First Visit to Japan: Narita Airport Arrival Guide | Immigration to Transport
What this page covers: Everything you need to do after arriving at Narita for the first time
For: First-time visitors to Japan; first-time international travelers
In a nutshell
After arriving at Narita, follow 5 steps: Immigration → Baggage claim → Customs → SIM/cash → Choose transport. Pre-register on Visit Japan Web for faster immigration. N'EX is the easiest way to central Tokyo for first-timers.
Steps (~2 hrs)
- Step 1 Immigration
After landing, follow signs for 'Immigration.' Foreign visitors use the staffed counter (foreign nationals lane). Show your passport; state your purpose of visit and accommodation address. Fingerprinting and a facial photo are taken (Japan policy).
💡 Pre-register on Visit Japan Web (vjw-lp.digital.go.jp) to speed up immigration. During peak seasons (Golden Week, summer, New Year), the Smart Entry lane can save you 30–60 minutes.
- Step 2 Baggage Claim
After immigration, follow signs to Baggage Claim. Collect luggage from the carousel matching your flight number. If your bag does not appear, report it immediately at the Lost and Found (Lost Baggage) counter.
- Step 3 Customs Declaration
After collecting luggage, go through customs. If within duty-free limits (3 bottles of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, goods under ¥200,000), use the green lane (Nothing to Declare). If you pre-registered on Visit Japan Web, use the electronic declaration terminal.
- Step 4 Get a SIM or eSIM
Secure mobile connectivity in Japan. The arrivals hall has counters for IIJmio, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile, and others. If you bought an eSIM in advance, activate it here. SIM setup may take 15–30 minutes. Free Wi-Fi (Narita Free Wi-Fi) is also available.
💡 Buying an eSIM online before your trip and setting it up in advance means you are connected the moment you land.
- Step 5 Cash / Currency Exchange / ATM
Japan uses cash frequently. Have at least ¥5,000–10,000 on hand. Exchange counter: in the arrivals hall, convenient but fees are higher. ATM: 7-Bank ATMs and Japan Post ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay — often better exchange rates.
💡 Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted but small shops, shrines, and vending machines may be cash-only.
- Step 6 Get a Suica IC card (optional)
Suica is an IC card for trains, buses, and shops across the Tokyo area. Buy one at ticket machines at Narita Airport or Airport Terminal 2 stations (¥500 deposit). Mobile Suica is available via Apple Pay/Google Pay.
💡 Suica makes getting around Tokyo much easier. However, it cannot be used to purchase N'EX or Skyliner reserved-seat tickets.
- Step 7 Choose your transport and go
For first-timers, N'EX (Narita Express) is most recommended: English-friendly, reserved seats, luggage racks, direct to Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya. The Skyliner is fastest to Ueno/Nippori. Both are well-signed — just follow English directions.
💡 Budget highway buses are great for experienced travelers, but stations and trains offer more guidance for first-time visitors.
Important Notes
- Immigration queues can exceed 1 hour during peak seasons. Allow plenty of time if you have a connecting flight.
- Visit Japan Web requires pre-registration before your trip. Some parts require an internet connection.
- N'EX reserved-seat tickets cannot be purchased with Suica. Buy the combined ticket (fare + express surcharge) at a machine.
- Japan uses 100V electricity, 50/60 Hz. Most modern travel electronics work fine.
FAQ
Is there free Wi-Fi at Narita Airport?
'Narita Free Wi-Fi' is available throughout the airport. You can connect as soon as you land, even before getting a SIM.
Is English spoken at Narita Airport?
Yes. Major signs, counters, and staff at Narita are English-capable. Immigration, customs, and train signs are all in English. Skyliner and N'EX have English announcements.
Should I use cash or card in Japan?
Most shops, convenience stores, and restaurants in cities accept credit cards and IC cards. Small shops, temples, and vending machines may be cash-only. Keep at least ¥5,000–10,000 in cash.
What is the best way from Narita to a Tokyo hotel for a first-time visitor?
N'EX is recommended: English-friendly, reserved seats, luggage racks, direct to Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya. ¥3,140 to Tokyo Station, ~53 min. For Ueno/Nippori, the Skyliner is faster at ¥2,467–2,567 (IC), ~44–51 min.