Narita International Airport, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest airports and a key international hub, not just for the Tokyo metropolitan area but for the entire country. While it primarily serves international flights, since the introduction of low-cost carriers (LCCs) in 2012, domestic flights have also increased, making it a major base for LCC operations.

As an airport frequently used by many international visitors to Japan, Narita Airport offers a wide variety of souvenirs, from Japanese-made foods to traditional crafts. Another highlight is the displays and decorations featuring popular Japanese anime and game characters, which can be found throughout the airport.

Currently, the "Flying Pikachu Project" is underway (scheduled until April 2025), allowing visitors to spot adorable Pokémon characters in various parts of the terminal. Be sure to look out for them!

Before arriving at Narita Airport, travelers can use the online service "Visit Japan Web" to register the necessary information for immigration procedures (immigration inspection and customs declaration) in advance. While the traditional paper forms are still available, pre-registration via Visit Japan Web is recommended for a smoother process.

Visit Japan Web
Create an account and log in to Visit Japan Web, then register user information, including accompanying family members, and entry/return schedules. Proceed to register for immigration inspection (Foreign Resident Arrival Record) and customs declaration (declaration of carried/separately sent items).
URL: https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/

1. Quarantine
After disembarking, follow the signs to the quarantine counter. If you received a health questionnaire during the flight, fill it out and submit it to the quarantine counter.

2. Immigration
Present your passport at the immigration counter. In some cases, you may use the facial recognition or automated gates, which do not stamp your passport.

3. Baggage Claim
Collect your checked luggage (e.g., suitcase) from the baggage carousel. Check your baggage claim ticket to ensure you pick up the correct items.

4. Plant and Animal Quarantine
If you are bringing in plants (fruits, vegetables) or animal products (meat, such as ham or sausages), submit the required documents and undergo inspection at this point.

5. Customs Inspection
Submit the "Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles" (paper form) for inspection, or use the QR code generated by Visit Japan Web at a designated machine.

6. Arrival Lobby
Proceed to the arrival lobby and complete your entry into Japan.

1. Check-in
At the airline check-in counter (or check-in machine) in the departure lobby, check in and receive your boarding pass. Drop off any large luggage, such as suitcases. If you're using Face Express, register here as well.

2. Security Check
Proceed to the security checkpoint for hand luggage screening and a body check, then move on to immigration.

3. Customs Procedures
If you're carrying more than 1,000,000 yen in cash or equivalent, declare it to customs. If you've purchased duty-free items, show your passport at the customs counter.

4. Immigration
Present your passport and boarding pass at the immigration counter. Some may use facial recognition or automated gates, which do not stamp passports.

5. Proceed to Boarding Gate
Head to the boarding gate indicated on your boarding pass before boarding time.

6. Boarding
Once boarding begins, follow the staff's instructions to board the plane.

Narita International Airport has introduced a new boarding process called "Face Express," which uses facial recognition technology. Currently available for JAL and ANA flights, this system allows travelers to register their passport, boarding information, and facial data during check-in. After registration, passengers can complete luggage drop-off, security checks, and boarding simply by scanning their face, without needing to present a passport or boarding pass.

Face Express supports multiple languages, including English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. By following the instructions, scan your passport and capture a facial photo. This process will seamlessly link your information together.

From ticket issuance to baggage tag attachment, the entire process takes just about 1 minute. No more lengthy waits in lines for procedures – with Face Express, efficiency is paramount.

Smooth Baggage Drop-off Process: After attaching the previously issued tag to your baggage, move to the designated area and authenticate your face using Face Express. If all is well, your baggage will be automatically transported without any issues.

Face Express is also available at the entrance to the security screening area. If your authentication goes smoothly, you can proceed at a walking pace, much like an automated gate.

(Please note that for exit immigration procedures, a facial recognition gate operated by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan is available, but it is a separate system from Face Express.)

Just before boarding the aircraft, Face Express can be used for facial recognition at the boarding gate, allowing you to proceed onto the plane. The level of smoothness might even leave you pleasantly surprised!

However, be aware that there might still be instances where you're asked to present your passport and boarding pass, so do remember to keep them accessible and not buried deep within your luggage.

