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NRT - TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT

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  Reviews = 77



PAGE:   1 | 2 |

Customer Rating = from 1.0 (very poor) to 5.0 (excellent)





TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT review : 17 June 2008 : by J Olfato

Customer Rating : 3/5

3 Star Rating

Terminal 2, immigration on arrival and departure took more than an hour! The Japanese are normally very efficient, but this airport disappoints. Because immigration took so long, there was no more time to enjoy the airport and the lounge.


TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT review : 10 June 2008 : by Bill Atkins

Customer Rating : 3/5

3 Star Rating

Terminal 2 very busy as usual early on Saturday. Building much too hot and seating situation difficult as so many people sleeping on 3 or 4 seats. The airport really needs to police this.


TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT review : 4 June 2008 : by David Farquharson

Customer Rating : 5/5

5 Star Rating

Arrived from Seoul and after an interminable length of time taxiing, off the aircraft and clear of customs in under 15 minutes. No queue or delay at all at Immigration, bags were offloading from carousel as we arrived, customs clearance with no delay. An excellent operation all round.


TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT review : 16 May 2008 : by T Volstorf

Customer Rating : 1/5

1 Star Rating

The recent installment of extreme security precaution measures upon arrival come very close to harassment. Not only the endless queuing at the passport check and collection of biometric data, but the random "security questioning" throughout the airport. I don't know whether I look awfully suspicious but after arriving on a not so busy weekday I was questioned three times on my way to the train station by different security staff. Each of them fiddling with their pencil and paper form in obvious embarrassment. This is outrageous and gives you an idea about how inefficient and amateurish this surveillance in reality is. I didn't see any Japanese being questioned. Is this the hospitality that the signs of "Yokoso" poster all over the airport arrival area promise?


TOKYO NARITA AIRPORT review : 11 May 2008 : by M Watherem

Customer Rating : 1/5

1 Star Rating

The few issues I have with NRT are : Immigration at terminal One takes too long, often over an hour if you arrive about 9pm. Immigration - Security Photo each time you arrive adding to the processing delay. Narita express finishes too early, I think the last one is 9:30pm or 10pm, if you arrive afterwards it’s the bus. Insufficient information on which airline goes from which terminal, neither Narita express or the bus provides this help. Lack of rail staff to help people get off the train and through the two ticket barriers. Otherwise bring it on Haneda, more international flights are being lined up for Tokyo's only real airport.



Tokyo Narita Airport review by T Yoshino

15 April 2008   Customer Rating : 5 Star Rating

I have been through NRT both in transit from the US and as a final stopping point. Overall I am very impressed with the airport and service. Upon arrival at Terminal 1 as the final destination, customs and immigration were fast. I was through in less than 5 minutes and on my way to baggage claim. Once at baggage claim, my luggage was there on the carrousel. I was all ready to go in less than a half hour. On returning home via NRT, the process was a little slower but nothing like the inefficiency you encounter in the U.S. You are required to show your passport to enter NRT from the train station (I don't know why, you just do). The secrurity lines were slow than normal. The person that helps you at the scanning belt is also the one that checks your passport and boarding pass which seems to slow the process a bit. Immigration lines were long once through the security area. There were three lines open, taking about 20 minutes to get through. When traveling in transit through NRT, you are required to go through a security screen again even if you are changing flights on the same airline in the same terminal. This is frustrating and time consuming. NRT is an easy airport to get around. There is good signage and airport personnel are very helpful. There is good shopping while waiting both in the secure and nonsecure areas. The food selection is also very good and reasonable. The observation deck on the 5th floor of Terminal 1 is fun if you have extra time.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Alan Chick

28 March 2008   Customer Rating : n/a

Was very disappointed with Immigration at Narita Airport. On arrival at 2pm only 2 desks for foreigners were open, this was later increased to 4 and then 6 but by this time a long queue had built up and it took 35 minutes to reach the desk. The fingerprinting is slowing things down, as some people struggle to give the right imprint to the machine. Customs was quick, but it took an hour from deplaning to reaching the outside

