visit japan airport

Tokyo Narita vs. Haneda: Which airport should I fly into?

As one of the world's most populous cities, it makes perfect sense that Tokyo would have two major airports, Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). However, in many ways Tokyo's system is unique. Unlike Chicago and Washington DC, which have one major international airport and another smaller, primarily domestic one, both of Tokyo's airports serve long-haul flights to destinations around the world. While Narita has typically been thought of as the more international of the two, Haneda is gaining ground with dozens of new flights launching to the US next year . Today, we're going to take a look at the pros and cons of each, to help you decide which airport to fly into on your next trip to Japan.

Distance to downtown & transportation options

Tokyo is a massive city at over 800 square miles, so it's hard to pick a true center of the city. There are over 20 wards in Tokyo, each made up of several different districts. For the purpose of this post, we'll use the iconic Shibuya crossing as our reference point in downtown. Often referred to as the busiest street in the world, you can easily see 2,500 or more people crossing a single intersection if you arrive at the right time of day.

Here's how the two airports stack up:

The maps make it pretty clear just how much farther out of the city the Narita airport complex is:

Driving in from Narita will take at least an hour and a half, though potentially much more if you hit traffic as you start to approach the city. Cabs in Japan are quite expensive as well, and this trip can easily run you $200 USD or more. Public transit is cheaper by comparison, though the journey isn't all that much shorter, as you'll have to connect from the airport express line to Tokyo's sprawling metro system to get to your final destination.

Haneda is much closer by comparison, located on a peninsula just south of the city center. This leads to some spectacular views when you're arriving/departing, and makes it much easier to get into the city. When I had an overnight layover in Tokyo last year, I flew into Haneda and was able to reach my hotel (InterContinental ANA The Strings Tokyo) after just 20 minutes on the Keikyu-Kuko line. Driving to Shibuya Crossing will take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic, though even a short trip like this might result in a $100+ taxi bill. Public transit will get you there in the same amount of time for less than $7.

Winner: In a vast city like Tokyo, the less you have to travel to get to and from the airport the better. Haneda has long been a favorite of many travelers because of its relative proximity to the city, and I personally go out of my way to chose it over Narita if I'm leaving the airport and not just transiting.

With the free TPG app , you can track your progress toward your next trip, and get spending recommendations to help you reach your travel goals.

Airlines and flight options

Japan is the only country with two Skytrax five star airlines , with both ANA and Japan Airlines (JAL) accounting for two of the 10 airlines that have earned that distinction. Both operate long and short-haul flights out of both Narita and Haneda, and it's not uncommon to see itineraries that connect through Tokyo and include a change of airports (make sure to watch out for this when booking awards!).

Let's start by taking a look at Narita, which offers more long-haul flights especially to the US. ANA flies from Narita to eight US cities in the lower 48 (shown on the blue map below), while JAL flies to seven (shown in red). Both carriers also fly to Hawaii, with ANA even operating its new Flying Honu A380s exclusively between Tokyo Narita and Honolulu (HNL).

Flights are operated by a mix of 777-300ER and 787 aircraft, with both airlines offering an exceptional first class product on their 777s and business class on the 787s.

Related: Welcome to the Square: ANA (777-300ER) in First Class From Washington, DC, to Tokyo

Service from Haneda is more limited, with ANA flying to Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), and JAL flying to New York JFK and San Francisco (SFO).

What about American carriers? Most of them currently fly to Narita, though that's set to change next summer. With the US government approving 12 new slots for US airlines to fly to Haneda, American travelers can look forward to a much easier trip to Tokyo starting next summer. There's a good chance that this service will come at the expense of flights to Narita, with Delta already announcing it will entirely shift service to Haneda from Narita .

Many international airlines also double down and fly to both airports in order to increase connecting traffic with alliance partners and provide more options to travelers. For example, the following carriers all serve both Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda:

• British Airways

With airlines that only fly to one airport, there's definitely a slight preference for Narita, which serves about 13 million more passengers per year than Haneda. The following airlines only offer service to Narita:

In many cases, even if a given airline doesn't fly to the airport you want, you can get there on a code-share or alliance partner. For example, Oneworld passengers flying between Japan and Sydney have two options: JAL flies nonstop from Narita, while Qantas flies nonstop from Haneda.

Haneda's clearest edge comes with domestic flights within Japan. Both JAL and ANA offer more robust networks for domestic flights out of Narita, which is something to consider if you're traveling to one of Japan's other islands or somewhere not easily accessibly by bullet train.

Winner: At the moment Narita wins this category, though the gap is certainly closing. As of next year, Haneda will undoubtedly have the upper hand for travel to and from the US, while Narita will still retain its star status for select long-haul international routes.

Airport amenities and perks

You'll find first and business class lounges for both JAL and ANA at both airports, with minimal difference in design aesthetics and food and beverage offerings. JAL's first class lounge at Narita is especially well known for the made-to-order sushi station it offers, while first class passengers at Haneda can sample a made-to-order teppanyaki bar.

For passengers who aren't traveling in a premium cabin, Narita might have the upper hand. The airport offers a total of five Priority Pass lounges across its two terminals, while Haneda has none. Narita will also be one of only three international locations to get a United Polaris lounge , though that lounge is not likely to open for at least another year or two.

Both airports feature a decent amount of shopping and dining options, and are generally among the more pleasant places to spend a long layover. Narita also has a bit more of an #avgeek appeal, as the size and variety of planes you'll see makes for some great organic entertainment. Some, like Thai's Airbus A380, are especially rare finds for US-based travelers.

Winner: Premium-cabin passengers won't notice a ton of difference between the two airports, but those traveling in economy will be happier traveling through Narita. Between Priority Pass lounges and some great plane spotting, it makes for a more enjoyable layover.

Bottom Line

Narita and Haneda are both excellent airports, though there are some important differences between the two. Haneda is much closer to downtown Tokyo, and is increasingly being used for long-haul flights especially to the US. Narita, on the other hand, is served by more international carriers and has a broader selection of airport lounges to choose from. At the end of the day, award travelers should enjoy the fact that they get to make this choice in the first place. When ANA and JAL double down and fly two 777s between a US city like New York and Tokyo, that means twice as many seats available for award bookings on two of the world's best airlines.

NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Gateway to Your Aspirations

Narita Airport connects Japan with cities, people, goods, and aspirations from around the world.

Search today's flights

Find the most appropriate means of transportation

You can find the route, services, and airport information by floor map.

Restaurants and shops

Please enjoy shopping in your available time before departure, after arrival, and upon your visit for passenger pick-up or drop-off.

Frequently searched keywords

Events and recommendations.

AirJapan new route Narita <=> Singapore

ThaiAirways International Narita⇔Bangkok

Hong Kong Airlines Narita <=> Hong Kong

Airport Notifications

Cancellations in some transport timetables, installation of donation boxes for the taiwan earthquake, installation of donation boxes for the 2024 noto peninsula earthquake.

A Guide to Major Airports in Japan

 Rex Butcher/Getty Images

If you're flying into Japan from abroad, you'll likely head to Tokyo first. It has two major airports, Haneda and Narita, the latter of which carries the most international traffic into the country, though Haneda has long-haul routes, too. Osaka's Kansai International Airport is another major point of entry for foreign visitors. And while Japan's high-speed trains and metro are legendary, many travelers choose to fly between many of the other major airports across the country.

Tokyo International Airport/Haneda (HND)

• Location: Ōta
• Pros: Wide variety of flights; excellent amenities; easy to navigate; convenient train connection to downtown
• Cons: None, truly
• Distance to Shinjuku: A 25-minute taxi will cost about $65. Or you can take a combination of trains for about $6—it'll take just under an hour.

Tokyo International Airport, better known as Haneda, is Japan's busiest airport and the fifth busiest in the world, serving 87 million passengers in 2018.   But the airport hardly ever feels crowded (save for the security lines), thanks to brilliant planning by designers. While it's primarily a domestic airport—a hub for Japanese carriers like All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and Star Flyer—the opening of an international terminal and the construction of a fourth runway in 2010 gave Haneda legs in the long-haul flight game. It's closer to downtown than Narita—it'll take about 30 minutes to get to Tokyo Station via metro.

