Osaka-Tokyo overland??
 

We will be arriving in Osaka on a cruise ship, and flying out of Narita 2 days later.

Because my husband is handicapped, I prefer to NOT travel by train, and am finding the air from Osaka to NRT very expensive and inconvenient. Cannot fly from KIX to NRT, which would be the best. Is it possible to find a limo?--large taxi?--small bus? for 4 people plus lots of luggage to travel overland from Osaka to NRT? Anyone know of companies that do this?

i have been looking, and so far cannot find any such travel.....regards, and thanks in advance. pat

You could find a taxi company that can do this sort of thing...MK Taxi in Kyoto is one that comes to mind as they speak English...BUT, and this is a big BUT, it will cost you far, far more than airplane tickets. Even a taxi from KIX to Osaka is upwards of 20,000 yen, and it takes under an hour.

You can fly from Osaka Itami airport to Narita. Japan Airlines and ANA both do this route, and there may be another as well. There are not many flights per day.

Thank-you Kim. If we get off a cruise ship in Osaka at say 9 am (Sapphire Princess)--so could be later---how long would it take to get from ship to Itami by Taxi---and about how much would that cost.??There seem to be only 2 flights per day on that particular route.

I guess that I was thinking---air fare is about $200 (US$) each---and there are four of us---and then the taxis from ship to airport. Probably around $1000.00 U.S-total (or more). It suddenly occured to me, that maybe, a minivan with driver could do that trip???and we could see a bit of the countryside....NO????
Pat

The port to the aiport taxi is possible, but no idea the fare. Why don't you contact MK Taxi in Kyoto...if you google, you can find their contact information in English.

thought I would share the response I received from MK Taxi---In poor English, I think that it said 300,000 yen which is at least double what we might consider spending. But thanks Kim for the reference. I had been reading that a trip could be 6 hours at minimun, and up to 8 or 9 hours max.

MK Taxi said---maybe 15 hours?? pat

They need to get the car & driver back to Osaka. I doubt they can easily find a fare who's paying that much money to go from Tokyo and Osaka that exact time and date you get to Tokyo.

That's probably why they say 15 hours. You're basically paying for the roundtrip.

Yes, I think in effecct you'd pay for the roundtrip. The price doesn't surprise me. It's a service that they don't actually want to provide. The trip between Osaka and Tokyo is not pleasant or scenic...crowded expressway all the way, with plenty of traffic jams.

I am a bit discouraged. I thought that an overland trip from Osaka to NRT-could be lovely.---Past Mt Fuji, etc and maybe small villages. I was trying to persuade myself that the cost was not that importanat. Now---MK seemed to say that 15 hours was the one-way trip and NOT their round trip back to Osaka. And of course, 15 hours in heavy traffic is not very romantic.

I am now re-considering---maybe staying longer in the Osaka-Kyoto region??---

and then flying to Tokyo with plenty of time to spare. ??? At one time, we were adventure travelers---and now, we have to consider the handicaps....

Thank-you for all of the help and advice. i will continue to check this site, in case someone else has a great suggestion....-hugs to you---pat

See if the following website has info that you can use. I found it in the Japan by Rail book.

http://www.wakakoma.org/aj

The easy to find link on rail info at that site lists a bunch of limited express and express trains with wheelchair access. Theoretically you could patch together a couple of those but I saw no thru train from Tokyo to Osaka that I could see.

The Narita Express is on that list. My memory is too short but I am pretty sure it listed at least one accessible limited express between Osaka station and Kyoto. And to Shin Osaka. Definitely from Osaka to Kansai Airport.

BUT, there is a page that descirbes accessibility on the shinkansen:
http://www.wakakoma.org/aj/ui/uiall.htm#11
The term used there, midori no madoguchi, refers to the reserved seat ticket window.

The train from Osaka to Kyoto would be about 1000. Kyoto to Tokyo about 13,500. Narita Express from Tokyo to NRT about 3000. Call it 18,000 total. That's about $150. This would take some doing and might take some time, but it can be done. The scenery is interesting and you do get a view of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) and of the coast at a couple of points. Definitely more interesting than flying and it would be more reliable than a car as you would be on one of the best trains in the world, the Nozomi shinkansen bullet train, on one of the best rail systems in the world. Their accessibility is second rate, for sure, but possible for your itin.