Tokyo Narita Airport review by A Wardle

27 March 2008   Customer Rating : 5 Star Rating

Immigration on arrival quick and painless (arrival around 10am on a Saturday). I was not asked one single question on arrival or departure at immigration control. You are required to fill in immigration card and customs forms. They take digital images of your two index fingers on arrival as well as a photo. All very straightforward as well as quick. Whole process on arrival took maybe 1-2 minutes. Bags arrived within 5 minutes after clearing passport control. On departure (checked in around 9:30am on a Monday) all seemed very quiet, security control and immigration control quick. Restaurants not too expensive and also quiet. Would not hesitate to travel there again. For visitors to Tokyo my only advice is to find a good book with lots of maps of the individual districts and plan where you want to go before you arrive, as Tokyo is massive. I had no problems however.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by G Hillier

22 March 2008   Customer Rating : 5 Star Rating

Flew into Narita Terminal 2 in March 2008 and after recently being subjected to O'Hare Terminal 5, Buenos Aires Ezieza, and Dublin, Narita is a breeze. The Immigration procedure take did about half and hour, but the Staff was courteous and efficient. My luggage was waiting for me on the belt and I was not selected for a Customs Inspection. I was out the door and on my way to my hotel within 45 minutes of touching down. Departure was a breeze - a quick scan of your luggage and your are off to security which took less than 2 minutes. The Admiral's Club was nice and the shops in the mid- terminal were very upscale. Gate departure was a little hectic and we had a long taxi but no major issues. Train is only way to go to City Center - taxis will cost you $300 and Tokyo traffic is maddening.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by J Davidson

2 March 2008   Customer Rating : 1 Star Rating

I have lived in Japan for almost three years now, going in and out of Japan on a regular basis for holiday. In the past , if you had a re-entry permit you could line up with the Japanese people at the immigration counter. That system was very good. However, they changed the system recently. On my last trip from Vietnam there was 7 lines for Japanese, 4 for tourists and 1 for immigrants (re-entry permit holders). As I was not aware of the new system my first reaction was to queue with the Japanese people, but big mistake... I was sent to this huge line that was for the immigrants only. I have always loved Japan and unlike many foreigners I have never had any problems in Japan. But after queuing for a good hour and seeing that the only remaining line was ours, I felt quite insulted. It was clear that Japanese were to be first, second tourist and finally immigrants. A few people shouted while they were queuing as the situation was outrageous. All the counters were empty but they refused to let us go to the empty counters. Unfortunately for those who got angry, they got told off like a ten-year old would be if he had been up to some very bad mischief. After 1h30 minutes, we finally got through, feeling angry, rejected and misunderstood.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by W Fowler

12 February 2008   Customer Rating : 4 Star Rating

I have been in and out of Narita countless times and it is one of my favorite airports. The staff are mostly efficient and polite, plus the food is great. Terminal 1 is new and has some up to date facilities. However, immigration lines are a bit slow and airport security randomly pull people over to ask them about them "security questions.' These new additions are not welcome, especially since risks of terrorism to Japan is very low.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by C Wu

15 January 2008   Customer Rating : 5 Star Rating

I have been using Narita Airport frequently for my visit to Japan and transit to America. The airport is highly functional. Like many big international airports, it takes quite a long walk from the arrival gate to the immigration check point. Despite the fact that new immigration procedures ( fingerprinting & photographing ) were implemented in November last year, it does not slow down the arrival process. The airport staff are polite. Water bottles are allowed in after at the security check point if they are tested negative ( a special testing device at the security check point to test the content of the water). There are good selections of Japanese and Western restaurants in the departure hall. Transportation to Tokyo is either by a highly efficient train system , Narita Express, Skyliner or the Airport Limousine Buses direct to the hotels. An excellent airport at par with the best in world.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Ardin Yeo

13 January 2008   Customer Rating : 4 Star Rating

Pleasant, functional airport with friendly staff and since it was late at night when we were there, it's also very quiet. Would want to transit here again.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by D O'Brien

