Narita Express Question
 

Hi: I'll be arriving in Tokyo in a few days and am consiering options to get to the city. What are the procedures for getting on the Narita Express? Is it easy to find the terminal and do you need to get a ticket in advance? My hotel is in Shinjuku. The alternative is the bus from the airport that drops off at the hotels.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you/Arigato.

It's extremely easy: the signs to the Narita Express ticket office are clearly marked. You can buy your ticket either from one of the machines, or at the ticket office. You must buy your ticket before you board the train.

I believe that not all Narita Express trains go all the way to Shinjuku. You'll find information and schedules at http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/

Note that you can purchase a discounted Narita Express ticket if you present your passport at some specified JR counters at the Narita Airport. To enjoy your discount, you will have to purchase a combo ticket that also comes with the Suica card, which is a smartcard (like the Metrocard in NY and the Oyster in London) for use in trains and some stores in Tokyo.

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html

Japanese trains are generally very punctual. Thus, for example, if the train is scheduled to leave at 10:05, it really means that the train door literally closes at 10:05 sharp. Thus, it's better to know the schedule ahead of time and then be sure that you are at the correct platform several minutes ahead of the departure time.

Shinjuku station is the busiest train station in the world and averages over 3 million passengers a day. On my first day in Japan I took the N'Ex to Shinjuku station and I think all 3 million of that days pax were there at that time.

Once you get to the station you will need to find your way to the hotel. Note that the area maps displayed in the station might not be north-up - which can be bewildering.

If the bus goes to your hotel, I suggest you take it. Get on the bus at the airport, get off at the hotel.

I'll add that I took the bus from the Tokyo Hilton back to the airport. It provided an amazing perspective of the metro area that I didn't get on the trains and subways.

Thanks to all for the information. The Narita Express sounds easy to use but Shinjuku station sounds confusing and I'm prone to get lost. Anyway, all this information will help me decide.

Happy travels.