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-   -   Late arrival at Itami..Need advice on transfer to Nara (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/late-arrival-at-itami-need-advice-on-transfer-to-nara-1663097/)

CahayaMalaysia Jan 30th, 2019 07:08 AM

Late arrival at Itami..Need advice on transfer to Nara
 
We arrive at 1955 hours in Itami airport and the last airport limousine bus to Nara leaves at 2110 hours, so we might not have enough time to take the airport bus which is the most convenient way, especially if there is a delay in arrival. We have a bit of luggage and hence do not wish to take the train to Osaka and transfer a few stations. Taxis are quite expensive. Can anyone help with other suggestions?

Thank you all for your help


kja Jan 30th, 2019 03:36 PM

Consider sending all but an overnight bag ahead using Japan’s excellent luggage forwarding option. It’s called takuhaibin; here's the info:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html)

tt7 Jan 30th, 2019 07:08 PM

You don't say where you're arriving from? I assume it's a domestic flight (there are 7 flights currently scheduled to arrive at 7.55 pm, all domestic) in which case you presumably don't need to worry about delays at immigration or customs - just off the plane, get your bags, and go. Only impediment is six other flights arriving at the same time...

As the buses are at 8.00, 8.40 and 9.10, you should have a decent chance of making either of the last two and it's certainly an efficient way of getting to Nara -- 60 minutes to Kintetsu Nara Station or 70 minutes to JR Nara Station, compared with the quickest train journey, which appears to be 73 minutes.

As for luggage, I can't help. We usually pack light and (hopefully) only have carry on. If the luggage is too much to handle, then follow kja's advice and send the luggage ahead from wherever you're departing (either the hotel or the airport) for your flight to Itami and just take what you need for overnight.

CahayaMalaysia Jan 30th, 2019 10:44 PM

Thank you, kja and tt7.
We land at Narita, catching a connection to Itami, so won't get our bags in Narita I presume. Only have 1 hour and 45 mins transit in Narita. Wonder whether it is possible to pick up a rented wifi hot spot in the transit area of Narita and return in Kansai airport when we leave. We won't have time in Itami, and it most likely doesn't have such facilities if it is a domestic airport. Do you know whether we can rent one in Nara itself?

Thanks again

tt7 Jan 31st, 2019 12:13 AM



Originally Posted by CahayaMalaysia (Post 16865448)
We land at Narita, catching a connection to Itami, so won't get our bags in Narita I presume.

I would assume otherwise (but I may be wrong). Usually (in most countries, in most situations) you clear immigration and customs (which means collecting your bags) in your first port of entry. At that point, you’re released into the general area and have to go re-check your bags for the onward flight. I assume you’re on the JL flight (or the AA codeshare on that flight), so maybe check with the airline.


Originally Posted by CahayaMalaysia (Post 16865448)
Only have 1 hour and 45 mins transit in Narita. Wonder whether it is possible to pick up a rented wifi hot spot in the transit area of Narita and return in Kansai airport when we leave. We won't have time in Itami, and it most likely doesn't have such facilities if it is a domestic airport. Do you know whether we can rent one in Nara itself?

The airports usually have wifi rental facilities in the terminal but those are normally landside and would be much less likely to be in the transit area. You can rent them online and have them delivered for airport pickup (usually at a convenience store (perhaps Lawson) or post office) or delivered to your hotel etc. so it’s there when you arrive. Obviously airport pickup is preferable if you want to get online asap. Try iVideo. We rented their Softbank 601 unit last time we were in Japan - it worked fine. They provide a return envelope so you just drop it in the mail before you leave. If you don’t already have one, you may also want to rent a power bank from them; the wifi unit will probably last about 8 hours or so if you have it turned on all the time, so will probably start to run out of power in the late afternoon (depending on what time you start in the morning...). The power bank can obviously also be used to charge your phone etc. when you’re out and about.

mrwunrfl Feb 3rd, 2019 07:39 PM

You will go through immigration and customs at Narita Airport, so you will be handling your checked luggage there. After customs you will have to find the spot to have it put on the Itami flight. You have adequate time for this connection.

I suggest that you pack one bag with just what you need for the first night and the next day in Japan. A backpack or small carry-on. I would carry it onto the flights. At Atami Airport, if you miss the Nara bus then you can send the bulk of your luggage on to Nara and just take that small bag on the bus/train option.

CahayaMalaysia Feb 12th, 2019 11:44 PM

Thank you for the good suggestion, mrwunrfl


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