9 January 2008   Customer Rating : 5 Star Rating

I arrived from Paris at 6:30pm on a weekday, and Terminal 1 was deserted. Immigration was quick. Waited 30 minutes for my bag to come through and then had it searched. The customs officer was only doing his job but he made a bit of a mess while looking through my bag and then just sent me on my way. The staff at the Keisei rail counter were very friendly and helped me plan my journey into Tokyo. On the way back I arrived at 7pm on a Thursday evening at Terminal 1 for my flight to Paris. The train station is in the basement and you must pass a security check before proceeding to the check in hall. Don't know about other reviewers but I was very impressed by how attentive the Japanese are to security. Went up to the north wing check in hall and had a bit of difficulty locating the Air France check in area. When I found it, I had to pass through another security check before going up to the counter. The girl at the Air France desk was extremely friendly and very polite. Before going through security I did a bit of shopping in the mall located on the 5th floor. Decent selection of shops and there was a rooftop terrace with views of the active runway. Personally I really enjoyed it and its worth a visit if you have some time to kill. At security, your purchases are thoroughly searched by courteous staff. After that I wandered around the departure area for an hour. It seems that they concentrate late departing flights in one pier of the terminal, the other end seemed to be deserted and rather dark. I was amazed at how they managed to board a full 777-300 beginning just 30 minutes before departure but then I was in Japan (",) The gate staff were all very friendly and put me in a good mood for the 13.5 hour flight. Overall Narita is very Japanese i.e its very big, efficient and polite. The architecture is a bit out of date but it all works very well so who can complain about that? Yes its far away from Tokyo but world class transport will bring you there and back quickly for a reasonable price. Overall Tokyo Narita does its job very well.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Yevheniy Kahanovych

12 November 2007   Customer Rating : 4 Star Rating

I used NRT twice during last two weeks flying in and out of terminal 1, but had also been to to terminal 2. Very efficient immigration, very quick baggage service, very helpful security staff. The airport doesnt look overcrowded, I would even say the opposite: it's very calm and tranquil place. Very unusual for the airport of such a scale and passenger volume. Railway station is underground and easy to reach. Some security procedures may seem strange. For example, arriving to the airport by bus or taxi, you're stopped by the road police at the check point before the airport and asked for documents, so don't put it to baggage which is not with you in the cabin of the bus. Otherwise you're asked to find you bag in the hold and present your passport, which is actually checked not very thoroughly (mine was taken and looked at upside down). Some minuses of this airport: after 9pm nothing works there. No food outlets, no cafes, no bars are open. Buildings become deserted, and even information desks are empty. However special telephones for information service are available and calls are responded. Terminal 1 layout is very confusing and not clearly mapped and signposted. I've spent good 20 minutes trying to find post office. Toilets landside were not clean, and even more, I noticed some insects there. Very unpleasant and strange for this airport. Airside food and duty free facilities are limited, I found a single coffee outlet open and noon after security. It was overcrowded. All in all a good airport. Functional and comfortable. Very japanese. Not as bright and superb building like Hong Kong, not a great shopping like LHR, but it works fine.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Roger Stone

18 October 2007   Customer Rating : 4 Star Rating

Tokyo NRT is now on my hub list as a very useful, functional, and pleasant airport to use when travelling to and from Australia to many world centres. Passport control is very efficient and even friendly. Baggage collection has always been remarkably quick. Staff at check-in efficient and very courteous. Airport hotels seem to try hard coping with the high volume of passengers transiting and staying at Narita, although it may be that a more up-market hotel needs to be built for Narita Airport if it is to compete with the likes of HKG, ICN, and BKK. Narita City is worth a visit.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Martin Edwards

17 October 2007   Customer Rating : 5 Star Rating

Terminal 1 has been refurbished and is efficient and comfortable. On arrival from the U.S., we were able to get through passport control, baggage claim and customs, and then pick up train passes for the trip into Tokyo, all within less than an hour. The Narita Express train into the city is about an hour to Tokyo Station, or about an hour and 20 minutes in Shinjuku. This airport is an excellent hub for any travel to Asia; transfers are fast and there are plenty of shops and restaurants.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by R Cousins

9 October 2007   Customer Rating : 5 Star Rating

Been flying in and out of Tokyo NRT for many years now and I still think it is a superb airport. It may not be as new or flashy as HKG or ICN but updates and refurbishment have kept it looking fresh. Check in often busy but well organised and the airport staff friendly and helpful. Clearing security is always a pleasure at Narita - efficient and professional staff (unlike London Heathrow - where you are treated as a potential terrorist). Good choice of shops and cafes/restaurants which are good value. It may be well out of Tokyo but there is a choice of trains or buses for downtown TYO and both are of course fantastically efficient! Put simply - Narita is a pleasure to use.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by M Liebmann

5 October 2007   Customer Rating : 4 Star Rating

The only bad thing about Narita is that we seemed to walk forever to get from our arriving aircraft to customs. It seemed to go on for about 20-30 minutes just in walking. Otherwise, the airport was clean and efficient, maybe a bit sterile? On departing Tokyo, everything went very well, from the ticketing agent to the currency conversion to the security.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Matt Roe

