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2024
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Bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka for 6 adults and all luggage. Should we book reserved tickets?

Question:

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Diana

Heading to Japan in January. I have some questions and hoping I can get some tips from those that have experienced it. Thank you in advance.
1. Transportation from Narita to the Tokyo hotel for 6 adults and all luggage?
2. Bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka for 6 adults and all luggage. I think we should book reserved tickets and seats in advance?
3. Cell phones, e-sim or Ninja WiFi? Thoughts?
4. Transportation from Osaka hotel to Kansai airport for 6 adults and all luggage?
Hotels are booked through Booking.com but not sure if we should book the transportation through them as it shows only small luggage sizes.

Humans say...

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Tyler

Keisei Skyliner train from NRT. About 25/ Cdn each.
Yes reserve seats for Shinkansen. Consider booking Green class.
E-Sim or visit Bic / Yodobashi camera for a physical tourist Sim. About 25$ cdn.
You can book train tickets when you arrive as well. JR has large booking office at Ueno station ( where the skyliner will drop you off).
You can take the subway or JR train from Ueno to your hotel as well. (Google maps will tell you which train to take)

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Dan

2. Yes, do reserved seats, book ahead. This way you won’t have to constantly move seats if someone booked where you’ve sat.
3. E-sim. Hands down. Use klook.
Don’t have answers for 1 and 4, sorry. Have an absolute blast, I enjoyed my time in Japan.

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Tamara

1. Prob cheaper to a hire driver for one way trip. Or take skyliner/public transport.
2. Reserve tickets/seats and tell them you have large luggage or they will charge you. Or use yamato transport service and pay for them to deliver it all to your hotel.
3. ivideo is the cheapest and i use it all the time.
4. You can pay for luggage transportation using “yamato transport” or hire a driver. Cheapest is just taking public transport (same as #1).

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Tyler

Tamara if you book the last rows of seats in the train car, you will have lots of space behind your seat for luggage on the Shinkansen.

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Tamara

Tyler prior to covid technically yes but due to high volume of tourist you have to reserve that space for large luggage now I believe.

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Tamara

Tyler if you dont I think its 1,000yen or $9 each

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Tyler

Tamara I've had better luck with this in the Green cars.

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Tamara

Tyler after new years it isnt high tourist season so you may get away with it? I believe its free if you just tell them when you reserve your seats.

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Matt

1. There are a lot of transportation option out of Narita. There are comfortable highway buses and you can also take one of the train options (NEX or Skyliner).
If moving around with the luggage is a concern, or you're arriving early and want to sight-see without your luggage, you can use a luggage transfer service.
https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/delivery/baggage/
Yamoto is one of the more popular couriers and they have a counter in Narita.
https://www.global-yamato.com/.../Narita_International...
Luggage transfer services cost $15-30 PER bag, depending on size and weight. I would suggest contacting the hotel and seeing if they can hold your luggage and just dropping your stuff off right away.
2. If you know the date and time of when you plan to go to Osaka, you can book the tickets in advance. JR has an office at Narita and they can book the tickets for you. Seat reservations are at an extra cost. Otherwise, the Shinkansens run often between Tokyo and Osaka, and it shouldn't be a big deal to buy your tickets on the day of travel. There are some spaces on the trains to stow luggage.
3. If your group of six will always be together, a pocket wifi might work, as it's a single cost and everyone can connect to it while you're out and about. I've never used a pocket wifi and I don't know the range limitations. Public wifi is available in most coffee shops and restaurants.
Personally, I connect with an esim using airalo. Check to make sure your device supports esims here. https://shorturl.at/BpzBI
If the device doesn't support esim, you can get a local simcard at BIC Camera. They have a location at Narita in Terminal 2.
4. Your hotel in Osaka can probably help you arrange luggage transfer to Kansai.
NARITA-AIRPORT.JP
Baggage Delivery | NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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Neil

Transportation is all about which hotel you are staying from Narita
If you are staying with airport shuttle hotel it’s much easier to take the bus. You just buy tickets when you arrive at Narita
If your hotel is far from train station consider charter a big van it may be more expensive but way easier.
2 yes reservation is a good thing. Japan has long weekend from January 9th till 13th so watch out.
3 how many phones you need to use wifi and are you all travelling together all the time? Most of the hotels and Shinkansen airport shuttle had free wifi. So you have to think how May people need access to use wifi and are they all going to be the same place?
4 again which hotel you are staying in Osaka
Umeda area JR
Namba area Nankai train
Everywhere else you have to get one of those place so it may be easier to use charter but expensive!

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Kenny

1. Depends on where you stay in Tokyo and your arrival time. You definitely do not want to make transfer on commuter trains during rush hour with your travel group
2. Yes. Book the last row of seat so you can use the RESERVED space behind for luggage. Or consider a night bus. Or even a domestic flight as it's sometimes cheaper.
3. I'd do e-sim to save the trouble of returning the Wifi router. Cost difference is minimal if you shop around
4. Depends on where you stay in Osaka. If you leave early in the morning, I'd recommend staying 1 night in Rinku-Town which is right across the airport island. Some hotels in that area even offer free shuttle service.

