Narita Airport Guide: Start Your Japan Journey on the Right Foot

Updated on October 16, 2024

You’ve landed in Japan and are excited to finally arrive in the country you’ve dreamed about for so long! We’re sure that in addition to the excitement of arriving in Japan, you also feel confused and worried as soon as you step off the airplane at Narita Airport. Let us help you eliminate these so you can enjoy Japan fully!

How can I get around Japan without speaking Japanese?
Can I travel solo in Japan?
How can I make my short time in Japan amazing?
Can I use my phone in Japan? What about the internet?

Don’t panic! We have these answers and more to help put your mind at ease. With this complete guide to Narita Airport, you can learn what you need to start your journey on the right foot.

For those who are arriving at Haneda airport, please refer to our Complete guide to Haneda Airport. If you are traveling to Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, etc.), please refer to our Complete guide to Kansai Airport.

Narita Airport WiFi

Likely, one of the first things you will want to do after landing at Narita Airport is to let your family and friends know you have arrived safely and post a selfie! If you want to get online, simply connect to the airport’s official WiFi ID: “FreeWiFi-NARITA”

How to Connect to Narita Airport Free WiFi

To access Narita Airport’s Free Wi-Fi service, follow the illustration below, with step-by-step text underneath. (Click to enlarge)

From your device’s “Settings” menu, set “WiFi” to ON and select “FreeWiFi-NARITA.”
The WiFi connection screen will automatically be displayed, and you will be asked to agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use and Security Caution (the orange button).
Once you agree, you have access to the internet — no extra steps are required.

Recharging Spots

Recharging spots for your devices are available in a number of locations throughout the terminals and are free of charge. They can be found at:

Visitor service centers
Flight departure gates
Lounge areas for airline members
Airport cafes, such as Starbucks, etc.

narita airport recharge locations — Narita Airport Recharge Locations

Free Internet + Computer

If, for some reason, you need to get on a computer with internet, Narita Airport has you covered with “Free Internet Terminals” available at a few locations for any passenger to obtain information prior to departure or after arrival.

You can find them before entering the passport control zone at the following locations: (Click on the images to enlarge them)

Terminal 1: 2nd floor, Support Center

Terminal 2: 3rd floor, Support Center

Portable WiFi / Compatible SIM Cards

Various companies offer portable WiFi and SIM card services inside Narita Airport. Savvy travelers will rent either of the two before leaving the airport because staying connected is essential for any visitor to Japan.

We will cover this service later in this guide, but you can jump ahead here.

Information Counters

Information counters are scattered throughout the airport terminals. The staff generally speak English and will help you with your needs while letting you experience Japan’s world-famous hospitality.

Information counters can provide you with a variety of information, such as:

Transportation to and from Japan’s main domestic and international airports
Transportation to Tokyo, etc.
Flight arrival and departure information
Hotels near airports
Terminal information

Transportation Between Narita Airport Terminals

There are many ways to get from one terminal to another. While you can walk or take a taxi, the most convenient way is to catch a free shuttle bus. They are easy to recognize with their bright yellow and blue colors.

Narita Shuttle Bus Timetable

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Terminal 1

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Terminal 2

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Terminal 3

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Important: Be sure to allow plenty of time when using the shuttle service, as buses may be delayed or canceled due to traffic congestion. Also, compensation is not available for missed connections to other means of transport (aircraft or rail, etc.) resulting from delayed or canceled bus services.

Train Transportation out of Narita

If you are leaving Narita Airport by train, you have two basic options to get to Tokyo. For other transportation options, check here. Don’t hesitate to ask for the information counter about how to pay for your transportation fare.

Name	Destination	Time	1 adult (est.)
Keisei Skyliner Express	Nippori Station	36 mins	about $25
Narita Express (NEX)	Tokyo Station / Ginza	50 mins	about $30

Get a Rechargeable Train Card (IC Card)

※As of September 21, 2023, the sales of certain Suica and Pasmo IC cards have been temporarily suspended due to a shortage of IC chips. Specialized PASMO (PASMO Passport) IC cards and JR’s (Welcome Suica) cards are still available for sale.

Japan is a country often regarded as the king of convenience, and this is clearly on display with its public transportation system. Have you ever heard of an IC card? If you haven’t, you definitely need to get one for your trip, as it will save you a lot of time and headaches. IC cards look like credit cards and act as rechargeable train tickets that can be recharged at train stations throughout Japan.