Up to this point, there's been hardly any need to interact with staff members. For those who aren't confident in their language skills, the departure procedures can sometimes evoke unnecessary tension. However, the relief of having such anxieties eliminated is indeed significant.

Upon arriving at Narita, you'll find a selection of useful services and facilities that foreign tourists should be aware of.

To lighten your load and enjoy a carefree exploration, consider utilizing the airport's delivery service. All baggage delivery service counters at Narita Airport are certified for "hands-free tourism" (*), making them exceptionally convenient for visiting tourists.

English-speaking staff are available at all airport stores, ensuring accessibility for international travelers.

(* "Hands-free tourism" certification is awarded by the government to counters that meet specific criteria, allowing tourists to explore without carrying their baggage by offering same-day or next-day delivery to designated areas, along with English-speaking assistance.)

Whether you wish to utilize this service upon arrival or pre-arrange a delivery for your return journey, the option is yours. If you opt for the latter, you can retrieve your baggage at the designated store.

(For international flights departing in the early morning, if you wish to collect your baggage around 6:00 AM, it's recommended to inquire in advance.)

Location:
Terminal 1 (4 locations):
・North 4F (Departure)
・South 4F (Departure)
・North 1F (Arrival)
・South 1F (Arrival)

Terminal 2 (2 locations):
・Main Building 3F (Departure)
・Main Building 1F (Arrival)

Terminal 3 (1 location):
・Main Building 1F (Departure / Arrival)

Operating Hours:
・From 6:30 AM until 1 hour after the arrival of the last international flight
(*Note: Operating hours may vary based on the specific counter)

Locations (4 locations):
Terminal 1: North 4F (Departure)
・South 4F (Departure)
・North 1F (Arrival)
・South 1F (Arrival)

Terminal 2 (2 locations):
・Main Building 3F (Departure)
・Main Building 1F (Arrival)

Operating Hours:
・Departure Floor Counter: From 6:30 AM until 1 hour after the arrival of the last international flight
Arrival Floor Counter: From 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

For quick and easy currency exchange to Japanese yen, the automatic currency exchange machines are a convenient option. Operated by GPA Foreign Exchange, a Narita Airport Group store, these machines handle 34 different currencies. They are generally available 24 hours a day (with the exception of Terminal 3, which operates from 7 AM to 10 PM), making it easy to exchange money regardless of early morning or late-night flights, without worrying about store hours.

The supported languages include Japanese, English, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), and Korean. You can choose your preferred language, touch the screen, and simply input the amount you wish to exchange—making it an incredibly straightforward process.

Location:
・Terminal 1: 1 machine available
・Terminal 2: 2 machines available
・Terminal 3: 1 machine available

Operating Hours:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week (Terminal 3 machine from 7 AM - 10 PM)

Here is the manned store of Greenport Agency (GPA). This store proves to be useful when you have specific requests or questions during the exchange process.

Location:
・Terminal 1: 5 stores (including two stores in the departure area)
・Terminal 2: 2 stores
・Terminal 3: 1 store

Operating Hours:
From 7 AM to 10 PM
(*Note: Operating hours may vary based on the specific store)

An indispensable aspect of travel is having a reliable internet connection, and starting by arranging it at the airport is the best approach. Whether it's renting a portable Wi-Fi router or purchasing a prepaid SIM, you can choose from a variety of options and plans tailored to your length of stay and needs.

At Telecom Square, you can access not only domestic Wi-Fi rental services but also SIM card sales. When you apply at the airport, you can return the equipment easily at the airport upon your departure, saving you the hassle.

For a contactless and effortless experience, the "WiFiBOX" option is highly recommended, allowing you to seamlessly handle the process from reservation to return. You can make a reservation online in advance or, if there's available stock, apply on the spot by scanning a QR code.

Location:
・Terminal 1: 2 stores
・Terminal 2: 2 stores

Operating Hours:
Operating hours vary by store.

Moreover, with J WiFi & Mobile × GLOBAL WiFi, you can opt for packet flat-rate Wi-Fi rental on the same day of application. And of course, you can conveniently pick up and return the Wi-Fi at Narita Airport.