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Tam

I love Airalo.

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Jennifer

Tam agree. I’m in Japan right now and used that for data no problem and very cheap. Easy to top up as well. Download app, pick country, pick plan. Click OK. Done!

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Sally

I've done Ninja wifi. Worked like a charm - but.... did have to charge it as least once during the day it was very helpful to have a battery charger with us.

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Gloria

We just returned from Japan last month. There were 4 of us.
2. If you want to sit together, book your shinkansen tickets a day or two ahead of time. You can even book it when you get to the station, you might just have to wait a few trains for one with seats together. I found it stressful, though, booking at the station.
We used luggage transfer service from one hotel to the next. If you take your luggage with you and it's large, you are supposed to book special seats with the luggage space behind. They are starting to charge people a fee who don't do this. We didn't take luggage so I don't know what kind of lead time you need to book tickets in this case.
3. I used airalo for esim in Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto, Koyasan, Niigata, and Naoshima. Worked well with no issues. I only ended up using 4 GB for 3 weeks. Used wifi at hotel. Used mostly for navigation - Google maps and looking up info while on the go. If you separate from others in your group you will want access to data to communicate with others in your group. We used whatsapp. My cousin purchased a mobal esim and was not able to get it to work.

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Justine

Use eSIM. airalo is reliable. Use yamato luggage transfer for your large suitcase. Your carryon can fit in the overhead storage on the train.

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Mars

1. Dependent on Tokyo hotel neighborhood: skyliner vs narita express trains or bus or taxi
2. Reserve tickets and book in advanced to eliminate stress. I purchased same day and it’s not bad.
3. E-sim fastest is ubigi at 5G. I had airalo and it maxed at 4g
4. Research. If you take taxi, they might be cash only

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Jordan

1. Narita Express to Tokyo or Shinjuku and local train (e.g., Yamanote Line) from there.
2. Yes. Absolutely. Book at least four weeks ahead and you’ll get a discount. Forget the Green cars as it’s a short 150-minute ride. Book a Nozomi train and select seats on the right side of the train for an unobstructed Fuji view between Shin-Yokohama and Nagoya. Download and use the JR app.
3. airalo’s Moshi Moshi eSIM. It’s a cinch to buy/install/operate. Coverage everywhere. Cheap.
4. Can’t help as I’ve never flown to/from Osaka.
Unsolicited advice: if this is your first time in Japan (and even if it isn’t), don’t miss Kyoto. It’s less than 30 minutes by limited express train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. And, if you have time, see Nara, as well. Osaka is cool. Kyoto can be life changing.
Enjoy!

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Jenny

I loved Japan. I believe you have some good advice at these posts. We had a family reunion in Japan (Australia/Canada) Booking in advance is much better for all of your trains, buses, hotel transfer etc. I like eSIM Arelo . We also kept in touch with WhatsApp.
Please get to Kyoto. You will love it. Tokyo- Team Labs. Great experience for all ages. Enjoy- beautiful people.

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Lance

We took the Keisei Skyliner from Narita to Ueno Station and bought tickets online in advance. It was the fastest way to get there. If your hotel is not close to any of the stops, you should think about NEX. Book your Shinkansen tickets in advance online. We saw big lineups for Shinkansen tickets in Tokyo. We bought a Japan SIM card (data only, no phone) from SimCorner, which is who we buy all our foreign SIM cards from. They sell e-sim as well. You don't want to carry an additional device with you. We took the Nankai Limited Express train to Kansai Airport from Namba Stn in Osaka. IMO, the fastest way to get there. Buy tickets online in advance. You get reserved seats.

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Bogusia

This is my friend’s website https://www.facebook.com/share/stcpQJU2wETeLZJ8/...
She is Japanese and offers guidance while traveling to Japan

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Elizabet

1. Not sure about this as we flew into Haneda and used the train to get to/from the airport
2. Check the luggage sizes with the bullet train. If travelling with large luggage, you need to reserve a seat with storage space, or you risk not being able to bring it with you. Alternatively you can use Yamata to transport luggage between hotels and the airport when you leave. This was a life saver for us.
3. We used airalo e-sim. Worked with zero problems and highly recommend. Much cheaper than buying wifi at the airport
4. Use Yamato for this but we flew back from Haneda. You have to check if Yamato drops off luggage at Kansai

