Oh, for too long. I've been to Japan via vacations with parents during childhood. It's only recently that I could come here without a tour guide dictating my itinerary. I'm booked for the remainder of this year, however I do plan on coming here next...
Blister-sealed plastic packaging is evil. They're the hardest things to cut open, leave nasty skin cuts if not careful, and is not friendly to trash out of.
3.5 hours seems kind of odd. I've been to Tokyo in 2007 and 2008, both taking a ride on N'EX, and none of the trips took more than 90-100 minutes during rush hour traffic. Planes originating from Toronto/Vancouver usually depart/arrive in the late af...