Arrival in Japan

Meeting the Staff Escort

All students arriving at the designated airport, on the designated day, and before the designated time can meet a JCMU staff member at the airport outside baggage claim. Attendance will be taken. This is exactly why it is critical for you to give us your flight itinerary ahead of time. A judgement call will be made by the staff member to ship baggage or not, which the group would do together if deemed necessary.

If you arrive at the airport long before the group meeting time, there are restaurants, shops, and even an onsen for you enjoy while you wait. There are also hotels connected to the airport and nearby where you can stay overnight.

Students will travel with the staff member to the Center either by charter bus or train. Please note travel from the airport to the Center will be at the student's own expense.

If you are not planning on meeting the staff escort, you are expected to travel to the Center on your own. If this is the case for you, read the information under "Traveling to the Center from Major Airports," and then contact the JCMU program office with any questions.

Back to Student Handbook

Traveling to JCMU from Major Airports

NOTE: The following routes are typically the simplest (with the fewest transfers), but depending on your desired departure/arrival, other options might be better or more cost-effective (but might require more walking or additional transfers). You can search train routes, times, and fares through services like Google Maps or Apple Maps, as well as websites like Japan Travel by NAVITIME. 

Tokyo / Haneda International Airport (HND)

1. Head to the Keikyu Airport Line station closest to your terminal at Haneda (see the Haneda Airport floor guide for more information).
2. Take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa Station (11 - 18 minutes)
3. Upon arrival, use the interior transfer gate and follow signs for the JR Shinkansen (service bound for Nagoya or Shin-Osaka).
4. Take the JR Shinkansen to Maibara Station in Shiga (2 - 2.5 hours)
5. Use the West Exit at Maibara Station and take a taxi to JCMU ("Michigan Center" / "mishigan sentaa")

The total train cost to Maibara should be around ¥12,500 and it will take about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Taxi costs from Maibara Station to JCMU vary, but are typically around ¥2,300 and the trip takes about 10 minutes.

Tokyo / Narita International Airport (NRT)

1. Head to the Narita Airport station closest to your terminal at Narita (see the Narita Train Access page for more information).
2. Take the JR Narita Express to either:
• Tokyo Station (55 - 60 minutes)
• Shinagawa Station (65 - 70 minutes)
3. Upon arrival, follow signs in the station for JR Shinkansen (service bound for Nagoya or Shin-Osaka)
4. Take the JR Shinkansen to Maibara Station in Shiga (2 - 2.5 hours)
5. Use the West Exit at Maibara Station and take a taxi to JCMU ("Michigan Center" / "mishigan sentaa")

The total train cost to Maibara should be around ¥15,000 and it will take about 3.5 hours. Taxi costs from Maibara Station to JCMU vary, but are typically around ¥2,300 and the trip takes about 10 minutes.

Nagoya / "Centrair" Central Japan International Airport (NGO)

1. Head to the Central Japan International Airport station closest to your terminal (see the Centrair Train Access page for more information).
2. Take the Meitetsu Airport Line (sometimes referred to as μSKY"(musky) service) to Meitetsu Kanayama Station (about 35 minutes).
3. Upon arrival at Kanayama Station, follow signs to transfer from the Meitetsu lines to the JR lines. 
4. Take the JR Tokaido Line Rapid or Special Rapid service to Maibara Station in Shiga (about 1 hour and 20 minutes)
5. Use the West Exit at Maibara Station and take a taxi to JCMU ("Michigan Center" / "mishigan sentaa")

The total train cost to Maibara should be around ¥2,500 and it will take about 2 hours. Taxi costs from Maibara Station to JCMU vary, but are typically around ¥2,300 and the trip takes about 10 minutes.

Osaka / Kansai International Airport (KIX)

1. Head to Kansai International Airport Station within the airport (see the Kansai International Airport Train Access page for more information).
2. Take either the JR HARUKA Limited Express (faster but more expensive; 45 minutes) or the regular JR Kansaikuko Line to JR Osaka Station (about 70 minutes).
3. Upon arrival at Osaka Station, transfer to a JR train to Hikone via the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line (about 1 hour 20 minutes).
• Depending on which train you choose, you may need to change trains in Kyoto or you will be able to stay on all the way to Hikone. Trains heading all the way to Hikone will usually indicate service to the Biwako Line (headed for Tsuruga via Maibara). If confused which train to board, ask a station attendant and tell them you are heading to Hikone. They can help you find a train that will go all the way through.
4. Use the West Exit at Hikone Station and take a taxi to JCMU ("Michigan Center" / "mishigan sentaa")

The total train cost to Hikone should be around ¥3,300 if using the regular train, and about ¥4,900 if using the HARUKA. It will take about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Taxi costs from Hikone Station to JCMU vary, but are typically around ¥2,300 and the trip takes about 10 minutes.

Back to Student Handbook