I would appreciate your feedback. We have a 9 hour stopover in NRT later this year. Having never been anywhere near Tokyo before I'd really fancy going downtown. I do realise that Tokyo is an enormous city and not easily accessible from NRT.

Do you think this is do-able and do you have any suggestions as to what we could see? @:-)

Thanks in advance.

Well, it is possible, but ...

You should figure at least an hour to clear Customs and Immigration, another 1/2 hour obtaining money and tickets, arranging to store bags and finding the train platform, an hour and a half to Tokyo Station, an hour and half back and at least 2 hours to clear back through to your gate. Add another half hour for contingencies and you would only have about 2 hours in the city. I wouldn't waste the time. There are other options to experience Japan.

The city of Narita is only a few minutes by local train and has a wonderful temple, nice shopping/browsing street, several enjoyable restaurants and plenty of local flavor for a first-time visitor. For this kind of timeframe, the "Narita Layover" page is your friend:

http://www.mgnewman.com/narita/index.html

If you decide you must try to get into Tokyo, consider traveling by Keisei Skyliner (deluxe train) to Ueno. The Keisei Ueno station is right at the entrance to Ueno Park, with its museums, art galleries, historical monuments and small shrines. Just a half-block away is Shinobazu Pond with its Temple of Benten and the (careful with the spelling) Sh!tamachi Museum. Across the street, Ameyoko arcade is a teeming, outdoor shopping experience that isn't too threatening. Just keep a hand on your wallet. The Skyliner/Ueno option probably shaves almost an hour off the total "gate-to-gate" time, making a trip into town just feasible. Info link:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3019.html

JR

Having never been anywhere near Tokyo before I'd really fancy going downtown. I do realise that Tokyo is an enormous city and not easily accessible from NRT.

Do you think this is do-able and do you have any suggestions as to what we could see? @:-)

Thanks in advance.

Everyone has hugely different expectations of Japan. Is it just Tokyo you haven't been to before or Japan in general?

What I mean is, if you're already familiar with the country and are hankering after a 'quintessential' urban experience (neon in Ginza, Skyscrapers in Shinjuku, fashion shops in Shibuya) then Narita isn't going to offer this for you.

However, if you just want to dip your toes in the country, then I agree with abmj-jr - it's not worth going into the city (especially as all the 'modern metropolis' wonders are located on the opposite side of the city to Ueno). The webpage abmj-jr listed is a really good resource. And I'd strongly suggest you end your tour with a relaxing visit to the local Sento (public bath) which is just about as 'Japanese' an experience you could have.

I've pasted another contribution to this forum that might also help you:

The Japan National Tourist Organization has recently added info on its front page about organized sightseeing available for layover pax at NRT, KIX and NGO. Go to www.jnto.go.jp and from the front page, select either 'time for transit, time for a tour' or the button on the left hand sidebar.

The NRT tours seem to stick relatively close to the airport, so if you really want to get into Tokyo itself, they may not be of interest.

Take the Narita Shuttle Bus do it yourself Tour only 300 Yen $2.50 with on and off privileges.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/transit/narita.html

I've pasted another contribution to this forum that might also help you:

I think the layover tours were only offered through February 20.

JR

I think ambj broke it down pretty well; you could get to town, but it probably wouldn't be much fun if you're constantly mentally budgeting and rebudgeting your remaining time. I'd go to narita.

Take the Narita Shuttle Bus do it yourself Tour only 300 Yen $2.50 with on and off privileges.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/transit/narita.html

Not available after Feb. 20.

fastest way into town is the JR Narita Express, 1hour to Tokyo station each way, about $28. I go to Tokyo a lot, but for a first timer it might be hard to find your way; just don't get lost and miss your connection ;)

Take the Narita Shuttle Bus do it yourself Tour only 300 Yen $2.50 with on and off privileges.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/transit/narita.html

If you take the local Keisei train (NOT the Skyliner), Keisei Narita station is only 250 yen and perhaps 10 to 15 minutes away.

I highly recommend Narita for a "taste of Japan" during a stopover. It's a pleasant little city with a great temple.

I wouldn't try to do Tokyo on such a short stopover unless I had personal guidance from an "old Japan hand" and was able to follow a strict schedule. Yes, you could see a couple of things in the Ueno Park area, but you'd always have to keep your eye on the clock as you made your way through a typically crowded and confusing part of the city. I think it would be stressful.

Narita is less of a stretch, timewise, and its atmosphere is much calmer, more what you need as a break between flights.

Thanks to everyone. It's really to get a glimpse of Japan and or Tokyo. I just happen to have this stopover and thought it might be fun to go downtown.

From your comments- it seems to point to Narita, however.

Thanks to everyone. It's really to get a glimpse of Japan and or Tokyo. I just happen to have this stopover and thought it might be fun to go downtown.

From your comments- it seems to point to Narita, however.

I think you will enjoy Narita. It is, for my money, even more "Japanese" in some respects than ultramodern Tokyo and the stress level will be a lot lower. Take your camera for the temple.

JR

Yes, you'll ultimately find Narita more satisfying, rewarding and relaxing than trying to scramble to see Tokyo. Enjoy your layover without stress and simply stroll through Narita, knowing that the airport is close by.

Not sure if I am asking this qtn in the right thread, if not, pls excuse me. My question to all who transit frequently at NRT, where is gate 309 at Terminal 1? I checked the arrival of flight NW 19 for a transfer to NW 5 and I can't find gate 309 on the map. :confused:
Thanks!

They're all in the same area. Shouldn't be more than a walk of a few minutes. When flights run late, airport staff are on hand to make the transfers smooth and easy.

Not sure if I am asking this qtn in the right thread, if not, pls excuse me. My question to all who transit frequently at NRT, where is gate 309 at Terminal 1? I checked the arrival of flight NW 19 for a transfer to NW 5 and I can't find gate 309 on the map. :confused:
Thanks!

Gate 309 is a bus gate. You'll deplane via stairs on the apron and take a bus to the immigration area.

Thank you! I noticed that NW 19 is often late by half an hour or more. Don't want to miss catching NW 5 as it is the last flight out to SIN. Figured I check the map so I know where I am going. But 309 doesn't show on the map.