For all participants of the Sashiko Japan Retreat, your first stop in Japan will be Hamacho Hotel, where you will stay at the beginning of the retreat. The most convenient way to reach the hotel from either Narita or Haneda Airport is by taking the Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT), and then walking a few minutes to the hotel.
After you arrive at Hamacho Hotel, I will take care of everything for you until the very last day of the retreat. This first step — getting from the airport to the hotel — is the only part I kindly ask each of you to arrange on your own.
The reason is simple: everyone will arrive at different times, through different airports, and sometimes with flight delays. Coordinating every individual airport arrival would become very complicated. That said, if you need any help, please don’t hesitate to let me know — I will be more than happy to assist you.
Link to Hamacho Hotel: https://hamachohotel.jp/en/
Step 1: Go to the Official Website
Please access the official Airport Limousine Bus website:
Link to Airport Limousine Bus: https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/
From the top menu, select Bus Search → Select Destination. On this page, you will be asked to choose how to find your destination:
- Search by Keyword (recommended)
- Search by Area
For Hamacho Hotel, please choose Search by Keyword and type “TCAT”.
Step 2: Enter “TCAT”
In the keyword box, type TCAT and press Show Candidates. This will search for Tokyo City Air Terminal, which is the closest bus stop to Hamacho Hotel.
Step 3: Select Your Departure Airport
The system will show a list of possible departure terminals, including:
- Haneda Airport Terminal 1, 2, 3
- Narita Airport Terminal 1, 2, 3
✦ For International Flights:
- If you are arriving at Haneda Airport, international flights use Terminal 3.
- If you are arriving at Narita Airport, international flights usually arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Please confirm your flight information in advance, as the terminal may differ depending on the airline.
This step is very important — selecting the correct terminal ensures you see the correct bus schedule for TCAT.
Step 4: Confirm Schedule and Purchase Ticket
After confirming your departure and destination (Airport → TCAT), the system will display available buses, times, and fares. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes, so even if your flight arrival is slightly early, you can change the time of bus without waiting for a long.
Follow the instructions to purchase your ticket online. Most international credit cards are accepted.
Important: Reservation Changes
If your flight schedule changes, don’t worry. You can change your online reservation up to 5 minutes before departure.
However, please note: if you miss your reserved bus because of a delay or late arrival, you will need to make a new reservation and purchase a new ticket.
Step 5: From TCAT to Hamacho Hotel
Once you arrive at Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT), Hamacho Hotel is only a short walk (a few minutes) away. Depending on your arrival time, I may be at the hotel to welcome you personally.
Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VK83KzaBn2uFahp16
For the better access to the road, please try to find the "exits" located north part of the TCAT.
Why We Recommend the Limousine Bus
I personally prefer using the Limousine Bus because it takes you directly to the destination without the hassle of dragging your luggage around. Large suitcases can be stored underneath the bus, making the ride much more comfortable. While the subway system in Japan is very reliable, traveling with heavy luggage can be challenging — which is why I recommend the Limousine Bus. Of course, taxis are always available if you would like the added convenience.
In the past, I have stayed at hotels with direct Limousine Bus service from the airport. However, those hotels usually had very limited bus schedules, and even a small change in timing could result in long, stressful waits or the need to find another form of transportation. By contrast, the buses to TCAT depart about every 30 minutes until late at night — another reason I prefer this option.
For the Limousine Bus from The Hotel to the Airport.
For the Final Day of the retreat, you may make a reservation for the Limousine Bus from the Metropolitan Hotel Ikebukuro to the Airport. Since we will be staying at the hotel, there is little concern about missing the bus, so I would appreciate it if you could book the bus according to the flight departure time. Of couse, if you prefer other way to reach to the Airport, you can choose the way you prefer!