Find all the formalities for going to Japan on our dedicated page.
When arriving at a Japanese international airport, the procedures might seem complex, especially due to the language barrier. While airport staff are polite and professional, they often speak limited English, which can make communication more challenging.
To help you navigate these steps with ease, here’s a complete guide to the arrival process in Japan, from deplaning to exiting the airport. We’ll also provide tips to optimize your time and advice on getting to downtown Tôkyô from the main airports.
Deplaning - 20 minutes
The time it takes to deplane can vary depending on your seat location and the proximity of the terminal.
After landing, it might take around 20 minutes for the plane to reach the gate and for all passengers to disembark, especially if you’re seated at the back of the aircraft.
Once off the plane, follow the signs to immigration control. Depending on the airport's size, this walk could take several minutes. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the airport, as signs are usually in both Japanese and English.
Restrooms: Many passengers rush to the nearest restrooms after leaving the plane. If you’re in a hurry, skip these and walk a little further to find less crowded facilities. To save time, you could also wait until you reach the baggage claim area, as there may be a delay before your luggage arrives on the carousel.
Immigration Control – 10 Minutes
Immigration control is a crucial step in your arrival in Japan. Upon entering this area, you’ll see three lines:
- Japanese Passport Holders
- Foreign minors under 18 traveling alone
- Foreign adults over 18
Make sure you’ve completed your information on the Japan Visit Web before your arrival. It’s mandatory to present a QR code generated by this site at immigration control. A screenshot or paper copy of the QR code is not accepted. If you haven’t filled out this form yet, you can still do so using the airport’s free Wi-Fi or with an internet connection you purchased earlier (expect it to take about 20 minutes).
Steps at Immigration
- Present your QR code and passport.
- The immigration officer will take your fingerprint scans and a photo of your face.
- You’ll receive a sticker in your passport with the date of entry, allowing you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
You can also use this sticker to avoid paying VAT at certain stores in Japan through the Tax-Free program.
Baggage Claim – 20 minutes
The carousel number where your bags will be placed is displayed on a screen at the entrance to the baggage claim area. This step can take time as the luggage needs to be transported from the plane to the carousel and unloaded one by one.
Tips This is the perfect time to visit the restroom and save some time! Keep in mind that bags loaded last in France often come out first in Japan.
Customs Control – 10 minutes
After collecting your bags, you’ll go through customs. You’ll again use the QR code generated on the Japan Visit Web, this time for customs control. Scan the code and your passport at an automated kiosk, which will verify the customs information you submitted earlier. The kiosk will then print an exit ticket.
Make sure you’re not carrying any prohibited items, such as meat or dairy products, as they are strictly banned from being imported into Japan.
Getting to Downtown Tôkyô from Haneda Airport – 20 Minutes
Haneda Airport is ideally located just 15 kilometers from downtown Tôkyô, making it the most convenient airport for quickly reaching the city center.
To get to downtown, the Tokyo Monorail is the fastest and most direct option. It connects the airport’s three terminals to Hamamatsuchô Station in just 15 minutes. From there, you can take the JR Yamanote Line, which serves major stations like Shinjuku, Tôkyô, and Ueno.
If you need to pick up a JR Pass, you can do so before taking the Monorail. However, many tourists choose to collect their JR Pass after arriving, which can lead to long waits. To avoid this, we recommend paying for the Monorail and picking up your pass at one of the larger downtown stations, like Shinjuku or Tôkyô.
Cost and Train Frequency
- The Tokyo Monorail ticket costs around 500 yen.
- Trains run every 5 to 10 minutes, with both rapid and local options available.
Getting to Downtown Tôkyô from Narita Airport – 1 Hour
Narita Airport is farther away, about 60 kilometers from Tôkyô. There are several options for making this trip, with varying times and costs.
Keisei Lines
Keisei offers three main options:
- Skyliner: The fastest option / 45 minutes for 2,470 yen.
- Keisei Access Express: A good balance / 1 hour for 1,240 yen.
- Keisei Main Line: The most affordable / 1 hour 30 minutes for 1,030 yen.
JR Lines Accepting the JR Pass
JR East provides two options:
- Narita Express (N'EX): The fastest and most comfortable option / 1 hour for 5,000 yen round trip.
- JR Sôbu Line: Slower but cheaper / 1 hour 40 minutes for 1,340 yen.
We recommend comparing the lines based on how close your hotel is to the stations they serve.
