Roberta Aguirre
If you're planning to leave the airport during your layover in Japan, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality and visa status in your country of residence. For a short layover within the airport, a visa is typically not needed, but for a longer layover that involves leaving the terminal, you may need a tourist or transit visa. Haneda Airport is the most convenient for exploring Tokyo on a layover, with many transport options available to get you into the city centre in under 20 minutes.
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for short layovers
The visa requirements for short layovers vary depending on the country. Here are some key points to consider:
Transit Visas
Transit visas are typically required for short layovers if you plan to leave the airport's transit area. These visas are usually valid for a short period, such as a few hours to a couple of days. Some countries, like the United States and India, may require a transit visa even if you don't leave the airport. It's important to check the specific requirements of your layover country.
Visa-Free Transit
Some countries offer visa-free transit, allowing travellers to pass through without a visa as long as they meet certain conditions. For example, Singapore offers a 96-hour visa-free transit for eligible travellers, while China allows visa-free transit in select cities for up to 144 hours. Turkey also provides a 24-hour visa-free transit option for passengers with tight layovers who remain within the airport.
Visa Exemptions
In some cases, you may be exempt from needing a transit visa. For instance, holding a valid visa for specific countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand may exempt you from needing a transit visa in certain other countries. Additionally, some countries offer visa exemptions under specific programmes or conditions.
Nationality and Destination
Your nationality and the country you are transiting through are crucial factors. For example, US citizens and Canadians do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in Amsterdam, as the Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area. However, if their travel plans include other Schengen countries, they must adhere to the 90-day limit within a 180-day period.
Length of Layover
The length of your layover is also important. If your layover is very short, you may not need a visa at all. On the other hand, a longer layover, especially if it involves an overnight stay, may require a tourist visa or a transit visa.
In summary, the visa requirements for short layovers vary by country, and it's essential to check the specific regulations of your layover country. Factors such as nationality, destination, and length of layover will influence the visa requirements. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure a smooth travel experience during your short layovers.
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Exploring Tokyo on a long layover
If you have a long layover in Tokyo, you can leave the airport and explore the city. Haneda Airport is the closest airport to the city centre, and you can reach central Tokyo in under 20 minutes. However, the airport may forbid overnight stays, kicking people out at 10:30 pm.
There are plenty of transport options to get into the city, including the Tokyo Monorail, which will take you to Hamamatsucho Station in under 20 minutes for 490 yen, and the Keikyu Line, which will get you to Shinagawa in 20 minutes for 410 yen.
If you're a foodie, you might want to try some of Japan's famous ramen, or head to Japanese Bistro URARAKA to try yakitori and sake. You can also find trendy shops, fashion boutiques, and food stalls in the Harajuku District's Takeshita Street.
For some serenity, visit the Meiji Shrine, a traditional Japanese environment surrounded by lush vegetation. Or, if you're looking for culture, check out the D47 Museum, which showcases the craft, design, and culture of each of Japan's 47 prefectures.
If you don't want to leave the airport, Haneda Airport has many facilities and recreational areas. You can take a stroll through Edo Market, which looks like a mini traditional Japanese town, or book a room at the Royal Park Hotel.
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Transport options to and from the airport
There are several transport options to and from Japanese airports, depending on your budget, the time you have available, and your travel preferences.
Limousine Shuttle Bus
The Limousine Shuttle Bus is a comfortable and economical option, with plenty of legroom, air conditioning, toilets, free WiFi, and USB slots for charging devices. This bus service runs between Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports and central Tokyo, as well as between Kansai Airport and Kyoto city, and Osaka.
Train
If you're looking for a faster option, the Narita Express (N'EX) train will get you to Tokyo's city centre in less than an hour. The Tokyo Keisei Skyliner is another popular high-speed train option, taking just 35 minutes to reach Ueno station from Narita airport. The Nankai Rapit Express Airport train will bring you to Namba station in Osaka in just over 30 minutes.
Tokyo Monorail
If you're flying into Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail will get you to Hamamatsucho station in under 20 minutes, from where you can connect to the JR Yamanote Line.
Taxi
If your flight is very early in the morning, you may need to take a taxi, as public transport from city centres may not start until after 5:30 am.
Uber
You can use the Uber app to price out the cost of an Uber ride from the airport to your hotel.
Airport Shuttle
You may be able to set up an airport shuttle to take you to your hotel.
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Facilities and amenities within the airport
If you're wondering whether you can leave the airport during a layover in Japan, it's important to consider the length of your layover and the facilities and amenities available within the airport. Here's an overview of what you can expect at some of Japan's major airports:
Haneda Airport (Tokyo): Haneda Airport is known for its convenient location, just 14 kilometers south of Tokyo. It is Japan's busiest airport and the fourth busiest in the world. While it primarily handles domestic flights, it also has an international terminal. During a layover, you can take advantage of various facilities and amenities. The airport offers free WiFi, internet PC stations, and charging stations. There are also dining options like Japanese Bistro URARAKA, where you can sample yakitori and sake. If you need to freshen up, there are shower rooms in the arrival lobby, and for longer layovers, you can book a room at the Royal Park Hotel.
