Narita International Airport

Narita International Airport (NRT) is the primary international gateway to Tokyo, located approximately 60 km east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Despite the distance from the city center, Narita handles the majority of international flights to the Tokyo metropolitan area and serves as a hub for Japan Airlines (JAL) and a major base for All Nippon Airways (ANA).

The airport has three terminals:

• Terminal 1: ANA hub, Star Alliance carriers, and various international airlines. Divided into North and South wings.
• Terminal 2: JAL hub, oneworld partners, and additional international carriers. Main building with satellite extension.
• Terminal 3: Budget carriers including Jetstar Japan, Spring Airlines, and Peach Aviation. Connected to Terminal 2 by a 15-minute walk.

Key airline locations:

• ANA and Star Alliance: Terminal 1
• JAL and oneworld: Terminal 2
• Budget carriers: Terminal 3

Haneda Airport (HND)

Tokyo has two major airports, and choosing between them can significantly impact your journey:

Haneda Airport (HND) is located just 20 km from central Tokyo, making it far more convenient for city access. Since 2010, Haneda has rapidly expanded international services, and many routes now operate from both airports.

When to choose Haneda over Narita:

• Staying in central Tokyo (saves 60-90 minutes each way)
• Red-eye or early morning flights (easier transit access)
• Premium cabin bookings (often routed via HND)
• Domestic connections within Japan

When Narita makes sense:

• Budget carrier flights (Jetstar, Peach, Spring)
• Significantly cheaper fares (compare both!)
• Staying in eastern Tokyo or Chiba

Key differences:

	Narita (NRT)	Haneda (HND)
Distance to Tokyo Station	60 km (60-90 min)	20 km (25-35 min)
Transit options	Narita Express, buses	Monorail, Keikyu Line
Express train cost	¥3,070 (N'EX)	¥500-650
International carriers	Most airlines	Growing selection
Budget carriers	Yes (Terminal 3)	Limited
Overnight access	Limited	24-hour trains nearby

Transferring between airports: There is no direct connection. Options include the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then transfer to lines serving Haneda (total 2-2.5 hours, ¥3,500+). Airport limousine buses run direct (3 hours, ¥3,200). Allow minimum 4-5 hours for inter-airport connections.

Narita is located 60 km from central Tokyo. Despite the distance, excellent rail connections make the journey manageable:

• Central Tokyo: 60-90 minutes
• Shinjuku: 80-100 minutes
• Shibuya: 80-100 minutes
• Ginza: 60-75 minutes
• Yokohama: 90-120 minutes

The two premium express train options, Narita Express and Skyliner, offer the fastest and most comfortable journeys. Budget options include regular express trains and highway buses.

Uber is not widely available for airport pickups at Narita. The service exists in Tokyo but taxi options at NRT are limited to traditional Japanese taxis.

Taxis are available at all terminals but are expensive due to the distance:

Destination	Fare (approx.)
Central Tokyo (Tokyo Station)	¥20,000-25,000
Shinjuku	¥25,000-30,000
Shibuya	¥25,000-30,000
Ginza	¥20,000-25,000

Fixed-rate taxis are available to certain areas. Inquire at the taxi counter in the arrivals hall.

Shared Shuttle Services:

• Airport Limousine Shared: Pre-bookable shared van service
• Nearme: App-based shared airport shuttle (typically ¥3,500-5,000 per person)

For most travelers, trains offer much better value than taxis.

Narita Express (N'EX)

The Narita Express (N'EX) is the most convenient option, running directly to central Tokyo stations:

• Tokyo Station: 60 minutes, ¥3,250
• Shinagawa: 75 minutes, ¥3,250
• Shibuya: 80 minutes, ¥3,250
• Shinjuku: 90 minutes, ¥3,250
• Yokohama: 90 minutes, ¥4,370

Trains depart every 30-60 minutes from 7am to 9pm. All seats are reserved; purchase tickets at JR ticket counters or vending machines in the arrivals area.

N'EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket: ¥4,070 for a round trip to/from Tokyo metropolitan area stations within 14 days. Available only to foreign passport holders.

Keisei Skyliner

The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest option to Ueno and Nippori:

• Nippori: 36 minutes, ¥2,520
• Ueno: 41 minutes, ¥2,520

From Nippori or Ueno, transfer to JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro for other destinations. Skyliner runs every 20-40 minutes from 7am to 10pm.