Refundable fares from Osaka Itami (ITM) airport to NRT are around $178 with first class $25 more. It would be about $100 more in airfare for four of you plus the transfer to ITM. I suppose that you know the routine when it comes to flying, so that is a benefit vs taking the train which would be new to you.

Taking the train would be more challenging and more rewarding, I think, but would not recommend it for someone who is very frail.

Kyoto is the place to spend your time, I think. It has great treasures of Japan and you can get around by taxi or a rented MK van. OTOH the website listed above has info about accessibility in Tokyo.

Why not the train again? It'd a lot more comfortable, and much faster than riding in a car for that amount of time.

While it's not easy to get on and off the train, I find Japanese people very helpful to travelers. They will try their best to help your husband on and off the train.

Also, if I remember correctly, and if I'm seeing the pictures correctly, Shinkansen stations have very high platform, so you don't need to climb any step (or many steps) to get on the train. It's not like the US or most parts of the world where it's a difficult climb to get on.

There is no step up or down to actually board the train, but you do have to "mind the gap". The wakakoma website says that you can get a station attendant to bring a ramp to get you across to board the train. It would be a bit much asking strangers to carry you across the gap and into the car. Boarding a shinkansen is a busy activity and people get impatient. An attendant, a Japanese speaker, would be a big help but my guess is that they would be difficult to find, but maybe a concierge can call ahead and get it arranged.

The only trick would be in getting to/from the train platforms as they are elevated. Typically they have an up escalator and steps. There are handicapped eleveators at the shinkansen platforms.

Here is a map of Tokyo station:
http://jr-central.co.jp/english.nsf/doc/tokyo

and Kyoto station:
http://jr-central.co.jp/english.nsf/doc/kyoto

My knock on accessibility at JR stations was a bit unfair.

thanks to everyone. Your handicapped info has been very useful. We were adventure travelers, and in another time, would have jumped on and off trains with just a carryon bag. Cannot do that anymore----We will most likely end up flying from Itami to NRT--
The only afternoon flight is on IBEX airlines. Are those planes ok? I see that they are Canadair jets---anyone know how big??? I cannot seem to get info on Ibex web sites for October flights. They do not book this far in advance. This Fodor's web-site and thread has been outstanding. Thank-you everyone!!!!pat

Yes, IBEX uses the CRJ-100/200. Those have pretty tight 2-2 seating, and is the least comfortable RJs out there.

I've used the CRJ Ibex plane between Komatsu and Narita. Bookable via ANA's website. Plane is tight...seats are pretty well jammed in there. We had the front row and it was OK. Other rows have little leg room. You can choose your seats when you book your ticket.

Another issue with the CRJ is whether they use a jetway at ITM or NRT. You should find out, or else it'll be much more trouble getting your husband on the flight than getting on a plane.

I mean more trouble then getting on a train.

I totally didn't think of the boarding situation. In both Komatsu and Tokyo, there was no jetway..we used the stairs in both airports, then a shuttle bus to the terminal. More stairs in Narita and a long walk to the baggage area.

You could travel the day after your ship comes in. I don't understand why you would want to go straight to NRT from the ship. Two nights at a NRT is at least one too many. There is a Hyatt Hotel very close to the Osaka port. And a nice Hilton at Osaka station, not far from Shin Osaka.

ANA uses a 767 from ITM to NRT (on May 26 anyway).

Your other option is to fly from KIX to Tokyo Haneda airport (HND).

There is a 4PM KIX-HND flight on ANA.

I've used HND twice. First was an ANA 747 to Kagoshima (flight was going international after that). Second was JAL on a 737 or similar to Sapporo. Both used jetways, IIRC.

Taking the train might be only as difficult as finding JR staff assistance at Shin Osaka or Kyoto. In theory they would be able to arrange for someone to meet you at Tokyo. The Tokyo staff would know precisely where you would be on the train. You know, they must arrange it this way, to have an attendant on the spot when you arrive.