Narita International Airport (NRT)

• Location: Narita
• Pros: Main international airport in Japan; excellent facilities
• Cons: Far from the city center
• Distance to Shinjuku: A taxi will take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, and it can cost some $200. Instead, take the Narita Express (N'EX) train —it's $30 for the 53-minute ride.

Though it handled only 44.34 million passengers in 2019—less than half of Haneda's traffic— Narita is Japan's primary international airport, with dozens of airlines flying routes that connect Japan to destinations around the world.   While the airport has great facilities, its greatest downfall is that it's 40 miles outside of Tokyo proper. Taxis are prohibitively expensive for the average traveler; most people take the train or the bus, which takes an hour or so.

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

• Location: An artificial island about 30 miles southwest of Osaka
• Pros: Numerous flights; easy to navigate
• Distance to Osaka Station: A 45-minute taxi costs about $165. You can also take a 70-minute train ride for about $11.  

For Kansai International Airport, engineers constructed an artificial island in Osaka Bay. The entire complex reportedly cost $20 billion, a good portion of which went to stabilizing the island, as it began sinking at a rate of 20 inches per year.   (As of February 2019, it sinks about 2.3 inches per year.)   The airport is a crucial one for the region with 30 million passengers flying through per year, including a large number of foreign visitors.   Though it's a bit far from the city center, it's connected via an easy and affordable train.

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

• Location: Tokoname
• Pros: Beautifully designed facilities; great shopping and dining pre-security (the area is open to the public)
• Cons: Post-security shopping and dining options are limited
• Distance to Kanayama Station: A 45-minute taxi costs about $135. A 30-minute train ride costs about $12.

Central Centrair International Airport is located on an artificial island near Tokoname, serves 12 million passengers in It's about 30 minutes to Nagoya by train and 45-minutes by car.   The airport is home to a shopping center that's open to the public, making it a bustling destination. Do all your shopping and dining before you head through security, as there are far fewer options once you cross over to the airside. But the airport is thoughtfully designed—unsurprising for Japan.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

• Location: Mihara
• Pros: Few crowds; clean facilities; great food selection
• Cons: There are fewer routes here than at the busier Japanese airports; no train connection to Hiroshima
• Distance to Downtown Hiroshima: A 45-minute taxi costs about $130. A bus takes just under an hour and costs about $12.

Located about 30 miles west of Hiroshima proper, this airport is a smaller international airport, serving just 2.7 million people in 2018. The vast majority of its flights are to Tokyo's Haneda airport, but it does offer service to China, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. The unusual thing about this airport is that it's not serviced by a train line—you'll have to take the bus to downtown Hiroshima, and it takes almost an hour. That said, the airport is hardly crowded, and it has phenomenal facilities, including great dining options.

New Chitose Airport (CTS)

• Location: Bibi
• Pros: Largest airport in Hokkaido; great shopping and dining
• Cons: Can get very crowded
• Distance to Downtown Sapporo : A 50-minute taxi will cost about $140. A 37-minute train costs about $10.

This airport sits between Chitose and Tomakomai, about 30 miles from Sapporo. As the largest, busiest airport in Hokkaido, it served more than 23 million passengers in 2018, primarily to destinations within Japan, but also to China, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States (to Hawaii), among other countries.   While it has a number of restaurants and shops to entertain travelers, its star feature is a rooftop onsen.

Kumamoto Airport (KMJ)

• Location: Mashiki
• Pros: Small, clean airport
• Cons: Limited routes
• Distance to Downtown Kumamoto: A 50-minute taxi will cost about $50. There's also a public bus that takes about an hour and costs about $7.50.

Though there are only a handful of domestic and international routes, flights are frequent, making this one of the busier of Japan's regional airports. But its relatively small size makes it easy to navigate, and as is typical with buildings in Japan, it's very well maintained. There's no train to the airport—you'll have to take a bus or a taxi.

Sendai International Airport (SDJ)

• Location: Natori
• Pros: New and improved facilities rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami
• Cons: Limited dining and shopping
• Distance to Downtown Sendai: A 30-minute taxi will cost about $60. The train takes 25 minutes and costs about $8.

Located in the city of Natori, Sendai International Airport is just about a half hour from downtown Sendai. It handles an average 3.6 million passengers per year, most of whom fly on domestic routes, though there are flights to China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand, too.   The airport was severely damaged in the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami when floodwaters inundated the runway and terminal—it was renovated within two months of the disaster.

Nagasaki Airport (NGS)

• Location: Ōmura
• Pros: Small and easy to navigate
• Distance to Downtown Nagasaki: A 35-minute taxi will cost about $90. A bus takes 45 minutes and costs about $9.50.

Some three million people travel through Nagasaki Airport annually, most of whom fly on the abundant daily flights to Tokyo's Haneda.   The airport is small, clean, and easy to get around, and it has a number of shops, restaurants, and an observation deck to entertain passengers.

Fukuoka Airport (FUK)

• Location: Hakata Ward
• Pros: Extremely close to the city center; many major international routes
• Cons: Can get crowded at the check-in counters
• Distance to Downtown Fukuoka: A 15-minute taxi will cost about $13. The airport has its own subway station—a ride costs about $2.50 and takes just five minutes.

The largest airport on the island of Kyushu, Fukuoka served 23.8 million passengers in 2017.   It has two terminals—one domestic and one international—flying to destinations across Japan and Asia. Unlike many Japanese airports, Fukuoka is extremely close to the city center, with the subway ride taking just five minutes.

Naha Airport (OKA)

• Location: Southwest Naha
• Pros: Numerous routes
• Distance to Downtown Naha: A 10-minute taxi will cost about $13. A 15-minute monorail ride brings you to downtown Naha for only $2.

Serving 18.3 million passengers to and from both domestic and international destinations in 2015, Naha Airport is the largest air facility in Okinawa Prefecture.   The airport is close to the city center, with a monorail connecting the airport, downtown points, and Shuri Station, the main train station in the city.

Osaka International Airport (ITM)

• Location: Itami
• Pros: Easy to navigate
• Cons: Not much to do in the way of shopping and dining
• Distance to Downtown Osaka: A 20-minute taxi will cost about $50. You can take a combination of the monorail and subway, which costs about $6 and takes some 25 minutes, or you can take a bus, which takes about 30 minutes and also costs about $6.

Also known as Itami Airport, Osaka International Airport is actually a domestic-only airport—the international airport is Kansai. It's not the most beautiful airport in Japan, but it's very functional. It does, however, have limited shopping and dining facilities, and serves around 17 million passengers per year.  

Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)

• Location: Kirishima
• Cons: The single line at security can back up
• Distance to Downtown: A 45-minute taxi will cost about $92. A 50-minute bus ride will cost about $11.50.

Though this airport has just 10 gates (nine domestic, one international), it served 5.2 million passengers in 2015. There are nearly 30 flights to Tokyo Haneda daily, making it the major route at the airport, but there are also flights to South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong .  

CNN. "Why Tokyo's Haneda is one of the world's most punctual airports." November 19, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2020.

Statista. "Japan: Narita airport terminal passengers 2019." Retrieved December 29, 2020.

Japan-Guide. "Kansai International Airport (KIX)." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

Earth.Esa.Int. "Kansai and Kobe International Airport (Osaka Bay, Japan." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

Straits Times. "Osaka's sinking Kansai Airport to raise runway after last year's flooding by Typhoon Jebi." February 1, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2020.

Kansai Airport. "Kansai International Airport." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

Centrair.JP. "Centrair Group News." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

New Chitose Airport. "Total Number of Doemestic/International Passengers since the opening of New Chitose Airport." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

Live Japan. "Sendai International Airport." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

World Guides. "Nagasaki Airport Information: Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

Centre for Aviation. "Fukuoka Airport: rapid international growth driven by LCCs." September 29, 2018.

Anna.aero. "Okinawa Airport is Japan's sixth busiest airport." May 7, 2017.

Kansai-Airports. "Osaka International Airport." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

KOJ Airport. "Flight Information." Retrieved December 30, 2020.

A Guide to Airports Near Washington, D.C.

