"Early" check out this morning from the Comfort Hotel Hakata after breakfast. As our flight doesn't leave until tonight we have some time to look for a last few minute items.

Different from our previous visits to Japan is how check-in, check-out and even storing our luggage is now independent of staff. We basically did not interact personally with anyone at the front desk. A little sad really. Only staff interaction was with the breakfast staff each morning here.

This hotel now has lockers & locking security cords for suitcases. They are complimentary. Guests can self administer the holding of their luggage at no charge.

This hotel is in a fabulous location, so totally recommended! We are 2 train stops from the airport and literally right across from Hakata Station, the main train station for this area - the Fukuoka subway and JR trains go through here as well as the Bullet Train. Next door is the bus terminal. Any and most all shopping an restaurants are right here. Really! Discount & high end. It was very easy to use up the time before we had to head to the airport. Since today's airline doesn't open check-in until 75-90 minutes before the scheduled departure we had lots of time.  Something we discovered, that we never noticed the last trip to Fukuoka, was the the station has a rooftop garden.  In this garden there is a train for the kids, a small Temple, called the Rooftop Temple, gardens, a small convenience/souvenir shop, as well as tables, sculptured shrubs and benches for sitting.

Around the station, as well as on many streets and in all areas of Japan, it seems, are maps placed all over the place.  This is very convenient for getting around.  As well the Vending Machine is also everywhere.

We stopped a couple of times just to sit down & have a drink. It was very hot in the malls today. First stop was for a Coke & fries at a very busy McDonald's. Another couple of hours and Greg decided he needed a beer. We stopped at Yebisu Bar in the Sun Plaza - another mall next door to the hotel - it connects underground to the Hakata Station. We each had a drink and shared a very thin 1/2 & 1/2 cheese pizza (different cheeses on each half) personal size at home.  $25 for 2 drinks & pizza. Station prices!

We went back to the hotel to shuffle our purchases into our luggage. It was a little early yet but we decided to pick up our luggage and head to the airport. Back to the train station across the street. $2.60 to go 2 stops to Fukuoka Airport. We arrived to find we were an hour early to check in for our flight. 

Not only were we sad to be leaving Fukuoka and Haruna & her family so soon, but last time we departed from this airport Mizue, Haruna's mom, came down to surprise us as we were leaving. We very much miss her.

After going through security, we waited at Gate 1 to board our plane to depart. About 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time they made an announcement that departure was now put out of gate 12 - of course at the other end of the terminal. The whole crowd of us picked up and made the trek to the new gate. Once there we were told our flight would be an hour late departing as it was late arriving. :-(

It was a different kind of boarding for this flight... Window seats for rows 16 + up, then middle & aisle seats for rows 16 + up, then window seats for rows 1-15 then finally us. I don't know if it's any faster, but interesting concept.

Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, we picked up our luggage and headed for the train station. This time 2 stops ($2.60) to get to Narita City and our hotel for the night. Of course we just missed the train & this time of night it would be 30 minutes for the next train. So very thankful the hotel is close to Narita Airport!

We picked up the suitcase we left on Thursday at the front desk when we checked into the Welco Inn for the night. A bite to eat, a little luggage logistics and some rest for tomorrow, our last day in Japan. Time went by too quickly. We are already not looking forward to the weather at home - cold temperatures coming according to the Weather Network app. :-(