I don't see a 5pm arrival from TSA to HND. I see NH852 (codeshare BR 2176) landing at 5:45pm or 5:30pm. Is that your flight?
How many people are in your group?
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
2. we have bags to drop at JAL ABC for transfer to our Tokyo hotel later in the stay
One person can deal with JAL ABC on behalf of the whole group. But I don't think that you can act as a proxy to take people's "accompanied luggage" through customs. You might reduce your time at the desk by filling out the forms online in advance - assuming that you know how much luggage everyone will have:
https://www.jalabc.com/delivery_serv..._delivery.html
If you have more than one person in your group who can get around independently, it might make sense for one person to deal with JAL ABC while the rest of the group makes its way to Shinagawa. If the person dealing with the luggage is held up, they can get on a later train.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
4. 2 people are elderly and walk very slow, so we cannot be rushed
Might be worth requesting a wheelchair assist from the airline to expedite the elderly passengers' journey from deplaning through immigration.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
If they cannot go through APEC with me, my plan is to go through myself, grab all of the checked bags, and drop off the bags with JAL ABC while the others are still clearing immigration and customs to save time.
My guess is that you'll face some scrutiny if present yourself at customs with several people's suitcases.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
So, the question is: should we book Shinkansen tickets in advance and just pad the time until 8PM to make up for any possible delays?
Booking in advance is a good idea on a Friday evening and it is the only way you'll seat a large group together. (Hence my question about the number of people in your group). If you have friends in Japan who can make reservations for you that might be the easiest option. Alternatively, I believe that it's possible online (in Japanese) through JR Central's Smart-Ex service or through a travel agency with a hotel and Shinkansen package.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
If we arrive Shinagawa earlier than planned, maybe 630-700, that leaves time to buy ekiban and relax before the train if we need to buy the 8PM in advance....but I would rather arrive Kyoto as early as possible.
In a group with some elderly passengers, I think you're unlikely to get to Shinagawa much before 7:30 PM if your flight lands at 5:45 PM. (Hence my question about arrival time).