On our way back from Tokyo this time, we thought, “We can’t miss taking the Airport Express!” So, we chose to ride the N’EX Narita Express, which is closer to our accommodation. According to the official website, the fast, convenient, and comfortable Narita Express “N’EX” is a special express train directly connecting Narita International Airport to major cities in Tokyo such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama, without the need to change trains.

  • It only takes as fast as 53 minutes from Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station to Tokyo Station.
  • Runs on high-speed railway, so no need to worry about traffic congestion.
Image from the official website

Let’s take a look at the ticket purchasing process and the actual conditions inside the train!

Ticket Purchase Process

We didn’t make a reservation beforehand because we thought most of Japan’s railways are accessible, especially for such a major express train to the airport. We decided to play it by ear on the day, explore Shinjuku first, and then buy tickets on the spot. However, this is highly discouraged!!!

For taking N’EX, it is highly recommended:

  1. To make a reservation at the ticket counter one or two days before departure, or
  2. To call for a reservation, dial +81 (50) 2016-1603

Because unlike the West JR, East JR doesn’t have email customer service. If you want to pre-book all wheelchair operations before going abroad, the only method is through making an international call (which is extremely inconvenient = =). Therefore, it’s recommended that if you want to take N’EX, choose it for the return trip (as an experience). You may want to pre-book wheelchair services at the ticket counter at the start of your journey (usually takes over an hour). Alternatively, you can contact the hotel to see if they’re willing to help you make the reservation by phone.

Upon purchasing the ticket, you will receive a boarding pass, an express pass, and a reserved seat ticket. The fare for an adult is 3,250 Japanese Yen.

Remember to keep all three types of tickets
I say this because when I went that day, the on-site staff seemed unfamiliar with the process of buying wheelchair tickets (he flipped through the procedures page by page), and we had to fill out a form (in Japanese). Afterward, I asked the Chinese service staff who helped us on-site, and only then did I realize they needed to contact multiple parties to confirm before they could help us reserve the accessible service and purchase tickets. It was very time-consuming, took about an hour. My original plan to go shopping was ruined directly = =

Boarding Process

I asked them that day how long before I should be prepared to board at the gate, and they said about 15 minutes, which is definitely not enough!!!

Please arrive 30 minutes early at the ticket counter and ask the station staff to contact the receptionist to take you to the platform.

That day, naively believing it was 15 minutes, I went to the restroom and then wandered around the convenience store to buy lunch for the train. I arrived at the ticket counter 20 minutes early to wait! But when the receptionist found out I was going to take N’EX, they exclaimed, “Impossible!!” and asked me to run. Later, I found out that the route to the platform was far!! Because Shinjuku Station is large and has separate east and west sides. Besides, without mentioning waiting for the elevator and crossing a huge station mall, I even had to cross the road!!!! So please, everyone, if you’re going to take it, make sure to arrive early. I literally boarded the train one second before the doors closed. If I missed an elevator or a traffic light in between, I was done… Also, thanks to the elderly man and the chubby receptionist who ran with me.

Yes, that’s the road! Yes, you have to cross it = =
Thanks to the receptionists

Onboard Facilities

The wheelchair seats are in the first section of the carriage. After boarding, I could understand why they needed to know the specifications of my wheelchair before purchasing tickets. This is because there is limited turning space onboard, and the space for wheelchairs is also small. When I parked my wheelchair, it blocked a part of the aisle. So, there’s a company policy that wheelchairs wider than 70 centimeters are not allowed, and motorcycle-type wheelchairs are also not permitted!

For more information about onboard introductions and wheelchair usage restrictions, please refer to the official website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/tc/customer_support/accessibility.html?src=gnavi#category03

You need good skills to get into the carriage! My wheelchair is 68 cm wide, just right
Look! The space at the wheelchair seat is really small, just beside the seats in the front row
When parked, it blocks a part of the aisle
If you can, you can sit down. Feels quite comfortable 😂

However, there is an accessible restroom on this train, quite spacious, and it also serves as a turning space.

Clean and spacious restroom

As it’s an airport express, there is a luggage storage area.

Luggage storage compartment

Despite the nerve-wracking experience mentioned earlier, the overall boarding experience was excellent. The train was stable, allowing a quick nap, and we reached the airport fast. Moreover, the platforms at the airport are mostly flat, following the signs, it’s easy to get to the terminal!

Clear signs

The Narita Express Airport Express Nightmare might be the most thrilling and memorable part of this journey! It was fortunate that after running through the entire station, the drama (Oh! Also crossing the road), I managed to board the train smoothly. So, I’ll remind everyone again to book the wheelchair seat in advance and arrive at the ticket counter a little earlier >.^

Mr. David