Originally Posted by
Marq
The site you provided also says only 15 minutes to transfer to Shinkansen; is this an easy transfer for a first time visitor to Japan? Are there escalators or do you have to take bags up and down stairs?
IMHO, the transfer from NGO to the Shinkansen tracks is pretty easy - so long as you are aware that you are moving from the Meitetsu railway station to the JR station.
OTOH - Transfers in the opposite direction (from Shinkansen to Meitetsu) can be confusing.
From NGO to Shinkansen tracks
Remember you are dealing with two separate railway companies, which have adjacent stations. If you are aware of that point, then I think you will find the transfer to be straightforward and logical.
From NGO you take a Meitetsu train which gets you into Meitetsu Nagoya Station.
At Meitetsu Nagoya station you can take elevators from the platform up to the ticket gate level. IIRC there's only one exit from the station.
[CORRECTION - There is more than one exit. I think you that it's best to take the Central exit or West exit]
When you exit the gate, there are a few steps to reach the pavement - but also a ramp there for wheelchairs and rolling suitcases. Then it's a short walk (20m) to get to the entrance of the JR Nagoya Station. The station can't be missed really - and the Shinkansen platforms are clearly signposted in English.
JR Nagoya is a big station - but it's easy to navigate. It's a wide open hangar - not a maze of rat tunnels. The Shinkansen tracks can be reached by escalator. (Prolly elevator too).
From Shinkansen tracks to NGO
Well basically it's the same trip in reverse - except that
(1) There are multiple exits from JR Nagoya Station so you need to seek out the signs for the Meitetsu station
(2) When you get to the Meitetsu station, you will find that the platforms are shared between various trains. And those platforms are really busy. They run trains in and out in rapid succession.
So the best thing to do is ask someone in uniform for the correct platform number. And when you get to that platform, ask again to make sure you get the right train.
Time for transfer - People who know Japan should be able to do it in 15 minutes. For a first timer who may not be looking out for the right things, you might allow 30 minutes to be safe. The trains are very frequent, so there's no need to set up a really tight connection.
Is this clear?
I'm open to suggestions for improving these instructions.