Is one able to go directly from NRT to Kyoto without going into Tokyo? Is it efficient and reasonable in cost?

Short answer - no. There is no public transportation option that would take you directly from NRT to Kyoto. You could fly from NRT to either KIX or ITM and then transfer to bus or train for Kyoto, or you could take the train or bus from NRT to Tokyo or Shinagawa and tranfer to the shinkansen to Kyoto.

If you only want to get directly to Kyoto, why in the world would you fly into NRT? Fly into KIX and catch the direct train to Kyoto. Or, a bit less convenient, arrive at NGO, take the train into Nagoya and then switch to the shinkansen to Kyoto. NRT is a long way from Kyoto.

JR

Is one able to go directly from NRT to Kyoto without going into Tokyo? Is it efficient and reasonable in cost?

As abmj-jr described - From NRT to Kyoto you have the choice between flight+bus or train+train. Either way, the journey time will be about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The typical cost for either route will be about 15,000yen.

So, the option to use will probably depend on your time of arrival at NRT more than anything else. You can check out the trains and flights on the hyperdia website:
http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperd01.cgi

Unless you have business or plan on doing some sightseeing in Tokyo, I would definitely recommend flying into KIX, the brand new Kobe Airport (which opened last week I believe and is located very close to KIX. KIX is closer to Kyoto, though), or even Nagoya. From Nagoya to Kyoto it takes approximately 50 minutes via shinkansen. I've entered the country through Narita, KIX, and NGO. In terms of ease of entry into Japan, Nagoya is #1, KIX is #2, and NRT is #3 (you could easily wait 45+ minutes just to get through immigration and more to get your luggage and pass through customs. In those same 45 minutes you can clear immigration, get you luggage, clear customs, and be on your way into Nagoya via bus or train). That's my two cents worth.

Of the three airports mentioned above, NGO is by far the most convenient and interesting. There's a Japanese onsen and, in the same place, you can get a massage. There's a spectacular observation deck where you can view arriving/deprating flights and the ocean! Also, on one side there are restaurants and shops in the Italian district. Directly across from there are more restaurants and shops in the Kyoto district. Oddly, Starbucks is located in the Kyoto district. Overall, this is my favorite, most interesting airport in Japan and anywhere else in the world. Oh! If you're at NGO in the evening, check out the mood lighting between both shopping districts.

Unless you have business or plan on doing some sightseeing in Tokyo, I would definitely recommend flying into KIX, the brand new Kobe Airport (which opened last week I believe and is located very close to KIX. KIX is closer to Kyoto, though), or even Nagoya.

Kobe Airport is a red herring in this discussion... It is of little use to a person arriving from overseas since it does not offer scheduled international flights.
(In the unlikely event that the OP were to enter Japan at Sapporo, Naha, Haneda, Niigata, Kumamoto, Kagoshima or Sendai, then connecting to Kobe might be a viable option - but those airports are not common points of entry into Japan for US or European travellers).

Also - FWIW:
Kobe Airport is not "close to KIX"
KIX is not closer to Kyoto than Kobe Airport.
(But these points of information are of no relevance - since the OP cannot consider using Kobe Aiport).

And you might as well add that it takes 35 minutes from Nagoya station to Kyoto via shinkansen, not 50 minutes. From Nagoya airport to Kyoto, the Hyperdia website thinks it will take 1:45 to 2 hours and cost $55. This seems to suggest that not counting immigration line time, KIX is more convenient.

I finally had a real 5 hour Narita layover last Friday starting at 2pm, and amazingly there was NO line at immigration. This situation remains highly unpredictable; I have also waited an hour, while locals pretty much just walked through on their side.

Yokoso Japan, my foot!

We recently had a loooong discussion here about the various options (all with pluses and minuses) of travelling from NRT to Kyoto.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=527891

Obviously, if you have flexibility in your inbound ticket, flying to KIX is a no-brainer for visiting Kyoto. Of course, the reason you're probably asking the question is because you already have a ticket to Narita. :)

I have also waited an hour, while locals pretty much just walked through on their side.

Yokoso Japan, my foot!

We've talked about this before, but them resident cards are a real plus in this situation. Mrs. Pickles gets a kick of walking by the foreigner line on her way to the Japanese lines, and audibly going "muaahhhaaa muahhhaaahaa" (think of Dr. Evil) as she goes by.

but them resident cards are a real plus in this situation.

It's about the only thing they are good for........other than scraping frost off the windshield of a car........

Thank you all for most informative posts.

Really stupid question: I am trying to get to NGO, but would rather fly into NRT for comfort reasons. If my flight arrives in NRT at around 5PM, is it still feasible for me to get to NGO the same day? Another question. I see the fares for one way, but is there any kind of discount for a roundtrip?