A Guide to Major Airports in India

A Guide to Airports in the Western United States

A Guide to Airports in the Netherlands

A Guide to Airports in the American Midwest

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

A Guide to Airports in Scandinavia

A Guide to Airports in Italy

Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport Guide

A Guide to Major Airports in Africa

A Guide to Airports in Ireland

Kyoto Guide: Planning Your Trip

A Guide to Airports in Virginia

How to Travel From Barcelona to Bordeaux by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Toronto Pearson International Airport Guide

A Guide to Airports in North Carolina

Important ​ ​Notice

April 18 2024

Congestion of Parking in Haneda Airport

February 1 2024

Operation changes at some facilities and stores at Haneda Airport

March 25 2023

Congestion at Security Screening Terminal 3

March 15 2022

[Important] Please be careful about "fake sites" that pretend to be TIAT DUTY FREE duty-free pre-order sites.

Usage Guide

• Domestic Flight Information
• International Flight Information
• Restaurants
• Duty-free Shops
• List of Services

Enjoy Haneda Airport

• Special Assistance Reservation
• Online Shop

Congestion Information

Rail operation & bus operation, traffic information.

• 京急線 Keikyu Line 게이큐선 京急线 京急線 {{railinfo.keikyu.title}}
• 東京モノレール Tokyo Monorail 도쿄 모노레일 东京单轨电车 東京單軌電車 {{railinfo.monorail.title}}

Bus Operation

Highway Traffic Information

• P1 {{parking.P1.title}} Google Map
• P2 {{parking.P2.title}} Google Map
• P3 {{parking.P3.title}} Google Map
• P4 {{parking.P4.title}} Google Map
• P5 {{parking.P5.title}} Google Map

Notice from the Airport

February 22 2024

Regarding the use of electric suitcases

January 26 2024

Regarding collective use for purposes other than boarding in Haneda Airport Terminal 2

January 24 2024

第1・第2ターミナル内での一般のお客さまの撮影について

Regarding the Use of Electric Suitcases

January 5 2024

Regarding Noto Peninsula Earthquake relief donation in 2024

April 21 2024

Notice of change in business hours of some stores on domestic flights (PDF / 140KB)

Notice of change in business hours of some stores on international flights (PDF / 833KB)

Haneda Airport receives first place in the world in three categories in the 2024 International Airport Assessment conducted by SKYTRAX! (PDF / 642KB)

April 15 2024

"Private work booth" opens in the general area of Terminal 2! (PDF / 642KB)

April 9 2024

Japan-Mongolia Cultural Exchange 50th Anniversary Exhibition "Colors of the Sky Welcome to Mongolia" held at the Sky Gallery on the 6th floor of Haneda Airport Terminal 1! (PDF / 881KB)

• Restaurants & Shops
• Floor Guide

International Air Travel

This page is about international air travel to Japan. See also our other pages about domestic air travel in Japan and discount air tickets for more information.

• Fly outside the peak seasons! Peak seasons include Golden Week (end of April through the beginning of May), the summer holidays (July and August), the New Year holidays, and peak seasons applying to your country of departure. Also, flights on weekends tend to be more expensive than flights during the week.
• Check travel agents, newspapers, travel websites and the airlines' websites for special offers. Many airlines have a "special offers" section on their website.
• If an option, consider using low-cost carriers, such as AirAsia or Jetstar, which are serving Japan from an increasing number of destinations in East Asia and Australia, in particular.
• Direct flights tend to be more expensive than indirect ones that require a transfer along the way.
• If your city has a sizable Japanese community, chances are that a large Japanese travel agency, such as HIS, operates a branch there. Check them out, as they tend to be well informed about offers on flights to Japan and often have access to the lowest fares.
• Consider tour packages . Good packages combine airfare and accommodation at low rates, unavailable to individual consumers. There are tour packages for both individual travelers and those preferring to travel with a guide.
• Use an airline's mileage program, also known as frequent flyer program. In the ideal program 1) collected miles don't expire, 2) miles can also be earned and used on flights of partner airlines, 3) miles can be shared among family members and 4) there are alternative ways to collect miles, e.g. through the use of a credit card.
• Keep domestic transportation in mind when booking your international tickets. An open-jaw ticket with which you enter Japan through one airport and leave through another, can save you from costly backtracking across Japan. Some airlines also offer discount fares on domestic routes if booked in combination with an international flight. Visit our discount air tickets page for more details.

Airlines and airports

Nearly all major airlines and airports offer flights to Japan. The country's own two leading airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), both serve a broad range of international destinations.

Japan's most important international airports are Tokyo 's Narita and Haneda airports, Osaka 's Kansai Airport and Nagoya 's Central Japan Airport .

Japan's next largest international airports are Fukuoka Airport , Sapporo 's New Chitose Airport and Naha Airport in Okinawa . Many other Japanese airports have a small number of international flights, mainly to Korea and China.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

• Itineraries
• Tours and Activities
• Travel Guides
• Best of Japan

JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » International airports in Japan

International airports in Japan

June 15, 2022

Many international travelers consider the flight to be the most confusing and nerve-wracking portion of their trip, from booking flights to navigating customs and airport terminals. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve compiled a list of the most important airports in Japan , complete with access information and abbreviation codes, to help your vacation run a bit more smoothly .

All of Japan’s international airports have a few things in common. Each is located near a big city, giving you ready access to local sights and attractions – especially when you employ the Japan Rail Pass and the local train system. Additionally, all of the airports offer flights to many cities around the world. Some smaller airports offer international flights within Asia, to countries such as Korea and China.

Japan’s most important airports include Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda Airports, Osaka’s Kansai Airport, and Nagoya’s Chubu Airport. Below, discover all you need to know about these and other useful airports.

Tokyo Airports

The greater Tokyo area is home to two large airports – Narita and Haneda . Both airports offer amenities to travelers and boast some of the best on-time departure rates in the world. If you are flying into Tokyo, you may be wondering: which airport should I choose?

Should You Fly Into Narita or Haneda Airport?

Which airport you use will largely depend on where you are flying from . Around half of Japan’s international travelers enter through Narita Airport. Most international airlines offer flights to Narita. If flying from abroad, your carrier will most likely utilize Narita Airport. If you live in a neighboring country or are entering through such a country, you might use Haneda Airport. Some flights from Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seatle are now served by Haneda Airport. It is located closer to Tokyo, and ground transportation is, therefore, faster and cheaper .

Narita International Airport

Narita International Airport (NRT) is the largest international airport in Japan . It is located 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) east of Tokyo.

Access : You can use the JR Narita Express (abbreviated N’EX) to travel between Tokyo and Narita Airport , covered by your JR Pass. Stations served include Tokyo Station, Chiba Station, Yotsukaido Station, and Sakura Station. The N’EX runs every half hour during mornings and evenings, and hourly during midday. The trip takes approximately one hour .

Alternatively, you may take the Narita Line/Sobu Line Rapid Train . One train departs for Tokyo Station per hour, and the journey takes one and a half hours.

Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport (HND) is Japan’s largest domestic airport , located 14 kilometers (8 miles) just south of Tokyo. Haneda is the second largest airport in all of Asia , serving more than 72 million passengers annually.

Access: You may take the Tokyo Monorail between Haneda airport and Tokyo , and it’s included with your Japan Rail Pass. The train runs, on average, every four minutes . The first station, Hamamatsucho Station, can be reached in just 13 minutes. Other stations of the Yamanote Line – Tokyo, Akihabara, Ueno, Shinjuku, and Shibuya Stations – can be reached in 20 to 30 minutes.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is western Japan’s major airport. It is located 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) southwest of Osaka . It’s also the nearest international airport from Kyoto .

Access: You can travel between Kansai International Airport and Osaka using the JR Haruka limited express , which connects to Osaka Station, covererd by Japan Rail Pass. The trip requires 40 to 50 minutes .

Chubu Centrair International Airport

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) serves central Japan . In fact, Chubu means “central Japan,” and its central location is what won the airport its nickname “Centrair.” Chubu Centrair is located 30 km (about 18.5 miles) south of Nagoya .

Access: You may travel between Chubu Airport and Nagoya using the Meitetsu Line μ-SKY limited express . The train ride takes between 45 and 55 minutes.

New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the fifth busiest airport in Japan . It serves the world’s second busiest air route, the Sapporo-Tokyo Haneda route . This route is used by nearly 8 million passengers annually.

