Hello!
Today, we’ll provide a detailed introduction to the precautions for the “Tokyo Station Narita Express,” as witnessed by a staff member living in Tokyo, after recently witnessing several instances where foreign travelers missed their trains and couples got into arguments right before our eyes!
While it’s relatively easy to find your place when riding trains in Japan due to the practice of lining up, the Narita Express platform at Tokyo Station can be confusing because of the high volume of people and trains passing through. This often leads to many instances where unfamiliar passengers accidentally board the wrong train!
What exactly is the Narita Express?
Introducing the Narita Express!
- If you’re willing to spend a bit of money for a comfortable and fast ride to Narita Airport, this is the best train option for you!
- All Seats Reserved
- Express Train Connecting Major Terminal Stations in the Tokyo Area with Narita Airport
Operating trains mainly via Yokohama and Shinjuku/Shibuya, with services also extending to the Hachioji and Takao areas.- Since all trains stop at Tokyo Station, transferring at Tokyo Station is the easiest option for those unfamiliar with the system.
Despite the convenience of Haneda Airport being closer, Narita Airport serves as Japan’s international gateway. Whether you’re from Japan or abroad, Narita Airport sees overwhelmingly more travelers. Connecting Narita Airport to Tokyo Station in approximately one hour is the Narita Express.
What is the fare for the Narita Express?
The fare from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport is ¥1,340 for the basic ticket plus ¥1,730 for a reserved seat.
The total is ¥3,070.
It’s really convenient!
Navigating the Narita Express at Tokyo Station: A Guide for the Unfamiliar
Points to Note: Step-by-Step Explanation
Transfer Location: Deep Underground at the Edge of Tokyo Station
First Challenge: Locating the Platform Tokyo Station itself is vast, but the platform for the Narita Express is even deeper underground, towards the station’s edge.
Location: The deepest part within Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi side. It gives off a dungeon-like vibe that gamers might find irresistible. (Wait, is it just me?)
参照：JR東日本
Arrival platforms for the Narita Express are randomized, so always check the electronic display boards!
Even experienced commuters sometimes get it wrong, so travelers, please double-check carefully. Once you descend to the underground level 2 after reaching the underground level 1 inside the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station, the platforms split to the left and right.
One side is for Narita Airport-bound trains, while the opposite side is for Yokohama-bound trains. Be sure to check the signage on the platform!
Be sure to check the electronic display board without fail.
You can generally board the Narita Express from the underground Sobu Line platforms on Basement 5. The platforms for trains bound for Narita Airport are typically on Platforms 3 and 4.
The Narita Express platform is located on the same platform as other conventional lines, making it tricky to find your way around!
Finally made it to the Narita Express platform, but witnessed several travelers accidentally boarding the wrong train right in front of me…
The Narita Express does not have its own platform.
It shares the same platform as the Sobu Rapid Line, which is frequently used for commuting and attending school in Tokyo.
As a result, the following situations may occur.
Ahead: Narita Express (fewer passengers, so no queue)
Behind: Sobu Rapid (used by many commuters heading home, so there’s a line)
In other words,
That means people waiting for the next train on the same platform are already queuing at the entrance of the Narita Express!
The travelers I saw who missed their train were likely unable to board the Narita Express, which was already stopped, because they thought that “a queue equals some trouble or something preventing them from boarding the train.”
Wrong!!
They are waiting for the next regular train. 😄
For those using the Narita Express!!! Even if the platform is crowded when the Narita Express arrives, confidently board it. Because hardly anyone besides travelers uses the Narita Express, so there won’t be queues for that train.
What to Do If You Accidentally Miss the All-Seated Reserved Narita Express
Here’s what to do if you overshoot your destination.↓
“Purchase a reserved seat on the next train” or “Take the regular train instead.”
If you miss your stop, the reserved seat fee for that section is non-refundable.
You can still use your original ticket, so you can either take a regular train or purchase another reserved seat ticket and catch the next Narita Express to Narita Airport. Since Narita Airport is far away, personally, I recommend buying another reserved seat ticket.
Useful and convenient Narita Express! Here are some points to note when boarding at Tokyo Station!
If you miss it, the next one will be 30 minutes later, so please check the following points in advance to avoid being late!
- It’s located in the underground at one end of Tokyo Station!
- Usually on tracks 3 and 4 of the Sobu Line!
- It uses the same platform as regular trains that don’t go to Narita Airport
- Don’t be confused by the line for passengers not boarding the Narita Express!
The most important thing is not to be misled by the line for passengers not boarding the Narita Express!
Wishing you a wonderful journey❣️🐝
