JR East released a whole slew of updates today: in addition to the Tohoku Shinkansen as covered by jib71, almost all services in Tohoku are expected to be back and running by the end of April, with the exception of chunks of the Tohoku Main Line (which can for most part be bypassed by the Shinkansen) and some coastal lines in the directly tsunami-hit area. Even eg. Kesennuma should be back on the map by April 10th.

Narita Express Service
 

Noticed that Narita Express Service has been suspended since the quake. Any idea when the service will resume? Any likelihood of resuming service within the next couple of weeks? Thanks!

I think the N'EX was taken out of service to reduce power consumption, so it's likely to stay out of service for some time. Alternatives include the slower JR trains, Keisei Skyliner and Cityliner trains (running on a weekend schedule) and limousine buses.

I don't know how profitable or otherwise the N'EX operation is but JR may be suspending the service to reduce loss especially with fewer people flying in and out of NRT.

According to Keisei's website, Skyliner trains are running but not Cityliners.

Thanks - I'll correct my post to remove Cityliners.

I've seen some speculation about JREast's reasons for not running the N'EX. RichardSF immediately pounced on the idea that they might just be cutting back losses. I have also seen the explanation that the N'EX service (and some other express services) is complicated to run, since it requires coordination with the timetables on various other lines. The explanation is that JREast has to expect disruption to its timetables due to unforseen interruptions in power supply, which makes it prudent to keep N'EX trains out of the mix during this time.

The N'Ex is a premium but not essential service. While it may take long people can get by just fine taking the slower trains. It's prudent to stick to only the essential services when your not sure what's going to happen with the power availability.
Cheers
Howie

With N'EX suspended, is there any problem booking the Airport Limousine buses (or is there sufficient availability with reduced NRT travel?)

I can only tell you my experience, but there were very few passengers booking the bus when I was at Narita last week. There were about 10 of us on the bus going to JCAT and the Roppongi Hills complex. I would normally expect it to be sold out or nearly so. Airline bookings have dropped precipitously for travels into Tokyo, and this is reflected in those then taking the bus.

Perhaps this is the rationale. Perhaps not. I think it's interesting that JREast is running some other express services that might be considered non-essential. And I note that there is the Skyliner as an alternative, rapid, and reasonable route to Narita Airport.

In any event JREast is currently forced to weigh its options and make choices about what to run and what to cut - perhaps the decision is based on a combination of factors rather than one simple decision driver.

I took the Limousine bus from NRT to Roppongi late afternoon on Monday, and it was fine. I bought a ticket about 30 minutes in advance from the counter at arrivals. The bus was busy but not full.

Tsunami washed away 23 JR stations
 

Narita Express
 

According to JR East website Narita Express will start running a limited number of trains on Monday 4th April.

Good to hear that - I'm flying in early May, but could use the Skyliner if worst comes to worse.

Narita Express timetable (from 4 April until 8 May)
 

Please check post #58 for the latest timetable.

Please look at the following list in conjunction with the regular timetables (links below).
All trains stop at Tokyo & Shinagawa stations.
Schedule is subject to change dependent on power supply.
Narita Express tickets with reserved seats are only sold once the cancellation of planned power outage on the day of operation is announced.
Timetables during the Golden Week period (4/29 -5/8) and how to purchase tickets for the period will be announced later.

From Narita Airport (Regular timetable)
Departure times are from Narita Airport T1
07:31 NEX 2 to Ofuna
07:44 NEX 4 to Shinjuku
08:50 NEX 8 to Ikebukuro / Yokohama
09:15 NEX10 to Ofuna
09:45 NEX12 to Shinjuku
10:15 NEX14 to Ofuna
10:45 NEX16 to Ikebukuro / Yokohama
11:15 NEX18 to Ofuna
17:16 NEX40 to Omiya / Ofuna
17:44 NEX42 to Ofuna
18:15 NEX44 to Ikebukuro / Ofuna
18:48 NEX46 to Omiya / Ofuna
19:15 NEX48 to Ikebukuro
19:45 NEX50 to Takao / Ofuna
20:44 NEX52 to Takao / Ofuna
21:44 NEX54 to Ikebukuro / Ofuna

To Narita Airport (Regular timetable)
Arrival times at Narita Airport T1
07:18 NEX 1 from Takao / Ofuna
07:29 NEX 3 from Ikebukuro / Ofuna
07:56 NEX 5 from Takao / Ofuna
08:10 NEX 7 from Omiya / Ofuna
08:36 NEX 9 from Shinjuku / Ofuna
09:01 NEX11 from Ofuna
09:28 NEX13 from Shinjuku
09:58 NEX15 from Ofuna
10:58 NEX17 from Omiya / Ofuna
16:57 NEX39 from Ofuna
17:29 NEX41 from Ikebukuro / Yokohama
17:57 NEX43 from Ofuna
18:27 NEX45 from Shinjuku / Yokohama
19:34 NEX49 from Ikebukuro
20:05 NEX51 from Ofuna
21:23 NEX53 from Ikebukuro

The temporary timetable in Japanese may be found here.

Tohoku Shinkansen
 

As from 7 April the following sections will operate until further notice.

Tokyo - Nasushiobara : approx. 2 trains per hour in each direction
Nasushiobara - Ichinoseki : no service
Ichinoseki - Morioka : 8 trains per day (5 trains on 7 April)
Morioka - Shin Aomori : 10 trains per day in each direction