Access: The JR New Chitose Airport Station is located on the first basement level (floor B1F) of the domestic terminal building. Trains are available to Sapporo, Abashiri, Asahikawa, Tomokomai, Higashi Muroran, Hakodate, Obihiro, and Kushiro via the Chitose, Hakodate, Sekihoku, Muroran, Sekisho, and Nemuro Lines.

Naha Airport

Naha Airport (OKA) is located on the island of Okinawa . It is Japan’s seventh busiest airport, serving over 17.5 million passengers annually.

Access: Trains arrive and depart from Naha Airport Station between 6 am and 11:30 pm.

Fukuoka Airport

Fukuoka Airport (FUK) , formerly the Itazuke Airbase, is the primary airport for the island of Kyushu . It is the fourth busiest airport in Japan, and also the fourth busiest single runway airport in the world.

Access: The Fukuoka City Subway provides a direct connection to Hakata Station. From there, you can access the JR Sanyo Shinkansen and the JR Kagoshima Main Line.

Japanese airports map

Many of Japan’s smaller domestic airports also offer some international flights to locations such as Seoul, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guam . Included among these are the airports of Shin-Chitose, Asahikawa, Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Sendai, Ibaraki, Niigata, Toyama, Komatsu, Shizuoka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yonago, Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Naha. Using one of these small airports may be convenient if you are already in the area and departing for a neighboring country.

Are you ready to take to the skies? Start planning your next adventure and book your JR Pass today.

Related posts

Related tours & activities.

We are Australians and to arrive at Narita Airport. The JR Rail Pass doesn’t seem to be shipped to Australia. How do we buy the pass at the Airport? and can it be activated immediately for use to get us on the N’EX to Asakusa that day of arrival?

Hi Michele! At websites such as jrailpass.com you can purchase and receive your order in Australia without problems. We would always recommend to purchase the order online to get the best price 😉

Comments are closed.

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Flying to Japan: Best Airports, Airlines, Tickets and Routes

Which is the best airport for Tokyo? Narita or Haneda? What’s the best airline flying to Japan? How can you get the best and cheapest ticket? Here are all the answers.

The Takeaway

• For most travelers, it makes sense to fly in and out of Tokyo.
• Tokyo has two airports: Haneda and Narita.
• If you can, choose Haneda.
• Haneda is closer to Tokyo and nicer all around, but Narita is fine if you cannot get a good Haneda flight.
• If you don’t intend to visit Tokyo, you might consider flying into Kansai.
• The Japanese airlines ANA and JAL offer great service.
• North Americans, Europeans and Australians/Kiwis may save some money by flying via another Asian country, but it’s inconvenient.
• Europeans may save some money by flying via the Middle East, but it’s inconvenient.

Which Airport in Japan Should You Fly To? Narita, Haneda or Kansai?

Most travelers to Japan will fly into Tokyo, which has two airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). These two airports have frequent connections to almost all parts of the world. Kansai (KIX), which serves Kyoto and Osaka, has lots of connections to Asian cities and a few connections to North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. For more on Kansai, see later in this article. To choose between Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, see the following section.

Narita vs Haneda: How to Choose

As mentioned above, Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda and Narita. You may be locked into using one or the other due to your airline of preference. They’re both modern, efficient and pleasant international airports, but if you have the choice, fly into Haneda. Why? Haneda is significantly closer to Tokyo (15km vs 57km). Both are well served by public transport, but Haneda is only 25 minutes by train from Tokyo, while Narita is around an hour. And you can take a regular taxi or taxi van from Haneda to downtown Tokyo for around ¥8500 (US$56), while a cab from Narita will cost around ¥25,000 (US$164).

But the biggest reason to choose Haneda over Narita is this: The Japanese government has been pouring huge amounts of money into Haneda to turn it into Japan’s gateway to the world. The whole airport has been refurbished and it looks and feels new. It’s packed with great restaurants and shops, and there are three hotels right in the airport, including the excellent Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport , which boasts an incredible rooftop spa with baths that offer views of Mt Fuji. I stay there whenever I have an early flight into or out of Tokyo. In contrast, Narita has no true hotels inside the airport, so you’re always taking shuttle buses or taxis.

All that said, if your airline of choice only flies to Narita, it’s no big deal. It’s only an hour from the city on the comfortable Narita Express train and it’s a fine airport in its own right.

For more information, see Arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport and Arriving at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport .

Should You Fly into Kansai?

While several other airports in Japan offer flights to/from nearby Asian countries, the only other major Japanese airport of interest to Western travelers is Kansai, which serves Osaka and Kyoto. Here are the Western cities with flights to Kansai:

• San Francisco (United)
• Los Angeles (JAL)
• Honolulu (JAL, ANA, Hawaiian)
• Vancouver (April to October, Air Canada)
• Brisbane (Jetstar)
• Cairns (Jetstar)
• Helsinki (Finnair)
• Amsterdam (KLM)
• Paris (Air France)
• Munich (Lufthansa)
• Istanbul (Turkish)

If you do not want to visit Tokyo and instead want to focus on Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara etc) and points west, then flying into Kansai is a fine idea. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by direct express train to travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto.

For more information, see Arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) .

To find the best deals on flights into Kansai, click here .

Should You Buy an Open-Jaw Ticket?

Some travelers consider buying a so-called “open-jaw” ticket to Japan. Such tickets allow you to fly into one city and out of another. So, you might fly into Tokyo and out of Kansai. Given that the shinkansen from Kyoto back to Tokyo only takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, it’s really not worth the hassle of buying an open-jaw ticket. For most travelers, a traditional round-trip ticket in and out of the same city is the way to go.

Which Airline Should You Choose?

Most travelers will be able to choose between their own country’s flagship airlines and Japan’s two main international airlines: All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL). You won’t be surprised to hear that service aboard ANA and JAL is usually excellent. Also note that Japanese flyers tend to prefer ANA and JAL over airlines, so if that matters to you, keep it in mind. Here are a few country-by-country notes:

United States to Japan

There are flights from the major east and west coast cities to Japan, as well as a few other cities like Chicago, Dallas and Honolulu. You’ll be able to choose from ANA, JAL, United, American and Delta, as well as Japan Airlines’ new low-cost carrier called Zipair, which offers economy and business roundtrip fares for as low as US$500/$1800. Zipair is your cheapest option for a lay-flat seat across the Pacific. Also note that Air Canada offers good flights to Japan and this can be a good option for some Americans. Finally, if you’re on a tight budget, you can sometimes save a fair bit of money by flying to Japan from the States via South Korea or China.

Find the best US-Japan fares .

Canada to Japan

There are direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver to Japan. You’ll be able to choose between ANA, JAL and Air Canada. WestJet offers Calgary-Narita flights from April to October three times a week, and you can often get great deals on premium economy and business seats on these flights.

Find the best Canada-Japan fares .

From Australia, you’ll be able to choose between JAL, ANA, Qantas and JetStar. You’ll usually get the cheapest fares on JetStar. You can also find deals by flying via other Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and China.

Find the best Australia-Japan fares .

Most western European flagship carriers offer flights to Tokyo, and a few offer flights to Kansai (see the earlier section on Kansai). You can save a fair bit of money by flying via the Middle East to Japan, with Emirates often offering the best rates. You can also save money by flying via other Asian countries like Thailand and China.

Find the best Europe-Japan fares .

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan

Japanese customs: mysos replaced from november, 14,  2022.

During the Covid pandemic, entry procedures in Japan have changed a lot, which created some confusion. It is still somewhat the case after the reopening to tourism since October 11, even if a focus has been placed on easing the procedures especially through digitalization , to minimize human interactions and subsequent contamination risks.

Until recently, the Japanese government asked visitors to install specific app on their smartphones:

• MySOS, for advance registration of information regarding vaccine status / PCR test, for faster airport procedures in Japan (the "fast track" system)
• COCOA, an app to track contact-cases and infected persons, but it was discontinued in September 2022.

MySOS was not mandatory but highly recommended . Travelers who could not use the app were directed upon their arrival in Japan to a specific line in order to complete the necessary steps (showing a valid vaccination certificate / PCR test, etc.) which lengthened their time at the airport.

New website available since November 1st, 2022

In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included : every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site.

Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:

• Covid-19   🦠 ( quarantine , vaccination certificate, PCR test); The Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures section collects the information that were previously filled in the MySOS app ("Fast Track" function);
• Immigration : the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner that was formerly handed in the plane  ✈️ just before landing (does not concern Japanese citizens and foreign permanent residents);
• Customs  🛂 , with the Declaration of Personal effects and Unaccompanied Articles , to fill upon arrival, formerly either on a paper form or on the Japanese government’s Zeikan shinkoku app (税関申告アプリ).

In the facts, registering on the website has been possible since November 1, 2022 , for any arrival in Japan from November 14 in one of its largest airports:

• Tokyo -Narita,
• Tokyo-Haneda,
• Osaka - Kansai (KIX),
• Chubu ( Nagoya ),
• Fukuoka ( Kyushu ),
• New Chitose ( Hokkaido ) and
• Naha ( Okinawa ).

Travelers arriving in Japan before November 14, 2022, can still use the MySoS app to fill their Covid related data and are not the target of the Visit Japan Web.

1 blue screen and 2 QR Codes to show on a smartphone

Like with MySOS previously, each step of the registration process is ended by a change in the page display that includes:

• A blue screen , for a successful quarantine procedure registration,
• and the creation of 2 QR Codes for customs and immigration procedures.

Once all the steps are completed, a visitor’s smartphone  📱 will display first a blue screen, then 2 QR Codes to show at each checkpoint.

Starting April 29, 2023 , according to March 10 and April 26 latest announcements of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, some of the borders restrictions will be lifted and the Covid-19 quarantine procedure (blue screen) will not be required anymore .

It is highly recommended to register before departing for Japan : at the latest 6h prior to the flight’s departure, and ideally within the 10 preceding days , in order to allow time for the review of the submitted documents. Reviews are sorted by date of arrival in Japan . Visit Japan Web is available in English.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, consider using Visit Japan Web to make sure to board your flight to Japan, as airlines reserve the right to refuse passengers who may potentially be banned at the Quarantine Procedures step.

The necessary documents are:

• A valid email address (will be used as a user ID to each access to Visit Japan Web);
• Until April 29, 2023 , Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure and translated in English (use the Japanese-English form provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health here );
• An address in Japan (for example, of the first accommodation you will be staying at).

If traveling with underage children , it is possible to register them on the same Visit Japan Web account (up to 10 travelers). Dependent or handicapped adults who cannot go through the procedures alone can also be registered in the Family members traveling with you section. However, each of them has to have their own passport or equivalent immigration document.

Each member of the family registered on the same account will also have their blue screen and 2 QR Codes, to show at checkpoints at the arrival airport in Japan.

Like with MySOS, registering with Visit Japan Web is not mandatory , however it helps going through the entry procedures in Japan faster, and reduces the hurdles of tedious formalities after 12 hours of more spent in a plane.

On April 5, 2023, Kono Taro, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that travelers are no longer required to show any document at arrival airport’s quarantine in Japan . However, filling information forms for immigration and customs is still a requirement.

Additional tips and advice

An Internet  📶 connection is required to use the Visit Japan Web site, especially to create the account, fill in the user’s information, and their family’s when applicable (name, passport number, etc.), the forms regarding vaccination or PCR test and create the first QR Code. The digital Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and custom procedures can be completed offline and the QR codes created upon arrival at the airport.

Creating a Visit Japan Web account is possible on a computer (Chrome browser is recommended) or on a smartphone (Chrome browser recommended on Android). In any case, before departure, make sure to be logged in only on the device you will use to travel (a smartphone ideally), and check that all information is up-to-date.

Questions asked at immigration and customs procedures are the same than on the paper forms. In any event, official Japanese sources (the Embassy of Japan or the Border Control page of the Japanese Ministry of Health for example) are the ultimate references regarding entry procedures in Japan and should be checked frequently.

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From April 29 to 5 May -- Japanese Golden Week
• May 12 -- Mother's Day in Japan
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
• July 1 -- Season start for climbing Mount Fuji
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

Japan travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Japan travel in 2024 with official Japan travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Since travel restrictions can vary by citizenship, we will be focusing our post on rules that affect U.S. citizens.

Last update: April 6, 2024. Originally published: July 2022.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

*  Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist  *

April 2024: “Tourism is really popular in Japan these days, and crowds can be difficult to avoid. T here are no more travel restrictions for Japan, so it’s a much simpler arrival process than last year. However, we still highly recommend filling out the Immigration and Customs form online for quicker arrival (see instructions below).  We showed our passports and QR code at immigration and customs, did fingerprints, and had no questions asked. Wifi in both Tokyo airports can be frustratingly slow, so it’s important to screenshot/download the QR code before departure so you can access it offline. Just as it was pre-Covid, there is a percentage of Japanese people who wear masks out and about in public.” – Michelle & Jedd, Intentional Travelers

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Japan so you can get a sense of what it’s really like.

Table of Contents

Is Japan open for travel? Can I travel to Japan right now?

As of October 2022 , Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers. Visa-free travel for selected countries, including the US, has been resumed.

Tourists with U.S. passports can stay in Japan visa-free for up to three months. Find details and rules for entering Japan from other countries here . 

Japan travel restrictions have been eased but travelers are asked to follow guidelines with regard to masks, social distancing, dining etiquette, and more.

As of April 2023 , a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test are no longer required for all travelers arriving in Japan.

To facilitate the arrival process, it’s highly recommended to submit your information online through Visit Japan Web before travel.

Steps for Traveling to Japan: What to Know (2024)

For a smoother arrival, travelers to Japan can pre-register for airport Immigration and Customs   to receive the QR codes used for “Fast Track” at major airports across Japan.

We completed the Japan entry process in late March 2023 and again in early April 2024. It was admittedly a bit confusing, so I thought I’d share our experience and tips, as the process is still the same (apart from step 2).

1. Register at Visit Japan Web  

While the Fast Track/Quarantine procedures are no longer mandatory to complete in advance, I was glad I followed advice to pre-register through the Visit Japan Web site. 

The latest they say you can register is at least 6 hours ahead of your flight to Japan .

2. Submit your Covid documents in advance – NO LONGER REQUIRED

3. Register for immigration QR code

Returning to the main registration dashboard on the website, select the next module “Disembarkation Card for Foreginer,” which says it’s required for landing in Japan.

Some details pre-populated from from my profile. I selected Tourism for purpose of visit. Then there are three ways to report length of stay: year, month, day; as well as a few questions about any criminal background in Japan.

Once completed, a button “Display QR code” appears below the appropriate section.

Take a screenshot of the Immigration QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a yellow line above it.

If you don’t have the QR code , there are immigration cards available to fill out at standing desks located before entering the lines. Some people got all the way up to the immigration agent and were asked to step aside to fill out a card, which are also available next to each immigration stall.

The immigration line at Narita moved steadily but took about 25 minutes since several flights had arrived at once.

When I showed the QR code, the immigration officer simply took a headshot picture and fingerprint scans, then stuck a “landing permission” stamp in my passport for 90 days. No questions asked.

4. Register for Customs QR code

Returning again to the main dashboard, finally select “Preparation for customs declaration.” This registration allows travelers to go through an electronic declaration gate, which wasn’t super clear once we were at the airport.

I entered my flight origination (Hanoi) and number of family members with me (1). Then there’s the usual customs questions – type of goods, prohibited items, monetary funds, alcohol, cigarettes, souvenirs over 200,000y.

Again, take a screenshot of the Customs QR code and save it to your phone . It will have a blue line above it.

At Narita, the customs line for QR codes are labeled “electronic declaration” in blue. There are also kiosks that allow QR code, card, and duty free, as well as those that are for physical customs card only. The lines weren’t too long so it didn’t matter much which line we chose.

The customs officer had us scan our QR code and we could see our entered data displayed on an over-sized tablet-like device at the desk. No questions asked, we proceeded to exit the airport.

5. Sign up for travel insurance

It’s recommended to obtain insurance to cover medical costs related to COVID-19 in Japan. For travel insurance that covers Covid, we use Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing.

Quarantine rules in Japan: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Japan, provided that they are not suspected of having Covid-19. See details here . 