It doesn’t matter which card you get because Suica and PASMO can be recharged at each other’s ticket terminals and can be used at train stations in Japan.

Where can you use an IC card?

Public transportation
Vending machines
Some shops and convenience stores
Some restaurants

The card itself costs around $5 USD, plus the amount you decide to add to it. It’s possible to get back the $5 as well as any remaining credit by returning the card to a train station clerk (go to a JR station for Suica and any other station for PASMO).

Are you staying in Japan for less than 28 days?

If so, you’re the perfect candidate for “Welcome Suica,” new IC cards made especially for tourists.
This IC card is deposit-free, available in different values: 1,000 JPY, 2,000 JPY, 3,000 JPY, 4,000 JPY, and 5,000 JPY.
Please note that the amount is not refundable.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html

Free WiFi in Japan

Free WiFi exists in Japan, but its reliability and accessibility for international travelers on a tight schedule is another story. Here is a short list of places that usually offer free WiFi hotspots in Japan (though you may need to buy something to sit down):

Starbucks
Seven Eleven
Lawson
McDonald’s
Some train stations

Useful Apps for Navigating Japan

A lot can get lost in translation, but the digital age makes it easy to travel to countries without knowing the language. Here’s our list of apps that can help you communicate, save time, and save money during your travels in Japan.

Click below for our list of recommended travel apps while you are in Japan! Apps include Google Translate, Tripadvisor, Google Maps, and more!

Using any or all of our recommended apps will likely make your trip to Japan much more enjoyable and relaxing, but trying to find a free hotspot to use those apps won’t! This is why there are some great deals at Narita Airport on Pocket WiFi and compatible SIM Cards that international travelers can take advantage of right after they land.

Get a Pocket WiFi / SIM Card at Narita Airport & Leave Your Stress

Earlier, we mentioned Portable WiFi and SIM Card rental services at Narita Airport. Having the internet on the go is not only lifesaving, but it can offer you a side of Japan you might never have experienced without it. Let’s dig in a bit more on how the internet can make your trip to Japan easy and stress-free.

The easiest way to rent a Pocket WiFi or SIM Card is to order online before traveling to Japan. That way, you can easily compare plans from the comfort of your home, fly to Japan with peace of mind knowing that you will be able to get connected once you land, and then head straight to the designated counter at Narita Airport to pick it up — no contracts, no long lines!

Airport	Operating Hours	Location
Narita Terminal 1	・Open Everyday ・From 6:30 a.m. to one hour after the final international flight arrival	Narita Airport Term. 1 South Wing 1st floor (Arrivals),　JAL ABC Counter
Narita Terminal 2	・Open Everyday ・From 6:30 a.m. to one hour after the final international flight arrival	Narita Airport Term. 2 1st floor (Arrivals),　JAL ABC Counter
Narita Terminal 3	There is no counter in Narita Terminal 3	・Please use the counter in Terminal 2 for pick up. ・To transfer from T3 to T2, you can walk (630 m) or take a shuttle bus. For details, please refer to the Official Narita airport website. Official Narita Airport Terminal 3 Map ・For returns, you may use T3 mailbox located around food court.

The Sakura Mobile Difference

You have places to go and all of Japan to experience! Don’t waste your time getting lost in confusion.

At Sakura Mobile, we understand what international travelers need to make their trip in Japan stress-free, which is why we have simplified the process of getting a Pocket WiFi or SIM Card.

With our rental devices, you can travel across Japan — from Tokyo to Osaka and beyond — without worrying about losing a connection. We’ve made it even simpler for you with our easy Narita Airport pickup option that gives you both the Freedom and Quality of Service you deserve!

Freedom

Online ordering
Many types of plans that match your needs
Fast pickup at your preferred location
Easy returns in any Japanese mailbox with the provided envelope
SIM compatibility
No contract
No activation fee

Quality Service

Fast LTE data
Biggest network in Japan
Unlimited data
Hotspot/tethering capability
Full English support
Trusted by thousands of travelers just like you

If you have extra questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.

Our staff speak fluent English and will be happy to answer all your questions.

In the meantime, here’s what travelers have to say about Sakura Mobile.

Your Complete Guide to Narita Airport