Originally Posted by
RichardInSF
But if you arrive at a normal time like most all flights do, and don't want to tackle the ticket window or ticket machines, you can buy shinkansen tickets from the JR tour/ticket office where you also buy the N'Ex/Suica deal and there is a very good chance you will get someone who knows a bit of English.
Actually, I would expect the NRT ticket offices to always have English-speaking personnel on duty (proficiency may vary, but you'll be able to get the transaction complete with no Japanese ability). The ticket offices in town are another story. Although you'd eventually be able to get your transaction complete, it will be much easier for an English speaker to get it done while at the airport.