Landing in Japan : 8 Airport Must-Do’s to Set the Stage for a Wonderful Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, get ready for an adventure like no other. As a traveler who has fallen in love with the country’s rich culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes, I know that getting off the plane and into the swing of things can be a bit daunting. But don’t worry, because I’ve got some insider tips to help you make the most of your vacation in Japan.

Let’s go through the essential things you need to do right after landing at your Japanese airport (be it Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or any other airport), so that you can hit the ground running and start experiencing all that Japan has to offer in an easy and hassle-free way.

From having currency exchanged to getting connected to the internet and buying train tickets, I’ll be your guide every step of the way. So put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun!

1 . Clear Immigration and Customs

If you’re fortunate enough to arrive at the airport at the hours when there aren’t many other flights coming in, you’ll breeze through Immigrations in just half an hour!

However, if you’re not so lucky and there are many flights landing at the same time as yours, brace yourself for some long lines. You might end up spending anywhere between 1 to 2 hours in line.

So it helps to speed things up if you have all your documents ready to clear immigration and customs quickly. Here are some tips to make this process as smooth as possible :

a . Complete Fast Track Forms

After the pandemic, Japan implemented a required procedure called “Fast Track” for immigration and customs, which applies for all visitors into the country. Make sure you fill out all the forms within, and complete your Fast Track process before arriving in Japan.

You can find the Fast Track info and fill out your forms at the official Visit Japan Web website.

When arriving at your Japanese airport, use the free airport WiFi to log into your Visit Japan Web account, and ready to show Japanese immigration officers your on-screen Fast Track completion status (blue, green, or yellow).

b . Fill out Your Arrival Card

You’ll be given an arrival card to fill out on the plane. Make sure to complete it before you get to immigration, so that you can breeze through the process.

c . Have Your Passport and Visa Ready

If you need a visa to enter Japan, make sure you have it in your passport and ready to show the immigration officer. If you don’t need a visa, your passport is still required to enter Japan.

d . Follow the Signs

Look for signs that say “Immigration” or “Passport Control” and follow them.

e . Be Polite and Patient

Japanese immigration officers are very friendly, but they take their job seriously. Answer their questions honestly and politely, and be prepared to provide information about your travel plans, including where you’ll be staying and how long you’ll be in Japan.

f . Collect Your Luggage and Clear Customs

After you’ve passed through immigration, you’ll need to collect your luggage and go through customs. Look for signs that say “Baggage Claim” or “Customs” and follow them.

If you have any items to declare, make sure to fill out the customs declaration form before you get to the officer. In general, Japan has strict rules about bringing in food, drugs, and other items, so make sure to check the regulations before you travel.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to breeze through the immigration and customs process and start your adventure in Japan with ease.

2 . Retrieve Your Luggage

Now that you made it past customs, it’s time to retrieve your luggage :

• First things first, keep an eye out for the “Baggage Claim” signs and follow them like a pro.

• Once you’ve made it to the baggage claim area, take a look at the monitors. They will tell you which carousel your luggage will be on and when it’s expected to arrive.

• When you’ve spotted your carousel, go there and wait for your luggage to arrive. Japanese airports are fast and efficient, so you won’t be waiting for long.

• When your luggage arrives, take a good look at the tag to make sure it’s yours. If you have a unique tag or bag, it’ll be super easy to spot. If you’re still having trouble, don’t be shy to ask the friendly airport staff for help.

3 . Getting Cash from ATM or Currency Exchange Counter

As you may already know, Japan is a cash-based society, and unless you travel to major cities, many places do not accept credit cards or other forms of payment. Therefore, it’s essential to have enough cash (yen) on hand during your trip.

Go ahead and estimate how much yen you would need for food, drinks, transportation cost, and some shopping in your first few days in Japan, and withdraw that amount at the airport.

The exchange rate might not be amazing, but it is reasonable, and having some yen on hands will save you on time and help you have peace of mind as well. Especially if you’re arriving on a weekend or holiday when banks may be closed. You wouldn’t want to end up in a situation where you can’t pay for food or transportation.

You can get yen either through airport ATMs or at a currency exchange counter. Here are some tips to help you :

a . Airport ATMs

• Locate ATMs : You can easily withdraw cash from ATMs located near the currency exchange counters at the airport using your debit or credit card. Look for ATMs with logos of major credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

• Check for Transaction Fees : Before you use any ATM, check for transaction fees that may apply. Your bank may also charge an international transaction fee, so it’s important to understand these fees beforehand.

• Keep Your Money Safe : Once you have cash, keep it in a secure location like a small purse or a zippered pocket. It’s also a good idea to split up your cash and keep some in different locations in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen. Japan is a very safe country when it comes to crime, however pickpockets do exist, and it’s best not to take any chance.

b . Currency Exchange Counters

• Locate a Currency Exchange Counter : Keep your eyes peeled for the “Currency Exchange” or “Foreign Exchange” signs. And guess what? You’re in luck, because most airports in Japan have multiple exchange counters open 24 hours a day!

