Logistics:

Getting there: NWA flies to Tokyo from LAX directly. Tokyo is NWA’s asian hub with continual flights to Taipei, HK, BKK, Sin, MNL, Beijing, Seoul, and other locations. Their major hubs in the U.S. include Detroit, St. Paul, Memphis.


Immigration: Getting through immigration was a breeze. They took two fingerprints electronically and a digital photo of me, then attached a tourist visa to my passport.


Exchange rate: Best to think of 100 yen as $1 usd, thus 10,000 yen is about $100 usd.


ATM and JR Express Train: As soon as you exit immigration, there is an ATM on your right where you can get some cash. Straight ahead and to your left from exiting immigration, and you’ll find yourself at the express train into town which I recommend. Tickets are about 25-30usd and they do not take credit card at that counter. It’s about 1hr 20’ to Shinjuku station and you’ll be assigned a section of the car with a seat number. Pickpocketing and stealing is not common so don’t sweat leaving your big carry on luggage at the luggage rack.

Your directions should note which terminal you were in, as there are two terminals at Narita.

Also, it depends on which counter you purchase your ticket as to whether credit cards are accepted or not. The JR (Japan Rail) travel office downstairs by the platform does take credit cards.

An alternate train option is the Keisei Skyliner into Ueno station. They are usually about $10 cheaper than JR is.

Terminal 1, North wing is where NWA international arrivals will be.

You're right. There is a JR counter downstairs but it seem to have longer wait times thus I'm advising the cash based one upstairs, away from all the madness down below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narita_International_Airport#Terminals_and_airlines