As Narita Airport is frequently used by international visitors, its terminals are filled with a wide variety of souvenirs and specialty items, including Japanese-made foods and traditional crafts. Throughout the airport, you will also find displays and decorations featuring popular Japanese anime and game characters loved around the world, making this one of Narita Airport’s most distinctive and memorable features.

To move through immigration and customs more smoothly, travelers are encouraged to understand the following procedures and convenient services in advance.

When arriving at Narita Airport, it is strongly recommended to use the online service Visit Japan Web to complete immigration information for foreign visitors and customs declarations for accompanied or shipped items in advance. Paper declaration forms are still accepted, but completing the process online can significantly reduce waiting time at the airport.

Simply create an account on Visit Japan Web, log in, and register personal details for yourself and any accompanying travelers, along with your arrival and departure information.

Once completed, all required procedures can be handled in one place. Visit Japan Web also supports an English-language interface, making it easy and straightforward to use.

After getting off the plane, complete the arrival process by following these steps:

1. Quarantine check: Follow the signs to the quarantine counter. If you completed the health questionnaire during your flight, submit it here.

2. Immigration: Present your passport at the immigration counter. If you use facial recognition gates or automated clearance, your passport will not receive an entry stamp.

3. Baggage claim: Pick up your checked luggage at the baggage carousel. Be sure to confirm the baggage tag details.

4. Plant and animal quarantine: If you are bringing plants such as vegetables or fruit, or animal products such as meat, present the required documents here and undergo inspection.

5. Customs inspection: Submit the paper “Accompanied and Unaccompanied Articles Declaration,” or use the QR code generated via Visit Japan Web at the dedicated kiosks. The system will direct you to the appropriate inspection lane, and this is the fastest option.

6. Arrival lobby: After completing all procedures, proceed to the arrival lobby and officially enter Japan.

To ensure a smooth departure, complete the following six steps:

1. Airline check-in at the airport
Arrive at the departure hall about 3 hours before your flight to check in at your airline’s counter or use a self-service kiosk to receive your boarding pass. If you have checked baggage, drop it off here. Face Express facial recognition registration is also completed at this stage.

2. Security screening
Your carry-on items and body will be screened using X-ray equipment. After screening, proceed to departure immigration.

3. Customs procedures
If you purchased tax-free items in Japan, present your passport at the customs counter to complete the required procedures. If you are carrying more than 1 million yen in cash when leaving Japan, you must also declare it here.

4. Departure immigration
Present your passport and boarding pass at immigration. If you use facial recognition gates or automated clearance, your passport will not receive a departure stamp.

5. Proceed to the boarding gate
Check the boarding gate printed on your boarding pass and head there early. Boarding typically begins about 30 minutes before departure, so allow plenty of time to reach the gate.

6. Board the aircraft
Once boarding begins, follow the crew’s instructions and take your seat onboard.

Narita Airport has officially introduced Face Express, a new facial recognition system that streamlines departure procedures. After checking in, passengers can complete baggage drop, security screening, and boarding without repeatedly showing their passport or boarding pass, making the process faster and more convenient.

Eligible Airlines
Face Express is currently available with select airlines, mainly including JAL and ANA. During check-in, passengers register at a dedicated terminal by presenting their passport and flight details and having their face scanned.

Once registration is complete, you can proceed through baggage drop, security checks, and the boarding gate using only facial recognition, without needing to take out your passport or boarding pass again.

The Face Express interface supports five languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to scan your passport and take a facial photo to link your information.

Once completed, your boarding pass and baggage tags will be printed automatically. The entire process takes about one minute, so there is no need to wait in line at the airline check-in counter.

Self-service baggage drop is also easy. Attach the printed baggage tag to your suitcase handle, then bring your luggage to the designated drop-off area. After completing facial recognition with Face Express, place your luggage on the counter to check it in.

Face Express is set up at the entrance to the security screening area. If your registration is complete and there are no issues, passing through Face Express is as smooth and quick as going through a train ticket gate.

You can also pass through departure immigration using the facial recognition gates operated by the Immigration Services Agency, but this system is separate from Face Express and the data is not shared between them.

After completing facial recognition with Face Express at the boarding gate, you can proceed directly onto the aircraft. The process is surprisingly simple. However, in some cases you may still be asked to show your passport and boarding pass, so be sure to keep them easily accessible rather than buried deep in your bag.

With Face Express, you can go from check-in to boarding with minimal interaction with airport staff. This makes the entire process especially stress-free for travelers who are not confident using foreign languages when handling airport procedures.

After arriving at Narita Airport, take advantage of these convenient services to make the start of your trip smoother and more comfortable.

If you prefer not to travel around with heavy luggage, the airport’s baggage delivery service is an excellent option. All baggage delivery counters at Narita Airport are certified* under Japan’s government-approved “Hands-Free Travel” program, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing without carrying your bags.

*This certification applies to approved service counters that meet government standards, including same-day or next-day delivery to designated areas and support in languages such as English.