Budget Options

Access Express (Keisei Line):

• To Aoto (transfer to Asakusa Line for Ginza/Shinagawa): 60-70 minutes, ¥1,270
• Direct to Haneda Airport available on some services

Keisei Main Line (local/limited express):

• Slowest but cheapest option: 75-90 minutes to Ueno, ¥1,050

Highway Buses

Limousine Bus services run to major Tokyo stations and hotels:

• Tokyo Station: 70-90 minutes, ¥3,200
• Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal: 85-120 minutes, ¥3,200
• Shibuya: 90-120 minutes, ¥3,200
• TCAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal): 55-80 minutes, ¥2,800

Buses depart frequently throughout the day. During rush hour, train options are more reliable due to potential highway traffic.

Discount Bus Services (Keisei Bus, Willer Express):

• Tokyo Station: ¥1,300-1,500
• Longer journey times but significant savings

Narita offers on-site parking at all terminals:

Lot	Rate	Notes
P1 (Terminal 1)	¥260/30 min	Short-term, closest to terminal
P2 (Terminal 2)	¥260/30 min	Short-term
P5 (Terminal 3)	¥260/30 min	Short-term
Long-term lots	¥520-1,030/day	With shuttle service

Daily maximums: ¥2,100 for short-term, varying rates for long-term.

Off-site parking is significantly cheaper:

• Various operators offer ¥500-800/day with free shuttle
• Pre-booking recommended, especially during holidays
• Services like USAパーキング and サンパーキング are popular options

Narita offers extensive dining options across all terminals:

Terminal 1:

• Sky Food Court (4F): Multiple Japanese and international options
• Sushi Kyotatsu: Fresh sushi before your flight
• Kineya: Udon noodles
• Mos Burger: Japanese fast food chain

Terminal 2:

• Japanese Food Court (4F): Ramen, curry, tonkatsu
• Sakura Lounge Restaurant: Japanese cuisine
• McDonald's, Starbucks: International chains
• Yoshinoya: Beef bowl chain

Terminal 3:

• Food Court (2F): Limited but affordable options
• Ramen, udon, rice bowls: Basic Japanese fare at budget prices

Recommendations:

• For a proper pre-flight meal, Terminal 1 and 2 have better selection
• Terminal 3's food court is basic but functional for budget travelers
• Try Japanese convenience store food (onigiri, bento) from Lawson or FamilyMart for quick, authentic, and affordable meals

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals:

• Network: "FreeWiFi-NARITA"
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and light streaming
• Limit: 30-day unlimited access after email registration

Registration takes less than a minute. The connection is reliable throughout the terminals and works in all public areas.

For faster speeds, airline lounges offer premium WiFi connections.

SIM cards and pocket WiFi devices are available in the arrivals hall:

Locations:

• QL Liner counters (all terminals)
• Telecom Square (T1, T2)
• JAL ABC counter (T1, T2)
• GPA rental counters

Options:

• Tourist SIM (data only): ¥3,000-5,000 for 7-14 days (varies by data amount)
• Pocket WiFi rental: ¥500-1,000/day, shareable with multiple devices
• Prepaid SIM with voice: Less common, around ¥3,000-4,000

Popular carriers: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au (KDDI) networks. Data-only SIMs from IIJmio, Mobal, and Sakura Mobile are commonly available.

Pre-ordering online (Klook, Amazon Japan) can save time and money. Collect at the airport counter or have delivered to your accommodation.

ATMs accepting international cards are located throughout all terminals:

• Seven Bank ATMs (7-Eleven ATMs): Most reliable for foreign cards, accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus
• Japan Post Bank ATMs: Also accept most international cards
• AEON ATMs: In Terminal 2

ATM locations:

• Terminal 1: Arrivals hall (1F), departure level
• Terminal 2: Arrivals hall (1F), departure level
• Terminal 3: Near check-in area

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex: All terminals
• GPA (Greenport Agency): Multiple locations
• Bank counters: Limited hours

Exchange rates at the airport are acceptable but city rates (Shinjuku, Ginza) are slightly better. Japan remains a cash-heavy society, though credit card acceptance has improved significantly.

Japan uses Japanese Yen (JPY/¥). Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at most restaurants and shops in tourist areas, but smaller establishments and some transit may require cash.

