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LUGGAGE DELIVERY AT NARITA AIRPORT (TAKKYUBIN)
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WHERE TO GO
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Terminal 1: Arrival Floor (1F). Look for Yamato Transport (Black Cat logo) or JAL ABC in the North and South Wings.
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Terminal 2: Arrival Floor (1F). Main Building Arrival Lobby.
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Terminal 3: Use the Yamato counter in the Main Building on 1F.
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MAJOR PROVIDERS
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Yamato Transport (Kuroneko): Most popular, recognizable by the black cat logo.
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JAL ABC: Reliable and located right next to the arrival exits.
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Sagawa Express: Another major provider available at most terminals.
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PRICING AND PAYMENT
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Cost: Generally 2,500 to 4,500 Yen per suitcase depending on size and weight.
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Payment: They accept Yen cash, Credit Cards, and Suica/Pasmo.
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DELIVERY TIMES
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Same-day: Only if dropped off before 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM (for Tokyo hotels).
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Next-day: Standard for most locations if you arrive in the afternoon or evening.
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PROCESS
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Have your hotel address and phone number ready on your phone.
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Write your reservation name and check-in date on the form.
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The hotel will store the bags at the front desk until you arrive.
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Keep the tracking receipt given to you at the counter.
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RESTRICTIONS
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Do not pack power banks (lithium batteries) or lighters in delivered bags.
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Keep your passport, cash, and medications with you.
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Ensure your hotel has a 24-hour front desk to receive the bags.
Would you like the specific counter locations for a particular terminal?
When shipping luggage from Narita Airport to Kyoto, the most important rule of thumb to plan around is that it is generally a next-day delivery service. Because of the roughly 500-kilometer distance between Tokyo and Kyoto, same-day delivery across regions is rarely available through standard airport counters.
The schedule, drop-off cutoff times, and arrival expectations depend on the provider you choose at the airport terminals.
1. Yamato Transport (The "Black Cat" Service) — Most Common
Yamato is the largest and most reliable luggage shipping provider in Japan. They have dedicated shipping counters on the 1st Floor (Arrivals) of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (Terminal 3 passengers can use the Terminal 3 counter on the 1st floor).
Counter Operating Hours: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
Delivery Timeline to Kyoto: Next-Day Delivery.
The Cutoff Trick: If you drop off your bags at the Narita counter before 8:20 PM, your luggage is guaranteed to arrive at your Kyoto hotel the following afternoon.
If you drop off your bags after 8:20 PM, it will still arrive the next day, but usually not until late in the evening (after 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM).
Estimated Cost: Around 2,700 JPY to 3,700 JPY per suitcase, depending on the size (dimensions up to 160 cm) and weight (up to 25 kg).
2. JAL ABC Counter — Alternative Mainstream Option
JAL ABC operates right alongside Yamato in the arrival lobbies and offers an identical next-day shipping service to the Kansai/Kyoto region.
Counter Operating Hours: 6:30 AM until 1 hour after the final international flight arrival of the day.
Delivery Timeline to Kyoto: Next-Day Delivery (typically arriving at your Kyoto destination by the following afternoon or evening).
WHERE TO BUY SUICA CARDS (APRIL 2026)
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WELCOME SUICA (RED CARD) - No deposit, expires in 28 days.
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Haneda Airport: Red vending machines at Tokyo Monorail Station (Terminal 3).
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Narita Airport: Vending machines at Narita Airport Station and Terminal 2-3 Station.
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Major Stations: JR East Travel Service Centers in Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Ueno.
Can use iphone wallet.
You actually cannot use your digital Suica card to pay for the entire journey from Narita Airport to Kyoto. A common trap for travelers is assuming a Suica can be used for any train in Japan. However, your digital Suica card has a maximum balance limit of ¥20,000, and the total cost for this trip is roughly ¥17,000 to ¥17,500. More importantly, the Shinkansen (bullet train) requires a special base fare and express ticket that cannot be paid by just tapping a standard transit IC card at the turnstile.
Here is the exact cost breakdown, how you should actually pay for each leg, and what your Suica is good for.
The Actual Cost Breakdown
To get from Narita Airport to Kyoto, you will take two distinct trains, usually transferring at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station:
Leg 1: Narita Airport to Tokyo/Shinagawa Station
• The Train: Narita Express (N'EX)
• The Cost: Approx. ¥3,140 (Ordinary reserved seat)
Leg 2: Tokyo/Shinagawa Station to Kyoto Station
• The Train: Shinkansen (Bullet Train - typically the fast Nozomi)
• The Cost: Approx. ¥14,170 – ¥14,500 (Ordinary reserved seat)
Total Combined Cost: ~¥17,310 to ¥17,640
How You Should Actually Pay (Step-by-Step)
Because you cannot tap your iPhone's Suica to get on the Shinkansen, here is the best way to handle your bookings:
1. Buy a Combined Ticket Paperless Online (Highly Recommended)
Instead of using your Suica, use your credit card ahead of time on the official SmartEX website/app (for the Shinkansen) or via platforms like Klook.