Thanks

Really stupid question: I am trying to get to NGO, but would rather fly into NRT for comfort reasons. If my flight arrives in NRT at around 5PM, is it still feasible for me to get to NGO the same day? ...
Not stupid at all. Assuming that you mean you want to go from NRT to Nagoya (not NGO, which is the Centrair Airport and not in Nagoya,) the trip will take over 3 hours. Figure an hour to clear C&I at Narita (very optomistic,) then another hour via Narita Express train to Tokyo Station. The shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya Station runs between 1:46 and 1:52. Allowing reasonable transfer times, I'd figure at least 3:30 for the total trip, so arriving at Nagoya at 9:30 pm or after. If you actually want to go to NGO, add another 45+ minutes for transfer plus the train trip.

Most train fares in Japan add up to the total of the segments, so a round-trip will probably be almost as much as two one-ways and not as convenient.

On a related note, I'm not sure what you mean about comfort, but be aware that UA flies a mix of 777 and 747 to NRT. NGO gets 777s, so the comfort factor may be better to NGO, at least in Y.

JR

Not stupid at all. Assuming that you mean you want to go from NRT to Nagoya (not NGO, which is the Centrair Airport and not in Nagoya,) the trip will take over 3 hours. Figure an hour to clear C&I at Narita (very optomistic,) then another hour via Narita Express train to Tokyo Station. The shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya Station runs between 1:46 and 1:52. Allowing reasonable transfer times, I'd figure at least 3:30 for the total trip, so arriving at Nagoya at 9:30 pm or after. If you actually want to go to NGO, add another 45+ minutes for transfer plus the train trip.

Most train fares in Japan add up to the total of the segments, so a round-trip will probably be almost as much as two one-ways and not as convenient.

On a related note, I'm not sure what you mean about comfort, but be aware that UA flies a mix of 777 and 747 to NRT. NGO gets 777s, so the comfort factor may be better to NGO, at least in Y.

JR
Thanks for you help!
Basically, my brother lives in NY and we wanted to take a trip to Nagoya. The prices from NY to NGO are bad, but really good from TPA. On the other hand, the prices to NRT are really bad from TPA, but really good from New York. Because JFK has United Premium Service to SFO, the flight would be a lot more comfortable, so we are meeting up there instead on in TPA.

A few more questions:
Should I purchase these tickets in advance? My flight would get into NRT ar 3:30PM, and I just want to make sure that we get to NRT. Will this be tough for us to do if we don't speak any Japanese? Based on my search on the site linked above, it looks like there will be a LOT of connections in order to get to Nagoya. Is this correct?

Again, thanks a lot.

I think abm-jr's comment on comfort is on your x-pacific segment (which is the longer one). if you are in Y, the 777 to NGO will be more comfortable than a 747 to NRT (assuming you are on the 747).

Can't you both meet up in SFO instead of TPA or JFK and take the SFO-NGO?

I'm sure someone will chime in... but if you can't get NGO or if it's cost prohibitive to get it on one ticket, there should be NH or JAL deals that do NRT-NGO.



Thanks for you help!
Basically, my brother lives in NY and we wanted to take a trip to Nagoya. The prices from NY to NGO are bad, but really good from TPA. On the other hand, the prices to NRT are really bad from TPA, but really good from New York. Because JFK has United Premium Service to SFO, the flight would be a lot more comfortable, so we are meeting up there instead on in TPA.

A few more questions:
Should I purchase these tickets in advance? My flight would get into NRT ar 3:30PM, and I just want to make sure that we get to NRT. Will this be tough for us to do if we don't speak any Japanese? Based on my search on the site linked above, it looks like there will be a LOT of connections in order to get to Nagoya. Is this correct?

Again, thanks a lot.

I think abm-jr's comment on comfort is on your x-pacific segment (which is the longer one). if you are in Y, the 777 to NGO will be more comfortable than a 747 to NRT (assuming you are on the 747).

Can't you both meet up in SFO instead of TPA or JFK and take the SFO-NGO?

I'm sure someone will chime in... but if you can't get NGO or if it's cost prohibitive to get it on one ticket, there should be NH or JAL deals that do NRT-NGO.
Thanks. We are actually flying C, and there is confirmable upgrade space on this flight, so we really want to take this one. Thanks anyway.

A few more questions:
Should I purchase these tickets in advance? My flight would get into NRT ar 3:30PM, and I just want to make sure that we get to NRT. Will this be tough for us to do if we don't speak any Japanese? Based on my search on the site linked above, it looks like there will be a LOT of connections in order to get to Nagoya. Is this correct?

What he said - regarding the transpac segment. I'll be doing that SFO-NGO segment Thursday am. :)

As for the trip from NRT to Nagoya, I found that this is one of the rare cases where Hyperdia gives really bad information. Ignore the many-segment routings it gives. From NRT to Tokyo Station is one train segment on the Narita Express. The segment from Tokyo to Nagoya is one segment on the shinkansen (bullet train.) Stay away from the Keisei Honsen and Funabashi Station and all the rest of what shows up on Hyperdia.

The Narita Express is easy to arrange and ride and lack of Japanese should not be a problem. There is a booth in the main arrivals lobby right across from where you will come out after Customs that is staffed by English speakers who will arrange your ticket. You can also just go on down to the basement-level train station and use the ticket window there. Either can also arrange your onward ticket from Tokyo to Nagoya, just don't let them schedule you with a tight connection. For a first timer, Tokyo Station is huge and confusing and the shinkansen leaves from an entirely different floor from where you will arrive. Try for at least 30 minutes. If you can't find the platform, just show your ticket to any uniformed attendant and say "doko des-ka?" with a stupid, lost gaijin expression and he will get you there. There should be no need to purchase tickets in advance, assuming you are not arriving in Golden Week or some other really busy time. What are your dates?