Residents report that quarantine rules for testing positive may no longer be enforced anymore.

Previously, foreign tourists who tested positive for Covid while in Japan had to contact a local consultation center . A 7-10 days quarantine at a government-designated accommodation facility was required with all costs covered by the visitor.

The quarantine period could end within 7-10 days depending on the symptoms and/or negative COVID-19 test result. See details here .

Can I travel to Japan in April? Can I travel to Japan this Spring?

Travel to Japan in April is open . See details above and check back for updates.

Is it safe to fly to NRT Narita or HND Haneda International Airport ? Health screenings and body temperature checks are no longer in place at the airport. Wearing of masks is no longer required on flights or in the airports, though masking is still widely practiced.

Stringent cleaning and seating limits are implemented.

What is it like to fly to Japan right now? All Nippon Airways reports that masks are now optional. Additional procedures are in place at Immigration – please see details above.

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Japan? No . See quarantine details above.

Does Japan check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screening procedures such as temperature checks and simple symptom questionnaires are typically not in place at ports of entry anymore.

Does Japan require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? A negative test is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Does Japan require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? A proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required to enter Japan as of April 2023.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. A negative Covid test, quarantine, or proof of vaccination are no longer required to enter Japan.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Japan? No. A booster shot is no longer required to enter Japan.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers? PCR and/or antigen tests are available for travelers in Japan. Travelers should contact the local consultation center  to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here .

Test results are available within 24 to 72 hours but many labs can return results in a matter of hours. PCR test costs vary from ¥2,500 to ¥16,500.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Japan who get the virus? Japan hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors are required to secure a medical insurance which that will cover medical costs in case they contract COVID-19 in Japan.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Japan ?  Businesses and restaurants in Japan are open. Some businesses may require their own mask rules or capacity limits.

What public gatherings are allowed in Japan? Public gatherings are allowed in Japan subject to safety guidelines.

Are face masks required in Japan? As of March 2023, wearing of face masks in Japan is recommended but no longer required. 

Face masks are almost universally worn in public, especially in urban areas, indoors and on public transportation. The Consulate website states that failure to adhere to mask-wearing norms reflects poorly on foreign visitors.

Are buses running in Japan? Trains, buses and taxis are running as usual in Japan.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Japan?

Japan managed impressively well compared to most countries in the early days of the pandemic. Although Japan has been previously in a State of Emergency, the lockdowns were less disruptive on Japanese daily life.

However, Japan’s inbound tourism business lay dormant for years. Japan finally began easing restrictions in 2022 and reopened to travelers in June with strict entry requirements. 

Japan finally eased entry requirements for travelers in October 2022 making it easier for travelers to visit the country. Visa-free travel has also been resumed for select countries.

Vaccination in Japan started later than some other countries. Around 80% of the population has been vaccinated and 64% had received a booster shot.

Tourism is now back with record numbers of visitors, however, staffing shortages have not fully recovered.

For the current situation in Japan, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Japan; and COVID-19 testing in Japan, please see the Japan Ministry of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Japan?

😷 Face Masks -Face coverings are recommended and widely used in public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Japan locals and recent travelers say about visiting Japan now?

What is it like to visit Japan right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

January 2024 – Brandon of Zimminaroundtheworld , expat living in Japan: “Japan is seeing an increase in tourism now that the country is open to visitors. Many visitors are traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto but some towns and cities like Nikko, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Naha are also seeing rises in tourism. 

Currently there are no travel restrictions within Japan unless it is due to environmental catastrophes like the earthquake that occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture recently. Access to healthcare in Japan is easily available and affordable. Although foreigners can sometimes pay up to 200% more for healthcare it is still cheap.

Many attractions and famous sites around Japan especially in Kyoto and Tokyo are crowded with lines that are longer then expected. In general, restaurants in Japan are smaller and can only able to accommodate up to ten people or fewer and the space can feel cramped. Like anywhere else, keep an open mind and be flexible and there will be no problems while traveling around Japan.”

September 2023 – Jackie Szeto of Life of Doing , American traveler: “My husband and I traveled to Tokyo and Nikko, Japan for vacation in September 2023. Expect large crowds at major attractions, restaurants, and trains in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Visiting other destinations such as Nikko is a nice change of pace with fewer crowds, especially on the weekdays. 

It’s recommended to complete the Immigration and Customs declaration on the Visit Japan Web to expedite arrival, but it’s not required. When landing at international airports, the QR codes for Immigration and Customs are still accepted. Otherwise, all COVID protocols have been dropped in the cities. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is still provided at entrances of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Some people still wear masks in crowded areas and on trains, but most go mask-free.”

May 2023 – Sophie Pham of Delightful Travel Notes , traveler: “My husband and I were traveling in Japan for 11 days from May 11-21, 2023 for our vacation. I found that Japan had already welcomed visitors with open arms, free of earlier restrictions. The return of both domestic travelers and international tourists created a lively atmosphere, and crowds could be seen in a lot of places.

In May, it took us 45 minutes to clear immigration at Kansai International Airport after landing at around 7:45am.

All attractions and food venues were fully open, with no social distancing measures or mandatory mask rules, although some restaurant servers, locals, and taxi drivers still chose to wear masks. Some famous restaurants had long lines again, and popular attractions like Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Senso-ji-ji could get crowded during the day. If there’s a particular popular restaurant you want to try, it may be best to make your dinner reservation in advance, especially for weekend. Overall, everything is lively again and we had a great time.”

March 2023 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, American visitor: “We enjoyed a two day layover in Japan. The online procedures and QR codes were a bit confusing but I highly recommended doing them in advance of travel to make your arrival smoother.”

February 2023 – Joel, US traveler: “For the most part the Japanese are wearing masks. I’d say mask wearing is at about 99%. Despite the crowds in the city and packed trains and subways, it honestly feels way safer than generally any place in America where mask wearing is far from the majority. ANA enforces a mask wearing requirement whereas United is pretty much a free for all.

One key thing that is good to know is at the ticketing counter they need to know your return flight info when initially checking in. We had all the other Japan travel docs as far as the gov mandated requirements but this one kinda caught us off guard. The immigration line may seem staggering but it moves. ” 

January 2023 – Lizzie of Wanderlust & Life , UK traveler: “I flew to Tokyo in January 2023 for 3 days as part of a stopover between Australia and the UK. For us it felt like the country is so happy to welcome tourists again. We were slightly worried about visiting or entry restrictions changing last minute but the airline kept us up to date and apart from filling out a lot of forms on arrival it felt quite normal being there. 

As Japan only opened recently there weren’t as many tourists as we were expecting which was a plus really. We were made to feel so welcome in the country.

Masks are mandatory indoors and everyone seemed to be following this. The vast majority of people were also wearing masks outdoors too. Sanitiser is readily available in restaurants and tourist attractions. We didn’t encounter any contact tracing or even requests to show covid passes. The only frustration we had was that we flew JAL and we had to wear masks our whole flight which was about 14 hours in one go and this was enforced by cabin crew.”

November 2022 – Darryl H., New Zealand traveler:  “My visit to Japan involved a return to the sort of measures that, in my home country of New Zealand, had been abandoned some time ago. The first action on arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, with my mask firmly in place, was to allow officials to check and confirm I had complied with mandatory online registration of evidence of my vaccination status. Once this had been done, the arrivals process was pretty much standard.

During my 10-day stay, I experienced no restrictions on my movements or activities. The differences were in the roles of masks, sanitiser and – in some instances – distancing. The wearing of masks indoors and on public transport is close to one hundred percent, whether or not they are demanded. Outdoors, in most situations, they appear to be worn by at least 98 percent of people, although in some areas later in the evening there is an obvious relaxation in standards – especially among younger people. While most tourists appear happy to comply with the standards followed by locals, the proportion of non-mask use by non-Japanese is clearly larger than by Japanese. At no stage did I see any visitor reproached for this.

There is sanitiser on hand (pun intended) everywhere. It is probably accessed by about a third of people. There are many locals who are fastidious about sanitising.

While I observed no enforced distancing on public transport or in the street, it is definitely in place in cafes and other eateries. Most places I visited had plastic partitioning between patrons, and crosses to discourage the use of every second seat. Groups or couples are, of course, welcome to sit together.