• You can actually book a single journey from "Narita Airport" all the way to "Kyoto."
• This bundles your Narita Express ticket and your Shinkansen ticket into a single purchase.
• The iPhone Connection: If you use the official SmartEX app to buy your Shinkansen ticket, you can actually link the digital ticket directly to your iPhone's Suica ID number. This allows you to tap your iPhone at the Shinkansen gates, but the money is drawn from your pre-booked online ticket, not your Suica's cash balance.
2. Buying at the Airport Station Counters
If you prefer not to book online, simply walk up to the JR East Travel Service Center or the JR ticket windows right at the Narita Airport train station when you land.
• Tell the agent you want to go to Kyoto.
• They will sell you the physical paper tickets for the Narita Express and the Shinkansen right then and there.
• You can pay with a standard physical Visa/Mastercard.
How Much Should You Load Onto Your Suica Right Now?
Since you won't be using it for the major bullet train journey, you don't need a massive balance immediately.
I recommend starting by adding ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 to your Apple Wallet Suica.
This will safely cover:
• Any local Tokyo metro or JR commuter trains if you decide to step out of Tokyo Station to grab food or sightsee before your bullet train.
• Local buses, subways, and commuter trains once you arrive in Kyoto (where the Suica is fully accepted on the Kyoto Subway and city buses).
• Convenience store snacks, drinks from vending machines, or coin lockers at the stations.
Are you planning to head straight to Kyoto the minute you land at Narita, or are you staying in Tokyo for a couple of days first?
Narita Tobu Hotel Airport
320-1 Tokko, Narita, Chiba-ken, 286-0106 Japan
Check-in
Check-out
Wed, Jun 3
Thu, Jun 4
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
11 AM
Free cancellation until Jun 1 at 11:59 p.m. (property local time)
https://www.tobuhotel.co.jp/narita/
https://www.tobuhotel.co.jp/narita/
Narita Tobu Hotel Airport offers a dedicated free shuttle service for its guests, providing a quick 5–15 minute connection from the airport terminals.
Pickup Locations & Timing
The shuttle stops at both major terminals and operates daily from approximately 5:00 AM until midnight.
• Terminal 1: Use Bus Stop No. 16 (1st Floor).
• Terminal 2: Use Bus Stop No. 25 (1st Floor).
• Frequency: The ride takes about 5–10 minutes from Terminal 1 and 10–15 minutes from Terminal 2.
Other Transfer Options
If you miss the shuttle or have a massive amount of luggage, you can consider these alternatives:
• Taxi: A very short 3-minute drive costing approximately ¥1,700–¥2,100.
• Walking: The hotel is technically about 1.6 km (1 mile) from the airport. While walkable (roughly 18 minutes), it is not recommended with heavy luggage due to airport road layouts.
• Narita Station Shuttle: The hotel also provides a free shuttle to and from JR Narita Station and Keisei-Narita Station for guests who want to visit the town center.
Note: If you are arriving at Terminal 3, you should take the internal airport corridor or the yellow terminal shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first to catch the hotel shuttle from Stop No. 25.
To help you travel smoothly from Narita to Kyoto, here is an optimized
schedule for your trip.Luggage Strategy: Send it AheadSince you arrive
at 15:25, your luggage will not arrive in Kyoto on the same
day.Drop-off Location: Yamato Transport or JAL ABC counters in the
Terminal 2 Arrivals lobby.Timeline: Drop it off immediately after
clearing customs (approx. 16:30).Overnight Bag: Pack a small bag with
pajamas, a change of clothes, and toiletries for your night at the
Narita Tobu Hotel Airport.
Optimized Schedule
Day 1: Evening in Narita
(April 27)17:00 – 17:30: Take the free Narita Tobu Hotel Shuttle from
Terminal 2 (Bus Stop #25) to the hotel.
Check in and drop your overnight bag.
18:00 – 18:30: Take the Hotel-to-City Shuttle directly
to JR Narita Station. (Confirm the specific evening time at the front
desk).
18:30 – 20:30: Walk down Naritasan Omotesando.Dinner: Try local
grilled eel (unagi) at restaurants like Kikuya or Surugaya (some stay
open until 20:00).Temple: Walk to the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
grounds. While the inner halls close at 16:00, the stunning pagoda and
gate are lit up at night.
20:45 – 21:15: Take the return shuttle bus
from JR Narita Station back to the hotel.
Day 2: The Journey to Kyoto
(April 28)To arrive in Kyoto comfortably for lunch, follow this train
connection:
07:45: Take the hotel shuttle back to Terminal 2.