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Location:
・Terminal 1: 3 stores
・Terminal 2: 2 stores
・Terminal 3: 2 stores

Operating Hours:
From 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

For those seeking greater convenience, the prepaid SIM card vending machines are a practical choice. These machines offer a wide selection of SIM cards tailored for data usage without voice calling. Additionally, vending machines come with user manuals in English, making them even more convenient to use.

Location:
・Terminal 1: 3 machines
・Terminal 2: 2 machines
・Terminal 3: 1 machine

A convenient amenity to consider before or after a flight is the availability of shower facilities. Located in Terminal 1, these shower facilities are situated before the departure area, allowing travelers to use them without a reservation upon arrival or departure.

The usage fee is 1,050 yen for 30 minutes, offering ample space that accommodates even larger suitcases without any issue. Essential amenities such as shampoo, body wash, towels, and hairdryers are provided. (Makeup remover, toner, lotion, and toothbrush are available for an additional fee.)

Out of the total 8 rooms, 1 room is barrier-free and can accommodate wheelchairs.

Location:
・Terminal 1, Central 2F

Operating Hours:
・From 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Last admission at 7:30 PM)

If you have any uncertainties or are searching for specific locations within the airport, feel free to visit the Information Center marked with a "?" symbol for assistance.

Visit the Information Center website for more information.

Airports serve as the perfect shopping spots, offering opportunities for shopping both at the beginning after entering Japan and at the end before departing the country. They feature a wide array of items, including local specialties from various regions across Japan, airport-exclusive products, and souvenirs that showcase Japan's unique characteristics.

Located within an area accessible to everyone visiting Narita Airport, the "Fa-So-La GIFT SHOP" offers a diverse range of options. Here, you can purchase renowned souvenirs from various regions across Japan, along with a selection of distinctly Japanese gift items and foods that are particularly recommended for international tourists.

Location:
Terminal 1, South Wing, 4th Floor

Operating Hours:
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Especially in Terminal 2, the store underwent a major renovation and reopened in December 2021 as the largest shop within the airport. The product selection is even more comprehensive now. Moreover, the store features an entertaining aspect that goes beyond being just a souvenir shop. A 4-meter-wide "movable Nebuta" installed on the central ceiling rotates in sync with captivating light, sound, and visual effects. The store has transformed into an entertainment-oriented space. The pathways within the store have also been expanded, and additional registers have been set up to enhance the shopping experience for greater comfort.

Location
・Terminal 1 South Wing 3F
・Terminal 2 Main Building 3F

Operating Hours
・Terminal 1: 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
・Terminal 2: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Location:
・Terminal 3, 3F

Operating Hours:
・Open according to flight schedules.

Narita Airport offers a plethora of quintessential Japanese delicacies that you should savor upon arriving in Japan and indulge in before departing, creating a memorable culinary experience.

"Yamma" is a specialty restaurant that celebrates Japan's culinary heritage with a focus on meat dishes. Here, you can savor a variety of quintessential Japanese meat delicacies such as beef tongue (gyutan), pork loin cutlet (tonkatsu), and crispy fried chicken.

One of the standout dishes at "Yamma" is their signature "yakisuki," a unique Japanese hot pot-style dish prepared with premium Japanese wagyu beef. This exclusive flavor is an experience you can only enjoy at Narita Airport.

Location:
・Terminal 1 Central Building 4F

Operating Hours:
・10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Established in 1966, Shinjuku Saboten is a renowned and iconic tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet) restaurant that needs no introduction to those familiar with Japan's culinary scene. With its signature "Kenbimae" brand pork and an array of unique original dishes, this establishment has solidified its reputation over the years.

Tonkatsu, a globally beloved Japanese gourmet dish, is a must-try delicacy that you'll definitely want to savor at least once.

Location:
・Terminal 1, Central Building, 4th Floor

Operating Hours:
・Weekday Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Last Order); Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Last Order)

Soba is a classic and healthy Japanese dish with low calories. "Shinshu Soba Restaurant Sojibo" is a soba specialty shop where you can truly savor the taste of soba with their carefully crafted homemade noodles. It's one of the few places where you can grate your own fresh wasabi and enjoy a unique and precious experience that's distinctively Japanese.