• Choose a Reputable Exchange Provider : You want to make sure you’re getting the best deal, so choose a reputable exchange provider that offers competitive rates. Available options at the airport are Travelex, Japan Post Bank, and banks such as Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

• Check the Exchange Rate : Before you hand over your precious cash, be sure to check the exchange rate. You can simply use Google, a currency converter app on your phone, or go to the exchange provider’s website to see what rate they’re offering. Keep in mind that exchange rates can change frequently, so it’s a good idea to check again before exchanging a large amount of money.

• Prepare Your Passport and Cash : When you’re ready to exchange your currency, make sure to have your passport and the cash you want to exchange on hand. Currency exchange staff will require identification for each exchange to prevent money laundering and fraud.

• Understand the Fees : Most currency exchange counters charge a fee for their services, so make sure to understand what those fees are before exchanging your money. Some providers may also have a minimum or maximum amount for exchanges.

4 . Plan Your Transportation from the Airport to Tokyo

The last thing you want after a long flight is to worry about how to get to your destination. Don’t fret, because I have some tips that will make your transportation planning a breeze.

a . Research Your Transportation Options

Depending on where you are going, you may have several options available, such as buses, trains, taxis, and private transfer services. Doing your research ahead of time can save you both time and money.

If this is your very first trip to Japan and you are unfamiliar with Japanese public transport options, read this quick guide “The Simple and Easy Beginner’s Guide to Tokyo Public Transport” to get a grasp on them.

If you are going from Narita or Haneda airport to central Tokyo, the most popular transportation options are the Airport Limousine Bus (find summary & guide here) and the Narita Express Train (find summary & guide here). Click on the links to read about each option, their benefits vs. disadvantages, how to purchase ticket and ride, and much more.

b . Consider the Time of Day of Your Arrival

Don’t forget to consider the time of day you’ll be arriving at the airport. If you’re getting in late at night or too early in the morning, some transportation modes may not be available.

Be sure to check the schedules and availability of your chosen transportation option before you arrive.

• If You’re Arriving at the Airport Between 6 AM and 10 PM : You’re in luck! You have plenty of transport options to choose from, including trains, bullet trains, airport limousine buses, regular low-cost carrier buses, or taxis (which are quite pricey).

• If You’re Touching Down Before 6 AM or After 10 PM : Accounting for time spent at immigration and customs, taxi is probably the only travel mode left, and it could cost up to 25,000 yen or more, depending on how far away your destination is. In this case, a more economical option is to stay the night at a hotel near the airport, and travel in the morning when public transport is operating again.

c . Consider Luggage and Travel Party Size

• If You’re Traveling with a Group of 4 or 5 People and Have Some Luggage : A taxi or private shuttle is definitely the way to go. The cost per person is reasonable, making it a convenient and affordable choice.

• For Those of You with Less than 4 People and Some Luggage : The train or bullet train (such as the Narita Express Train) is the fastest way to get around. You’ll be zipping through the city in no time!

• If You’ve Got a Lot of Luggage to Haul Around : Don’t worry – there’s an option for you too! The Airport Limousine Bus is the perfect choice for those who want ease, convenience, and comfort. With a bus terminal right outside the Arrivals area, you won’t have to worry about lugging your bags across busy train stations and transfers. Plus, the staff will stow your luggage away for you, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. To know more about using the Airport Limousine Bus, read my post here.

• For Those of You on a Budget : I’ve got great news! The low-cost carrier bus is the cheapest option available. So that you can save some cash and still get where you need to go. Go to the Low-Cost Carrier Bus counter at the airport to get bus tickets.

d . Book in Advance

If you’re planning on using a private transfer service or a taxi, it’s a smart move to reserve it in advance. By doing so, you’ll know exactly how much it will cost and have a driver waiting for you when you land.

5 . Buy Your Bus or Train Ticket

If you’re planning to take a bus or train to your destination from the airport, you can purchase your tickets at the airport. Here is how :

a . Look for the Ticket Counter

Most airports in Japan have ticket counters for trains and buses near the transportation area. Depending on what your mode of transport, look for signs such as “Airport Limousine Bus“, “Narita Express Train“, or “Low-Cost Carrier Bus”. Or ask the staff at Airport Information Center counter if you’re not sure where to go.

b . Choose Your Departure Time

Schedule your departure time about 45 minutes to an hour later. This will give you time to take care of some basic stuff like hitting the restrooms, grabbing some snacks for the journey to Tokyo, and finding your ride.

c . Pay for Your Ticket

Use your credit card or your recently exchanged Japanese yen to pay. The ticket booths accept many different forms of payment including credit cards, but the ticketing queue can be a bit long.

d . Use a Ticket Vending Machine

If you’re short on time, use the automatic ticketing machines instead – they have multiple language options, take cash and credit cards, and are super simple to use.