08:12: Board the Narita Express (N'EX) 4 to Tokyo Station.Arrival at Tokyo Station:
09:20.10:00: Board the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi 243) from
Tokyo Station (Platform 15).Arrival at Kyoto Station:
12:15.Afternoon:
Check into your Kyoto hotel; your forwarded luggage should arrive by
evening.Travel Summary TableLegTransportTimeCost (Approx)Airport to
HotelFree Hotel Shuttle10 minsFreeHotel to Narita CityHotel City
Shuttle20 minsFreeNRT to Tokyo StationNarita Express68 mins¥3,070Tokyo
to KyotoNozomi Shinkansen135 mins¥14,170Would you like me to find some
highly-rated dinner spots on the Omotesando that stay open
specifically after 18:00 for your arrival night?
schedule changed.
Day 2 from Narita to Kyoto
1) Take shuttle from hotel to the Terminal 2-3.
Using the smartEX app with a family of iPhone users makes booking the bullet train incredibly convenient. However, when it comes to using QR codes at the gate versus linking to your iPhones, there is a distinct "best practice" to prevent your family from getting stuck at the turnstiles.
Here is your complete guide and step-by-step instructions for the entire trip.
Should you simplify by using QR codes?
No, do not use QR codes at the gate if you can avoid it. While it sounds simpler, scanning a QR code from an iPhone wallet can be incredibly frustrating at Japanese train gates.
Because the QR code scanner is right next to the contactless IC reader, your iPhone’s Apple Wallet/Express Travel mode will automatically wake up, mistake the gate for a Apple Pay reader, and override your QR code with a credit card or Suica screen. This causes the gate to error out and slam shut.
The Ultimate Solution for an iPhone Family
Since everyone has an iPhone, the absolute smoothest method is to have everyone add a digital Suica or Pasmo directly into their Apple Wallet (via the iPhone’s Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Add Card > Transit Card).
Once everyone has a transit card on their phone:
1 You buy all the family's Shinkansen tickets on your single smartEX app.
2 Inside the smartEX app, you "assign" each seat to each family member's digital Suica number.
3 When you arrive at the gate, everyone simply taps their own iPhone just like a regular transit pass. No QR codes, no physical tickets.
If you don't want to deal with linking Suica cards, your second-best fallback is to print the physical paper tickets at the Shinagawa station vending machine using the QR code/pickup code inside your app before heading to the gates.
Step-by-Step Ticket Purchase & Boarding
Step 1: Buying the Narita Express (N'EX) Ticket
The smartEX app only sells Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets. It does not sell tickets for the Narita Express, which is a regular JR East train.
How to buy it:
Since you are boarding at 9:18 AM, you will be taking N'EX 8. Do not buy this online in advance; just buy it the morning of your travel at Narita Airport.
1 Walk into the Narita Airport train station beneath the terminal.
2 Go to a black or red JR regular ticket vending machine (change the language to English at the top right).
3 Select Limited Express Reserved Seat > Narita Express.
4 Choose Shinagawa as your destination and select the 9:18 AM departure.
5 Select the number of passengers, choose your seats together on the screen, and pay via credit card or cash.
6 The machine will give you physical ticket stubs for each family member. Insert these into the gate to get onto the platform.
Step 2: Buying the Shinkansen Ticket (via smartEX App)
You can do this weeks in advance or even the morning of your trip while sitting on the Narita Express.
1 Open the smartEX app and log in.
2 Tap Search Train and input your route: Shinagawa to Kyoto.
3 Set your date and departure time (around 10:30 AM or later to match your 10:25 AM arrival at Shinagawa).
4 Select the number of passengers (up to 6 people can be booked at once).
5 Choose your train (the Nozomi is the fastest) and select your seat type.
◦ Tip: Look for seats in Row E for a view of Mount Fuji on the right side of the train.
6 Confirm your payment.
7 Crucial Step (The Link): Once paid, tap Designate IC Card in the app. Enter the card numbers of your family members' Apple Wallet Suica/Pasmo cards to assign each person their respective seat.
Step 3: Navigating the Shinagawa Transfer Gate
When your Narita Express pulls into Shinagawa at 10:25 AM, follow the green signs for the Shinkansen Transfer Gates.
You will encounter a special turnstile that transitions you from the regular train lines to the bullet train lines. Because your journey used two different ticket types, you must use them together at this gate:
1 Approach the Shinkansen transfer turnstile.
2 First, insert your physical Narita Express paper ticket into the slot.
3 Immediately after, tap your iPhone (with the linked smartEX Suica) on the blue illuminated reader on top of the exact same gate.
4 The gate will swallow your old Narita Express ticket, recognize your Shinkansen booking from your phone tap, and print a tiny Seat Information Slip.
5 Grab that small slip of paper! It tells you your exact Car and Seat number, and the train conductor will check it on board.
