Because we were bringing our chihuahua, Selah, I ensured that all her rabies vaccinations and FAVN test were completed way ahead of schedule--even before we received hard orders. Unbeknownst to me, this was the easiest part. For military wives PCSing, it is very important to know that codeshare flights do not share the same pet policy as the carrier they are booked under. This meant that an All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight would not allow Selah to fly in-cabin, so I had to change my reservation several times to ensure that the longest flight (Dulles to Narita) was handled by United Airlines, which allows in-cabin pets. The connecting domestic flight from Narita to Fukuoka is only available through JAL or ANA both of which do not allow in-cabin pets. The layover between my international flight and domestic flight was only about 1.5 hours, which is not enough time. Because of this, I decided to stay the night at the Narita Gateway Hotel, which allows pets. However, making a reservation through the English website was not possible and was only available through the Japanese website. My Dad, thankfully, was able to book it through the Japanese website and as chance would have it, would be in Japan when I arrived so he met me at the airport and helped me get to the hotel.
If I could do it all over again, I would not have stayed overnight. I would've continued on to the domestic flight if at all possible. The Animal Quarantine were expecting me and moved relatively quickly, although the process took about 30-45 minutes. They check all the paperwork, scan the animal for the microchip, and provide a certificate. The immigration line took about 10 minutes and the walk from the international terminal to immigration took about 5 minutes. The customs line took about 10 minutes to go through where they will check anything that you declared on the customs form. It is much easier for military members and dependents to go through this process as opposed to tourists (based on experience).
The stay at the Narita Gateway Hotel was not great, but it served its purpose. The hotel manager basically told me to leave as my dog was crying and he told me no pets allowed. Fortunately, I told him I had a reservation and he disappeared into the back while my Dad checked me in. The room was basic and we ate at the Italian restaurant as opposed to the buffet, which was less expensive. If I did not have my Dad with me I am sure I would've ended up crying at the front desk due to stress. We took the hotel bus back to Narita in the morning and met a lovely traveling woman from Singapore and Australia. My dog was allowed to ride on the bus in her hard carrier, which I had packed separately for the domestic flight. ANA does provide carriers to rent for the trip, but I felt more comfortable with my dog having her own so it didn't smell like fear and trauma from other animals. I had three suitcases, a large carry-on bag, and my dog's soft-side wheeled carrier.
By the time we got to the airport, Selah was crying as she was carted away to cargo. The domestic flight was uneventful, but you are not allowed to use bluetooth headphones on the plane. They asked me to put them away and use the airline-provided ones. Upon arrival at Fukuoka, there are carts and they brought Selah out from the tarmac. I saw her and just walked over and got her. The terminal was VERY busy and Desmond got lost picking me up. I waited 4 hours at the airport at the seating area. It was awful. Our way back to Sasebo took about 3 hours as to avoid tolls, which cost about $100 one way. Another lesson learned--JUST PAY THE TOLLS. Toll roads it's about a 2 hour drive.
By the time we got back to Hario Village, I was exhausted and sick. It took me about a week to finally feel better and adjust to the time. Each day I woke up an hour later until I adjusted to a normal sleep/wake schedule. Hario Village is beautiful! Desmond was able to secure our housing before we arrived so we didn't have to get a pet-friendly room at the Navy Lodge, which has a waitlist. We are living in a 2-bedroom garden apartment that is conveniently located across the street from the NEX, movie theatre and post office, and two blocks from the commissary.
Was all the stress worth it? Yes, it was! But it was a learning experience and will know what to expect next time. I couldn't find any pictures of Hario Village before we moved here, so I didn't know much about our living accommodations. I was so pleasantly surprised! Desmond was also able to get the temporary furniture, but did not get any dishes. So he bought some basic cooking items and I was able to find microwable plates and bowls, as well as a thermos cup for my coffee. The NEX is pretty reasonable and convenient, above all else.
We are so excited for the next 36 months in Japan! Many adventures to come.