Service providers and locations: The main providers are Yamato Transport (TA-Q-BIN) and JAL ABC. Their counters are located in both the departure areas (4F) and arrival lobbies (1F) of all terminals. For example, Yamato Transport has counters in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Service hours and important notes: Operating hours typically start around 6:30 AM or 7 AM and continue until about one hour after the last international flight arrives. This service can be used not only upon arrival but also before departure, allowing you to send your luggage to the airport for pickup. If you need early-morning pickup, such as around 6 AM, be sure to check in advance with the counter staff.

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Automated Currency Exchange Machines
For a quick and easy way to exchange cash into Japanese yen, automated currency exchange machines are highly recommended. Narita Airport has machines operated directly by the airport as well as those run by GPA Currency Exchange, supporting up to 34 different foreign currencies.

One major advantage of these machines is their near 24-hour availability. Machines in Terminals 1 and 2 generally operate around the clock, while those in Terminal 3 are available from 7 AM to 10 PM. This makes them especially convenient for late-night or early-morning arrivals. The machines support multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. Simply select your preferred language, insert the cash you wish to exchange, and follow the on-screen instructions. The process is fast and straightforward.

Staffed Currency Exchange Counters
Staffed counters operated by GPA Currency Exchange are generally open from 7 AM to 10 PM. If you have more complex exchange needs or specific questions about rates and conditions, it is best to visit one of these counters and speak directly with the staff.

Staying connected is essential when traveling abroad. Narita Airport offers a variety of internet options so you can get online as soon as you arrive. Whether you choose to rent a portable Wi-Fi router or purchase a data SIM card, you can select the option that best suits your travel length and usage needs.

Service providers include Telecomsquare and JWiFi & Mobile × GLOBAL WiFi. In addition to renting portable Wi-Fi routers for use throughout Japan, they also sell data SIM cards for individual use. Wi-Fi devices rented at the airport can be returned directly at the airport as well, eliminating the need for return shipping.

Recommended Self-Service Options
Self-service kiosks such as WiFiBOX are especially convenient, allowing you to complete the entire process from reservation and pickup to return without interacting with staff. You can reserve in advance online or quickly arrange a rental on-site by scanning a QR code.

The airport also has SIM card vending machines that sell data-only SIM cards, making them a great choice for travelers who want a fast and hassle-free internet setup.

If you would like to freshen up before or after your flight, Narita Airport’s shower facilities make it easy. In Terminal 1, the shower rooms are located before the departure screening area, so they can be used regardless of your flight time. Reservations are not required, making them convenient even for unexpected schedule changes.

The usage fee is 1,100 yen per 30 minutes. The shower rooms are spacious enough to bring in large suitcases, and basic amenities such as shampoo, body soap, towels, and a hair dryer are provided. Some items, including makeup remover, skincare products, and toothbrushes, are available for an additional fee.

There are a total of eight shower rooms, including one wheelchair-accessible unit designed for barrier-free use.

Location
Terminal 1, Central Building, 2F

Hours
7 AM to 9 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM)

The airport is both your first stop in Japan and your last chance to shop before leaving. At Narita Airport, you can find famous regional specialties from across Japan, airport-exclusive items, and a wide variety of uniquely Japanese souvenirs.

Fa-So-La GIFTSHOP
A go-to spot for well-known Japanese souvenirs and specialty gifts. Located in areas such as Terminal 1’s South Wing, this shop is open to everyone without passing through security.

Location:
Terminal 1, South Wing, 4F

Hours:
7 AM to 9 PM

Fa-So-La AKIHABARA
Fa-So-La AKIHABARA duty-free shops are located after departure screening in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, making them ideal for last-minute shopping before heading home.

The store in Terminal 2, Main Building, 3F has been renovated and is now the largest shop at Narita Airport, offering a wider product selection. Its highlight is a rotating Nebuta-style installation with a diameter of about 4 meters, synchronized with lighting, sound, and visuals. Wider aisles and additional checkout counters also create a more comfortable shopping environment.

Locations:
Terminal 1, South Wing, 3F
Terminal 2, Main Building, 3F

Hours:
Terminal 1: 7:30 AM to 10 PM
Terminal 2: 7 AM to 10 PM

Fa-So-La SOUVENIR AKIHABARA

Location:
Terminal 3, 3F

Hours:
Hours vary depending on flight schedules, usually between 7 AM and 10 PM

Narita Airport offers a wide range of dining options, making it easy to enjoy a good meal whether you’ve just arrived in Japan or want one last taste before departing.

Shinjuku Saboten (Tonkatsu Shinjuku Saboten)
Founded in 1966, Shinjuku Saboten is a long-established tonkatsu chain that is widely known across Japan. The restaurant is especially famous for its original brand pork, Kenbinton, used in a variety of signature tonkatsu dishes.

Tonkatsu is one of Japan’s most popular dishes worldwide and is a must-try when visiting Japan.