Repeat this process for each family member, head up to the platform, and enjoy the ride to Kyoto!
To travel from Narita Airport to Kyoto while avoiding the worst of the tourist crowds, chaotic transfers, and long lines, the strategy comes down to where you transfer and how you handle your tickets and luggage.
Instead of doing what most tourists do (heading to Tokyo Station with massive suitcases), here is the most crowd-conscious and stress-free way to make the trip.
Step 1: The Narita Express (N'EX) to Shinagawa Station (NOT Tokyo Station)
• The Train: Take the JR Narita Express (N'EX) straight from the airport.
• The Crowd-Avoidance Strategy: Most tourists get off at Tokyo Station to catch the bullet train. Do not do this. Tokyo Station is massive, multi-tiered, and incredibly crowded. Instead, stay on the N'EX for an extra 10 minutes and get off at Shinagawa Station.
• Why Shinagawa? Shinagawa is a much smaller, linear, and easier-to-navigate station. The transfer from the Narita Express platforms to the Shinkansen (bullet train) gates is all on a single level and takes only a few minutes, completely avoiding the overwhelming maze and sea of people at Tokyo Station.
Step 2: The Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto
From Shinagawa, you will board the Tokaido Shinkansen. You have a choice of three train types, and two of them offer excellent ways to avoid crowds:
• Option A: The Nozomi (Green Car / First Class)
◦ The Nozomi is the fastest bullet train (about 2 hours and 10 minutes to Kyoto). It is highly frequent, but because it is popular with business travelers and tourists, standard cars can get full.
◦ The Crowd-Avoidance Strategy: Book a Green Car (First Class) seat. Green Cars are significantly quieter, have a 2x2 seating layout (instead of 3x2), offer more legroom, and rarely feel crowded. Tour groups almost never book Green Cars.
• Option B: The Kodama Train (The Ultimate Quiet Option)
◦ The Kodama is the slowest Shinkansen because it stops at every single station along the way, taking about 3 hours and 45 minutes to reach Kyoto.
◦ The Crowd-Avoidance Strategy: Because it takes longer, tourists completely avoid it. The Kodama is incredibly empty, peaceful, and quiet. If you aren't in a rush and want a completely relaxed environment where you can read, work, or nap without anyone sitting near you, this is a hidden-gem option.
Crucial Tips to Avoid Lines & Crowd Friction
1 Book Your Shinkansen Tickets Online in Advance: Do not wait in the massive lines at the airport's JR Travel Service Center or the ticket machines to buy your Shinkansen ticket. Use the official SmartEX website or app to book your Shinkansen tickets and reserve your seats days before you land. You can link the ticket directly to a digital transit card (like a digital Suica on your phone) or get a QR code to print the tickets quickly at a reservation machine, skipping the human queues entirely.
2 Ship Your Large Luggage from the Airport: The absolute best way to avoid crowd stress is to travel "hands-free." Shinkansen trains now require special advanced reservations for seats with oversized baggage areas, and maneuvering large bags through stations is exhausting. Right after clearing customs at Narita, walk over to the Yamato Transport (Black Cat) counter and ship your heavy luggage directly to your accommodation in Kyoto. It usually arrives the next day and costs roughly $20–$30 CAD/USD per bag. Just pack a light backpack with your essentials for your first night, and enjoy a completely unburdened, peaceful train ride.
Key Details for Your Ride:
• Total Time (Shinagawa to Kyoto): 2 hours and 8 minutes.
• Train Model: Operated with the 16-car N700 series fleet (includes Green Cars/First Class).
• Connecting from Narita: To comfortably catch this train at Shinagawa at 11:07 AM, you should look for a Narita Express (N'EX) train that leaves Narita Airport around 9:15 AM to 9:30 AM, which will drop you at Shinagawa around 10:45 AM–10:50 AM. This gives you a perfect, low-stress 15–20 minute window to walk up to the Shinkansen platforms.
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To travel from Kyoto to the mountain town of Takayama, you have two excellent train options. Since your goal is to avoid tourist crowds, the choice comes down to whether you prefer a completely direct, crowd-free journey or a faster trip with a simple transfer.
Option 1: The Hidden Gem Direct Train (No Transfers, Ultra-Quiet)
There is a single, daily direct train that runs all the way from Kyoto to Takayama without requiring a transfer. Because almost all tourists take the Shinkansen route, this train remains a quiet, highly peaceful secret.
• The Train: Limited Express Hida 25
• The Schedule:
◦ Departs Kyoto Station (Platform 0) at 8:34 AM
◦ Arrives at Takayama Station at 12:14 PM
• Total Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes.
• Why it’s crowd-free: It eliminates the chaos of transferring at a major hub like Nagoya. You simply board at Kyoto, find your reserved seat, and enjoy a completely smooth, scenic, uncrowded ride directly into the Hida mountains. The train windows are massive, specifically designed for panoramic alpine viewing.