Narita International Airport (Tokyo): As one of the primary gateways to Japan, Narita Airport handles a majority of international flights. It is located about 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo. The airport boasts a wide array of facilities, including shopping centers, dining options, and relaxation areas. You can find duty-free shops, luxury brands, souvenir stores, and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Narita also has excellent transport connections to Tokyo and other major cities via rail, bus, and taxi services.
Kansai International Airport (Osaka): Kansai Airport is situated on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and serves the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. It is renowned for its design and efficient services. The airport offers duty-free shops, unique eateries, and comfort amenities. The Sky View Observation Hall provides panoramic views of the airport and Osaka Bay. Transport options include the JR Haruka Express and Nankai Airport Line trains, airport limousines, and high-speed ferry services to Kobe Airport.
Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya): Located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, Chubu Centrair serves central Japan and is known for its efficiency. The airport features the Sky Town Shopping Center with various shops and restaurants. One of its unique amenities is a public bathhouse with views of the runway and Ise Bay. Chubu Centrair is easily accessible by train, bus, and high-speed ferry services.
Fukuoka Airport: Fukuoka Airport is a significant international airport located in Fukuoka city, known for its proximity to the city center. It offers a range of facilities, including duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and lounges. The domestic terminal is particularly well-equipped to handle the high volume of domestic travelers.
Other Airports: Japan has several other well-equipped airports, such as Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), which offers shopping, dining, and passenger services, and New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, featuring shopping centers, gourmet dining, and entertainment facilities, including a rooftop onsen.
With such a wide range of facilities and amenities available across Japan's airports, you can certainly make the most of your layover time, even if you choose not to leave the airport.
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Currency and payment methods in Japan
Layover in Japan
If you have a long layover in Japan, you may be able to leave the airport and visit nearby cities. For example, if you're at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND), you can get to central Tokyo in under 20 minutes. Similarly, Haneda Airport is close to Ota, which you can explore if you've had your fill of the usual tourist hotspots. However, visa rules will differ according to your nationality, so check with your local Japanese embassy. For a short layover within the airport, you don't need a visa, but for a longer layover that requires leaving the terminal, you'll need a tourist visa or a transit visa.
The currency used in Japan is the Japanese yen. One yen corresponds to 100 sen, but sen is only used in stock market prices nowadays. Yen bills come in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000, while coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted in Japan, except perhaps at major international airports.
Japan has a reputation for being a cash-based society, and cash remains a prevalent and widely accepted form of payment. It is deeply ingrained in the culture, symbolizing trust and reliability in transactions. Many local businesses, especially smaller establishments like traditional eateries or local markets, prefer cash. Additionally, cash is convenient because it is accepted almost everywhere, and there is a low risk of theft or robbery in Japan.
However, Japan was an early adopter of digital payments, introducing FeliCa chips in cell phones for mobile payments in 2004. Despite resistance from some businesses that adhere to cash-only transactions, the country is evolving towards a more cashless society. Credit cards are becoming an increasingly popular payment method, with a 16% increase in usage from 2021 to 2022. Debit card usage is also on the rise, increasing by 19% during the same period.
Konbini payments, or payments made at convenience stores, are the second most popular payment method in Japan. There are over 56,000 convenience stores across the country, including well-known chains like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. IC Cards, such as Mobile Suica and Pasmo, are also widely used for public transportation and beyond. These rechargeable smart cards are accepted at vending machines, convenience stores, and some restaurants, offering a seamless payment experience.
QR code payments facilitated by apps like PayPay and Rakuten Pay are gaining traction due to promotional discounts and cashback offers. For larger transactions, bill payments, and peer-to-peer transfers, online banking and direct transfers are preferred by tech-savvy individuals.
When it comes to currency exchange, banks, post offices, larger hotels, and licensed money changers at international airports can assist. The competitiveness of exchange rates varies, and it may be beneficial to exchange money in certain Southeast Asian countries before entering Japan. Additionally, a considerable number of ATMs in Japan do not accept cards issued outside of the country, and many are out of service during the night or on weekends.
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Frequently asked questions
Visa rules will differ according to your nationality. Many countries don't require a visa for short stays, but for longer layovers such as an overnight stay, you will need a tourist visa or a transit visa.
If you have a long layover, you can explore Tokyo, which is 20 minutes away from Haneda Airport. You can visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, the Imperial Palace, and the Epson Aqua Park Shinagawa. You can also try Japanese cuisine, such as ramen, and visit old-school arcades.
Haneda Airport has many facilities and recreational areas. You can try Japanese cuisine at Japanese Bistro URARAKA, stroll through the Edo Market, or book a room at the Royal Park Hotel.