After re-reading these postings, I am still not sure what is best for us now.
rkkwan says "why not the train again"?

That would have been our preference a few yrs ago--No question!. But the cruise that we will be on starts in vancouver---heads north to Alaska, and then through the Aleutian islands, and stops in Petrovplask, Pusan, Beijing, etc,--and we anticipate some cold weather. All of this means that 34 days on a cruise with multiple climes, will probably be more suitcases than usual. I cannot see myself pushing a transport wheel-chair---and handling 3 or 4 suitcases, getting to the train and on----. When my husband was much less disabled, we traveled by train in Germany---and then from Budapest to croatia---about 2 yrs ago. It was not easy for us then. From the Frankfurt airport to our first stop, we sat on the floor between cars, and he could not get up very easily. Fortunately, many kind people gave assistance. And we traveled with just carryon bags.

On the JAL web-site, i found the plane from ITM to NRT at 8:30 am. When I try to book it, I cannot---at least not on travelocity, side-step, etc. The JAL site, says that they do not accept reservations until 2 months prior to fly date. ???? is that true???

many of you say "Why not stay in Kyoto"

Wellll---I would love to---but transferring bags, etc---from ship to hotel to taxis, trains, etc----might be an unplesant ending to a fabulous cruise.

I will stew over all of this info and thank you all very much for your suggestions.----No question, flying to the US from Osaka would have been the easiest. BUT---Frequent flier tickets in Delta business class seemed to make it worthwhile to fly from Narita, and even stay there and wander the temples in that area. regards, pat

Pat
Do you know about the luggage transporting services that are very common in Japan?? Maybe you can have most of your luggage transported directly to NRT? Sorry I am not more familiar with this - hopefully someone else will chime in.....

The baggage delivery service is the way to go. I was staying at the Westin in Kyoto and was able to send a good sized bag from there to Nagoya airport for around $30. When I got to Nagoaya airport several days later they located my bag and brought it out, wrapped in platic, in just a couple of minutes. The counter where I picked up the bag was maybe 50 feet from the airline checkin counter. It is similar at Narita airport, but on a larger scale.

The baggage delivery service is safe, reliable, and a real bargain.

We need to find you a place near the port (near Osaka-ko subway station, I think) where you can ship from. Maybe you could get a taxi to Osaka station and ship from there. You could find out what it would cost to be picked up by an MK taxi van and taken to Kyoto. The staff at your Kyoto hotel can then handle the baggage shipment.

Your hotel can call ahead to JR Kyoto station to arrange for an attendant to assist with navigating the station and boarding the train. Kyoto station is very modern and it is a hugely important station so I think that you will get the best that JR has to offer.

Maybe a Goodwill Guide can help.

One thing for certain: you won't be sitting on the floor on a train in Japan.

I should have said that you "wouldn't" be sitting on the floor, since it is far from certain that you would be on a train.

That's puzzling about not being able to book the flight yet.

Your suggestions for Baggage delivery sound very appealing. If WE could send our bags from the Cruise port to Narita, our options would then be many!.

Anyone know if that is available? I have looked a little bit with Google, but nothing specific to cruise port came up.---will look again.---

You all are a wealth of information.
thanx again--pat

drzx2: Another person on here w/screen name of "cwn" did this "cruise to Osaka port and need to get luggage service to send luggage somewhere" deal that you need info on. I will find her posting and sedn it to the top for hyou. By the time you chekc back here, if you don't see a post titled, "Takkyubin service near Osaka Crusie Port?" towards the top of the posts for today, then put "cwn" in the search box above and her posts will come up and you'll see it. according to her there is no luggage delivery service avaiable at the Osaka crusie port area, but she took a taxi to Osaka train Station from the crisue port and was able to send her luggage from Osaka station to whereever she was going in Japan.
Good luck w/this- it is doable for you I think.

Oh dear- I screwed up. I just reread cwn's post and she just says there is no luggage delivery service at the cruise port. But there is good info and advice in that post about how you mikght be abel to find luggage delivery once you get to the port....I hope it is helpful.