Option 2: The Fast Route via Nagoya (More Flexible, But Busier)
If the 8:34 AM departure is too early or doesn't fit your timeline, you can take the standard route, which runs multiple times every hour.
• Step 1: Board any Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama) from Kyoto to Nagoya Station (35 to 45 minutes).
• Step 2: Transfer at Nagoya to the Limited Express Hida train straight to Takayama (about 2 hours and 20 minutes).
• Total Time: ~3.5 hours total.
• Crowd-Avoidance Strategy for this route: Nagoya Station is a massive, incredibly busy hub. To dodge the crowds here, book a Green Car (First Class) seat on the Limited Express Hida leg out of Nagoya. Tour groups do not book Green Cars, and the environment is vastly quieter.
Essential Tips for the Takayama Route:
1 Book Your Seats in Advance: The Limited Express Hida uses the modern, sleek HC85 hybrid trains. During busier travel seasons, JR occasionally converts these trains to 100% reserved seating (no unreserved cars). Make sure to reserve your seats a few days prior using the smartEX app or at a ticket machine in Kyoto.
2 Sit on the Right Side: If you take the Hida train, try to reserve a window seat on the right side of the train heading toward Takayama (Seats marked A). As the train climbs into the mountains, the right side gets the best, unobstructed views of the rushing Hida River gorges.
3 Luggage Management: If you are traveling with large bags, the mountain trains have limited overhead space. Sending your primary luggage ahead from your Kyoto hotel to your Takayama accommodation via a luggage forwarding service (Takkyubin) will make navigating these specific train platforms completely effortless.
Part 1: Hotel to Narita Airport Station
• 8:30 AM — Catch Hotel Shuttle Bus Board your airport hotel’s free shuttle bus. Aim for a departure around 8:30 AM to give your family plenty of time to check out, ride to the airport, and navigate down to the tracks.
• 8:50 AM — Arrive at the Terminal & Head Downstairs Get off at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Follow the clear English signs pointing downstairs toward "Trains". Go directly to the JR ticket office or ticket machines to purchase your Narita Express tickets.
Part 2: Leg 1 — Narita Airport to Shinagawa
• Train to take: Narita Express (N'EX) 8
• Departure Time:
◦ 9:15 AM from Terminal 1
* 9:18 AM from Narita Airport Terminal 2･3 Station
Click to open side panel for more information
• Arrival at Shinagawa Station: 10:25 AM
• What to do on board: This is a direct, 70-minute ride with no transfers. Use this time to open your smartEX app and double-check that everyone’s digital Suica numbers are linked to your Shinkansen booking.
Part 3: The Shinagawa Transfer
• 10:25 AM to 10:45 AM — Transfer & Lunch Prep Step off the N'EX on Track 15 and follow the green overhead signs for the Shinkansen Gates. Use the special transfer turnstiles (insert your physical N'EX ticket, then tap your iPhone).
Once you pass through the gates, grab some bento boxes and drinks at the platform kiosks for your lunch on the train.
Part 4: Leg 2 — Shinagawa to Kyoto
• Train to take: Shinkansen Nozomi 29 (or Nozomi 223 if you want a slower pace)
• Departure Time: 10:40 AM (Nozomi 29) or 10:51 AM (Nozomi 223), It's better to take the 11:00 AM, so we have time to buy some bento
• Arrival at Kyoto Station: 12:51 PM (or 1:02 PM)
• What to look for: Roughly 45 minutes into the ride (around 11:25 AM), look out the window on the right side of the train (Row E) to see Mount Fuji as you zoom past!
To see Mount Fuji on your journey from Shinagawa to Kyoto, you need to purchase tickets in the Ordinary Class section and explicitly choose Seat E. Here is exactly how the seating layout works in the smartEX app:
1. The Exact Seat to Choose
The Shinkansen ordinary cars have rows of 5 seats divided by the aisle into a 3-seat side and a 2-seat side:
• Side E (The 2-seat side): Seats D and E are on this side. Seat E is the window seat.
• Side A (The 3-seat side): Seats A, B, and C are on the opposite side, which faces the ocean.
When heading west from Shinagawa toward Kyoto, Mount Fuji will appear on the right side of the train. Therefore, you want to book Seat E (and Seat D next to it for family members) to be right against the window facing the mountain.
To travel from Ｓｅｅｄ ＩＮＮ Ｈａｎｅｄａ Ｔｅｒｒａｃｅ to Shinagawa Station by train, you will use the Keikyū Main Line. The trip is straightforward and takes about 30 to 35 minutes total, including a brief walk to the nearest train station.
Step 1: Walk to Keikyū-Kamata Station (approx. 10–12 minutes)
Exit the hotel and walk southwest toward Keikyū-Kamata Station.
