Things To Do In Tokyo For the Jet Lagged

Above, early morning at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those arriving in Tokyo, Japan after a long flight and suffering from jet lag, Live Japan has some suggestions on what to do during their "first day" in the city.

Thankfully, Tokyo has plenty to see and do no matter what time one arrives.

They begin with:

Fatigue from the long flight, jet lag, and adjusting your internal clock when visiting Japan can be daunting. Plus when your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning - before public transport starts up or business facilities open - some may feel like they are wasting their time. 

But don’t worry! Tokyo has plenty of spots where you can have fun from late at night to early morning. Take advantage of your jet lag and experience things that can only be done late at night or early in the morning!

To read more, go here. 

T + L: The Truth Behind Common Jet Lag Myths

Above, sleeping on the plane does not help with jet lag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jet lag. Most everyone who has taken a long-distance flight that spans over many hours has experienced it.

For me, the last three trips to Japan went smoothly as I worked nights in Los Angeles, so my internal clock was already "set" for Japan time. Japan is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles time (Pacific Standard Time). It takes roughly 11 hours to fly to Tokyo from Los Angeles and 9 hours for the return trip back to Los Angeles.

When I did have jet lag, it usually came after I returned home.

But, for those who want to minimize jet lag on their next overseas trip, Travel + Leisure has an article on several jet leg myths and what the truth is.

They begin with:

Like death and taxes and coffee spills on white pants, jet lag is seemingly inevitable. 

“Everyone has an internal biological clock,” said Dr. Carl Bazil, a sleep specialist and professor of neurology at Columbia University. “When you travel time zones, your clock stays where you were.” 

That disconnect between your biological clock and the clock on the wall results in jet lag and unfortunately, jet lag happens all the time when you travel. 

Most people assume their first few days of vacation will be spent wandering zombie-like through museums and falling asleep in their complimentary breakfast buffets. The truth is that there are ways to help fight jet lag before you leave, in the air, and on the ground. 

It just takes a little research to sort out the jet lag fact from the jet lag fiction. 

Here are some common jet lag myths—and the truth behind them.

To read more, go here. 

Using Math To Counter Jet Lag

Above, a Korean Air Boeing 777 at LAX. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Today posted an article about researchers using math to counter jet lag.

Funny thing about jet lag. I never have felt any effects of it when going to Japan, but only when I returned home to California did it hit me (particularly after the 2004 trip to Japan).

On my most recent trip to Japan, I felt no jet lag, either going to or coming from Japan. It probably had much to do with the fact that I work nights and my inner clock was already accustomed to the hours. While I am at work at night, it it daytime in Japan. So it all evened out for me.

According to the article:

WASHINGTON —Lots of apps claim they can help you fight jet lag. Now researchers say mathematical formulas suggest it’s possible to adjust to new time zones a bit faster than previously thought, and they created their own free app to help. 

Doctors have long said exposure to light is key. But how much, and when?

“If you get light in the wrong time or wrong way, it’ll send you the wrong direction,” said University of Michigan math professor Daniel Forger, who led the research published Thursday.

To read more, go here.