If you've decided to fly to Japan for your next vacation, chances are you might find yourself landing in Tokyo's own Narita International Airport. P.S. We highly recommend landing and departing from Haneda Airport if you can as it's much closer to the city!
Credit: Giphy
Yes, that adorable dancing plane above is Narita Airport's own mascot - Unarikun! Narita Airport is a busy place throughout the year, but you won't have to be confused with our trusty one-stop guide to the in's and out's of this airport. From where to find halal meals to the location of the prayer rooms, we hope this guide will help make your journey through Narita Airport a smooth one!
Overview of Narita International Airport
Narita Airport is also the main hub for the country's national carriers like Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Jetstar Japan, Nippon Cargo Airlines, Peach, Spring Airlines Japan and ZIPAIR Tokyo (JAL's budget carrier).
Getting here
How to get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo
Whether you're staying in Tokyo itself or taking a train to other cities in Japan, the first step in your journey is getting out of the airport. Although Narita Airport is located outside of Tokyo itself, there are plenty of public transport options available that are quick and convenient! Narita Airport even has a route diagram that will display the time taken for each option. Note: These methods will also take you from central Tokyo to the airport - but do remember to factor in extra time for transfers or navigating through crowded stations so that you won't miss your flight home! Fastest option: Keisei Skyliner Express
- If you're heading to Nippori or Keisei Ueno stations, book a ticket for the Keisei Skyliner Express direct train. The journey will take just 36 minutes (Nippori) or 41 minutes (Ueno)!
- The Keisei Skyliner also covers other popular stations such as Asakusa, Shinbashi, and Shinagawa. However, it does not go directly to Tokyo station.
- Cost:From JPY2,300 (using IC cards i.e. Suica or Pasmo)
Convenient option (JR Pass-friendly): Narita Express (N'EX)
- If you have a JR Pass or are taking the shinkansen to other cities, you'll want to get onto the N'EX instead. Part of the JR System, the N'EX line covers stations including Tokyo, Shinbashi, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. You can even reach Yokohama on the N'EX!
- #HHWT Tip: If you're transferring to a shinkansen to Kyoto or Osaka, take the N'EX to Shinagawa instead of Tokyo. Shinagawa is a smaller station and will be much less crowded. It's also a lot less confusing to navigate compared to Tokyo station, and it will be a less stressful start to your trip!
- Cost: From JPY3,017 (using IC card) however if you have a Japan Rail Pass (Ordinary/Green), JR Tokyo Wide Pass, Tohoku Area Pass, Nagano & Niigata Area Pass, the cost will be covered via your pass so you won't need to make a separate payment.
Cheapest option (no JR Pass): Bus
- If you're not using a JR Pass and don't want to make any transfers, taking a bus is the fastest way to get to some of Tokyo's busiest and most popular neighbourhoods including Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Disney Resort that houses both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
- There are various express and normal bus services available, and you can purchase tickets directly at the bus stops across all 3 terminals.
- Cost: From JPY900
Shuttle Bus
The free terminal shuttle bus is available at Narita Airport, if you're planning to explore other terminals. For transit passengers, you can take the transit passenger shuttle buses after passing through the security check.
Halal Restaurants
There are 3 halal restaurants in Narita Airport at the moment - located in terminal 1 and terminal 2. You can take the shuttle bus that is provided between all 3 terminals.