Thank you, emd.....that was the discussion I was remembering when I posted last night :)

Based on my observations while living here, the Japanese train stations are very handicapped-friendly. I have seen many occasions where an escalator that normally goes up was reversed so that a person in a wheelchair - with 1-3 JR-uniformed assistants handling everything - was using it to go down. And this on a normal subway during the morning commute! If you can manage the luggage situation, there is no reason that you & your husband shouldn't be able to take the train if you'd like.

Seriously, I have traveled by myself with 5 suitcases from Narita to my apartment & between taxi drivers lifting suitcases for me & carts being available, have never had a problem.

Look into whether JR will accomodate you - I'll bet that they will. Taxis are the same - they will take your bags & drop them off with you at your hotel. You can get handicapped-enabled taxis (minivans with a motorized ramp). For taxis in Tokyo, I can give you a phone number where they speak English.

Remember, you will be viewed as a guest in this country, and as such, they will be happy to assist you in everyway that they can.

Thanks for words of encouragement. I am now seriously thinking of "getting rid" of our baggage in Osaka and using the train. next question---If I take an express type train from either Kyoto or Osaka to Tokyo, is the transfer to a Narita train in the same general area??

We are thinking of sending our bags directly to Narita---not to our hotel. Although, I guess the hotel might be "safer"?? not sure. We will probably stay at the Holiday Inn near Narita.

As a couple who have traveled many third world countries without difficulty, we are finding the high tech travel in Japan a bit daunting...

drzx2 - I don't see why you need to be so stressed about this. Japan is a very modern country, and their citizens are extremely courteous to visitors. They'd often go far beyond what you'll expect them to do for you.

Yes, it's a crowded place and some of the infrastructure does not accomodate people in wheelchair very well because of space constraints, and English fluency is suspect, but they'll take care of you there.

Just allow plenty of extra time, like going to the train stations. You shouldn't have trouble getting help.

Ship your luggage except for what you need for the two days to the airport. It will be waiting for you at the baggage counter just next to the check in counters. Nothing could be simpler. Go to the airport, pick up bags, walk them over to the check in counter and then check them.

You will be able to get help in the stations. The best way I would think would be to get to the ticket gate and not use the automatic one, but go to the manned gate and ask for help there. "Help" is understood by everyone, and when they see you with your husband in a wheelchair they will assist you. I wouldn't worry about that.

For a hotel at Narita, we've stayed at the Narita Hilton and it was very good for an inexpensive airport hotel. Rates vary between 10,000 and 30,000 yen per night, but mostly on the low end of those. You can pay the single person rate for a room for 2 if you join Hilton Honors (or are already a member)...reserve a room for one person and in the comments field enter spouse stays free. If you are Hilton Honors Gold or Platinum, you will get breakfast coupons...if not, choose a rate that includes breakfast or you will need to pay something like 2000 yen per person for it. Usually the breakfast incl. rates are better than buying breakfast.

To perhaps arrange to have your bags shipped from the port or nearby, perhaps contacting Kuroneko Yamato or Nittsu shipping companies directly and asking for their advice on how you could arrange a pickup nearby and explaining that the cruise office does not hold bags for pickup...I believe both of the these companies have US offices...I know Kuroneko does.

Yes, the transfer to the Narita Express train is in the same general area. To get to Tokyo you will take the shinkansen, the bullet train for about 2 hours 23 minutes at avg speed of around 145 miles an hour. The whole trip from Kyoto to Narita Airport would take 4 hours (or as short as 3 and a half hours, maybe as long as 4 and a half).

It is just as safe to send the bags to the airport. Much simpler than a hotel actually since they won't have to look up the address!

KimJapan is right about finding the attendants. There is always one or two JR staff at the little office/window next to the ticket turnstiles. Immediately in front of that window is a gate that you/JR staff would swing open to get access to and from the tracks.

