved, the day we had been waiting for finally arrived. Our long-awaited family vacation to Japan was about to begin! But right from the start, we ran into a small hiccup…

Watch the vlog version on YouTube: Nasi en Stamppot

Flying to Japan with Kids on KLM: The Seat Problem

At check-in, I was booked together with my husband, Bas, and our youngest son, Milan, but not Caesar. Since Caesar was turning 12 during the trip, we had to book his return ticket separately as an adult. That meant his seat wasn’t linked to ours. The check-in agent kindly suggested we ask for help at the boarding gate.

Shop Now:

Gate Agent & Kind Stranger

At the gate, the staff was very kind and began messaging nearby passengers to see if anyone would be willing to switch seats with Caesar. All we could do was wait and hope.

Right before boarding, we were called over. The gate agent handed us a new boarding pass, someone had kindly agreed to move. Caesar could now sit with us.
Alhamdulillah. Thank you, KLM, and thank you to the thoughtful passenger we didn’t even know. 🥹

Shop Now:

Birthday Surprise on the Plane

Once onboard, Caesar and Milan received kids’ souvenirs, they were happy. But there was another birthday on this flight: my husband, Mas Bas.

Quietly, I spoke with two flight attendants and arranged a small surprise. We agreed not to do it at midnight (Netherlands time) to avoid disturbing other passengers. Instead, the surprise would happen during breakfast before landing.

At 01:50 AM above South Korea, I heard the crew preparing something nearby. I quickly grabbed my phone to record. Three smiling attendants came to our row with a treat and sang Happy Birthday. Mas Bas was totally surprised and happy. It was a simple moment, but truly beautiful. Thank you again, KLM. We’ll never forget it.

Shop Now:

Arriving at Narita Airport: First Impressions of Japan

We landed safely at Narita International Airport. Milan could barely keep his eyes open, while Caesar, who stayed up the entire flight watching movies was still wide awake 😄. After collecting our luggage, we headed to the JR Pass counter. Since the pass is only valid for seven days, we didn’t activate it yet. We’ll use it during the last week of our trip.

To reach our Tokyo apartment, we took the Keisei Line, which is not covered by the JR Pass. The station staff were incredibly helpful and spoke English well. One of them even opened Google Maps to show us the route. So helpful!

Shop Now:

Where We Stayed in Tokyo: Small, Clean & Cozy Family Apartment

From the station, we walked about 10 minutes through quiet, narrow alleys. The August heat was intense dry air, no breeze, and we were soaked in sweat. If you’re planning to visit Japan in July or August, I highly recommend bringing an umbrella, it really helps against the heat!

Fortunately, Google Maps led us to the apartment smoothly. No getting lost in that weather while carrying heavy luggage! Once we arrived, we felt relieved. The apartment was clean, modern, and had Western-style beds, not futons. A perfect transition after an overnight flight.

After a short rest, we went out for dinner. Tired and jetlagged, we played it safe and chose a casual, familiar restaurant, nothing too adventurous for our first night. We just wanted something filling and comforting before collapsing into bed.

That’s a Wrap for Day One!

That’s it for our first day in Japan. I’ll continue writing about this trip and will compile our full 2024 Japan journey in one place soon.

Watch the vlog version on YouTube: Nasi en Stamppot

Planning a Hassle-Free Trip? Try GoWithGuide

If you’re looking for a hassle-free trip, try GoWithGuide an innovative platform that connects you with local guides and private car tours. It allows you to customize your itinerary and design your dream trip before booking.

Founded in Tokyo in 2013, GoWithGuide has provided exceptional travel experiences by matching travelers with knowledgeable local guides worldwide.

With GoWithGuide, you can explore must-visit destinations, enjoy authentic local food, and travel safely and efficiently all while creating unforgettable memories through fully personalized private tours.

Explore collaboration opportunities with Twinkle So Bright, including guest writing, paid blog collaborations, advertising your products and services, or taking advantage of our shopping service.

About the Writer

Hi, I’m Puspita! I’m the creator behind every product and post on this site. From curating beautiful finds to writing descriptions and managing the content, I personally take care of it all with love. I enjoy sharing stories and inspiration through each listing. Thank you for being here, your support truly means the world to me!