russ_in_LA

Hello Japan Travel Pros!

Japan trip number 2 is only 3 months away, so I am now beginning to think about logistical questions. Last time we flew in to Haneda, so it was a breeze to just taxi into Tokyo. This time we are flying into and out of Narita, so I have a few questions with which I am hoping you experts can help:

1) I have back and shoulder problems, so I need to avoid having to carry luggage up and down stairs. The Narita Express train from Narita to Tokyo station seems like it would be the fastest and least expensive option (we will have a JR pass), but this is not an option for me unless there are elevators or escalators from the train platform to the Yaesu North exit (from which it is a 3 minute walk to the Hotel Ryumeikan, where we are staying). Can anyone tell me, with a high level of certainty, if I can get from train platform to street via elevator or escalator, without having to climb any stairs?

2) If the train is not possible, then my next logical option is the airport limousine bus, which stops at the Hotel Shangri-la (also about a 3 minute walk from my hotel). Will I need to carry luggage onto the bus myself or will the driver load and unload for the passengers? If not, then I will have to bite the bullet and spring for a taxi.

3) On the return my plan is to send the luggage via Takkybin service to Narita from Kanazawa, and then spend our last 2 nights in Matsumoto with an overnight bag. We will then train to Narita through Tokyo. Has anyone had any experience with shipping luggage to the airport to pick up the day of your departure? If so, is there a minimum time before the flight which I should allow before picking it up? I plan to be at Narita by 3pm for a 5pm flight.

Arigato gozaimasu!

kja

I envy you a 2nd trip to Japan! I know you'll have a wonderful time.

#1 -- I'm pretty sure that there is escalator access, but I hope others chime in. Here's a station map:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/img/map_e/e1039.pdf
And the listing of stations on a web-site designed to provide access for those in wheelchairs suggests that there is an elevator, too:
http://www.japan-accessible.com/transport/jr/kanto.htm
BUT I'm no expert! If you don't get a better answer here, I suggest you post on japan-guide or consult your hotel.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

DonTopaz

russ_in_la, there are escalators all the way from the NEx platform to the Yaesu exit. However, Tokyo Station is enormous, and there's more than 1 route from the train platform to the exit. Keep your eyes peeled for the icons that show escalator access.

If you do take the airport limo bus, your luggage will be stored in the bus's undercarriage, and you won't have to do any lifting at all.

Arriving at Narita at 3pm and having to pick up your bags sounds fine to me.

You mention that you'll be in Kanazawa -- did you know that a new shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kanazawa will begin service on March 14? (I don't know your itinerary so have no idea if this is useful to you.) I don't believe that the info is yet available on hyperdia, but here's a news article with some info: http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_...AJ201412200037

mrwunrfl

4) How far in advance do you need to send a bag from Kanazawa to NRT so that is there when you depart?

russ_in_LA

Thank you kja! The station map was helpful, and I have also found some videos on YouTube which have made me feel like the train is a viable option.

Don, I did see that info about the new shinkansen and you are correct, no info on Hyperdia yet; but I am excited about the prospect of cutting our time down from Kanazawa to Nagano, which is currently showing as 3.5hrs, but which will likely be cut in half.

mrwunrfl, that is an excellent question I meant to ask. According to the website for one of the Ta-Q-Bin delivery services, I need to ship two days prior to my flight; so if I ship April 12 in the morning for an April 14 evening departure, I think I should be covered, but I've emailed them to ask, just in case.

Thanks again everyone for your help!

Russ

kja

BTW, I seem to remember something about standing to the LEFT on escalators in Japan, not to the right, as in the U.S. I could be wrong, so keep your eyes open and do as the "natives" do!

Mara

I used takuhaibin to transport my larger suitcase from Tokyo to NRT - because it was a weekend I brought it to a Yamato Depot which was close to where I was staying on a Saturday - my flight was on Tuesday. It was very quick to pick it up and bring it to the check-in area.....

russ_in_LA

Hi Mara,

I'm just getting around to reading your reply and wanted to thank you for the info. Leaving 5 weeks from today, so starting to think about logistics again.

Thanks everyone!

hnl

I too sent my luggage ahead to the Airport with no problem. I highly recommend it.

eigasuki

If you can haul your luggage from th Shangri-La to your hotel, I'd definitely go with the limousine bus, Attendants will place your luggage on the bus for you and you just sit back and relax.
It's just outside as you come out of customs and I find it easier than the train and I think about the same price. It just depends how close it gets to your own hotel.

russ_in_LA

Thanks for the info. I've decided I'm just going to take whichever is the next available mode of transport. Our flight arrives at 16:25, and there is a bus at 17:15. If we miss that the next one is not until 19:05; however, there are 3 train departures in the meantime. Our hotel is right across both the Shangri-La and Tokyo station, so both options seem about equal in convenience, aside from the timing.