I was thinking of this thread today as took a Hikari shinansen to Kyoto. The car was probably 3 or 4 inches from the platform. The floor of the car was 3 or 4 inches higher than the platform. Rolling a wheelchair on/off would not be easy without a ramp (it would be dangerous, actually).

I did see a guy board a train in a wheelchair. I think it was the Marunouchi Line or JR Chuo in Tokyo. There were at least two attendants. They whipped out a ramp took good care of the guy.

On the Hida LEx from Takayam to Nagoya I noticed that there were h/c seats at the front of the car on both sides. The arm of the seat could be raised so that you could scootch onto it. There was also a chain/rope that I suppose was for securing a wheelchair.

On the shinkansen tonight, the Hikari train I was on was stopped for several minutes at Maibara. During this time three shinkansen trains went by the right side of our train, headed in the other direction. Each time the first car of the other train reached our car, our car would rock to the left. The other train passed by with a whoosh for every car (say "whoosh" 16 times as fast as you can and that is about how long it takes, probably shorter). When the last car passed, our car rocked back to the right.

thank-you mrwunrfl---you have been most helpful..After much thought, we have decided to skip Kyoto on this trip, and go from the cruise ship to Itami. --hopefully with MK taxi as suggested by Kim.. The pictures of me pushing a wheelchair, pulling at least one suitcase,---if we could send ahead the others---etc---was tiring. I will plan a future trip to Kyoto with NO other encumberments. After a 6 week cruise, we will not be traveling lightly, and trains can be---hectic. The wheelchair is a transport chair, which means---I PUSH---BUT, this web-site has been fantastic with advice, and others from the ship, have also used your suggestions.

Lastly---I have spoken with JAL---and they confirmed that we cannot book our reservations now from ITM to NRT. Must wait....??? 2 months in advance only.. In the US, Southwest and Jetblue do not allow reservations any sooner than 4 months before flight day.

Thanks again you alllll---pat

Hi there!
Could anyone please give us similar expert advice on planning this our first trip to Japan:
Two of us plan to disembark a cruise ship in Osaka on Oct 14th then travel by train same morning to Kyoto, tour Kyoto and stay overnight in Kyoto then continue our journey the next morning to Tokyo with the JR Shinkansen Tokaido Nozomi train, arrive around midday, tour Tokyo, stay overnight there and use the Narita Express Train (NEX) to get to Narita for a 10.15 am flight home the following day.
Yes - it's a whirlwind, but it's the only time we have unfortunately. My questions:
1. Is there a ticket special offer which covers our total route Osaka - Narita. Kyoto to Narita trains total Yen16'500 per person..?
2. Can I buy a suitable train ticket from somewhere here in Switzerland in advance? It seems a bit confusing from my online research and we need to hit the ground running and not have to worry about ticket purchases when we are there.. We haven't booked through a travel agent as we are using Airline mileage and a cruise line direct booking to travel..
3. Any recommendations for a Tokyo hotel convenient for the Train station? We're looking at the Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi for Yen 58'000 which is hugelz expensive but just one night and very convenient (they'll meet and greet at train station)? (We have reserved the Nagomiyado TOWA ryokan in Kyoto).
4. Any must see activities for the places that we are going to? Or any comments to our itinerary?
Cheers very much ;-))
Alex

Alexc:
1) No. There might be a way to save a couple of hundred yen if you got a fare ticket from Osaka to Narita Airport because that trip is over 600 km (but even that might be restricted to one stopover and you would have two Kyoto and Tokyo).

2. No. Buying a train ticket when you get there is no big deal.

JTB does offer some packages with a one-way Nozomi shinkansen ticket and a night in a hotel that might be worthwhile.

3. You could use an airport limo bus to go directly from Tokyo hotels to Narita Airport. There are a couple of nice hotels near Tokyo station, so you could walk to the station and take the N'Ex.

Let me refine my answer to #1:

1. No.

Thanks mrwunrfl !
sound advice. Any ideas where I can get more info on the hotels around Tokyo Station?
Also we'd like to try the excellent Kobi beef - has anybody restaurant recommendations for Tokyo (or Kyoto) or should I just ask the concierge when we arrive?
Thanks again
Alex