The route is roughly 800 meters through local streets. Keikyū-Kamata is a major elevated junction station, making it easy to spot as you approach.
Step 2: Take the Keikyū Line to Shinagawa Station (approx. 10–15 minutes)
Train Type: Board any Limited Express (Tokkyu), Rapid Limited Express (Kaitoku), or Airport Kaitoku train heading northbound toward Shinagawa, Sengakuji, or destinations on the Toei Asakusa Line (like Aoto or Narita Airport).
Cost: ¥250
Frequency: Trains depart every few minutes.
Because Keikyū-Kamata is a major hub, the higher-speed commuter express trains stop here and will get you to Shinagawa Station in just 2 or 3 stops. Standard local trains also go to Shinagawa but will stop at every station, adding about 10 minutes to the journey.
Kurama Onsen
https://en.kurama-spa.com/
Exploring the serene Kurama Onsen is a fantastic way to soak in Kyoto's natural beauty. Based on their current offerings and the current exchange rate (~$0.0086$ CAD per JPY), here is a summary of the plans and fees.
Day Trip Hot Spring Plans
You can choose between a quick dip in the famous outdoor bath or a full spa experience.
Plan
Included Features
Weekday Fee (CAD)
Weekend/Holiday Fee (CAD)
Outdoor Bath Only
Access to the open-air bath (Houroku-yu).
~$12.00 (¥1,400)
~$13.75 (¥1,600)
Full Set Plan
Indoor bath, outdoor bath, sauna, yukata rental, and towels.
~$21.50 (¥2,500)
~$23.25 (¥2,700)
• Children (Ages 4–12): Roughly $6.00 – $11.00 CAD (¥700 – ¥1,300) depending on the plan selected.
Accommodation & Dining
If you're looking for a "luxurious time to soothe the soul," the ryokan offers overnight stays that typically include traditional Kaiseki meals featuring local mountain cuisine.
• Stays: Prices vary significantly by season and room type, but you can expect standard plans to start around $250 – $350 CAD per person (including dinner and breakfast).
• Dining: Their restaurant, Birds, serves local specialties. A mid-range lunch or dinner set usually runs between $35 – $70 CAD (¥4,000 – ¥8,000).
Key Details to Remember
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Outdoor bath closes at 8:00 PM in winter).
• Access: A free shuttle bus picks you up from Kurama Station (Eizan Line), which is a scenic 30-minute train ride from central Kyoto.
• Child Policy: Children under 5 years old are generally not permitted for overnight stays.
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/overview/
To buy a ticket for the Limited Express Hida 25 (the 8:34 AM direct train from Kyoto to Takayama), you have two main options.
Because this specific train is run by JR-West and JR-Central (not the Shinkansen network), you cannot use the smartEX app. Instead, you should use the official JR-West online booking system or purchase it in person once you arrive in Japan.
Here is exactly how to do both, keeping your goal of getting a scenic window seat on the right-hand side (Seat A) in mind.
Option 1: Buy Online in Advance (Recommended for securing "Seat A")
You can book this ticket online up to 30 days in advance of your travel date.
-
Go to the official
JR-West Online Train Reservation Website -
Input your route:
-
Departure Station: Kyoto
-
Arrival Station: Takayama
-
Date & Time: Select your travel date and set the time to 08:00 AM.
-
-
The system will display the Ltd. Exp. Hida 25 (departing Kyoto at 8:34 AM). Select it.
-
Choose either Ordinary Car (Reserved Seat) or Green Car (First Class).
-
Crucial Step: When it asks about seat selection, choose "Select from Seat Map." Look for Car 1 or Car 2 (depending on the day's configuration) and specifically choose a window seat in Row A (e.g., 3A, 4A).
-
Pay online using your credit card.
How to pick up your physical ticket: When you arrive in Japan (either at Narita Airport or when you get to Kyoto), go to a green JR Ticket Vending Machine or a JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi). Select "Pick up online reservation," scan the QR code sent to your email, and insert the passport of the person who made the booking. The machine will print your physical paper tickets.
Option 2: Buy In-Person in Japan
If you prefer not to book online, you can buy the ticket easily at any major JR station ticket office or machine.
-
Where to go: Once you land at Narita Airport, or anytime during your first few days in Tokyo or Kyoto, look for the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or the green touch-screen ticket machines.
-
What to tell the agent: If you use the ticket window, you can show the agent this exact phrasing to avoid any language barriers:
「京都から高ayamaまでの特急ひだ25号の指定席をお願いします。右側の窓側（A席）でお願いします。」 (Translation: "Reserved seat for the Limited Express Hida 25 from Kyoto to Takayama, please. On the right-hand window side, Seat A, please.")
