Oh no! You’re about to book your flight tickets to Tokyo, but come across two airports - what airport is the most convenient to land at? What’s the easiest way to get to your hotel or what if you need to stay the night? What can you do with your spare time if you’ve got a layover?
These are the last things you want to panic over after a nine hour flight. So for a stress-free start (and end) to your holiday in the land of the rising sun, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the two key airports in Tokyo, including:
- Narita Airport
- Haneda Airport
Narita or Haneda Airport
If you’re scouring for flights to Tokyo, you’ll soon realise that the names Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) will pop up quite frequently. Wait … two Airports?!? Well it’s not actually as daunting as it sounds, so let’s break down the main differences and which one is more convenient for you.
Narita Airport
The main airport in Tokyo and the one you’ll most likely fly into and out of is Narita Airport. This is due to the fact that there are more connected international flights as well as more airlines that operate in and out of Narita Airport. Staple airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and United all operated at Narita Airport. Providing you with the most convenience as there's more options in airlines, flight schedule and pricing
One of the main cons, however, (albeit only a small one) is that Narita Airport is a lot further from the city of Tokyo than Haneda Airport, as Narita Airport is actually situated 70km away in the adjacent Chiba prefecture. However, easy and abundant access to airport shuttles, taxis and trains make it extremely convenient to travel to and from the Tokyo downtown area.
Haneda Airport
Whilst Haneda Airport also offers a number of international destinations, it is more commonly used as a hub for domestic travel around Japan.
Despite this however, Haneda Airport is a lot closer to the Tokyo CBD, being located just 20km outside the city. Additionally, with Haneda Airport increasing its flights and airlines operators internationally it is still an option you might consider when booking your flights. So if you’re travelling with Qantas, Japan Airlines, ANA or Singapore Airlines; Haneda might be worth considering!
So basically in a nutshell - Narita is the Heathrow of Japan and Haneda is more like Luton or Stansted!
What to expect at Narita Airport
First and foremost, Narita Airport is split into three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the largest, with a North and South Wing. On the other hand, Terminal 3 is home to more low-cost carriers and has a modest space. Terminal 2 is in between in terms of both size and amenities
Narita Airport’s terminals have a combined 88 restaurants, cafés and bars sprawled across the three terminals, meaning there’s more than enough options to suit everyone's taste-buds.
Some of our favourites include:
- Sushi Yuraku - 4th Floor, Terminal 1
Using fresh and local seafood brought in from the Tokyo Bay, Sushi Yuraku prepares the sushi right in front of you
- Japanese McDonalds - 4th Floor Terminal 2
For the picky eater, however, there's still the option to expand your culinary palette with the Japanese menu! With menu items such as the Mega Teriyaki Burger and the Samurai Mac being exclusively sold in Japan!
- Terminal 3 Food Court - 4th Floor, Terminal 3
All the delicious options you could want, without breaking the bank. Check out the Terminal 3 Foodcourt for amazing Japanese takeaway options such as Udon Noodles, Ramen, Gyoza & BBQ Dishes.
If you’re caught twiddling your thumbs waiting for your flight, be sure to check out the Kabuki Gate in Terminal 1, where you can try on a traditional samurai armour and get your face painted.
Narita Airport also has a large offering on duty free and souvenir stores in Terminal 1 & 2, where you can pick up an assortment of Japanese snacks and iconic Manga / Anime characters as a token of your trip in Japan!
One of the many duty free stores in Narita International Airport. Credits @narita.airport_official
Transfer between terminals at Narita Airport
Looking to stretch your legs, take the coloured walkways between Terminal 2 & 3. Credits @narita.airport_official
One of the most common ways to travel from terminal to terminal at Narita Airport is by the free shuttle buses. The shuttle buses are connected to all the terminals and conveniently located outside each terminal.
Walking is also a viable option to travel between Terminal 2 and 3 as they are a little more than 500 metres apart. Coloured walkways make this an extremely easy path to navigate!
JR East Trains are directly connected to Terminal 1 and 2 are quick and hassle free to travel between the two. However there are no train stations at Terminal 3 so shuttle buses are still your best bet for terminal transfers there.
