genoise

We'll be arriving at Narita on April 9th at 4:15 p.m and going to the Sunroute Asakusa Hotel. Although we are buying a 2 week JR train pass, we have to use it on Monday April 23 to go from Kyoto back to Narita. So, we can't start using the pass on the day we arrive--not until Tuesday, April 10 (it's 14 days, right?). So I am assuming our easiest and most cost-effective option is to take the Airport Limousine bus which appears to stop at the Asakusa View hotel, apparently only a 10 minute walk from our hotel. Would you agree? I have studied the bus website, but can't seem to find a timetable. Does anyone know how often these buses run? It also seems that their Limo/Metro Pass for 6000 yen (round-trip limo and 2 days of Metro) is a good deal. Has anyone done this? Thanks all for your help. And if anyone has suggestion for restaurants in the area of our hotel, please let me know.

quanmama

Hi Genoise--we have traveled to Japan quite a few times with our now 9 yo son, and we always like to travel using the JR and Metro system better. First of all, how much luggage are you planning to have? If you pack light and have an easy to roll suitcase or a backpack, it should not quite easy to take the Keisei Skyliner to get from Narita airport to Keisei Ueno station. Then walk over to the Ueno station and take the Ginza Line to the Tawaramachi station (3 minutes ride) which is only one minute walk from your hotel. If you do this, you will avoid the heavy traffic at that time of the day. However bear in mind that while you could avoid the heavy traffic, the subway trains will be crowded with people commuting. The Limousine bus is a good way to get to town also especially if you have heavy luggage. Here is the Limousine schedule to Asakusa View hotel. http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/pla...es/index/2/244. Noted there is only one bus leaving at 17:25pm from Narita terminal 2 to Asakusa View Hotel so if you miss this, you will have to either take the route I suggested above, or JR Narita Express train to Tokyo station and transfer using local JR and metro trains. Try using www.Hyperdia.com/en to look up possible ways to get to Tawaramachi or Asakusa station. I have not used the Limo/Metro Pass myself so I cannot comment on that. We always like to stay at Shinjuku or Ikebukuro area since many of the hotels in those areas have Limousine buses running more often as an option, plus they are very easy to get to using the JR or Metro System. Let me know if you have any further questions.

quanmama

P.S. Yes--do not start your JR pass until 4/10 if you need to use it on 4/23, otherwise you will be screwed!

quanmama

Clarification to above: I meant" it should be quite easy to take the Keisei Skyliner to get from Narita airport to Keisei Ueno station". Sorry for the error.

genoise

Hi quanmama,
Thank you so much for this information. It helps a lot. If we take the Keisei Skyliner to Keisei Ueno station, how easy or difficult will it be to find the the Ueno station with the Ginza line?

hawaiiantraveler

The JR Ueno Station with the Ginza line is connected to the Keisei Ueno station through an underground passageway. About a five minute walk. Cherry blossoms will be in full bloom that day and Ueno Park is right above the Keisei Ueno station.....just a thought. If you miss the limo bus the Keisei Express is the way to go in your situation. Have you seen this site yet?

http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/

Aloha!

genoise

Thank you,hawaiiantraveler. It sounds pretty easy. Since our plane isn't due in until 4:15, I think it's a better idea to take the Skyliner. I am a bit confused about pricing. The website you sent says fare=1200yen and Liner fare=1200yen. Are there 2 fares? Is it 1200 or 2400 one way? Also, is this a train I can use my rail pass on when we go back to Narita from Kyoto?

quanmama

It is 2400 yen one way, 1200yen is the "fare" and the other 1200yen is so called "seat fee". You cannot use your JR pass on this since this is not a JR company. On your last day back from Kyoto to Narita airport, you should be taking the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo or Shinagawa station, then transfer onto the Narita Express train. I personally like Shinagawa station better since it is smaller, usually less crowded and easier to navigate. There is no need to pay extra to get on the Skyliner on your last day. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get from Kyoto and allow yourself enough time to transfer onto the Narits Express.

DonTopaz

Agree with taking the Skyliner, and you can also get a good deal with a combo Skyliner ticket + Metro pass:
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetud...iner_metro.pdf

genoise

Thank you all. So helpful.

quanmama

You are welcome. Have a great trip!