Location:
Terminal 1, Central Building, 4F

Hours:
Weekdays: 9 AM to 8:30 PM
Weekends & holidays: 10 AM to 8:30 PM

Shinshu Soba Sojibou (SOJIBOU)
This soba specialty restaurant focuses on freshly made noodles, offering a healthy, low-calorie classic of Japanese cuisine. One unique feature is that guests can grind fresh wasabi themselves, which is relatively rare. SOJIBOU is also halal-certified and opens early in the morning, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Location:
Terminal 2, Main Building, 4F

Hours:
7 AM to 8:30 PM

Tsukiji Sushi Ko
For travelers who love sushi, this restaurant serves Edomae-style sushi prepared by skilled chefs using fresh seafood sourced daily from Tokyo’s central wholesale market. Even at the airport, you can enjoy authentic sushi made with refined Japanese techniques at reasonable prices. Service usually begins at 11 AM.

Location:
Terminal 2, Main Building, 4F

Hours:
11 AM to 8:30 PM

In addition to the restaurants introduced above, each terminal at Narita Airport offers a wide variety of dining options. If you have time, it’s worth exploring to find something that suits your taste.

Japanese capsule toys, known as gacha, are famous worldwide for their variety and high quality. The gacha zones at Narita Airport are especially popular because they offer the perfect way for international travelers to use up any remaining yen coins before leaving Japan.

All three terminals, T1, T2, and T3, feature large gacha areas filled with capsule toy machines. With a wide variety of options ranging from anime characters and animal figures to practical everyday items, you’re sure to find something fun and uniquely Japanese to take home as an affordable souvenir.

Each gacha play starts from as little as 100 yen, making it the perfect way to turn leftover coins into small but memorable treasures before leaving Japan.

In addition to classic capsule toys, you’ll also find many gacha machines themed around popular Japanese anime and characters, making them especially tempting for fans and collectors.

When traveling from Narita Airport to central Tokyo and other areas, you can choose from three main transportation options: buses, taxis, and trains.

Train services at Narita Airport are operated by Keisei Electric Railway and JR. Stations are located on B1F of Terminals 1 and 2/3, but the ticket gates for each operator are separate, so be sure to check before purchasing tickets. Tickets can also be bought online in advance.

・Keisei Skyliner: Ideal for speed and efficiency, reaching Ueno or Nippori in as little as about 36 minutes.
・JR Narita Express (N’EX): A convenient choice for JR Pass holders, with direct access to major hubs such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and Yokohama.

(To reach Terminal 3, use the connecting walkway from Airport Terminal 2 Station. The distance is about 300 meters.)

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Bus routes from Narita Airport offer a wide range of destinations, including central Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, as well as places like Tokyo Disney Resort and Yokohama.

・Airport Limousine Bus: Known for stopping directly in front of major hotels, making it ideal for travelers with large luggage or families.
・TYO–NRT Bus: The most budget-friendly option, with one-way fares starting at around 1,500 yen. It mainly serves Tokyo Station and the Ginza area, making it a good choice for cost-conscious travelers.

Airport Bus Ticket Counters
・Terminal 1: In front of the exits of the international arrival halls in both the South Wing and North Wing
・Terminal 2: International Arrivals Hall, South Exit and North Exit
Terminal 3: International and Domestic Arrivals Halls

Bus tickets can be purchased at counters near the exits of the international arrival halls in each terminal, but booking online in advance is strongly recommended to secure discounts and seats.

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Taxis are suitable not only for nearby destinations but also for longer trips into central Tokyo. In addition to standard metered taxis, Narita Airport offers flat-rate taxi services to various areas within Tokyo, so you don’t have to worry about fares increasing due to traffic. Taxi stands are located outside the arrivals exits at each terminal.

Taxi stands:
・Terminal 1: International Arrivals Hall, South Wing, South Exit S2, Bays 15
・Terminal 2: International Arrivals Hall, South Exit, Bays 30 and 31-A
・Terminal 3: Across the elevated roadway from the terminal

Airport transfer services offer a comfortable, door-to-door option between Narita Airport and your hotel or destination. With a reserved vehicle and fixed pricing, they are ideal for travelers with lots of luggage, families, late-night or early-morning arrivals, or anyone who prefers a hassle-free experience. Drivers meet you at the airport and take you directly to your destination, eliminating the need to navigate public transportation after a long flight.

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There are several convenient accommodation options near Narita Airport. If you have an early-morning departure or a late-night arrival, staying near the airport the night before can give you extra peace of mind. Here are a few carefully selected recommendations.

As Japan’s largest airport, Narita International Airport welcomes travelers from around the world with reliable facilities and thoughtful services that reflect Japanese culture. With a wide range of shops, dining options, and conveniences designed to make travel more comfortable, Narita Airport is more than just a transportation hub. It is also a destination worth exploring. Next time you travel, consider arriving a little earlier or lingering longer to enjoy everything Narita Airport has to offer.

Interview cooperation: Narita International Airport

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