The times listed are based on the schedule at the time of visit.
Day 1
Tokyo Haneda 1055 (Japan Airlines JL12) > Dallas-Fort Worth 0830
Dallas-Fort Worth 1335 (American Airlines AA3028) > León-Guanajuato 1500
Accommodation: Hotel Balcon del Cielo
Day 1 Tips
• I made transfer from an international flight to another international flight at Dallas. Unlike other US airports, baggage was automatically transferred to the connecting flight, but I still had to go through US immigration. Hence, I needed to obtain ESTA in advance. The immigration inspection was relatively lenient for US entry as they seem to be aware of the connecting flight information.
• There was a pre-paid taxi counter at Guanajuato Airport. It seems that Uber is not available at this airport.
Days 2–4
• Walk around Guanajuato
• Visit to Valenciana Templo de San Cayetano
• Tequila distillery visit
Restaurants:
• Tacos “El Paisa II”
• Carnitas Patlán
• Casa Valadez Anfitrión & Gourmet
Tips for Days 2-4
• I loved a local tacos place named El Paisa II, especially an English-speaking lady who had a good hospitality. I wished they served a beer though.
• Near Hidalgo Market (Mercado Hidalgo), there was a bakery called Panadería El Centro with an eat-in space serving drinks. I enjoyed sweet pastries and sweet coffee for breakfast many times.
• There is a beautiful cathedral in a nearby town of Valenciana. I tried to take the local bus, waited at the bus stop in front of Hidalgo Market. After waiting for a while, I asked around and found out that the bus departed from a different place, in front of Explanada de la Alhondiga. Seemed there was no bus stop sign but there were people waited the bus under a tree. I ended up passing it by and got lost. Thanks to the help of two Mexicans, I was able to avoid taking a taxi.
Day 5
León-Guanajuato 1045 (AA877) > Dallas-Fort Worth 1415
Dallas-Fort Worth 2140 (JL11) > Tokyo Haneda 0110 ++
Day 5 Tips
• I used Uber to return to the airport. The driver called his wife or girlfriend who spoke English, then she asked me if I had cash. The driver stopped Uber app where was equivalent to the tip, and I paid the Uber-displayed amount in cash. Total amount was reasonable to me, still lower than pre-paid taxi at the airport. I have used many of these apps including in Mexico, yet this was first time doing this.
• There was a flood warning issued in Dallas, JL11 was operated on an irregular schedule. It was my first 3-day flight.