Does everyone take the shuttle bus from Narita to Yokosuka.

I looked at the Yokosuka map and it seems like quite a haul from the FFSC to the Navy Lodge.

We will be bringing luggage for 5 people and our three children.

Is it better to take the train?

What should I expect?

Thanks for your input!

When the bus comes back from Narita it will drop you at FFSC or Navy Lodge, your choice. They didn't tell me that when I booked the ride cuz pick up is only at FFSC. Take the bus!

When I was staioned in Yokosuka I took the shuttle bus. You would never make it on the train with luggage. The trains are routinely overcrowded, and can be confusing to those of you not familiar with Kanji, Hiragana, or Katakana.

I would wait for your mandatory orientation once you arrive in Japan before hitting the trains so that you at least know how to get around minimally and how to get assistance if you get lost.

Also, remember that Japanese culture is extremely different than you are accustom. When the Japanese bump into you they will not say excuse me, they simply look at you and that is their acknowledgement. When traveling with kids this can be challenging as you will get bumped from all sides while getting into and out of trains and of course while on the side walks.

The shuttle from Narita to Yokosuka will drop you off at PSD or the Navy Lodge, you will just tell them when you get on the bus. The train from Narita is actually pretty easy to Yokosuka, especially if you get a direct train. But, it is more difficult with baggage. And the bus is only 2 hours while the train is at least 3.

Take the busssss! But if you have to take the train the counter at the airport for the bases will help hook you up with the train if something goes wrong. And lastly, there is the option of taking a Japanese bus from the airport.

And if you accidentally get off at PSD there are base taxis all over the place (they take dollars or yen). Ask some nice stranger to call you one... or two with that many people, ha ha.

The train isn't bad. Take the Narita Express (N'EX). It will get you all the way to Yokohama before you have to get off and find your way to Yokosuka. Albeit, travelling with all that luggage and three children, it can be a little overwhelming once you get off the N'EX. The N'EX will be easy because it's not overly crowded, it's pretty much like an airplane on train tracks. Plenty of room luggage, which you can secure, and they have a snack and beverage cart that comes through maybe once or twice during your excursion.

I'm not sure why you would take the train when the bus is free & will bring you right to the lodge. If you take the train, you gotta haul luggage & kids, figure out how to buy tickets, and still get from the Yokosuka train station to the base. Granted, it can be done but what's the advantage as compared to the bus?

Thanks to everyone for your input. You have quelled my anxiety! It is great to know what to do and what to expect!

These are some additional posts that could help...

Best way to get to Yokosuka from Airport


YCAT (Yokohama City Air Terminal) Information


Narita Express / Narita Bus for visitors
 

Help! Driving to Narita


AMC flight to Yokota


Parking at Haneda Airport

Just make sure you know where to go to get one the bus. Someone told us the wrong terminal we were quite lost for a bit. Luckily my husband speaks Japanese.

Posted By seasoncolor on 06 Nov 2010 08:11 PM
Just make sure you know where to go to get one the bus. Someone told us the wrong terminal we were quite lost for a bit. Luckily my husband speaks Japanese.

This is where you find the bus when you arrive at Narita:

If arriving in the North Wing, after departing customs look left across the corridor and you will see the DoD Liaison counter to the left of the N2 Exit.

A diagram can be found here:

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/Relocation/NaritaBusSignUp/DODLiaison/index.htm

Phone numbers & email are here:
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/Relocation/NaritaBusSignUp/RulesSOPs/index.htm