26 March 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

I arrived at Narita Terminal 1 from London Heathrow at around 1015 on a Sunday morning. There was a minimal wait for immigration, with 3 or 4 immigration staff on duty processing foreign arrivals. Baggage claim was likewise efficient and I was out of the airport probably within 40 minutes of leaving the aircraft.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by G Lazaro
21 January 2007

Used Terminal 1 this past December and January as a transfer point between Osaka-Itami (ITM) and JFK. Was checked through to my final destination each time at ITM and JFK using ANA, so I didn't have to bother checking in again at Narita. But the international check-in area of Terminal 1 is fairly spacious, modern, and bright though still quite busy. You can kill time at the number of stores and restaurants in the mall-like area (before entering security), along with the massage chairs (which feel pretty good after a 14 hr flight) and outside observation deck, which seems to accompany a number of Japanese airports. Immigration usually has a long line, but it does move at a reasonable enough pace. Transferring from international to domestic was pretty easy, with enough signage and staff ready to handle my bags and inform me that my connecting flight would be delayed. The domestic portion of Terminal 1 offers a lot less in terms of amenities. The waiting area past security could use more seats and felt a little cramped, as people were lined up on the floors. Overall though I like Narita for its efficiency and its cleanliness, which is true also for my usual airport, Kansai Airport.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Steve Koenig
15 November 2006

Arrived on Korean Airs at one terminal and departed on Japan Airlines at another terminal. Process was quick and painless. Departure area for JAL was pretty barren, and Internet service took only Japanese coins (since we were transferring we hadn't changed money), and the concessionaire couldn't change money.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Tyler Higson
15 October 2006

Flew in to Narita at a rush hour sort of time. Caught the shuttle to Termanal 2 main building. Got to passport control. I was their for 30 mins when we were told by signs 60 mins. Japanese and Forigen passport desks at the same number. Straight down stairs to Baggage after Passport. My bag was picked up 10 seconds after getting down the stairs. To customs, that was a brezze. Caught a train (1st of 3) to Nippori from the airport. A bit pricey but the train service was OK. Good airport, I flew out of Kansai and Kansai was good as well. Narita will be my pick for any travel to Japan even only for transit!

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Wei Kai
21 June 2006

The new terminal 1 looks futuristic, I can say it looks big but there are only a few shops at the check in counters. Secondly, when you want to do a check in it is easy, everything is automatic. All you need to do is check in through a machine. A customer officer will be there assisting you if you need any help. Thirdly, all the star alliance members are all at terminal one. Overall Narita Airport is friendly airport to go to.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Andrew Wright
6 May 2006

I quite like Narita Terminal 2. There are a pretty decent range of Japanese souvenirs, sweets and restaurants prior to passport control, better than your average airport, and you can pick up some reasonable last minute gifts. After passport control you are largely restricted to brand name duty free and small cafes. A few important things to remember are to give yourself enough time for the long emigration queue and to reach your gate (especially C & D which require a short monorail ride) and don't forget to keep your ticket as you exit from the railway gates, or at least keep your Japan Rail Pass handy. The Narita Express (N'EX) is very handy if you are staying in Shinjuku and is a pleasant way to unwind before or after a flight.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Jon MacKenzie
9 March 2006

This airport is so far from Tokyo that perhaps rather than improving the train service, they should just change the name of the airport so that it doesn't include the word "Tokyo." Just joking of course, but in such a train country as Japan, I am constantly puzzled at why they haven't improved the service yet. They should take inspiration from Shanghai's maglev. Furthermore, a small warning: you should have your passport ready in the train going to the airport, because ridiculously you can't even exit the subway without it, even though you'll need to produce it another 3 times before you fasten your seatbelt. Another point, the airport suffers from a constant reek of tobacco. I always had had this impression of Japan being high-tech enough that they could at least build a sealed low pressure room for smokers, if banning smoking really isn't on the agenda there yet. But, alas, one continues to hope. Last note, actually, the entire design (proportions, use of space, aesthetics, lighting, air quality and architecture) of both terminals belongs to a bygone era. One can hardly count the number of better airports in East Asia at the moment (including 3 right in Japan.) I will vouch though, that at least the staff are good at Narita. I've never had a problem with security/customs/immigration (sometimes the lines are long, but where aren't they.)