A Quick Reminder on the Two Tickets
Whether you buy online or in person, the machine or agent will give you two physical paper tickets (or one combined ticket) per person:
-
The Base Fare Ticket (Joshaken): Pays for the physical distance traveled between Kyoto and Takayama.
-
The Limited Express / Seat Reservation Ticket (Tokkyuken): Pays for the speed of the express train and locks in your specific assigned seat.
When passing through the ticket gates at Kyoto Station on the morning of your trip, you will insert both tickets together into the slot at the same time, and grab them as they pop out on the other side of the turnstile.
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/booking/jr/
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/booking/jr/support/introduction/
Boarding date: June 9 2026 (Tues)
Kyoto: Time: 8:31
Arrive at Takayama. Time: 12:14
Train: HIDA25
Seat type: Reserved.
Before making an inquiry, please also refer to the User Guide.
Please proceed from here for the inquiry form.
Or, please contact the following address.
Phone
+81(0)3-6820-0074
info@japan-bullettrain.com
NC SQUARE SHINJUKU
Nc Square Shinjuku, 2 Chome-26-9 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
+81362739313
The Route: Takayama to NC Square Shinjuku
The total travel time is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.
Limited Express Hida (Takayama → Nagoya): Take the JR Hida Limited Express. This leg takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and is famous for its mountain and river views.
Tokaido Shinkansen (Nagoya → Tokyo): Transfer at Nagoya to the Shinkansen (Nozomi or Hikari). This takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Local Connection (Tokyo → Shinjuku): Take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station (approx. 15 minutes).
Final Leg (Shinjuku → NC Square): NC Square Shinjuku is located in the Hyakunincho area. You can take a 2-minute train ride on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Shin-Okubo Station or Okubo Station, then walk about 5 minutes to the hotel.
Luggage Strategy (Takkyubin)
Since you have a few transfers (Nagoya and Shinjuku), I highly recommend using the Takkyubin (luggage forwarding) service.
Cost: Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 yen per bag.
Timing: Send your large suitcases from your Takayama hotel the morning before you leave. They will be waiting at your Shinjuku hotel when you arrive the next day.
Benefit: You can travel with just a small daypack, making the transfers at busy stations much easier.
Travel Tips for May/June
Seat Choice: On the Shinkansen from Nagoya to Tokyo, ask for Seat E (left side) to see Mount Fuji.
JR Pass: If you are using the Japan Rail Pass, the Hida Limited Express and the Hikari Shinkansen are fully covered.
Mobile Prep: Since you're using Ubigi, ensure your eSIM is active before boarding the Shinkansen, as the mountain tunnels can occasionally drop the onboard Wi-Fi signal.
Are you planning to send your luggage all the way to Narita from Shinjuku, or will you keep it with you for the last leg of the trip?
to have a local phone number at home to call and receive phone call from home
- To be considered: buy a plan that allow to have or switch to multiple are (Japan vs Montreal)
- At the same time, can we switch to VN number and activate zalo for Cam Tu ? Answer: no. Only US and Canadian number can be chosen
Option 1: U.S. Number (The Budget Choice)
• Month 1: $5.49 CAD (Calling + Texting included)
• Month 2: $5.49 CAD (Calling + Texting included)
• Total for 2 Months: ~$10.98 CAD
• Pros: Cheapest option; texting is free.
• Cons: People in Montreal will likely pay international rates to text you back.
Option 2: Canadian Number (The Local Choice)
• Month 1: $20.98 CAD (Includes $5.49 for calling + $8.50 annual number fee + $6.99 annual SMS fee)
• Month 2: $5.49 CAD (Calling only)
• Total for 2 Months: ~$26.47 CAD
• Pros: Free for Montreal friends to call/text you; looks like a local local business/personal line.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost; must pay for the full year of Canadian "upgrades" even for a short stay.
https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/
The Visit Japan Web service is an official online platform provided by the Japanese government to streamline the entry process for international travelers and returning citizens.
Key Functions
The service primarily covers three major areas:
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Immigration (Disembarkation Card): For foreign nationals to register their entry details.
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Customs Declaration: To declare accompanied and unaccompanied articles.
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Tax-Free Shopping:
A feature that allows you to register your passport information once to generate a QR code for duty-free shopping at participating stores, avoiding the need to show your physical passport every time.
Why Use It?
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Speed: By completing these forms online, you receive a QR code.
Upon arrival at major Japanese airports, you can scan this code at electronic kiosks, which is significantly faster than filling out and queuing with paper forms. -
Language Support: The web service supports multiple languages (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.), whereas paper forms are often more limited.
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Offline Access: Once you have logged in and entered your details online, you can
access your QR codes offline or save a screenshot to your phone, which is helpful if you don't have an immediate data connection upon landing.
How to Use It
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Create an Account: Visit the
official Visit Japan Web site and register with your email. -
Register User Details: Enter your passport information and details for any
family members traveling with you. -
Register Your Trip: Input your flight number, arrival date, and the address of your first hotel in Japan.