The buffet breakfast in my hotel illustrates all three of the above differences. When I arrived at breakfast each morning, masked of course, the attendant ensured that I first sanitised my hands and then put on plastic gloves. Only then could I approach the serving implements and food. I would then sit on one of two seats (the second having a cross on it), both of which were partitioned off from the next pair of seats. Seats with another seat opposite were separated by another plastic partition. If I wanted to return to the buffet for more food, I first had to remask and re-glove. Once I forgot the gloves, and was politely turned back before I could touch the serving implements.

It is not uncommon for Japanese hospitality venues to give high priority to cleanliness, but there seems to be super-high priority now. Where in New Zealand I might expect a quick wipe over of a table between customers, in Tokyo it now appears to be a thorough and sometimes deep clean.

The precautions in no way reduced my pleasure in revisiting Tokyo. And they increased at least my perception of being protected.”

September 2022 – Jackson, American visitor: “Traveling to Japan reminded me of the COVID situation in Hawaii a year ago. People go about their day with a medical mask. Every store front has hand sanitizers and thermo cameras. COIVD testing and vaccination clinics are common place. Despite these COVID precautions, Japanese residents and businesses continue to welcome visitors with refreshing grace and hospitality. Japan’s  omotenashi , beautiful scenery, and extraordinary delicacies are worth exploring and appreciating, but can tempt visitors into overlooking the uncertainty that underlines Japan. I hope visitors will take the time to learn about the challenges of the Japanese people and reciprocate Japan’s hospitality with a gracious thank you.”

Aug 21 2022 – Y., American Japanese dual citizen: “ I returned from visiting family in Japan two days ago. Travel is still tough. The plane was empty – only 20 passengers on a big airplane. My pre-travel Covid test was 10 minutes earlier than the required 72 hours so I was turned away at the airport. I scrambled to find a last minute PCR test with rapid results and rush back to the airport.”

August 2022 – Christine, American visitor: “Japan isn’t currently open to tourists. I was there for a school conference, and had to get a conference visa. One has to get a visa for Japan in advance and you can only get one with an EFRS form filled out from someone in Japan.

I had to have a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure time. There’s eased quarantine procedures, which depend on the countries you’ve been to in the previous 2 weeks. And you have to have the MySOS app on your phone because they might check up on you. It also expedites your entry because you can upload all the necessary forms/COVID test/questionnaire ahead of time.

Everyone wears a mask everywhere, and they’re available for cheap at convenience stores. Because I was on a university’s campus most of the time, I had to report my temperature and if I was having any symptoms to the University every day.”

July 2022 – Brandon of https://zimminaroundtheworld.com , Expat in Japan: “Currently Japan is only doing guided tours for international tourism. Travel entry for normal tourism is not an option at the moment. I recently took a trip around central Japan and visited a variety of cities and saw hardly any tourists. It’s nice to get great photos of popular attractions without crowds of people in the photos. But at the same time, it is taking a toll on the economy. I’ve seen shops and restaurants struggle to survive here and locals begging for tourism to come back.

Masks have been worn in Japan even before Covid. To this day, the majority of the population wears masks and obeys the rules, this includes both foreigners and locals. I wear a mask when leaving my apartment and only take it off when social distancing can be achieved or while eating at a restaurant. The positive aspect about Covid is that there are no long lines to enter attractions or eating establishments. I feel public transportation is safe here as the Japanese are very good and sanitizing everything.”

Planning a trip to Japan?

Check out our other Japan travel resources: – Great Things To Do Around Iwakuni, Japan

If you have questions or updates about travel to Japan during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

~ Pin this post for later or share with friends ~

Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

Similar Posts

What to Do in Huế, Vietnam on a Budget

Huế can be a great stop for travelers on a central Vietnam itinerary. In this post, we’ll cover the best things to do in Hue, where to stay, and what to eat on a budget. Visiting Hue, Vietnam Once the national capitol and home to the royal Nguyen family, much of the Imperial City was…

Best Food in Hoi An: Our Favorite Hoi An Restaurants

If you’re wondering where to eat in Hoi An, allow us to point you to the best food and the best restaurants in Hoi An, Vietnam. With so many affordable food options in Vietnam, we’ve had the opportunity to eat out nearly every day for lunch and dinner. Since we’ve stayed in Hoi An for…

How to Use Apple AirTags For Tracking Luggage When Traveling

With growing concerns over lost luggage and delays at airports, we decided it was time to try Apple AirTags as a luggage locator or tracking device on our trips. In this Apple AirTag review for travel, we go over our personal experience with Apple AirTag luggage tracking on various flights. We also share important things…

How to Choose an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Visiting elephants is often at the top of travelers’ lists when visiting Southeast Asia. Elephant tourism has the potential to promote a greater appreciation for these giant creatures and influence their preservation. Unfortunately, not all elephant tours are created equal. Why the Cool Kids Are No Longer Riding Elephants With the high demand for elephant…

The Complete Guide for Where to Stay in Hoi An Vietnam (2024)

Many first time visitors wonder where to stay in Hoi An, Vietnam. The accommodation options are countless. And a wise choice of hotel or homestay can greatly enhance your trip to Hoi An. Here’s a real example: Some friends of ours booked their first stay in Hoi An at a house near the beach. They…

Simple Methods for Language Learning

This is a guest post by Karen Bortvedt. Karen is a long-term volunteer with Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Cambodia. You can learn more about her daily life and work on her blog. KISS Learning a new language, especially one with a completely different alphabet, involves a whole lot of closely watching someone’s mouth … and then…

Hi Great article ! I noticed you have been vaccinated once with JJ (same here) . You mentioned the requirements for boosters but it sounds like you haven’t had a booster? I tried to sort through the link page but couldn’t find any further info. So my question is I’m planning to travel after May 8th with 1 JJ vaccination, I’m Canadian, but will be coming from Indonesia. Thanks for any insight you might have

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. While we had the single JJ vaccination, we also had boosters. I mentioned it because the Japan entry form allows you to essentially count JJ as two shots out of the three that are required. In other words, at least one booster is currently required for entry to Japan. That said, vaccine documentation will no longer be required after May 8 so you shouldn’t have to worry about it.

I am travelling to the US from Australia via Japan in September. I fly with JAL, from Melbourne (MEL) arriving at Haneda International Airport (HND), but need to fly out of Narita International Airport (NRT) to New York (JFK).

I would like to know if I will be allowed to travel, via Japan, in September.

Australia is in Blue Category and I have had 3rd dose of Covid vaccination.

I look forward to your reply soon.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say what will be possible in September, as we do expect the rules to change over time. Currently, foreign travelers are limited to package tours and may not use public transit. To find out if any exceptions can be made for transit between airports, you can try the Japan visitor hotline .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine
• Arts & Cultures
• Nature & Outdoor
• Festivals & Events
• Insider Blog
• Things to do
• Local Guides
• Food & drink
• Traditional
• Hokuriku Shinetsu

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

For Travelers Process Map and Checklist

All information here is gathered from the relevant authorities. Due to the regularly changing situation, it is essential for you to always check and follow the latest guidance.

Last updated: Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

Get ready for your dream trip to Japan! Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions! Those who enter Japan on or after April 29th 2023 are not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a Covid-19 negative test certificate.

Process Map 　-From April 29th 2023-

Checklist for Travelers

Before Departure

At the arrival airport in japan, after arrival, returning home, did this information help you.

out of found this information helpful.

Thank you for your feedback.

Other useful information.

• For Travelers

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

This page uses Javascript. Please enable Javascript in your browser.

Skip to Content

• Export / Import
• Enforcement
• Trade Statistics
• Customs Answer(FAQ)

The Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates) are available at 7 International Airports

The electronic customs declaration gates (e-gates) are available at seven international airports..

New Chitose Airport Narita International Airport（except Terminal 3） Haneda Airport（except Terminal 2） Chubu Centrair International Airport Kansai International Airport Fukuoka Airport Naha Airport

　At Haneda Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and Naha Airport, passengers are able to make customs declarations electronically by using an electronic declaration terminal during the waiting times for checked baggage. After picking up checked baggage, passengers may simply walk through the e-Gate for customs clearance without stopping or waiting.