Airport Transfer for Narita
Ready for that 70km trip into Tokyo? There’s more than a few ways to get into the heart of the city that fits your budget. You can book your Narita airport transfers directly on Klook for ease of mind before you land. However if you arrive unprepared, don’t stress as taxis and shuttles are always in abundance just outside the terminals but expect to pay a little more in price. If you already have a JR Pass with you, you’ll be able to take the railway into Tokyo. Rideshares such as Uber are also available, albeit scarce and costly.
Cost Estimates:
- Airport Limousine Bus on Klook from $32.95 AUD for adults, $16.49 for children
- Private Airport Transfer on Klook from $211.29 AUD
- Shared Airport Transfer on Klook from $78.45 AUD
- JR pass inclusion - free!
- Taxi on arrival from $265.42
- Uber $294.81
What to expect at Haneda Airport
Travel back into the Edo period of Japanwhen you visit The Edo Koji Market in the 4th Floor of the International Terminal. Credits @narita.airport_official
[Add caption - Travel back into the Edo period of Japanwhen you visit The Edo Koji Market in the 4th Floor of the International Terminal. Credits @narita.airport_official]
Haneda Airport is split into three terminals; domestic Terminals 1 and 2 and the 3rd International Terminal. All three terminals are equipped with modern amenities such as free WiFi, showers and areas to kick your feet up such as Airport Lounges and Transit Hotels.
Travellers can also expect a wide variety of restaurants and food kiosks serving traditional Japanese cuisine, oriental meals from wider Asia and comforting western dishes. Heads up though, most of Terminals 1 and 2’s restaurants close shop at 9PM so be sure to head over to the International Terminal for 24 hour eats.
Our favourite places to dine in Haneda Airport include:
- Yakiniku Champion - 4th Floor, International Terminal 3
Only the highest-quality Wagyu Beef gets served at Yakiniku Champion. Fire up the grill and cook your meat to the desired taste!
- Ramen Setagaya - 4th Floor, International Terminal 3
Would it be a trip to Japan without a warm, hearty bowl of Ramen? Ramen Setagaya serves up some of the finest ramen and better yet, they’re open 24 hours!
- Planetarium Starry Cafe - 5th Floor. International Terminal 3
After a light meal or some much needed coffee? Head up to the Planetarium Starry Cafe and gaze up at projections of over 40 million stars and constellations
There’s more to do than just eating at Haneda Airport! If you’re looking to explore during your layover, visit the Discover Museum on the 3rd Floor of Terminal 2. There you’ll uncover a large collection of exhibits and artwork detailing the rich history of Japan.
If you’ve got abit of yen left to splash or just want to pass the time, check out the wide variety of boutiques, convenience stores, book stores and clothing brands. Be sure to visit the tax free Tiat Duty Free Shop on the 3rd Floor of the International Terminal, which is open 24hrs and has products ranging from alcohol to perfumes and everything in between.
Transfer between terminals at Haneda Airport
The easiest way to travel between the three terminals is by using the Free Shuttle Bus as they’re abundant and arrive every 10-15 minutes. They can be found in the Arrival Lobby of each Terminal; Inter-terminal Shuttle Buses are located at:
- Bus Stop 8 - Terminal 1
- Bus Stop 9 - Terminal 2
- Bus Stop 0 - Terminal 3
The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu line are also viable options when travelling between terminals. However, keep in mind that both the Monorail and Keikyu Line are only available to travellers who need inter-terminal transfers between Domestic to International flights and vice versa. Boarding tickets are distributed for free, although you will be asked to present your flight tickets for confirmation.
If you need to stretch your legs, the underground passageway provides a moving walkway to help you get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. The walk itself is 400m, however with the moving walkway it’ll feel like a light stroll.
Airport Transfer for Haneda
Haneda Airport provides the same convenience as Narita Airport when it comes to Airport Transfers. Despite the shorter trip, Private and Shared Airport Transfers are still the most comfortable way to get to your hotel after a 10 hour flight. On Klook you’re able to pre book your Airport Transfers for ease of mind when you land, however there are an abundance of taxis and public transport options available as well.
Cost Estimates:
- Airport Limousine Bus on Klook from $32.80 AUD for adults, $16.40 for children
- Private Airport Transfer on Klook from $164.20 AUD
- Shared Airport Transfer on Klook from $63.55 AUD
- JR pass inclusion - free!
- Tokyo Monorail from $5.20 AUD
- Keikyu Railway from $410 AUD
- Taxi on arrival from $59.46 AUD
- Uber from $73.80 AUD
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