Homemade Udon Noodles KINEYAMUGIMARU at Terminal 1
Halal status: The kitchen is halal-certified by the Japan Halal Association Average price of main dishes: From JPY630 onwards
Opening hours: Open daily; 7.30AM-9PM
Location: Terminal 1, 5F, Central Building (public area before passport control)
La Toque at Terminal 2
Halal status: The kitchen is certified halal by MUIS (Majlis Ulama Islam Singapura)
Average price of main dishes: From JPY980
Opening hours: Open daily; 7.30AM-8.30PM
Location: Terminal 2, 4F, Main Building (public area before passport control)
Sojibou at Terminal 2
Halal status: Halal-certified (by NPO Japan Halal Association)
Average price of main dishes: From JPY600
Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM-9PM
Location: Terminal 2, 4F, Main Building (before passport control)
Prayer Rooms
Terminal 2 Prayer Rooms (Open between 6am - 11pm) Before passport control: 1F (main building) After passport control: 1F (main building)
Terminal 3 Prayer Rooms (Open between 6am - 11pm) Before passport control: 2F After passport control: 3F
Connectivity
We highly recommend getting a wifi router or local SIM card if you're travelling in Japan as it will make navigating maps and streets a lot easier. If you've pre-booked either option before your flight, follow the instructions given to you and pick it up without any fuss. If you're only buying it once you reach Narita Airport, there are still lots of options available to choose from! P.S. The airport also has various areas outfitted with charging ports for your phones and mobile devices, so make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave! Just don't access any personal or sensitive information such as bank account details while you're plugged in, as a safety precaution.
There are many vending machines carrying SIM cards of different durations (usually 7/14/21 days) and capacities throughout the airport. SIM cards are usually more cost-effective if you're travelling on your own, and they're convenient as you won't need to return them to any booth before you depart. As there are multiple vending machines in the airport, you can pick and choose an option that best suits your trip duration and data needs.
Redeeming your JR Passes
JR Pass Exchange Offices
Terminal 1 JR EAST Travel Service Center Location: B1
Opening Hours: 8.15am - 7pm daily
Terminal 1 Visitor Service Center Location: Central Building, 1F (Arrivals, in public access area)
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm daily
Terminal 2 JR East Travel Service Center Location: B1
Opening Hours: 8.15am - 8pm daily
Terminal 2 Visitor Service Center Location: Main Building, 1F (Arrivals, in public access area)
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm daily
Other useful facilities
Family-friendly facilities
Below is the estimated luggage delivery rates: Estimated luggage delivery rates (per luggage)
- GPA Airport TA-Q-BIN: JPY1,270 - JPY4,500
- JAL ABC airport delivery service: JPY1,740 - JPY6,790
- QL Liner: JPY1,720 - JPY9,860
- For exact locations and opening hours, visit this website for more information.
#HHWT Tip: GPA Airport TA-Q-BIN is widely preferred by the locals for its reliability since it's associated with TA-Q-BIN, a trusted Japanese delivery service. For same-day delivery, drop off your bags before 10AM to receive your luggage by 8PM-10PM on the same day. For bag drop-offs after 10AM, you will receive your luggage the next morning.
Coin/card-operated lockers
One of the facilities that I used during my last trip to Tokyo was the coin-operated lockers you can find throughout the different floors of each terminal. The lockers can store everything from small handbags to larger luggage, which was especially useful for holding our souvenirs while we checked in and had our lunch! Best of all, they cost between JPY300 - JPY1,000 per use (depending on size) and you can use your IC card to pay for them. Lockers are also convenient if you have bulky items such as strollers, or if you plan to spend some time at the towns nearby the airport before your flight. P.S. Remember to check what the duration of use for the lockers are before you pick one. Some lockers will cost more as they're supposed to be for a multi-day use! Instructions are stated in English, so you won't have to struggle to understand Japanese ☺️ For exact locker locations at Narita Airport, visit this website to find out more!
Shopping at Narita Airport
It seems like a number of stores have remained closed since Covid-19 so we recommend that you check the shopping directory if you want to do last-minute shopping at the airport. If you're planning to pick up souvenirs after immigration, do note that the queues are long but move pretty fast!
What to do during a layover in Narita Airport
Narita Airport Transit & Stay
#HHWT Tip: If you have enough time (at least 6-8 hours), you can join the Narita Airport Transit & Stay's Sawara or Shibayama bus tours. This six-hour tour requires a minimum budget of JPY3,500 and you can find more information here. We hope that this guide has made it easier to navigate through the airport. Let us know if there any other airports you would like to know more about!