Here is a link for the Tokyo Station map. Note that the Narita Express arrives on the Sobu line, platform 1-4 (way in the bottom basement) and the shinkansen leaves from platform 14-19 up near the top.

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/estation/e_tokyo.html

Here is another link for the NRT airport. UAL uses Terminal 1.

http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/

JR

What he said - regarding the transpac segment. I'll be doing that SFO-NGO segment Thursday am. :)

As for the trip from NRT to Nagoya, I found that this is one of the rare cases where Hyperdia gives really bad information. Ignore the many-segment routings it gives. From NRT to Tokyo Station is one train segment on the Narita Express. The segment from Tokyo to Nagoya is one segment on the shinkansen (bullet train.) Stay away from the Keisei Honsen and Funabashi Station and all the rest of what shows up on Hyperdia.

The Narita Express is easy to arrange and ride and lack of Japanese should not be a problem. There is a booth in the main arrivals lobby right across from where you will come out after Customs that is staffed by English speakers who will arrange your ticket. You can also just go on down to the basement-level train station and use the ticket window there. Either can also arrange your onward ticket from Tokyo to Nagoya, just don't let them schedule you with a tight connection. For a first timer, Tokyo Station is huge and confusing and the shinkansen leaves from an entirely different floor from where you will arrive. Try for at least 30 minutes. If you can't find the platform, just show your ticket to any uniformed attendant and say "doko des-ka?" with a stupid, lost gaijin expression and he will get you there. There should be no need to purchase tickets in advance, assuming you are not arriving in Golden Week or some other really busy time. What are your dates?

Here is a link for the Tokyo Station map. Note that the Narita Express arrives on the Sobu line, platform 1-4 (way in the bottom basement) and the shinkansen leaves from platform 14-19 up near the top.

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/estation/e_tokyo.html

Here is another link for the NRT airport. UAL uses Terminal 1.

http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/

JR
Thanks a lot! We are gong April 13-19. Does $120 one way pp sound about right?

Thanks

Thanks a lot! We are gong April 13-19. Does $120 one way pp sound about right?

Thanks

For both trains, yes - it will be in that range. A bit under $100.00 for the shinkansen and $24.00 for the N'Ex (assuming the fares haven't increased recently.) For the round-trip NRT-Tokyo-Nagoya-Tokyo-NRT, you might also consider the Japan RailPass. Given that you will complete all train travel within 7 days and if you do a little train-riding during your stay, it could work out cheaper by a few dollars. There is lots of info in this forum about the RailPass. If you are not intending to take any trains other than those we've already talked about, you might not save much, if any, using the Pass and be just as well off to pay as you go.

Just curious, but why Nagoya? For little more money and time, you could be in Kyoto or Osaka or even stay in Tokyo. IMHO, all much better places to spend a few days. YMMV :D

JR

Just curious, but why Nagoya? For little more money and time, you could be in Kyoto or Osaka or even stay in Tokyo. IMHO, all much better places to spend a few days. YMMV :D

JR
To be honest, I was just looking for a good place to get a couple of cheap, upgradeable flights for a few days. In addition, I found some nice award redemption in Nagoya for hotels. If possible, since I have six days, I would love to split the time up between two cities, now that you mention it. Assuming I went to Nagoya for two or three days, what other city would you recommend?

One could stop for example at Shizuoka on the way. Traditions, scenery and good food plus nice hot baths in the area. Going to Nagoya for a holiday somehow brings to mind making an intercontinental sightseeing trip to Detroit, Wolfsburg or Togliatti.

To be honest, I was just looking for a good place to get a couple of cheap, upgradeable flights for a few days. In addition, I found some nice award redemption in Nagoya for hotels. If possible, since I have six days, I would love to split the time up between two cities, now that you mention it. Assuming I went to Nagoya for two or three days, what other city would you recommend?

Well, I am the world's biggest Kyoto booster, so it will surprise nobody when I say - Kyoto! It is only another 45 minutes or so down the shinkansen line from Nagoya and is perhaps the one "must see" location for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Japan. You could spend a few days in beautiful Nagoya (!) and then go on to Kyoto for a couple of days. If your flight home out of NRT is in the afternoon - and UA flights are - then you could go straight from Kyoto to Tokyo the morning of your departure, although it would be tight.
Spend a few minutes searching this forum and you will find a wealth of info on just this topic. It has been discussed over and over. Kyoto is also very visitor-friendly. As for Nagoya, don't let me put you off. There is a nice article in this month's Hemispheres about Nagoya - in the 3 Perfect Days feature. There ARE tnings to do and see. There are just a lot more things to see elsewhere, and in my opinion, it would be a shame to spend 6 days in Japan and never leave Nagoya.

JR

Super responses.Thank you.