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Complete Forms: Fill out the immigration and customs questionnaires.
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Get Your QR Code: Once finished, the system will generate a QR code.
It is highly recommended to take a screenshot of this code before your flight.
Note: It is recommended to complete your registration at least 6 hours before arrival to ensure all data is processed by the system.
Are you planning a trip soon, or do you need help with a specific part of the registration process?
https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/credit-cards/travel/rbc-visa-infinite-avion/rbc-visa-infinite-avion-certificate-of-insurance.pdf
Based on the
1. Call BEFORE You Receive Treatment
This is the most important rule. You must notify the insurer before receiving emergency treatment so they can approve the medical provider.
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Toll-free (US & Canada): 1-800-533-2778
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Collect (Worldwide): 905-816-2581
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If you can't call: If your condition is so severe that you cannot call, you must have someone else (relative, friend, or hospital staff) call on your behalf, or call as soon as "medically possible."
[!WARNING] The Penalty: If you do not call or if you choose a non-approved provider, you will be responsible for 20% of your medical expenses (up to a maximum out-of-pocket of $25,000) that aren't covered by your government health plan.
2. Use Approved Providers
When you call, the insurer will refer you to a recommended medical service provider. They will often arrange for direct billing, meaning the hospital bills the insurer instead of you paying out of pocket.
3. Document Everything
To file a successful claim later, you must collect:
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Originals of all bills, invoices, and receipts.
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A complete diagnosis from the attending physician or hospital.
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Written verification from the doctor that the treatment was a "medical emergency" and "medically necessary."
4. Observe Timelines
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Notice of Claim: You must notify the insurer within 30 days of the accident/illness.
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Proof of Claim: You must submit all required paperwork (claim forms, receipts) within 90 days of the incident.
5. Verify "Stability" Requirements
The insurer can refuse a claim if the emergency is related to a pre-existing condition that was not "stable" before you left.
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Under 65: Conditions must be stable for 90 days prior to departure.
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65 and older: Conditions must be stable for 180 days prior to departure.
Summary Checklist for an Emergency
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Call 1-800-533-2778 immediately (or have someone else do it).
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State your name and card number to the representative.
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Follow their instructions on which hospital or clinic to attend.
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Confirm coverage before undergoing major procedures like surgery or MRIs (unless life-threatening).
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Keep all original paperwork for the formal claim submission.
Does your current trip exceed the 15-day coverage limit (or 3-day limit if you are over 65)? If so, you may need to purchase "top-up" coverage for the remaining days to stay protected.
1. Call BEFORE You Receive Treatment
This is the most important rule. You must notify the insurer before receiving emergency treatment so they can approve the medical provider.
-
Toll-free (US & Canada): 1-800-533-2778
-
Collect (Worldwide): 905-816-2581
-
If you can't call: If your condition is so severe that you cannot call, you must have someone else (relative, friend, or hospital staff) call on your behalf, or call as soon as "medically possible."
[!WARNING] The Penalty: If you do not call or if you choose a non-approved provider, you will be responsible for 20% of your medical expenses (up to a maximum out-of-pocket of $25,000) that aren't covered by your government health plan.
ased on your card's insurance certificate and the standard procedures for travelers age 65 or older, here is exactly what you need to do to secure coverage for your 14-day trip to Japan:
1. Purchase "Top-Up" Insurance
Since your card only provides 3 days of base emergency medical coverage for those 65+, and your trip is 14 days, you must purchase a "Top-up" for the remaining 11 days.
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When: This must be done prior to your departure date.
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How: Call the RBC Insurance Enrollment Centre at 1-866-292-5233.
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What to expect: You will likely need to answer a few medical health questions over the phone to determine your eligibility and the cost of the premium.
2. Confirm "Medical Stability"
The most important rule for the 65+ age group is the 180-day stability requirement.
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Your insurance will not cover any medical condition that was not "stable" in the 6 months leading up to your trip.
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"Stable" means: No new symptoms, no change in medication (even a lower dose), and no pending tests or referrals to specialists.
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If you have had any health changes recently, disclose them during your Top-up phone call to ensure you are actually covered.
3. Carry Your Documentation
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Certificate of Insurance: Print or save the PDF you shared to your phone so you have the policy numbers handy.
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Emergency Contact Card: Note the collect call number for international emergencies: 905-816-2581.
4. Verify Government Advisories
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Check the
official Government of Canada travel advisory
Next Step: Since the Top-up cost depends on your specific health answers, I recommend calling the Enrollment Centre (1-866-292-5233) this week to get a firm quote and finalize the 11-day extension for your June trip.
Would you like me to look for travel-sized containers or a specific travel wallet to keep your insurance documents and passport organized for your Japan trip?