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Brian Smith
7 February 20065

Yes, Narita is extremely far from Tokyo. That said, we have no other choice for international departures (except to and from Seoul Gimpo). Departing Narita is not pleasant, especially from Terminal 1. Mainly because they have long walk times to the United and Northwest gates and it is still under renovation until 2006. Terminal 2 is much better organized and they do have shuttle trains to the outer gates. During busy travel seasons (Golden Week, Christmas/New Year's, and Obon in August) both terminals are subjected to maximum usage. There will be incredible lines if arriving and departing, that's just a fact of life. As a resident of Japan, I never have any delay arriving "home" as I can use the Japanese immigration lanes. However, I have seen the horrible lines for foreigners. I usually have a quick exit to the baggage and go straight to the limousine bus ticket stand. From the plane opening its doors to taking my seat on the bus, it rarely exceeds 40 minutes. Despite the location, Narita is efficient considering the volume of traffic that goes in and out. But heaven help anyone who is stuck there during some sort of freak thunderstorm, snow storm (which just happened 1/06), or other "emergency". The airlines and airport have no idea what to do with the backlog of passengers trying to get out on the next available flight (as most of the flights in and out of Narita are always full, except to Europe). The hotels nearby are fairly awful and expensive, with no international TV (the Hilton isn't too bad). Fingers crossed, your experience at Narita won't be so bad as others may let you believe.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Sam Lai
6 February 20065

Arrival is always quite quick, but I understand some comments about long lines at immigration. Slow and not efficient. The Narita Express into Tokyo is efficient, but quite expensive compared to other cities. Departure at Narita is always a hell. The lines at the check-in area are huge - especially for the flights to US. Narita should organize these check-in area's better. After immigration, which is slow again, I normally go to the airline lounges immediately.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Sofian Azizul
20 January 20065

I use this airport at least once a year and I never have problems.It took me less than half an hour to go through immigration and the immigration personnel are very helpful and polite (unlike Europe (Manchester)). Luggage delivery at Narita is very fast and efficient. Narita is a clean airport plus the toilet are spotless. Unfortunately, NRT is far away from the city centre and it took at least 2 hours from Tokyo. Overall, I like this airport.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Paul Bland
12 January 20065

Arriving from Australia at Narita Airport on a Monday evening was like coming home to old friends. The Japanese are unfailingly polite and efficient. I was surprised then to find only two immigration officers stamping passports for non Japanese arrivals. At one stage I counted three hundred people standing in the queue with only two control points. This was clearly a regular occurrence because someone had thoughtfully posted time waiting signs at various points: eg "90 minutes from this point. The fact that the check in desks do not open until ninety minutes before departure is a nuisance for departing passengers. It often takes some organisation to get to Narita from Tokyo and this means a long wait with luggage in hand.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Pierre Fabre
6 January 20065

Been through this one over a dozen times and apart from the cost of getting there from Tokyo, it's a very nice airport with plenty of space and facilities. The Keisei train line is definitely the best choice to get there, the most affordable and certainly fast enough even if you don't get the Skyliner which is a bit more costly. When departing from Japan, if you want to get rid of your luggage as soon as possible, you may prefer taking the bus in downtown Tokyo Narita bus terminal where you can check-in before you get on the bus.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Jantzen Chua
2 January 20065

Narita Airport is generally nice. It's fully equipped with restaurants, lounges, entertainment, stores, even a large bookstore. The ambience is also quite good and adds a hip-hop modern touch. Still, the drawback is its distance from central Tokyo. Without special transportation service, it would be pretty hard to get there. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Geraldo Faria
30 November 2005

Actually the limousine bus from Yokohama should be around 3,800 yens, not 38,000. Also there are about 5 or 6 ways to reach the city from Narita, and unfortunately, Narita Airport is about 2 hours from any in Tokyo, or even 3 hours. But it is worth it.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Masaki Oda
9 October 2005

Narita is often criticized for being far from Tokyo. It is true that you need to leave the city four ot five hours before the flight. However, the airport has made improvements in the past years. There are now lots of airport bus services to various suburban communities and train stations around Tokyo. These buses are equipped with Radio and they are constantly communicating with the dispatchers so that they can take the least crowded route to/from Narita. Therefore, in some cases, they are more convenient than Narita Express or Skyliner trains. As the part of T1 is under renovation, you may have to walk long, especially to/from 40s gates (mainly used by United). However, there are signs in English, Mandarin, Korean and Japanese, and it is easy to find the way around. Immigration and security lines can be long during the peak hours, but they are efficient and usually move quicker than they look.

