Following our wonderful travel escapade in Hong Kong, the stage was set for our next adventure: Tokyo: a destination handpicked by my little boy. As I detailed in my previous entry, the journey from Tseung Kwan O to Hong Kong Airport was straightforward and budget-friendly. Once at the airport, I took a moment to familiarise myself with the surroundings. My son’s enthusiasm for Tokyo stemmed from a simple yet passionate desire: to explore the Tokyo Pokemon Mega Store and indulge in a shopping spree using his savings and travel points. As a devoted follower and master player in all things Pokemon, this was a dream destination for him.

Hong Kong Airport (HKG)

Nestled on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, the airport aptly shares its name with the island itself. Comparable in size to London Heathrow Airport, it boasts a colossal and impeccably maintained infrastructure. The airport’s vast expanse is not only well-signposted but also effortlessly navigable, creating a seamless experience for travellers. Recognised as a pivotal connection hub to not just China but the entirety of Asia, its significance as a gateway to diverse destinations in the region is undeniable.

This brief clip, captures the joyful steps of my little one and unfolds within the confines of the Interior of Midfield Concourse, positioned to the west of Terminal 1, nestled snugly between the existing runways. The scene reveals an almost deserted expanse, impeccably clean and remarkably comfortable as we awaited our flight. Despite the staggering statistic of handling over 70 million passengers annually, the atmosphere felt remarkably spacious and serene, challenging the notion that bustling airports cannot also be havens of tranquillity.

I know that many people might not be interested in learning about airports, but for me, they mean an impressive point of convergence, where so many parallel stories occur at once. I find it fascinating how, during their evolution, they manage to operate, grow and maintain themselves in an industry as vulnerable and dynamic as aviation. Today the biggest challenge is that this operation is increasingly ecological and sustainable for the benefit of our entire society.

We arrived at the Midfield Concourse via the internal automated subway. Hong Kong Airlines, our chosen carrier for the day, has been utilising this space since its inauguration in 2015, making it a familiar and integral part of the airport experience.

Hong Kong Airlines (HX)

Opting for the most budget-friendly choice for this journey, I booked a flight with Hong Kong Express. Upon reaching the boarding gate, I politely inquired if an early entry could be arranged, and they graciously accommodated the request.

Hong Kong Express, categorized as a low-cost airline or LCC, operated our flight that day using their Airbus 320. Notably, their entire fleet, comprising 24 aircraft, belongs to the Airbus 320 family. From the initial booking process to the onboard experience, including meals, service quality, and punctuality, Hong Kong Express outshone many European carriers, offering a superior travel experience overall.

The flight duration was 4 hours and 30 minutes. We arrived at Narita airport in Tokyo on time and were happy with the new adventure that awaited us. Luckily in Tokyo, people do speak more English, compared with people in China. It was easy to get the information to get to our hotel from Keisei Narita SkyAccess Station to Takaracho Station, and the airport/train staff were accommodating.

Mega Pokemon Store Tokyo:

Little can be said from my perspective, as, before my eyes, the store resembled any other toy store: spacious, filled with pricey items, and bustling with excited children. Yet, for my son, the scene painted a different picture. To him, it was a dream come true. Witnessing his sheer happiness was enough to make the visit worthwhile, and I couldn’t be more delighted to see him so joyous.

Within the Tokyo Mega Store of Pokémon, a treasure trove awaits, where one can discover every conceivable Pokémon item. From plush toys and keychains to cards, apparel, and even poke balls, the store boasts an extensive collection. Catering to fans of both the new saga and the original classics, it offers a comprehensive array of Pokémon merchandise.

My son had been diligently accumulating “travel points,” a system I devised to keep him engaged and enthusiastic about learning the culture of China and Hong Kong. Points were earned daily for his curiosity, endurance on walks, and exemplary behaviour. The culmination of his efforts resulted in a delightful redemption at the Pokémon store, where he revelled in choosing from an array of rewards. The system proved to be a great success, and he walked away with a well-earned collection that looked something like this:

“So there’s this boy. He kinda stole my heart. He calls me ‘mom’.”

❤️

Jenny