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Anonymou

Hi! Just came back from Japan
1. TRANSPORT: depends when your flight comes in, but you can either book a personal driver to pick your group up via Klook the further out you book the cheaper. Or you can book via airport limousine bus (depending on your hotel’s neighbourhood), you can book ahead on Klook or at the airport, I found airport easier as you don’t know when you’ll get past immigration and the staff were very kind and helpful- we found this to be the fastest and most comfortable option that’s not transit. Personally we did the bus it was very comfortable. There’s plenty of options these are just the cheaper and most popular ones.
2. Bullet Train: best to book and reserve your tickets ahead of time if you buy your tickets without reserving seats and you go in the non reserved car it’s a high chance you will stand; green car is basically “first class,” but personally found not a massive difference. If you book via their Bullet Train app you can book a month ahead your groups seats and can sit together or book 3rd party (Klook) and wait till you get to the station to pick your seats are the kiosk (lower chance of sitting together) you can also book seats at the back of the train where you have a luggage space behind your seat for large luggage’s. Although if you have carry ons or bag packs you can easily put it overhead or at your feet there’s lots of space.
3: PHONES: ESIM- any will do (we used NOMAD- 20G of 4G data for 3 weeks, very fast and worked perfectly even out at Disney Sea) we found to be best option for us as we didn’t have any extra things to carry or have to charge with the portable wifi because you will need a portable charger too, but to each their own; this is more a personal choice.
4: RETURN HOME: can’t give much input here as we returned to Tokyo going home. But depending on your hotel you may have an airport limousine bus stop nearby to take to the airport; a personal driver again via Klook; or transit; taxi we found to be too expensive
LUGGAGE: Yamato is their main delivery service; most hotels that are 3+ stars have the luggage delivery service to and from hotels or their own shop nearby (some are cash some are card so have some cash ready) just ask what’s the latest you can send luggage out for convenience.
We found the entire country to be very tourist friendly.

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Matthew

Make sure you carry cash. Cell data is important. I didn't have any and it really sucked. I would get physical tourist sim next time

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Diana

Thank you very much for all of this wonderful information.
Question about booking bullet train. What app as I have found a couple?
It looks like Klook charges a fulfillment fee. Then I found the Shinkansen Smart Ex app. I am hesitant on 3rd party sites.

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Shane

Ubigi esim is awesome. Very low prices

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Renée

We did Ninja Wifi for our son because we were worried about how much data he would use and airalo esims for me and my husband. I think airalo would have been fine all around. We also used Yamato to send luggage from Tokyo to Osaka and then Osaka back up to Narita where we were flying out of. You have to account for the days of transport. They picked up our bags in Okasa on Tuesday for our Saturday flight. We lived from our carryons that week. it wasn't ideal, but neither was our dumb plan of flying home from Narita when our second week was in Osaka.

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Scott

Check Jetpac esim - it was super cheap and very reliable. I went with it over airalo. Compare prices.
I booked bullet train same day every time and never had an issue.

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Tracey

We were a group of 5 and used a portable Wiffi through japan wireless. Was super easy and let all 5 of us be connected easily with no issues.
As a group of 5 we reserved our train seats a day or two ahead with no issues. When at train stations we just booked our next train leg journey so we knew the time we wanted to arrive for and ensure we had seats together. But trains were so easy and starlight forward.

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Emily

Question about eSIM. I’ve never used and going to Mexico (rural er part of the Baja) and I see my iPhone says convert to eSIM. Is that what I use?? Or do I have to go through an app?


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Heading to Japan in January: Tips for Transportation, Connectivity, and More

Traveling to Japan in January can be an exciting experience, but it's important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey. Here are some tips based on your questions:

1. Transportation from Narita to Tokyo Hotel for 6 Adults and Luggage

The most convenient option is to take a shared shuttle or private transfer. Many companies offer these services, and you can book them in advance. Some recommended options include:

  • Airport Limousine Bus: A shared shuttle service that can accommodate your group and luggage.
  • Private Transfer: A private van or taxi that will take you directly to your hotel. This can be more expensive but offers more comfort and convenience.

2. Bullet Train from Tokyo to Osaka for 6 Adults and Luggage

Yes, it's highly recommended to book reserved seats in advance, especially for a group of 6 adults with luggage. The bullet trains (also known as Shinkansen) can get crowded, and having reserved seats will ensure a comfortable journey. You can book tickets online or through a travel agency.

3. Cell Phones, e-sim, or Ninja WiFi?

For connectivity in Japan, you have a few options:

  • e-sim: If your phone supports e-sim, you can purchase a data plan from a Japanese carrier and activate it before your trip. This can be a convenient option for staying connected on the go.
  • Ninja WiFi: Ninja WiFi is a popular portable WiFi hotspot rental service in Japan. You can rent a device and pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel. This allows you to share internet access with your group.
  • Prepaid SIM card: You can purchase a prepaid SIM card from a Japanese carrier upon arrival and insert it into your unlocked phone. This can be a more affordable option for data and voice calls.

4. Transportation from Osaka Hotel to Kansai Airport for 6 Adults and Luggage

Similar to the transportation from Narita, you can opt for a shared shuttle or private transfer. The Kansai Airport has several companies offering these services, and you can book them in advance. Some options include:

  • Airport Limousine Bus: A shared shuttle service that will take you from your hotel to the airport.
  • Private Transfer: A private van or taxi that will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to the airport.

Regarding booking transportation through Booking.com, it may be worth exploring other options as well, especially for a group of 6 adults with luggage. Some companies may offer better rates or more flexibility for larger groups.

Remember to plan ahead and book your transportation and connectivity options in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Japan.



   










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