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Anything happening with ANA700 ?
https://preview.redd.it/s8k2vxafnwyb1.png?width=368&format=png&auto=webp&s=5f4dcad46b3b24c57c4f67194aadaccbe61… It's doing a loop around Tokyo bay, having flown over central Tokyo. Is this normal ?
https://preview.redd.it/s8k2vxafnwyb1.png?width=368&format=png&auto=webp&s=5f4dcad46b3b24c57c4f67194aadaccbe6154aa4
There's also a Helicopter buzzing around the area - presumably a News Crews covering the G7 Meeting I wonder how close both were at the time ANA700 passed through:
https://preview.redd.it/qjyxq9pqrwyb1.png?width=367&format=png&auto=webp&s=0ab8afb1e9120ec95534154f6f6453829a025a09
yeah that loop's pretty normal for ANA700, it's the Haneda-Hakodate route. they do that bay loop to line up for runway 16R approach, especially when winds shift in the afternoon. the news choppers are def covering the G7 stuff at the Grand Prince Hotel in Takanawa, that's right under the flight path so they prob got close but ANA would've been at like 3,000 feet by then
honestly that's just the standard arrival path for haneda when they're coming down from the north, winds have been southerly all week so they're using 16R instead of the usual 22 approach. the bay loop lets them drop altitude over the water before turning in
the chopper's prob an NHK or TBS news crew, they've been circling the Grand Prince Hotel in Takanawa since morning for the G7 thing. I was at the Takanawa exit of Shinagawa station around 11 and could hear them buzzing overhead. ANA700 would've passed through at like 2,500 feet while the news guys stay under 800, so no real conflict
I've watched this exact same loop from the observation deck at Haneda's terminal 1 plenty of times, it's totally routine. the timing with the G7 coverage is just a coincidence of geography
ngl that bay loop is super common for Haneda arrivals, especially when they're coming from the north like Hakodate. they gotta swing around to hit the final approach for 16R and 16L, the winds have been out of the south lately so that's prob why
the helicopter thing is interesting tho, there's usually a police chopper or two hovering around the Shiba Koen area during big events. the G7 meeting at the Grand Prince Hotel in Takanawa is like 5km from the bay loop so they were definitely in the same airspace at different altitudes. ANA700 would've been passing through around 2,000-3,000 feet while the news choppers stay low, under 1,000 feet usually
fwiw I've watched ANA700 do this loop from my balcony in Shinagawa a bunch of times, it's always the same pattern. nothing to worry about
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.