Tokyo Station to Ueno Station to Narita Airport

Navigating Tokyo's Complex Train Stations with a Toddler

Surviving Tokyo's intricate train stations can be challenging, especially with a toddler. While we've managed other stations worldwide, Tokyo presents unique difficulties with many non-English signs, which can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Here are our tips for survival; we hope this guide proves helpful. Let’s go! 

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Survival Tips for Navigating Tokyo's Busy Train Stations

If we could turn back time we would take the most comfortable way of travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station which is the JR Narita Express (NEX). The one-way journey takes roughly one hour and costs around 3000 yen.

Route: Tokyo Station to Ueno Station to Narita Airport

This guide details the journey from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station and on to Narita Airport. We experienced some difficulties and can confirm that it's not stroller-friendly. Once, we had to carry our baby's stroller down a long flight of stairs along with our suitcase, which was quite challenging. Finding the elevator signs was also tough.

From Tokyo Station to Ginzo Station

The Travel Information Center is Your Friend

Make sure to seek directions if you are unsure how to navigate the Tokyo train stations as they can be quite confusing. The Travel Information Center at Tokyo Station is located close to the Japan Trial Cafe, and the staff there are very helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

We took the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza Station.

From Ginza Station to Ueno Station

Finding our way to Ginza Line

We couldn't locate any elevators, and the Ginza Line we needed to reach was downstairs. With no other option, we had to carry the stroller and suitcase down the stairs, which was unsafe and not advisable for safety reasons.

More walking...

After some searching, we finally located an elevator. Despite having a pair of eyes, we struggled to find it earlier without any train station assistance in sight. Surprisingly, no one seemed bothered by our lost situation – after all, this is the city and people are just busy minding their own business.

From Ueno Station to Narita Airport

• We traveled by train from Tokyo to Ginza, then to Ueno, and from there, we took the Skyliner Bullet Train to Narita Airport. 

• This route is not stroller-friendly. We struggled to find elevators, as there were no lifts at any of these stations. 

• Remember to exchange your ticket voucher at the ticket counter.

Finally, we made it to the Keisei-Ueno Station and from here make sure to follow the signs.

One thing I like about Japan is that there’s always a tourist information center somewhere, without them we’re just lost. 

Get your physical tickets from the Skyliner Counter

Make sure you have enough time to walk to the Skyliner Station, we thought it would be closeby so we took the closest time offered by the agent said it’s not far. We almost didn’t make it, I’m not sure why would they even offer that knowing we’re tourists, also we had a stroller and a big suitcase with us. 

We walked as fast as we could to the Skyliner Train Platform. 

Good thing, there are elevators here now.

Skyliner Train to Narita Airport

The Skyliner train is significantly quicker than the Narita Express train.

Travel time: 45 minutes

Arrival at Narita Airport

Finally, we arrived at Narita Airport!

Withdrawing Cash in Japan

If you need cash, 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan waive transaction fees when using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Just remember to choose "credit" when prompted, even if it's a debit card, to ensure it's processed as a credit card transaction instead of a cash advance.

While at the Narita Train Station Starbucks, I bought a Japan Tumbler for 1,463 yen as a souvenir. Additionally, I received a complimentary drink and ordered the Gianduja chocolate mocha, which was delicious - not overly sweet, similar to many Japanese treats.

Narita Airport has three terminals handling domestic and international flights based on major airline alliances, eliminating the need to transfer terminals for connecting flights.

North Wing vs South Wing

Terminal Information:

• T1 North Wing: SkyTeam airlines like Air France, Delta, KLM ...
• T1 South Wing: Star Alliance airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines ...
• T2: Oneworld carriers like British Airways, Japan Airlines ...
• T3: Low-cost carriers including Jetstar, Philippines AirAsia, Spring and Jeju Air (some departs on both terminals, check your airline app ahead of time).

You might find this next post interesting: What To Do Inside Narita Airport: Waiting for Flight/Bus

I hope this guide helped clarify the route from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station, followed by the Skyliner train to Narita Airport. We completed the journey and this won't be our last - looking forward to seeing you again, Japan!

Have fun and be safe ^__^

Do you want more adventure in Tokyo?

• Explore the iconic Mount Fuji and charming Kawaguchiko town in Japan.
• Kawaguchiko Station to Tokyo Station by Train
• Visit The Famous Pokémon Center Tokyo DX
• Tokyo Station is a must-visit for Amazing Ramen, Anime, and Manga stores.
• What To Do Inside Narita Airport: Waiting for Flight/Bus

Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, we're off to Nassau, Bahamas! With summer in full swing and fantastic weather, we're all set to enjoy the sunshine.

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