Narita offers extensive duty-free shopping:

Terminal 1:

• Fa-So-La DUTY FREE: Main duty-free operator
• JAPAN DUTY FREE: Cosmetics, electronics, Japanese goods
• ANA FESTA: Souvenirs and gifts

Terminal 2:

• Fa-So-La DUTY FREE: Comprehensive selection
• JAL DUTY FREE: In departure areas
• Japanese souvenir shops: Multiple options

Popular purchases:

• Japanese cosmetics: Shiseido, SK-II, KANEBO
• Japanese snacks: Kit Kat flavors, Tokyo Banana, Royce chocolate
• Electronics: Though Akihabara offers better prices
• Japanese whisky: Suntory, Nikka (often in stock at airport)
• Traditional crafts: Ceramics, fans, textiles

Terminal 3 has minimal shopping options - just basic convenience stores.

For best selection, shop in Terminals 1 or 2 after clearing security. Tax-free shopping is available at many stores with passport presentation.

Narita has numerous lounge options:

Priority Pass Lounges

• IASS Executive Lounge (T1): Basic amenities, snacks, drinks
• TEI Lounge (T2): Simple but functional
• Narita TraveLounge (T1, T2): Limited space, basic refreshments

Credit Card Lounges

• No Amex Centurion Lounge at NRT - nearest is Haneda
• Various card programs may have agreements with IASS lounges

Airline Lounges

Terminal 1 (ANA/Star Alliance):

• ANA Lounge: Star Alliance Gold and Business Class passengers
• ANA Suite Lounge: First Class and Diamond members
• United Club: United passengers and Star Alliance Gold

Terminal 2 (JAL/oneworld):

• JAL Sakura Lounge: oneworld Sapphire and Business Class
• JAL First Class Lounge: First Class and oneworld Emerald
• Qantas Lounge: Qantas and oneworld passengers
• American Airlines Admirals Club: AA premium passengers

Quality notes: JAL's First Class Lounge is considered excellent, featuring Japanese dining options including sushi. ANA's Suite Lounge similarly offers high-quality Japanese cuisine.

Day Pass Options

• Some lounges sell day passes (typically ¥3,000-5,000)
• Pre-booking via LoungeBuddy or Priority Pass app recommended

At the Airport:

• Narita Airport Rest House (near T2): Basic rooms, convenient for early flights
• 9h nine hours (T2): Japanese capsule hotel concept, hourly rates available
• Narita Tobu Hotel Airport: Connected to T2 by covered walkway

Near the Airport:

• Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport: Full-service hotel, free shuttle
• ANA Crowne Plaza Narita: Business hotel with shuttle
• Narita Gateway Hotel: Budget-friendly, shuttle service
• Toyoko Inn Narita Airport: Japanese business hotel chain, affordable

Transit Hotel Options:

• 9h nine hours offers compact sleeping pods from ¥1,500/hour (T2)
• Rest areas with reclining chairs available in terminals (free)

For overnight layovers, the hotels near the airport are convenient but the area around Narita is not scenic. If your layover is long enough, consider staying in Tokyo and returning to the airport.

Tokyo is one of the world's great cities, offering incredible variety:

Getting to Tokyo:

• Take Narita Express or Skyliner (see Public Transit section)
• Journey takes 60-90 minutes depending on destination

Must-See Areas:

• Shibuya: Famous crossing, youth culture, shopping (90 min from NRT)
• Shinjuku: Entertainment, shopping, nightlife, Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation deck (free)
• Asakusa: Historic temple (Senso-ji), traditional Tokyo (70 min via Access Express)
• Ginza: Upscale shopping, dining (75 min via N'EX)
• Akihabara: Electronics, anime, gaming culture

Day Trip Options:

• Mount Fuji/Hakone: 2-3 hours from Tokyo, hot springs and views
• Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage shrines, 2 hours north
• Kamakura: Great Buddha, beaches, 1 hour south of Tokyo

Getting Around Tokyo:

• Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for seamless payment on all trains, subways, and buses
• Available at JR ticket machines (¥500 deposit + desired value)
• Cards also work at convenience stores and vending machines

Practical Tips:

• Japanese is the primary language; English signage is good in transit and tourist areas
• Tipping is not practiced and can be considered rude
• Convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are excellent for quick meals, ATMs, and essentials
• Japan uses Type A and B electrical plugs (same as North America); voltage is 100V
• Trains run on precise schedules; the last train is typically around midnight
• JR Pass can offer savings if planning extensive travel beyond Tokyo