Jazmin Li
Tokyo has two international airports: Narita and Haneda. Haneda is the closest airport to the city centre and is a better option for travellers looking to explore the city during a layover. For those with a tight layover in Tokyo, taxis or the Keikyu Airport Line are faster options for getting around. The Tokyo Monorail is also a good option, with the added benefit of offering views of the city's Blade Runner-esque buildings. For travellers with more time on their hands, the subway is the easiest way to get around. If you're looking to leave the airport during a layover, it's important to check your visa status and the relevant entry and exit procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit Visa requirement | No transit visa required if you have immediate flight connections. A transit visa is required for longer layovers or overnight stays. |
| Transit without visa | Possible if you have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours and stay within the international transit area of the airport. |
| Shore Pass | May be obtained on arrival if there are no other connecting flights on the same day. |
| Security screening | All passengers must undergo security screening, including baggage inspection and body checks. |
| Immigration procedures | Not required if passengers stay in the departure area until their next flight. Required if passengers leave this area or exit the airport. |
| Activities during layover | Narita Airport offers guided and self-guided tours for travellers, allowing them to experience Japanese culture and visit nearby sights. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for transit visitors
If you are a transit visitor at a Japanese airport, you do not need a visa if you have immediate flight connections, regardless of your nationality. However, if you have a longer layover and want to leave the airport to go sightseeing or resting in Japan for a few days (up to 15 days), you will need to obtain a transit visa.
You can obtain a Japan Transit Visa on arrival, also known as a Japan Shore Pass, if you have a travel ticket within 72 hours and there are no other connecting flights on the same day. To be eligible for the Japan Shore Pass, you must have all the required documents for your final country of destination and enough financial means to cover the duration of your stay. The Shore Pass application is usually handled by your airline, so you should contact them to learn if they can help you receive it before you travel.
If you are not eligible for the Shore Pass, you will need to apply for a Japan Transit Visa from one of the Diplomatic Representation offices of Japan abroad (an Embassy or Consulate). The application process involves booking an appointment, collecting the required documents, submitting them at the Embassy/Consulate or travel agency, and waiting for the visa to be processed, which usually takes 5 working days. If your application is approved, your visa will be affixed, and you can use it to travel to Japan within three months.
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Boarding process and international transit counters
If you are a transit visitor at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, you can transfer between terminals using the Keikyu Line, monorail, Free Shuttle Bus, or the underground passageway.
For those who have not completed the boarding process, proceed to the International transit counter for assistance. You will need to review the steps for international arrival and departure. The process involves going from the 2F Arrival Lobby to the 3F Departure Lobby.
At Narita International Airport, passengers on international flights can use 'Face Express', a boarding procedure that uses facial recognition technology. Passengers of some other airlines can use automatic check-in kiosks.
If you are transferring between two international flights at Narita Airport, you will not need a transit visa if you have immediate flight connections, regardless of nationality. However, if you have a longer layover and want to leave the airport, you will need to apply for a transit visa.
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Security screening procedures
When transiting through Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Kansai International Airport in Osaka, you can do so without a visa if you have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours and you remain within the international transit area of the airport. If you have an overnight layover, you will need a transit visa.
All passengers are requested to undergo security screening of themselves and their carry-on baggage. This includes a walk-through metal detector and an X-ray inspection of your belongings. Any dangerous items such as knives will be disposed of at the security check location.
There are also restrictions on liquids you can carry on board, so check these in advance and prepare your baggage accordingly. If you are carrying foreign goods or cash equivalent to 1 million yen, you will need to complete a customs procedure and fill out the required forms.
If you are transferring between terminals, you can use the Keikyu Line, monorail, Free Shuttle Bus, or the underground passageway.
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Facilities and services for resting and shopping
If you are transiting through Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Kansai International Airport in Osaka, you can do so without a visa if you have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours and you stay within the international transit area of the airport. If you have a longer layover and wish to leave the airport, you may need to obtain a Japan Transit Visa, also known as a Japan Shore Pass. This can be done by contacting the Japanese Embassy or Consulate, or through an accredited travel agency.
Haneda Airport offers various facilities and services for resting and shopping. The airport itself has a range of shops, including convenience stores, and restaurants. For those looking to rest, there are hotels located within the airport, as well as lounges that can be accessed by purchasing a pass.
If you have a longer layover and wish to leave the airport, there are several options for resting and shopping in the nearby area. The Hamamatsucho area, which can be reached by monorail, is home to the Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park. The temple grounds are open 24/7, and there are also restaurants and shops in the surrounding area. Another option is to visit the Tokyo Tower, which is located nearby. While most businesses in the area may not be open, you can still get breakfast and enjoy the view from the tower.
For those looking for a more unique Japanese experience, the rooftop onsen at the Hotel Villa Fontaine is highly recommended. This traditional Japanese bath offers a relaxing and authentic experience. Additionally, the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program offers both guided and self-guided tours for travellers on a budget. These tours are led by English-speaking volunteer tour guides, allowing you to explore the sights and experience the culture of the area without breaking the bank.
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Transport options for transferring between terminals
If you are a transit visitor at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, you can use the free shuttle bus to get between the terminals. The shuttle bus operates between all terminals, arriving in the following order: Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Terminal 2. The travel time between terminals 1 and 3 is about 14 minutes, between terminals 3 and 2 is about 3 minutes, and between terminals 2 and 1 is about 10 minutes. The first departure is at 4:15 am, and the last departure is at 1:15 am. During some hours, the shuttle bus operates at 30-minute intervals, while it operates at 4-minute intervals between 5:00 am and 8:00 pm, and 6-minute intervals between 8:00 pm and 12:00 am.
You can also use the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu Line/Keihin Kyuko Line to transfer between Terminals 1 and 3 and Terminals 2 and 3. Free tickets for these modes of transport are available at the information counters in the arrival lobby of Terminal 3 and Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Please note that you will need to present your passport and boarding pass to obtain these tickets.
Additionally, there is an underground passageway connecting Terminals 1 and 2. This passageway is approximately 400 meters long and is a moving walkway. However, please be aware that as of the latest update in April 2023, this underground walkway is temporarily closed due to construction in the connecting walkway.
If you are transferring flights at Narita International Airport, you can use the free terminal shuttle buses that operate on three different circular routes. Similar to Haneda Airport, you can transfer between terminals 2 and 3 on foot using the access corridor. There may be delays in travel time due to road congestion.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality, the length of your layover, and whether you want to leave the airport. If you have a layover within 72 hours and do not wish to leave the airport, you do not need a visa. If you want to leave the airport, you may need to apply for a transit visa.
You can apply for a transit visa from one of the Diplomatic Representation offices of Japan abroad (an Embassy or Consulate). You can also obtain a transit visa on arrival, known as a Japan Shore Pass, but you should contact your airline before travelling to see if they can help you receive it.
Narita Airport is closed between 11 pm and 6 am. During opening hours, passengers can take a rest or go shopping. There are also various other facilities and services available, including a shuttle bus to travel between terminals.