With its Halal certification, Shinshu Soba Restaurant Sojibo ensures that Muslim visitors can enjoy their meals with peace of mind. Additionally, its early opening hours make it convenient and a noteworthy feature.

Location:
・Terminal 2, Main Building 4th Floor

Operating Hours:
・7:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Last Order)

At Tsukiji Sushikou, you can enjoy authentic Edo-style sushi made by skilled artisans using fresh fish sourced daily from the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market, all at an affordable price.

A highly recommended choice is the "Special Tuna Set" available exclusively at the Narita Airport store. This set features a variety of tuna dishes, showcasing the excellence of Japanese culinary skills using fresh ingredients. It's a luxurious and authentic sushi experience that appeals not only to foreigners but also to Japanese locals.

Location:
・Terminal 2, Main Building 4th Floor

Operating Hours:
・11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

In addition to the above, each terminal offers a diverse selection of restaurants spanning various cuisines.

With a wide variety and popularity for their high quality, Japanese capsule toys are a hit. Many foreigners opt to use their spare change before departing, making it a popular spot at Narita Airport.

In each terminal, you'll find a diverse range of capsule toy machines with a substantial number, so you're likely to discover what you're looking for or even come across some unique items.

They are installed in each of Terminals 1 to 3.

The prices are also affordable, starting at just 100 yen per capsule, making them perfect for small and unique Japanese souvenirs.

Getting from Narita Airport to various parts of Tokyo is made possible through the options of buses, taxis, and trains.

To embark on your journey, you can purchase bus tickets at the ticket counters within the terminals and then proceed to the designated bus boarding areas.

Ticket Counters Locations:
・Terminal 1: In front of the international arrival gates at both the South Wing and North Wing
・Terminal 2: At the international arrival lobby, both South Exit and North Exit
・Terminal 3: In the international and domestic arrival lobbies

Whether you're headed to popular tourist spots in Tokyo like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Asakusa, or exploring other areas like Chiba's Disneyland, Yokohama in Kanagawa, Saitama, and Ibaraki, there are various routes available to cater to your travel needs.

Taxis are available for shorter trips around the airport vicinity as well as for longer distances to downtown areas and beyond. Reservations are not required; you can simply communicate your destination to the staff or the driver upon boarding.

Additionally, at Narita Airport, aside from regular taxis, there's an option for a fixed-rate "Flat-rate Taxi" that serves destinations within a set zone towards Tokyo.

Taxi Stands:
・Terminal 1: South Wing, International Arrival Lobby, South Exit S2, Stand No. 15
・Terminal 2: International Arrival Lobby, South Exit, Stands No. 30 & 31-A
・Terminal 3: At the end of the Pedestrian Deck

For train travel, you can use the Keisei Line and JR Line. The stations for each line are adjacent, but they have separate ticket gates. Make sure to pay attention to which train you're using so you don't get confused. You can purchase your train tickets at the ticket counters located before the gates for each line (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, B1F).

Locations:
・Terminal 1: Narita Airport Station, B1F
・Terminal 2 & 3: Airport Terminal 2 Station, B1F
(For Terminal 3, you can access it via a 300m walkway from Airport Terminal 2 Station.)

There are numerous conveniently located accommodation options around Narita Airport, making it easy to access. Staying near the airport is a convenient choice, especially for early morning or late-night flights. We have carefully selected and will introduce some recommended hotels for your consideration.

After navigating through the challenges posed by the pandemic, Narita International Airport, Japan's largest airport, has taken thorough precautions to ensure a secure environment for travelers arriving from various countries and regions.

These efforts aim to provide a sense of safety and a touch of Japan's essence throughout the airport. Ingenious details have been incorporated to let visitors experience the unique charm of Japan at every turn.

With an expanding array of services and shops, Narita International Airport has become increasingly convenient, making for a comfortable journey. Beyond its functional aspects, the airport has evolved into a destination in itself, offering a range of experiences for travelers to enjoy.

Contributor: Narita International Airport
*Information in this article is accurate as of September 2024. For the latest updates, please refer to the official website and other reliable sources.