To see how easy it is to buy a Narita Express train ticket using the ticket vending machine, read my step-by-step guide “How To Buy Narita Express Train Ticket and Reserve Your Seat at Ticketing Machine”.

e . Ask for Help

If you’re not sure how to purchase your tickets or what options you have, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The staff at the Airport Information Center counter at ticket counters are friendly and helpful, and will assist you in purchasing the right ticket for your needs.

6 . If You Have a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

• If you have purchased a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) before arriving in Japan, and plan to use it to get from the airport to your destination, head over to the JR Ticket Office counter at the airport to exchange your pass. However, be prepared for a very long queue, as many travelers do the same.

• If you’re not in a rush to use your pass right away, you can go to a major train station later to get your JR Pass instead, where the queue is much shorter. See the full list of JR Ticket Office counters in train stations in Japan where you can get your pass here.

• Don’t forget to bring your passport with you for identification purposes. The staff will also need to check the immigration stamp on it to ensure that you’re a foreign traveler to Japan before giving you the pass.

• Lastly, if you’re traveling with friends or family who also have a JR Pass, make sure everyone is present at the JR Ticket Office counter with their passports to get their passes.

7 . Buy a Prepaid IC Card

An IC card is a rechargeable smart card that you can use to pay for transportation in Japan, including trains, buses, and subways. If you plan to use public transportation during your trip, purchasing an IC card at the airport is one of the best decisions you can make for your trip.

To understand IC cards and use it to pay for daily public transport and goods for a convenient and hassle-free Japan vacation, read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

Here are some tips to help you buy an IC card with ease :

• Look for vending machines that sell IC cards (they have signs on them with the word “IC”)! If you’re not sure where to go, just look for signs or ask the information desk.

• There are many different types of IC cards available depending on the region or transportation company you’ll be using. Suica and Pasmo are the most common and widely accepted in Tokyo and other major cities.

• Once you’ve decided, purchase your IC card and pay with your recently exchanged yen or credit card.

• You can use your IC card right away to pay for transportation – just touch it to the card reader at the ticket gate or on the bus and watch the fare get deducted automatically. How awesome!

• If you run out of money on your IC card, you can recharge it at the vending machines or at convenience stores. You can also check your card balance and transaction history at the vending machines or online.

8 . Get a SIM Card or Rent a Pocket WiFi

Getting internet access in Japan during your vacation is very important for navigating streets, looking up attractions info, streaming videos, and keeping in touch with friends and family.

There are two fantastic options to get internet access while you’re in Japan : Getting a SIM card or renting a pocket WiFi (also called portable WiFi, or mobile WiFi).

Before choosing a SIM card or pocket WiFi, make sure to check the data plan and coverage area. Some plans have a daily or monthly limit, while others offer unlimited data and no speed restrictions. You might also want to check if the plan covers the areas you plan to visit.

a . SIM Card

• If you have an unlocked phone and prefer to have a local phone number, getting a SIM card might be a good option.

• You can purchase a SIM card at vending machines or counters at the airport. Some popular providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and Y!mobile.

• You’ll need to provide your passport and fill out a registration form to activate the SIM card.

b . Pocket Wi-Fi

• If you prefer to use multiple devices or don’t have an unlocked phone, renting a pocket WiFi might be a better option.

• You can rent a pocket WiFi at the airport from companies like Japan Wireless, JAL ABC, Ninja Wireless, or Global Advanced Communications.

• You’ll need to reserve the device online in advance or at the airport counter, and provide your passport details.

• The device will be ready for pick-up at the airport or delivered to your hotel upon your arrival, and you can return it by mail or at the airport when you leave Japan.

• To know more about pocket WiFi, how to easily rent and use one, and everything else, read my “Travel Smart : Stay Online and Connected in Japan with Mobile WiFi Rental” post here.

Conclusion

To make your trip unforgettable, it’s important to plan ahead and take care of a few important details first. Exchanging currency, arranging transportation, and getting internet access may seem like small things, but they can have a big impact on your whole travel experience. By following these tips, you’ll be able to navigate the airport with ease and set the stage for an amazing adventure in Japan. I hope that this guide has given you all the information you need. Happy travels!

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travel!

Post You Might be Interested In

– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to hit the ground running and navigate Japan smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here.

– Interested in knowing more about the all-time favorite and super awesome Pasmo and Suica IC cards? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs in your trip? Get concise and practical answers here in my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“ post.

– Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post.

– Do you need a fast, easy, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo ? Read my “The Narita Express (N’EX) : Fast and Easy Travel from Airport to Tokyo” post here.

And much more – Check out all of my posts here on the Main page.