The aircraft used on the Stockholm route is a Boeing 787-8. The aircraft used for the Stockholm route was a Boeing 787-8 with 184 seats in all three classes (32 Business Class, 14 Premium Economy, and 138 Economy Class seats). Departure was from the international area of Haneda Airport Terminal 2. Upon boarding the aircraft, I was greeted by a Japanese CA who welcomed me into the cabin, which had a relaxed atmosphere with a blue base color scheme typical of ANA. The 3-3-3 arrangement of the Economy Class cabin is designed to be spacious and comfortable for long-haul international flights, but this time I chose a bulkhead seat (window seat) in the front row of the cabin with even more legroom. Normal economy class seats have a seat pitch of approximately 34 inches (86 cm), a seat width of approximately 17.2 inches (43.7 cm), and a reclining width of approximately 6 inches (15 cm). Bulkhead seats are those where the wall that borders the pre-Eco seat is right in front of you, and the seat pitch is about +20 cm wider than normal, giving you more leg room and making you feel comfortable without feeling cramped. Some people may be bothered by the oppressive feeling of the wall in front of them, but I personally felt that the lack of a front seat gave me more space for my knees and feet, the wall made me feel a little quieter (I think), people coming and going in the aisle to use the restroom were out of sight, the sudden reclining of the seat in front did not surprise me, and some bulkhead seats could be set up with cots for babies. However, baggage cannot be placed at the foot of the seat and must be placed in the upper storage compartment during takeoff and landing. Personal touch-screen monitors (approximately 9 inches) and dining tables are stored in the armrest area, and all seats are equipped with one USB port (Type-A) and universal AC power. I was able to enjoy a new movie, charge my devices, and, for a fee in Economy, connect to the in-flight Wi-Fi for Internet access. Unlike bulkhead seats, the front row of the cabin at the rear of the aircraft are “emergency exit row seats,” which are popular because they offer “the most legroom and comfort” in economy class. However, emergency exit row seats also have rules, such as baggage must be stored in the upper compartment, emergency evacuation assistance must be provided under the direction of the cabin crew in case of an emergency, and passengers under 15 years of age and small children are not allowed to board.
Things to know before traveling to Sweden Time difference from Japan: 8 hours (Japan is 8 hours ahead of Sweden)
Visa: Japanese nationals do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less for tourism purposes.
*ETIAS, an advance travel authorization system required for travel from Japan to EU countries, will be introduced in 2025 (a definite introduction date has not yet been set, but there will be a transition and grace period).
Currency: Swedish Krona (exchange rate as of February 2025: 1 SEK = approx. 14 yen)
Currency exchange: At the airport or ATM. Credit card payment (Visa/Mastercard/JCB, etc.) is widely used and cash is rarely used. Some stores only accept credit card payments.
Tipping: Not customary. In most cases, service charges are included in restaurants and hotels, and tipping is generally not required.
Water: Like Japan, one of the few countries in the world where tap water is potable and of high quality.
Power supply: 220V/50Hz
Outlet shape: B type or C type
Security: Relatively safe, but beware of pickpockets and looters.
Temperatures and Clothing: Spring and summer (May-August): 15-25°C, light jackets and cardigans are required. Autumn and winter (September to April): -5 to 10°C. Warm clothing, gloves, and hats are essential.
*In summer, there is the midnight sun, when the sun does not set all day long, and in winter, there is the polar night, a period of short daylight hours.
Religious note: Mainly Christian (Lutheran). Dress appropriately when visiting religious facilities such as cathedrals. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a beautiful water city consisting of 14 islands and canals facing the Baltic Sea. Around the central station, there is a large shopping mall, restaurants, and convenience stores (especially many 7-Eleven stores), as well as stores of IKEA and Marimekko, which are well-known among Japanese people. On weekdays, commuting businessmen come and go in this urban town, and everyone is very fashionable. The old town of Gamla Stan, which is also a landmark, is about a 30-minute walk from the central station. The medieval townscape remains, and tourist attractions such as the palace, cathedral, Nobel Museum, and souvenir stores of Scandinavian goods are gathered in a compact area. The scenery of colorful buildings and triangular-roofed churches lining cobblestone alleys was used as the model for “The Witch’s Delivery Service. Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, when the weather is pleasant and it is easy to stroll around on foot and enjoy the harmony of nature and the city. On the other hand, in winter, daylight hours are short, and on snowy days it is dimly lit even after 7:00 a.m., but it is a wonderful feeling to warm your cold body in an authentic Scandinavian sauna, and if you venture further into the suburbs, you can enjoy northern lights viewing, dog sledding, and staying in an ice hotel. The specialties are salmon, salted herring that has been eaten to survive the cold winters, and meatballs with mashed potatoes and cocklebur sauce, which is a major dish in Scandinavia. Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, and wine are also of high quality. The coffee break culture known as “fika” has taken root in the city, and baked goods and sweet breads such as cinnamon rolls are a standard accompaniment. There are cafes all over the city, and you can easily take a break at chain stores such as Espresso House, which are more numerous than Starbucks. The average price of a cup of coffee is about 40 to 50 SEK (about 540 to 675 yen). If you are planning to enjoy a Swedish dinner at a restaurant, it is better to budget around 1,500 SEK (approximately 21,000 yen) for two people.
© Source travel watch
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