Japan

Japan is Asia's most developed aviation market, offering exceptional service standards from check-in to landing. The country has two major gateway cities—Tokyo (with two airports) and Osaka—plus extensive domestic networks connecting the mountainous archipelago.

Tokyo has two major airports: Haneda (HND) for domestic and growing international, and Narita (NRT) as the traditional international gateway 60km from the city. Most travelers prefer Haneda for its proximity, but Narita remains important for long-haul routes and budget carriers.

Japanese carriers ANA and JAL consistently rank among the world's best airlines. The country's domestic network is extensive but often expensive—the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) competes effectively with flights on many routes.

Tokyo Area

Tokyo has two airports—choosing the right one significantly impacts your trip:

Airport	Code	Distance to Central Tokyo	Best For
Haneda	HND	14 km (9 miles)	Domestic, growing international, convenience
Narita	NRT	60 km (37 miles)	Long-haul international, LCCs, cargo

Haneda (HND) — Japan's busiest airport, located on Tokyo Bay. Terminal 3 handles international flights (expanded significantly since 2020). Connected to central Tokyo in 15-30 minutes via monorail or Keikyu line. Strongly preferred for city access.

Narita (NRT) — The traditional international gateway. Three terminals: T1 (Star Alliance/ANA), T2 (oneworld/JAL, SkyTeam), T3 (LCCs). 60-90 minutes to central Tokyo via Narita Express, Skyliner, or bus. Still important for many long-haul routes.

Pro tip: When booking, prioritize Haneda if available—the time saved on ground transport is significant.

Kansai Region (Osaka/Kyoto)

Airport	Code	Serves	Notes
Kansai	KIX	Osaka, Kyoto, Nara	Built on artificial island, international hub
Itami	ITM	Osaka	Domestic only, closer to city

Kansai (KIX) — The Osaka region's international gateway, connected to Osaka (50 min) and Kyoto (75 min) by Haruka Express. Good choice for travelers focusing on the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe).

Other Major Airports

Airport	City	Role
NGO	Nagoya (Chubu)	Central Japan hub
CTS	Sapporo (New Chitose)	Hokkaido gateway
FUK	Fukuoka	Kyushu gateway, close to Korea
OKA	Okinawa (Naha)	Subtropical islands
HIJ	Hiroshima	Western Honshu
KOJ	Kagoshima	Southern Kyushu
SDJ	Sendai	Tohoku region

Fukuoka (FUK) — Japan's fifth-busiest airport, remarkably close to the city center (subway from airport to downtown in 5 minutes). Growing international connections, especially to Asia.

Flag Carriers

All Nippon Airways (ANA) — Japan's largest airline and Star Alliance member. Hub at Haneda T2 and Narita T1. Extensive domestic network and long-haul routes to Americas, Europe, and Asia. Consistently ranked among world's best airlines.

Japan Airlines (JAL) — The original flag carrier, oneworld member. Hub at Haneda T1 and Narita T2. Strong transpacific network through American Airlines partnership. Known for premium service.

Low-Cost Carriers

Japan's LCC market has grown significantly:

• Peach Aviation (MM) — ANA subsidiary, KIX base. Largest Japanese LCC, domestic and Asian routes.
• Jetstar Japan (GK) — Narita and KIX bases. Domestic and short-haul international.
• Spring Japan (IJ) — Chinese-owned, Narita base. China routes and some domestic.
• ZIPAIR (ZG) — JAL subsidiary, Narita base. Medium/long-haul LCC to Asia, US West Coast, Hawaii.

Regional Carriers

• Skymark (BC) — Independent, Haneda base. Domestic routes at mid-range prices.
• StarFlyer (7G) — Premium domestic carrier, Kitakyushu base.
• Solaseed Air (6J) — Kyushu-focused domestic.
• Air Do (HD) — Hokkaido routes from Haneda.

International Airlines

Major foreign carriers serving Japan:

• United, American, Delta — Extensive US networks via Tokyo
• Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air — Asian connections
• Emirates, Qatar — Middle East connections
• Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa — European routes
• Qantas — Australia routes

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of 70+ countries can visit Japan visa-free:

Duration	Countries
90 days	USA, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and many others
14-30 days	Some countries have shorter visa-free periods

No pre-registration (like ESTA) currently required, though Japan is considering implementing a similar system.

Visit Japan Web

All travelers must complete Visit Japan Web registration before arrival:

• Online customs and immigration declaration
• Register at vjw.digital.go.jp
• Free, complete before departure
• QR code speeds arrival processing

Visa Required

Citizens of countries not on the visa exemption list must apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate:

• Tourist visa: Single/multiple entry available
• Processing: 5-7 business days typically
• Requires invitation letter or detailed itinerary

Passport Requirements

• Valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity required)
• Return/onward ticket may be requested
• Proof of accommodation helpful

Official visa information: mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa

Domestic Flights vs. Shinkansen

Japan's bullet trains often compete effectively with domestic flights:

Route	Flight	Shinkansen	Recommendation
Tokyo ↔ Osaka	1h 10m + airport time	2h 30m (Nozomi)	Train usually faster
Tokyo ↔ Kyoto	1h 10m + airport time	2h 15m (Nozomi)	Train preferred
Tokyo ↔ Hiroshima	1h 25m	4h 00m	Close—depends on priorities
Tokyo ↔ Fukuoka	2h 00m	5h 00m	Flight saves time
Tokyo ↔ Sapporo	1h 30m	4h 30m (Hayabusa)	Flight for most
Tokyo ↔ Okinawa	2h 50m	No train	Flight only

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Japan's famous high-speed rail connects major cities:

