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How to Get to Shinagawa

How to Get to Shinagawa

Shinagawa Ehime, Japan Travel Guide

Airport Overview

Tokyo Narita International Airport NRT

NRT mainly handles international flights. It sits about 60-75 kilometers east of central Tokyo.

Flights and Facilities

  • Major international carriers operate routes from global hubs.
  • Offers duty-free shops, a wide range of restaurants, lounges.
  • Currency exchange, SIM card/pocket Wi-Fi rentals available.

Tokyo Haneda Airport HND

HND serves both international and domestic flights. It is located much closer, approximately 15-20 kilometers south of Shinagawa. Haneda is often the preferred choice for its proximity.

Flights and Facilities

  • Major international carriers also operate flights here.
  • Extensive facilities, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange.
  • Baggage services and on-site hotels cater to travelers' needs.

Seasonal Price Variations

Prices rise during peak travel seasons (Spring cherry blossom, Autumn foliage) and major Japanese holidays. Lower prices during winter and summer off-peak (July-August).

Finding Good Deals

Check Dollar Flight Club for discounted fares or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Major Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Delta, United, Ba, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways. Many direct flight options exist.

Transfers from Narita NRT to Shinagawa

Narita Express N'EX

  • Direct train service to Shinagawa Station.
  • Approximately 70-80 minutes travel time.
  • Japan Rail Pass covers this assistance.
  • Comfortable seating and luggage space.

Other NRT Options

  • Airport Limousine Bus: Operates to major hotels in Shinagawa.
  • Travel time is around 90-120 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Keisei Skyliner + Yamanote Line: Faster first leg to Nippori/Ueno, then a transfer.
  • Entails a transfer, so less direct than N'EX.

Transfers from Haneda HND to Shinagawa

Keikyu Line

Direct train service to Shinagawa Station in about 15-20 minutes. The fastest and most direct route.

Airport Limousine Bus

Bus services run to major hotels in Shinagawa. Travel times range from 30-60 minutes.

Efficiency Tip

For efficient airport transfers, particularly from Haneda, use the Keikyu Line directly to Shinagawa Station. It is fast.

Land Transportation to Shinagawa

Train Connections

Shinagawa's status as a major railway hub makes land transportation a main mode of travel within Japan. Train connections are excellent.

Lines at Shinagawa Station

  • Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya.
  • JR Yamanote Line loop for major Tokyo districts (Shinjuku, Shibuya).
  • Other JR Lines (Keihin-Tohoku, Yokosuka, Tokaido) for wider Kanto region.

Additional Rail & Buses

The Keikyu Main Line connects Shinagawa to Haneda Airport and Yokohama, a convenient option. Long-cross-country buses are also available.

Long-Distance Bus Options

  • Available from major Tokyo bus terminals (Shinjuku, Tokyo Station).
  • Services to destinations across Japan by companies like JR Bus and Willer Express.
  • Some services could have stops near Shinagawa.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Self-driving in Tokyo is generally not recommended for tourists. The city has a multifaceted road infrastructure, heavy traffic, and well-organized public transport. Parking is expensive and minimal.

Driving Requirements

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is necessary.
  • Present this alongside your valid home country's driver's license.
  • Remember, Japan drives on the left side of the road. Car rental options via DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads in Japan are well-maintained and safe. Signage often includes both Japanese and The english language, especially on major routes.

General Information

  • Signage often includes both Japanese and The english language.
  • Traffic laws are strict, with zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
  • Parking in Shinagawa is expensive and limited; public parking garages fill quickly.

Driving Cautions

  • Driving in Tokyo is generally not recommended for tourists.
  • The city has a multifaceted road network and heavy traffic.
  • Parking is expensive and limited.
  • An IDP is necessary even for short-term driving.
  • Zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
  • Japan drives on the left.

Sea and River Arrivals in Tokyo

Ferry & Cruise Ports

While Shinagawa is not a main port for international sea arrivals, Tokyo Bay hosts the sea voyage ports.

Tokyo Bay Terminals

  • Cruise terminals like Harumi Passenger Terminal and Tokyo International Cruise Terminal serve various cruise ship operators.
  • These ports mainly handle larger cruise ships, not regular an overseas ferry services.
  • Regular ferry services mostly connect Tokyo to other Japanese islands, serving domestic travel.

River Transportation

River transportation options mainly consist of scenic voyages on the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay.

Scenic Cruises

  • Water buses offer pleasant views of the city skyline and historical sites.
  • They serve as a tourist activity rather than a functional transport link to Shinagawa.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports for arrivals from other countries are similar to airport procedures.

Immigration at Seaports

You undergo passport inspection and submit an immigration card upon disembarkation.

Terminal Connections

The cruise ship terminals connect to nearby train stations via bus or taxi, allowing access to Shinagawa via Tokyo's train network.

Not for Main Arrivals

Sea and river transport are more for tourism and domestic travel than for international arrival in Shinagawa.

Departure Information from Shinagawa

Departure Taxes & Timing

Exit fees or taxes are generally included in your flight ticket price. Japan also imposes an International Tourist Tax of JPY 1,000, typically included in your airfare or ship fare.

Timing Recommendations

  • For international flights, plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure.
  • For domestic flights, 1-2 hours is generally adequate.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, luggage drop-off, security, and immigration.

Airport & Station Facilities

Airport and station facilities for departing travelers are comprehensive. Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports have widespread amenities.

Amenities for Travelers

  • Duty-free shopping and a wide selection of restaurants.
  • Lounges and observation decks.
  • Currency exchange services are available.

Shinagawa Station Departure

Shopping & Dining

Shinagawa Station, as a major hub, also has numerous retailers and restaurants.

Waiting Areas

Comfortable waiting areas make it a pleasant place before your onward journey.

Final Checks

Check your flight status and terminal information a day before departure.