Text & Photos / －SanjiNoir－ Black Knight Reading －
Since July 2010, when the Sky Access (成田スカイアクセス) airport line connecting Narita Airport to Tokyo—operated by Keisei Electric Railway—was launched, it has gradually become the top choice for traveling between the airport and the city center. But to be honest, there are so many ways to get into Tokyo, and while Sky Access may be the fastest, it’s not necessarily the most convenient. For instance, if you’re heading to places like Ikebukuro or Shinjuku, you’re bound to have to transfer trains—a nightmare for newcomers due to the complexity of Tokyo’s rail system.
That said, if your first destination after leaving the airport is a popular area for accommodation and shopping such as Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, or even Yokohama or Ofuna, then the Narita Express—affectionately known as N’EX, and taking advantage of the extensive JR lines in Tokyo—becomes the best option for direct access. So here comes...
The second-generation exclusive rolling stock 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 on this line, not only featuring a more modern and tech-savvy exterior, but also boasting comfort and performance that definitely shouldn’t be underestimated. Boarding is also super simple: 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 the ticket gates and platform.
Once inside the Narita Express carriage, you’ll notice the floor is paved with a unique light gray and dark gray checkered pattern, resembling a racetrack grid. However, to enhance soundproofing beneath the floor, the flooring isn’t laid directly onto the car body. Instead, there’s a layer of aluminum plate first, followed by a specialized rubber material, ensuring minimal noise and vibration during the ride.
Next, let’s take a look at the seats. The seat surfaces also feature a generous amount of that same checkered pattern, which actually appears quite frequently on the N’EX E259. Following the usual color scheme of the train, one side of each headrest is accented with red. But to be fair, the seats on the N’EX E259 aren’t particularly luxurious—about on par with Taiwan’s high-speed rail—but considering you’re not on a long, high-speed journey, they’re more than adequate.
In addition to overhead nets, each seat also comes with an individual fold-down drink holder and a small table. Of course, you can bring your own snacks aboard, though it’s recommended you pick them up at the airport beforehand. Another thoughtful touch is the retractable hooks, which are also available at every seat.
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