Conquer Tokyo by train！ The Narita Express: a sleek white choice docking in the capital region

Text & photos / －SanjiNoir－ Black Knight’s Reading－
 
Since July 2010, when the Sky Access airport line (成田スカイアクセス) connecting Narita Airport to Tokyo—operated by Keisei Electric Railway—was launched, it has gradually become the top choice for airport-to-city travel. But to be fair, there are so many ways to get into Tokyo, and while Sky Access might be the fastest, it’s not necessarily the most suitable. For example, if you’re heading to places like Ikebukuro or Shinjuku, you’ll inevitably have to transfer, and given how complex Tokyo’s rail system is, transferring can be a nightmare for first-timers.
 
That said, if your first destination after leaving the airport is a popular spot for accommodation or shopping like Shinagawa, n谷 (likely a typo or placeholder), Shinjuku, or Ikebukuro—or even a dash to Yokohama or Ofuna—the Narita Express, abbreviated as N'EX and leveraging the advantages of the JR lines in Tokyo, becomes the best option for direct access to these areas. So here comes...

The second-generation dedicated train for the Narita Express: the Narita Express E259 series EMU!!! It kind of gives off a Mothra larva vibe (huh?!). Yes～The currently used E259 model is the second-generation train for this line, not only featuring a more modern and tech-forward look, but also boasting comfort and performance that shouldn’t be underestimated. Boarding is pretty straightforward: after clearing immigration at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of Narita Airport, you’ll find a clearly marked “N'EX” ticket counter. The staff generally speak both Japanese and English. After purchasing your ticket, simply take the escalator down from the arrival hall and follow the signs to reach the ticket gates and platforms.

Once inside the Narita Express carriages, you’ll notice the floor is uniquely paved with a checkered pattern of light gray and dark gray, resembling a racing grid. However, to enhance soundproofing beneath the floor, the carriage floor isn’t laid directly on the chassis but is first fitted with a layer of aluminum plate, then topped with a specialized rubber material, minimizing excessive noise during travel.

Next, let’s take a look at the seats. The seat surfaces also feature plenty of checkered patterns, a design that actually appears quite frequently on the Narita Express N'EX E259. But following the train’s color scheme, one corner of each headrest is accented in red. To be honest though, the N'EX E259 seats aren’t particularly luxurious—about on par with Taiwan’s high-speed rail—but considering you’re not on a super long high-speed ride, they’re more than adequate.

In addition to overhead nets, each seat also comes with its own foldable drink holder and small table. Of course, you can bring snacks on board, but it’s best to buy them at the airport beforehand. Another thoughtful feature is the retractable hooks, which are available at every seat.