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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?
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.
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?
Day 2: Travel to Kyoto
08:30: Take the hotel shuttle to Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 Station.
09:00 – 10:00: Board the Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station (approx. 1 hour).
10:30 – 12:45: Transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station (approx. 2 hours 15 mins).
Tip: If you have a JR Pass, you will need to take the Hikari train, which takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.Evening: Your luggage should be delivered to your Kyoto hotel.
Quick Comparison of Train Options to Narita Station
| Route | Best For | Approx. Cost |
| Hotel Shuttle | Direct, free, and easiest. | Free |
| Keisei Line | Fast and frequent from the Airport. | ¥280 |
| JR Line | Good if using a JR Pass. |
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.
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.
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Go to the official
JR-West Online Train Reservation Website -
Input your route:
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Departure Station: Kyoto
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Arrival Station: Takayama
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Date & Time: Select your travel date and set the time to 08:00 AM.
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The system will display the Ltd. Exp. Hida 25 (departing Kyoto at 8:34 AM). Select it.
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Choose either Ordinary Car (Reserved Seat) or Green Car (First Class).
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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:
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The Base Fare Ticket (Joshaken): Pays for the physical distance traveled between Kyoto and Takayama.
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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.
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.
-
Toll-free (US & Canada): 1-800-533-2778
-
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
-
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?