The main gateway for foreigners arriving in Tokyo is the Narita International Airport, also called the Tokyo New International Airport. Some travelers enter Japan via the Kansai International Airport in Osaka Bay, and travel to Tokyo by coach or train.
Narita Airport has two terminals which are connected by a free shuttle bus service. The journey between the two airport terminals is 10 minutes. You can get help from the Tourist Information Office located at the lobby on the Arrival Hall. It is staffed with multi-lingual personnel.
Journey Map from Airport to Tokyo
Click here to view the journey map on Google Map
Leaving the Airport by Rail
The smoothest way out of Narita Airport is to take the Narita Express (N'EX). The station is located beneath the terminal building, and the express trains travel non stop to Tokyo Station in 55 minutes, giving you the best connections to the Shinkansen and the Yamanote Loop Line, whereupon the Narita Express also stops at Shinjuku Station and Ikebukuro Station. The fare to Tokyo Station is exorbitant, ¥2940, but you can get around it by purchasing the Japan Rail Pass. The Narita Express also goes to Yokohama and Ofuna, but to go there on your Japan Rail Pass, you need to reserve your seat, for free. One benefit of taking the Narita Express is that all announcements are made in English as well as Japanese. Remember to reserve your seat when returning to the airport on the N'EX.
If you are traveling without the Japan Rail Pass, you can take the Keisei Trains from Narita Airport to Tokyo. It is cheaper than the NEX and almost as fast. You board the Keisei Skyliner train Keisei Narita airport station, also located below the terminal building. It takes you to the Keisei Ueno station, just within walking distance of the JR Ueno train station and Ueno subway station.
Budget travelers can consider using the JR Sobu train. It is the slowest but cheapest way to reach Tokyo from Narita Airport.
Leaving the Airport by Road
By Taxi
Taxis from Narita Airport to Tokyo is extremely expensive. If you hail one yourself, be prepared to pay ¥30,000 for the journey. It isn't the fastest way to reach Tokyo, as you may still get caught in a traffic jam - taking the Narita Express is cheaper and smoother. There are also flat fare taxicabs to Tokyo at special taxi ranks, but you will need to queue up, and change taxi upon arrival in Tokyo. So consider carefully before decising to take the taxi.
By Bus
The Airport Limousine buses ply the route between Narita Airport and most major hotels in Tokyo. It is a great way for first-time travelers, as it goes direct to the hotel. The journey takes about 90 minutes and costs about ¥3,000 per person, about the same amount as the Narita Express.
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