How to get to Tokyo downtown from Narita airport, with a bag, during rush hours?

Question

Travelling in September to Tokyo (Chiyoda) from Narita Airport, and I am taking either the shuttle, JR, Skyliner, or Limousine. I know I have to take the subway at some point. The question is: with a large bag, and at 2 - 3 PM, on a Wednesday, is it wise to ride in the subway?

Which of the options above makes more sense, and is more convenient for luggage travellers?

Answer 1

2-3pm is not rush hour in Tokyo. However, many central subway stations in Tokyo require you to climb flights of stairs to enter, exit or transfer lines, which is not much fun with large bags, and while there's usually a single elevator somewhere, this can add a lengthy detour. If you can tell me exactly where you're going, I can try to recommend a least-bad route.

If you've got large bags and/or are unfamiliar with Tokyo, the Limousine bus direct to your hotel is usually the best option, but availability depends on the destination. I'd suggest two other alternatives:

1. Take the airport train to the nearest major taxi station, then a taxi to your final destination. (This is what I usually do.) A cab from Tokyo Station to most destinations in Chiyoda should be less than 1000 yen.

2. Ship your bags directly from the airport to your hotel with Takkyubin. This is particularly useful if you're hardcore and plan to go to the office/customer site before your hotel. Same-day delivery for a full-size suitcase is ~2400 yen and the service is extremely reliable (although at 2 PM you will most likely get it delivered the next morning).

Answer 2

Seems like the question is already answered, but I think some tips on how to move with bags in a rush hour in Tokyo would be appropriate in this thread.

Rush hours:

• Morning rush hour starts ~8AM and suddenly ends at ~10AM. It is really like that, at 9:30 all trains are crowded and after 10:00 not anymore.
• Evening rush hour has two waves. First one is around 6:15 PM and continues till ~10 PM. The second one is around the last train, which is about the midnight.
• Then, during weekdays streets will be crowded from 12:00PM till 2:00PM, because most office have lunchtime at this period.

Trains:

• Outside of rush hours trains ground trains are more crowded than underground ones.
• Toei Subway stations are often less conveniently located within large terminals, so if you can choose use Tokyo Metro instead.
• If you have large bags, use frontmost or rearmost car, the frontmost or rearmost doors. The place next to driver's cabin is usually somewhat less crowded and you can place bags there. If you get onto a crowded train with large bags in the middle of a car it will be much more troublesome.
• When going through the toll gates, use those next to the stationmaster's cabin: they are usually larger and allow large bags to be pushed through.
• Stairs are crowded. All stations have elevators, but at the most unpredictable places. During the rush hour it is the easiest way to get from the platform to the ground level.
• In Tokyo walk on the left side of the street when it is crowded.