US -> NRT -> KYOTO options fly or train?
 

Hello guys,

I am in the finalization phase a trip to Japan. I already have tickets from the US to NRT via JAL. I arrive in NRT around 4:30PM local time there. I have been debating on the best options to my final destination to Kyoto.

I am not familiar with the current customs/immigration time frame at NRT if anyone could advise.

So the options I see are as follows:

Option #1 US -> NRT then fly with JAL at for a 6:20PM flight to ITM and take the train to Kyoto there. Luggage wise we will likely not be having any check in luggage but that could change. For this option, given we touch down around 4PM to 4:30PM. Will I likely to make it? If I check in in the Origin airport in the US will JAL be able to check me in for the US > NRT > ITM flight while in the US?

Option #2 US > NRT then take NEX to Shinagawa and take a Shinkansen to Kyoto?

Any help and advise would be appreciated.

I will do Option #2. Getting from ITM to Kyoto will make Option #1 not any better than Option #2. The last train out of NRT Terminal 2 which will get you to Kyoto in same day is:

Narita Express No. 50
Airport Terminal 2: 7:52 p.m.
Shinagawa: 9:00 p.m.

Nozomi No. 263
Shinagawa: 9:19 p.m.
Kyoto: 11:22 p.m.

There are earlier trains than that, but above is the last train of the day to Kyoto. The more likely option for you will be:

Narita Express No. 44
Airport Terminal 2: 6:19 p.m.
Shinagawa: 7:28 p.m.

Nozomi No. 87
Shinagawa: 7:46 p.m.
Kyoto: 9:51 p.m.

or

Narita Express No. 46
Airport Terminal 2: 6:52 p.m.
Shinagawa: 8:00 p.m.

Nozomi No. 259
Shinagawa: 8:17 p.m.
Kyoto: 10:21 p.m.

P.S.
If you are going to do Option #1, from ITM to JR Kyoto station is an hour to an hour and a half journey depending on traffic. The bus from ITM to JR Kyoto station is 1,340 yen and a taxi will be about 20,000 yen plus toll.

Do you think given arrival at 4:30PM would I be able to make this train?

Narita Express No. 44
Airport Terminal 2: 6:19 p.m.
Shinagawa: 7:28 p.m.

Nozomi No. 87
Shinagawa: 7:46 p.m.
Kyoto: 9:51 p.m.

I will give it a 50:50 chance. It all depends on:

1. If your flight arrives on time or not.
2. How busy arrival formality is at the time of your arrival? If arrival formality is not busy then good chance you will make this train. If the arrival formality is busy, then not good.
3. How busy is the train station to buy tickets? Often ticket counters to buy tickets from an in-person ticket agent can have a long line, visitors need in-person assistance. If you can manage to buy a ticket from the ticket machine, then you can avoid those lines.

Do you absolutely need to get to Kyoto that day? Another option would be to arrive at Narita and arrange your tickets to Kyoto for the next morning, and then head into Tokyo and stay near Shinagawa or Tokyo Station for easy train access in the morning. You'll likely be up early with jet lag anyway, so you can catch an early-ish train and won't be missing too much time in Kyoto that way.

Yes I do.

IF you've been to Japan before, no check in bags, and have mobile Suicas on iPhone, I think one could make the 5:20 N'ex to Shinagawa and the 6:37 Nozomi arriving in Kyoto 8:44pm. Assuming minor line at immigration, and if any line at N'ex ticket counter/machine just board using Suica and pay reserved seat fare on board. Purchase Shinkansen tickets via Smart-ex app and link ticket to Suica IC card number while on board N'ex - you will know which train you can make at Shinagawa (easy ticketless transfer). Take Green car if you want food and drink on train vs picking up at Shinagawa. https://www.jr-cp.co.jp.e.aau.hp.transer.com/services/
Anyway, I think you can make the 7:46 Nozomi.

Bottom line is that if you take the train, you don't need to book in advance and can go with the flow. Just get through customs, hop on the next NEX (ideally using a Suica so that you don't have to futz around with ticketing), and buy the Shinkansen ticket once you are underway to Shinagawa, as suggested by synergypi above.