Nrt-kix

[Flashback]

As per my original thread.. I will flying to NRT and arriving around 6am.

I then need to make my way to Osaka (so I'm assuming KIX is the airport there), to meet up with a mate.

What would be the best way to get from NRT-KIX, essentially? Would train be a cost effective option? Or would I be better to fly?

Also, we're then going to spend a day in Osaka, before heading to Kyoto - the hotel for Kyoto is already booked, etc. but we haven't sorted anything for Osaka.

Does anyone have recommendations?

Edit: I have found this.. that seems to be reasonable, any comments and is Asia Rooms a good place to book? http://www.asiarooms.com/japan/osaka/cross_hotel.html

 

[Commuter]

You are probably more likely to fly into Itami (the 'old' Osaka airport, ITM) from NRT.

This is supposed to be the ITM -> NRT and NRT -> ITM timetable for May: ¹ÒÏ©ÊÌ»þ¹ïɽ¡ÃÂçºå¹ñºÝ¶õ¹Á¡Ê°Ëð¶õ¹Á¡Ë

(Sorry, the above link is in Japanese and it's turning into strange characters.)


I find it easier and often cheaper to fly domestically in Japan than to take the Shinkansen, especially when I have to pay for Narita Express to catch the Shinkansen in the first place. However, if you get the Japan Travel Card (or called something similar - I can't remember the exact name but it's a rail travel card for overseas visitors), it might be cheaper to catch a train.

 

[Flashback]

Thanks Commuter, any ideas on hotels? The Cross Hotel looks nice, but doesn't have the room type I'm after for the day I want... so want something close, as it seems to be a good location? We're basically spending 2 whole days (so 1 night) there, before heading off to Kyoto.

 

[Evan]

Hotels... want cheap business hotels...
TOYOKO INN

Also there is another big chain but just cant put my finger on there name now... if you want better i can also get some hints and look at my past stays down there.

Note....

NRT-KIX is not a common flight !!! only mornings but i see your in the morning.

Other options are HND-ITM but by the time you do the transfers you can take the train.

I have done NRT-KIX a few times... but only once on a plane, it is fine, its also only 10,000 yen.... and the train is more.... 15,000 or so...

If you do NRT-KIX, you can get the bus from KIX to Osaka (its about 50mins from memory, it can drop you all the way into the main trian stations, sorry i cant remember the name, i knwo i posted it on another thread here, i can look it up if you need)

E

 

[Flashback]

Thanks for the info Evan.

Fri 11 Jul 08 23:00 Perth 09:55 Tokyo (Sat) QF079 1
Is the details for my incoming flight.

Would JAL (OW) be my best bet to get to Osaka? Or is it worth the extra $50 to do it on the train? Would then obviously be looking at whatever will get me closest to my hotel, which hasn't been decided on yet.... still not entirely sure on what the best place to stay would be; it's for leisure.

 

[Evan]

I found the link....

KIX to Osaka bus details...
Kansai International Airport | Access Information | Bus

Mostly i have taken the bus towards Kobe.... Sannomiya, but thats because i have a girlfriend who lives in that direction.

You can i think also get some special rail passes that mean the Narita Express and the Shinkansen are a cheaper, by special i mean combined fares.
Of course if you traveling around a bit maybe a JR rail pass is the go anyway. Just need to figure out the costs of the options i guess.

E

 

[Flashback]

Based on the research I've done, am I right in saying that for centrality, etc Shinsaibashi is the best place to find a hotel? (I think this is where the Cross Hotel was?)

If so, is KIX or ITM closer?

Argh.. this is doing my head in !!

 

[Flashback]

Have found this... Osaka Travel: Access, Orientation and Transportation - but its all just way too confusing, so many options

 

[Evan]

If you want to take the Shinkansen thats easy....

Narita express to Tokyo station....
From there you get on the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka

Then you just take a local JR train to where you want to go.

E

 

[Flashback]

Yep, just found this that seems to indicate that:
Narita to Osaka with a JR Pass — Japan Travel Centre | Ask Ayumi

Have you been to Osaka before? Is the place I mentioned a few posts earlier, the best place to try and get a hotel?

I wonder if I can organise the train tickets before I arrive, or whether I do it upon arrival? I fear I will be very tired when I arrive at 6am .. :shock:

 

[Flashback]

Now to just work out the most cost effective way....

The other option would be HND-ITM, which seems to be had for approx. $100 on JAL, or $70 on Skymark.

So then need to factor in getting from NRT-HND, and ITM -> Central Osaka, for which I've found...
Itami Airport (Osaka Airport, ITM)

 

[Flashback]

Ah, I think I've found what I want hotel wise!

Osaka Travel: Minami (Namba) -- has a nice map, shows the Cross, and hotels around it (as I can't get what I want at the Cross).

Persistence, my dear friends, persistence... :shock:

 

[Flashback]

Apologies for multiple posts... but I'm posting as thoughts are coming into my tiny little mind here (and is probably a good thing, as it allows fellow travelers to see the train of thought that's gone into the planning )

Ok... I think I have it nutted out, bar actually buying the tickets in the most cost effective way.

JR Express from NRT -> Tokyo
Shinkansen from Tokyo -> Shin-Osaka station
JR West line to get to either Shinsaibashi Station or Nipponbashi Station depending on what hotel my mate and I decide to stay at.

 

[Evan]

Sounds like a good plan.

If you had to goto HND it becomes too expensive, just cheaper to get the train. Train is also relaxing and more comfortable... more space than airlines like skymark. (Check there seating diagrams some run a super high density domestic service that is not friendly to western bodies unless your small)

I have stayed at Namba, was an up and comming area from what i could see, i stayed in 2004 and a couple of years later it seemed to have changed a lot.

E

 

[Flashback]

This is the hotel I'm looking at currently, that has availability and seems to be in a good location (Re: based on this map -> http://www.japan-guide.com/g5/4001_01.gif)

Namba Washington Plaza Hotel Osaka Japan - Discounted Rates Hotel Deals

The price looks good (it's just a 1 night stop in Osaka), and seems to get decent enough reviews.

Edit: booked!

 

[Flashback]

For those following this trip planning... take note also of NRT - Osaka via Plane/Train - FlyerTalk Forums

The bulk of your long distance travel falls within the first seven days
NRT to Osaka
Osaka to Kyoto
Kyoto to Tokyo
Tokyo to Location X (i.e. wherever you spend your last couple of days)

The JR pass is somewhat cheaper than the total cost of the above tix.

You will have to purchase a ticket from Location X to NRT on your last day. This will be true whether you use a JR pass for the first seven days or not.

I would make the change at Shinagawa station if I were you. It's much easier to navigate than Tokyo Station.

The Hikari trains use the same platforms as other Shinkansen trains. They usually run quite punctually - so you can check in advance when you need to be on the platform. If you look at the electronic signs on the platform, you will see the train announced - with the train number and time and stations that it stops at etc. All in English.