• Tokaido Shinkansen: Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto-Osaka (Nozomi/Hikari/Kodama)
• Sanyo Shinkansen: Osaka-Hiroshima-Fukuoka
• Tohoku Shinkansen: Tokyo-Sendai-Aomori
• Hokkaido Shinkansen: Tokyo-Sapporo (4h 30m)
• Hokuriku Shinkansen: Tokyo-Kanazawa

JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass):

• Must be purchased outside Japan (or at limited locations inside)
• 7/14/21-day options available
• Unlimited JR trains including most Shinkansen
• Economical if taking 2+ long-distance trips
• Note: JR Pass cannot be used on Nozomi or Mizuho (fastest Shinkansen)—use Hikari instead

Booking: Reserve seats at JR ticket offices or online via eki-net.com

Domestic Flights

When flights make sense:

• Tokyo to Okinawa, Hokkaido, Kyushu
• ANA and JAL offer discounted fares for foreign visitors (book from overseas)
• LCCs (Peach, Jetstar Japan) often cheapest for short-haul

Local Transport

• IC Cards: Get Suica or PASMO (rechargeable) or Suica on iPhone/Apple Watch for trains, buses, convenience stores
• Taxis: Expensive but abundant. Doors open automatically.
• Buses: Extensive, especially in cities without subway

Cherry Blossom Season (Late March-Early May)

Japan's most popular travel period. Sakura blooms move north with warming temperatures:

• Kyushu/Tokyo: Late March-early April
• Tohoku/Hokkaido: Late April-early May

Book flights and hotels 3-6 months ahead. Prices peak during Golden Week (late April-early May).

Peak Season (March-May, October-November)

Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (fall colors) are most popular. Pleasant weather, stunning scenery, highest prices and crowds.

Summer (June-August)

• June: Rainy season (tsuyu) in most regions—humid and wet
• July-August: Hot and humid (30-35°C), but good for Hokkaido and mountains
• Festivals: Many summer festivals (matsuri), fireworks

Winter (December-February)

Cold in most regions. Good for:

• Skiing: Hokkaido (Niseko), Nagano (Japanese Alps)
• Hot springs (onsen): Atmospheric in snow
• Fewer crowds: Except around New Year (Dec 28-Jan 4)

Regional Timing

Region	Best Time	Notes
Tokyo/Kansai	Mar-May, Oct-Nov	Avoid summer humidity
Hokkaido	Jul-Sep (summer), Dec-Mar (skiing)	Cool summers
Okinawa	Mar-May, Oct-Nov	Avoid typhoon season (Aug-Sep)
Japanese Alps	Jul-Sep (hiking), Dec-Mar (skiing)	Mountain weather variable

Cities

City	Nearest Airport	Known For
Tokyo	HND, NRT	Modern metropolis, food, pop culture
Kyoto	KIX (75 min), ITM	Temples, geisha, traditional Japan
Osaka	KIX, ITM	Food, nightlife, friendly locals
Hiroshima	HIJ	Peace Memorial, Miyajima Island
Nara	KIX (50 min)	Deer park, ancient temples
Fukuoka	FUK	Ramen, gateway to Kyushu
Sapporo	CTS	Beer, skiing, snow festival
Kanazawa	KMQ	Traditional crafts, gardens

Regions

• Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara): Fly to KIX, extensive rail connections
• Hokkaido: Fly to CTS (Sapporo), rent car for countryside
• Okinawa: Fly to OKA, island-hop to Ishigaki, Miyako
• Japanese Alps: Fly to NGO or train from Tokyo, good for hiking/skiing
• Kyushu: Fly to FUK, explore by JR Kyushu trains

Day Trips from Tokyo

• Nikko: 2 hours by train, UNESCO shrines
• Hakone: 90 min, Mt. Fuji views, hot springs
• Kamakura: 1 hour, giant Buddha, temples
• Mt. Fuji: Climb Jul-Aug, view year-round from Hakone or Kawaguchiko

Money

• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥)
• Cash: Japan is still cash-heavy. Carry ¥20,000-30,000 minimum
• Cards: Increasingly accepted in cities, less so in rural areas. Visa/Mastercard preferred, Amex less common
• ATMs: 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign cards 24/7
• Tipping: Not practiced. No tips at restaurants, hotels, or taxis—considered rude

Connectivity

• Mobile: Docomo, au, SoftBank
• Pocket WiFi: Popular rental option, pick up at airport
• eSIM: Widely supported. Ubigi, Airalo work well
• Free WiFi: Available but limited—pocket WiFi or eSIM recommended

Electrical

• Voltage: 100V (lower than most countries)
• Frequency: 50 Hz (Eastern Japan) / 60 Hz (Western Japan)
• Plug type: Type A (two flat pins), same as US but lower voltage
• Note: Most phone chargers and laptops work fine (check "100-240V"). Hair dryers may run slowly

Language

• English signage at major airports, stations, tourist areas
• Google Translate app essential for menus and signs
• Download offline Japanese for Google Translate
• Learn basics: arigatou (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry)

Cultural Notes

• Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, temples
• Quiet on public transport—no phone calls
• Don't eat while walking
• Bow slightly when greeting
• Line up neatly for everything

Useful Apps

• Google Maps: Works excellently in Japan, includes train schedules
• Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan): Detailed train routing
• Google Translate: Camera feature for menus and signs
• Suica/PASMO: Digital IC card on iPhone/Apple Watch

• Tourism: Japan National Tourism Organization
• Visa: MOFA Visa Information
• Visit Japan Web: vjw.digital.go.jp
• JR Pass: japanrailpass.net
• Narita Airport: narita-airport.jp
• Haneda Airport: tokyo-haneda.com
• Japan Meteorological Agency: jma.go.jp