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Arriving at Narita Airport |
- Narita Airport (New Tokyo International Airport) is located about
60 km east of central Tokyo. All flights arrive at either Terminal
1 or Terminal 2; which Terminal you arrive at depends on which
airline you take. The Tourist Information Center is located in
Terminal 2. From Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo, the main transportation
you can use is train, limousine bus, or taxi. Please ask your
airline in advance if you need assistance when you arrive at the
Airport. On arrival, airline staff will assist you through customs.
- JR Narita Express (NEX)
Taking the JR Narita Express (NEX) is the easiest way to get to
downtown Tokyo. It makes 23 round trips a day between Narita
Airport and four major JR Stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro,
and Yokohama). Each train has space for wheelchairs and is equipped
with rest rooms with wheelchair access. At the ticket counter,
you can ask JR staff to assist you in getting on and off the train.
If you have a JR Rail Pass (they are only sold overseas) you
can get a NEX ticket at the ticket counter.
Keisei Sky Liner
Keisei Sky Liner is the cheapest transportation (it goes to Ueno
Station). There are platform escalators at Keisei Ueno Station,
however routes from Keisei Ueno Station to JR Ueno Station or
either of the two Ueno Subway Stations are less than ideal for
wheelchair users because of the stairs, the rather complex route
through the crowds, and the road crossing.
Limousine buses
Limousine buses are also convenient to get downtown. Unfortunately,
only folding wheelchair users can use limousine buses as there
is no space for wheelchairs in the bus. Since none of them have
pulleys for lifting people in wheelchairs, folding wheelchair
users need assistance in getting on and off the bus, and their
wheelchairs are folded and put in the storage space under the
bus. The ticket counter is too high for wheelchair users to reach,
however you can buy tickets in the arrival lounge of the Airport.
Limousine buses go to major downtown hotels approximately every
20 minutes, though the time interval depends on the hotel. If
you want to make a domestic plane connection, you can take a limousine
bus to Haneda Airport. To board the limousine bus, wheelchair
users must sit on a seat (wheelchair is folded and stored). Boarding
and alighting will be assisted by the staff. A 50% discount on
the fare is available if you can show a disability card issued
by the Japanese government.
Taxis
Taxis are the most convenient way to get to your destination directly
from the Airport if you donŐt mind the high fare.
- To get to Narita Airport, the most convenient way may be limousine
bus from Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT): if your airline has its
check-in counter at TCAT, you can check your bags to your final
destination and pass through a security check, and immigration
there, and so avoid the congestion at the Airport. Shuttle bus
services are also available from major downtown hotels to the
Airport, so ask the concierge at your hotel for a bus schedule.
Whatever transportation you take, check if your airline leaves
from Air Terminal 1 or 2. If you find yourself at the wrong Air
Terminal, you can take the free Airport Shuttle bus which runs
between these two terminals every 10 to 15 minutes. However,
none of the shuttle buses are equipped with pulleys for lifting
wheelchair users.
The North Wing and new Central Building of Terminal 1, which had
been under renovation, reopened on March 16, 1999. These buildings
are now well-equipped with elevators, just as Air Terminal 2 is,
so wheelchair users will find them convenient. There are temporary
parking lots for people with disabilities in front of both the
Air Terminals.
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