Originally Posted by
CHSDOC
Will be visiting Kyoto end of February with a 17:05 departure from Marita back to the USA. Travelling with 2 adults and one 10 year old. Is it easier to book a flight from ITM-NRT or take the train to Tokyo and onwards to Marita?
In my opinion, taking the Shinkansen is an essential part of the Japan experience. Your 10-year-old is sure to enjoy it a lot more than just another plane ride, and if you are traveling in February, you are likely to see Mount Fuji on the north (left) side of the train on a clear day when you're about halfway to Tokyo.
Buy tickets to Shinagawa (one of several train stations in Tokyo), which is an easier place to transfer to the Narita Express than Tokyo (Central ) Station is. Since all JR stations, including Kyoto Station, are on the same computerized reservation system, you can reserve seats all the way to Narita.