Tokyo Narita Airport by William Henwood
22 August 2005

I made a mistake on my last comment. Limousine Buses only cost 3,000 Yen, not 38,000 Yen. They can take you to neighbouring prefectures and to major hotels. Sorry for the error (350 USD does sound strange for a coach journey).


Tokyo Narita Airport by William Henwood
19 August 2005

I know that Narita is quite a distance from the centre of Tokyo, but it is not pysically possible to place a large, international airport on mountainous ground. There is Haneda airport in central Tokyo, but Haneda can't handle many international flights a day, simply because the airport can't really expand in the middle of a capital city (just like old Kai Tak airport in Honk Kong). Anyway, for the foreign traveller (especially from the United States), Narita is not so bad. Signs are well posted in English, Japanese, Mandarin and Hangul Korean, so you will not get lost and confused. NW and AA flights arrive at Terminal 1.You will get a passport check, queues are long (but moving) in the daytime, and in the evening, it is quiet, and you will get to the front in 3 minutes at most. Everything is simple at Narita, you can get the job done very quickly, whether if you are a Japanese national or a foreigner. Once you are past the security checks, you can take the orange, "Friendly Airport Limousine" coach service, takes you to many places in central Tokyo and Japan, for 38,000 Yen (nearly 350 USD, expensive). Two trains operate out of the airport, the JR Narita Express, and the Keisei Skyliner. The Narita Express goes to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ueno, Shinagawa, Ikebukuro, Yokohama and Omiya stations. The Keisei goes to Nippori and Ueno stations (in central Tokyo). The Express costs more than the Skyliner, but has a larger range of stops. Avoid taking the taxi (if possible). Journeys cost 200USD. So accessing central Tokyo, is fairly simple. Doing a transfer at Narita is simple as well, whether international or domestic.


Tokyo Narita Airport by Jay Duce

8 August 2005

This airport was impressive - not for its looks but for efficiency! Never have I gotten my bags so fast nor cleared passport control and customs so fast in my life! I think I was done in about 5 minutes. Maybe US airports need to lean from the Japanese because it seems that they have figured out how to do what we cannot! Yes, I am talking about moving people.


Tokyo Narita Airport by Harry Tsui

26 March 2005

Enjoying your transit at Narita Airport? Instead of spending time at the Lounge, I usually just get out of the airport through Immigration. Nowadays, it takes around 45 minutes to get through the long line. Once you are out of the Immigration, you can exchange some money before exiting the Custom gate and then rush down to the underground (right in front of the Exit) to catch the regular Keisei Line. (Keise Line is on the left side of the track while the JR is on the right.) The treat to the city of Narita is a wonderful experience not to be missed and a big plus for the otherwise remote airport. The fare is 250 yens one way. If you are using Terminal 1 (United, NWA) that would be the 2nd stop. Get off the train and walk through an underground passage to get to the Exit. Then go straight to the end of the street, turn right at the corner bookstore, pass the interchange and walk straight all the way to the famous Narita Temple. Narita Temple is free, unlike other temples in Japan. The Entrance is very beautiful, just like the one at Nikko. And you are welcome to really go inside the temple hall and hear the peaching. If you still have time, walk around the temple and the beautiful garden and pagoda. It is peaceful and meditating. Then on the way back, pick up the Japanese food from the grocery. There is a small Japanese noodle shop just on the left side of the Keisei train station. Enjoy your noodle there. The cost is at 450 Yens. If you still have some change, pick up some tasty sushi on the store next door. The time I spent: get off the United 747 at 2:00 PM. Walk to the Immigration at around 2:10 PM. Get off the Immigration at 3:00 PM (two 747s). Catch the Keisei train, arriving at Narita at 3:15 PM. Rush to the Narita Temple at 3:30 PM, just in time for the last part of the peaching ceremony. Spent around one hour at the Temple site. Back to the Narita station at 4:30 PM for noodle, bookstore and pastry shop. Then take the 5:00 PM train to the airpot. I was back to the United Lounge at 5:30 PM, just in time for taking the shower and eating the raw shrimp with the white wine. This simple no hassle stop-over transit can give you an authentic taste of the best of Japan. The Temple, old Japanese style street with all the goodies and traditional Japanese hotels (roykans), noodles, pastry, and sushi are part of the experience that you cannot find in Tokyo. On the way to San Francisco on the upper deck, I can take the sashimi out and enjoy it all the way, as if I had just spent a long time visiting Japan! For your information, I cannot speak Japanese. Just use hand signs all along.


 



 

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