All good apart from the bolded bit. The HI is actually the nearest off property airport hotel to Narita and they run a free shuttle service from both terminals (about once every half hour). You can't get there and back by train (you were probably thinking about one of the hotels in Narita itself, where the 'action' is). There is a (pay) bus route into town, but it's quite a circuitous route, the hotel will be able to provide you with a timetable.


You'll need to have your passport with you to get into the airport as police will board the hotel shuttle bus to check everyone on board, so make sure you have it on you and don't pack it away where you can't access it easily.

I just noticed something, you're checking out of the Holiday Inn Narita, going to Narita Airport picking up your friends then going to check into the Hilton Tokyo Bay?

You might want to just opt for a direct airport limousine bus, going by train @_@ Via narita express to Tokyo station would require the long transfer at Tokyo Station I talked about before to the Keiyo line to Maihama Station.

railroadtycoon, aren't there direct limousines to Tokyo Bay?

I don't understand why they'd need to go to Tokyo station until they're ready to go to Roppongi.


EDIT TO ADD - You've cleared that up nicely! (see below)

??
I said I think he better opt for a direct limousine bus to the Hilton Tokyo bay. Going by Narita Express would be a pain.

Ah the reason I mentioned the Narita Express was that the Suica & Nex package was brought up by mjm, however taking the NEX to Tokyo Station then to the Hilton Tokyo bay would require a long transfer. So taking a direct limousine bus would probably be better.

I would of mentioned the Suica and NEX package myself because I thought he was staying in Shinjuku first, but then noticed (in post 32) that he was going from Narita to Tokyo Bay.

There's a link on the left to the Shuttle bus schedule here: http://www.holidayinntobunarita.com/eng/index.html

As you can see, the last bus from the airport to the hotel is at around 6pm

Same with the public bus:
http://www.chiba-tour.jp/narita/trans/round.html

If you stay at the Tobu Holiday Inn you'll be stuck there after 6pm and the taxi ride won't be cheap.


This place was fine for me as I'd be spending quality time with my then fiance before we parted ways. But I strongly urge you to stay in Narita town and enjoy your evening. The restaurants at the HI are mediocre and expensive and the only thing nearby is a convenience store which isn't 24 hours. The only memorable thing for me about this place is that there's a yuzu tree outside!

Seriously. Please consider this carefully. That Comfort Inn really isn't that bad, and they'll even give you a bite to eat in the morning.

You won't find a bigger cheapskate than me on this forum, I now pay �9,000 for two at the Mercure rather than �6,000 (and forgoe points) at the HI because I really think it's worth it. (Me and MrLapLap now see each other plenty)

I hate to be a pain guys, but I really thought I had my travel within Tokyo figured out. Based upon my hotel choices, can you please recommend how I get to and from each of them. I think I'm going to sleep most of my first day in Narita...

I now know I need a NEx + Suica. Do I need to buy it state side?

Other than checking out disney, my friends an I dont really have an agenda. (Any suggestions based upon the hotel locations would be greatly appreciated but certainly not expected. ;0)

8/23 - 8/24 - Holiday Inn - Shuttle Bus to and from NRT / Cab to and from Narita Town
8/24 - 8/26 - Hilton Tokyo Bay (Would like to check out Disney) - Direct limousine bus to Hotel. Disney? Hibiya line at Hacchobori Station to Roppongi?
8/26 - 8/30 - Oakwood Roppongi - On foot? Back to Hilton?
8/30 - 8/31 - Hilton Narita - Shuttle Bus to NRT

Thanks

I've covered this one. See above.

Over to you, chaps!

No, but you can buy at Narita Airport, but as mentioned you won't really need that particular pass since it involves riding the Narita Express.

You can get a regular Suica card in Japan, for example at Maihama Station (the JR station serving the Tokyo Bay / Disney area). Or you can purchase it at the JR Station in Narita or Narita Airport at vending machines (note: this is the regular Suica card, NOT the NEX+Suica package).

I just saw your previous post.

I am looking into the comfort inn! I actually booked the Holiday Inn accidentally. I called 5 min later to cancel and they refused. I guess 50 bucks isnt a big deal, especially since this is my first trip to Japan. I will Keep you updated!

Muchas Gracias!

Don't cancel it!! (sorry, I meant: Don't book a new room!!)

Just get a taxi back, it won't cost as much as a new booking.

De nada, chato!

Basically, get the shuttle bus to the HI from the airport, check in, perhaps have a nap, shower, sh** and shave, and head into town with the bus (¥200). Hang around for as long as you want and - either get a train back to Narita Airport if there are any still running (train will be ¥250 and taxi from here shouldn't cost more than ¥1,000) or just get a taxi to the hotel from town. I very much doubt it will cost more than ¥4,000 - I think it's a 20 minute journey.

Beds at the HI are comfy, room is large and bathrooms are pretty good - I think you get Shiseido soap there. You never know, you might even meet a Slapper-from-Slough™ that night. You can bring someone else back to the HI, you can't do that at the Comfort Inn.
There's also the chance you might find someone else who needs to get back to the HI who'll share a cab fare.

The quoted post here is the one to listen to. I had it wrong because I forgot that stop 2 was at the Tokyo Bay. Whoops. Heck I even had you going on a train when there was a free shuttle. Think I will stick to Six Trees recommendations.

Both the fair lady from Londinium and the Tycoon have it spot on from what I can tell.

I did not cancel the Holiday in...

I did however update post 36 with the travel options provided to me thus far. Does it seem correct?

I also picked up a Lonely Planet Japanese Phrase Book. Looks good so far! I was also fortunate enough to have taken a Japanese Course in college two years ago. Its starting to come back...

I don't think you'll need a cab INTO town, just for the return. You should be able to get there with the public bus.

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You could bathe at the Narita Sento and go into town a little earlier.
http://www.mgnewman.com/narita/noframemap.html
It's the public bath below where it says NaritaSan Park and just above where is says Tamachi.

It costs ¥400 and is an utterly Japanese experience you probably won't get the chance to try again on your trip. Perfect after a long flight!


More maps of the area here: http://www.city.narita.chiba.jp/engl...map/index.html (including where the HI is in relation to everything else)
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I'm not so sure the other link I gave you is the right timetable for the Circle bus that goes from the Holiday Inn into town. However, I can't find an alternative version. I did see a an unclear photo of a timetable and it could be that there are a few later buses. Best thing is to either email the hotel (they tend to be good about getting back) or just wait until you get there.

Pardon my ignorance, however what do you mean by "Public Bath" and "utterly Japanese experience "?

Does this involve several individuals using the same shower / facilities?

Don't knock it until you tried it, don't forget you will be amongst strangers you will never see again. And you'll be safe - this isn't like some dodgy London Sauna/Massage.

Just do a search on Onsen and you'll find a wealth of information. The bathhouse in Narita is probably a sento - which is the same as an Onsen, except for the water (an Onsen is like bathing in hot Evian, whereas a Sento is ordinary tap water)

This should get you started: http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyofeature...storiesinc.htm

It's a quintessentially Japanese experience, arguably more 'genuine' than sushi. (Although anyone who does argue is wrong!)

Most of the regulars on this forum have bathed in sentos, many of us much more than once or do so regularly. It's a big part of staying in a traditional inn, but you won't have that opportunity. This should give you a real glimpse into Japanese every day life. Your guide book will tell you more, including the etiquette you'll need to follow.

The Sentos are subsidised by tax payers and the cost is capped at around ¥400. Outside of Japan this experience would likely cost a lot more.