* Even when passengers declare electrically, their baggage may be inspected by Customs officers.

　The e-Gate aims to facilitate the smooth entry of ever-increasing inbound passengers, shorten their waiting times, and reduce congestion at the customs inspection area.

1. Visit Japan Web

　Please login to the “Visit Japan Web” from the 2D code below, and follow the instructions to complete the entry of your declaration information. 　After that, a 2D code including your declaration information will be created.

       https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/

For more details about Visit Japan Web, please see the Digital Agency website .

＊Due to the unification of 2D codes for immigration and customs declarations on Visit Japan Web on January 25th, 2024, 2D codes created by the Customs Declaration App can no longer be effective since that date. Therefore, please use Visit Japan Web when making electronic declarations at customs.

2. Electronic Declaration Terminal

3.Electronic Declaration Gate

　After completing customs declaration procedures at the terminal and proceeding to the electronic declaration gate, passengers may pass through the gate smoothly, while face photos are taken once again for the purposes of facial recognition. * Even when passengers declare electrically, their baggage may be inspected by Customs officers. *The face photos are used only for the purposes of facial recognition at the gate, and deleted immediately after passengers pass through the gate.

• It is necessary to have an IC passport for the e-Gate.
• All passenger, including family or any group members, must complete the procedures at the terminal, one by one.
• For the convenience of the system, a child less than 100 cm tall is able to pass through the gate with a family member.
• Face photos are taken for the purposes of identification at the terminal and facial recognition at the gate, and therefore passengers are asked to take off masks, sunglasses, or any item covering face.
• After completing to customs entry procedures at the terminal, passengers may be asked to go to the customs inspection desk for additional procedures, for example, in cases of personal effects beyond the duty-free allowance or unaccompanied articles.
• It is recommended to face forward and walk slowly at the gate.
• Passengers are able to pass through the gate with carts.
• A wheelchair-user can pass through the gate on the wheelchair.

• 【日本語】スムーズで快適な旅を～税関検査場電子申告ゲート～
• 【简体中文】开启顺畅舒适的旅行-海关电子申报通道-
• 【繁體中文】順暢舒適的旅行-海關電子申報通道-
• 【한국어】여러분의 편안하고 쾌적한 여행을 지원합니다-세관전자신고 게이트-

• Organization
• Central Customs Laboratory
• Customs Trainig Institute
• Regional Customs
• Jurisdiction and Location

Laws,Policy

• Related Laws
• Outline of Amendment

Procedure and Form

• Customs Procedure
• Customs Form

Other Information

Pr activities of the customs.

Japan Customs X guide line

Top of Page

• Privacy Policy

Copyright(C) Ministry of Finance Japan

• Japan Tourism
• Japan Hotels
• Japan Bed and Breakfast
• Japan Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Japan
• Japan Restaurants
• Things to Do in Japan
• Japan Travel Forum
• Japan Photos
• All Japan Hotels
• Japan Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Japan
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Hiroshima to Tokyo Haneda Airport - Japan Forum

• Asia    
• Japan    

Hiroshima to Tokyo Haneda Airport

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Asia forums
• Japan forum

3 replies to this topic

https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/ works for train planning.

• Fukuoka wisteria guide 2024 4:43 am
• Starbucks 'Been There' mugs 4:34 am
• from Utoro to Rausu and return 4:31 am
• JR train schedule Asahikawa to Engaru return 4:29 am
• Parking near Moyuk Sapporo 4:21 am
• Yufuin daytrip December - how many hours? 4:21 am
• Kiyomizu-dera - Morning or afternoon? 4:07 am
• Travel from Narita airport to Kyoto 4:06 am
• Where to stay for the last night in Tokyo? 4:02 am
• Restaurants for family with kids 3:55 am
• Transiting through Tokyo on 17 May - sanja matsuri 3:41 am
• IC card from Fukuoka 3:36 am
• FUK International terminal airport lounges 3:23 am
• Sapporo 1 day subway pass 3:15 am
• 'semi double' rooms 5 replies
• Pocket WiFi Rental Experience? 315 replies
• kyoto-takayama JR or Lmtd express??? 6 replies
• Best Japan travel guide book? 29 replies
• Best/cheapest time of year to visit?? 3 replies
• Radiation danger in Tokyo? 37 replies
• Best Skiing in Japan? And When? 3 replies
• Japan in 10 days 3 replies
• How far is Nara from Kyoto 8 replies
• how to get to Hokkaido from Tokyo? confused..pls HELP. 5 replies
• 2024 public holiday chart in East Asian countries
• Where can I find more onsen in Japan?
• Driving Information
• Catholic mass in English and other languages
• How can we access tourist attraction from cruise port?
• Pocket WiFi Rental Experience?
• Halal Information
• Tokyo trip report here

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan — Tested and Compared

eSIMs are perfect for traveling. Worrying about SIM trays or losing tiny SIMs between the sofa cushions is finally a thing of the past! What’s more, the Japan eSIM market has exploded, with a wide range of offerings from both domestic and international players. To help you choose the best eSIM for your trip, we tried out all the eSIMs that we could get our hands on.

You can get an eSIM with a real Japanese phone number, even if you're just visiting. The voice + data eSIM from Mobal starts at [price amount=4620] for 30 days. Bonus -- the bulk of profits go to charity. -->

Japan eSIMs tested and compared

First, here’s a summary of what we found when we tested the eSIMs: If you’re curious, here’s how we tested the Japan eSIMs .

What exactly is an eSIM?

It’s a virtual SIM that you can download and install onto your phone directly, so no more fiddly physical SIM cards. Most phones released since 2019 have the option to use an eSIM, with Apple’s US iPhone 14 and 15 being eSIM only. eSIMs are convenient when you want to change your carrier, such as when abroad, as you can connect to a new provider in seconds without removing your existing physical SIM card.

Japan eSIMs for tourists and short-term visitors

Here’s a quick overview of some of the Japan eSIM options for your trip. This is not an exhaustive list; just an introduction to some of the main players in the market.

eSIM Japan: Affordable, reliable and easy

eSIM Japan offers economical data-only plans for visitors to Japan. Their plans come in two varieties: a general Japan plan, and city-specific plans for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and more. They are all the same price, and for all intents and purposes are the same as the general plans. However, all plans work throughout Japan.

When we ordered the 2GB/day Japan Unlimited Pro eSIM, a QR code landed in our inbox immediately, so you can even decide to pick one up while waiting to pick up your luggage at the airport. The time from purchase to use took less than 15 minutes.

The plan begins as soon as you scan the code and install the eSIM. Plans have a set time limit (3, 5, 7, 12, 15, or even 90 days) and a data limit (3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or unlimited), so you can choose a plan that works for the length of your trip. Plan prices vary based on length, from US$ 3.99 for a basic 3-day plan, to US$ 26.99 for an unlimited 12-day plan.

eSIM Japan is provided by China Mobile Hong Kong, but roams to Japan’s KDDI au and SoftBank networks (you’ll need to enable roaming to use it). Despite the roaming, it was fairly fast, with a download speed of 38.27Mbps on average. Webpages loaded in a flash, and both video calling and streaming were smooth, with no lags.

Note: If you are in Hong Kong or Taiwan, you’ll need to use real-name registration. Otherwise, no signup is required.

Mobal eSIMs: Best for emergencies and heavy data users

Popular local provider Mobal recently launched a line of eSIMs for Japan. They sell seven different data-only eSIMs, ranging from a basic 1GB, 8-day eSIM for ¥ 1,920 , all the way up to a hefty 100GB, 31-day eSIM for ¥ 8,000 . They also have a voice and data SIM.

Mobal uses the major Japanese network Docomo, which means that you won’t be roaming. It’s 4G LTE and coverage is countrywide. For activation of the data SIMs, it takes about 15 minutes. We received an email with a link to their service website after 5 minutes. This led us to a page where we waited for our eSIM QR code to be ready for another 10 minutes.

In terms of performance, Mobal is about middle of the pack, at an average of 24.76Mbps. Websites loaded quickly, and video calling was fairly smooth. Overall, it’s a solid, reliable eSIM.

Mobal voice + data eSIM for Japan

There is also a voice + data eSIM , which has an initial fee of ¥ 2,970 . When you activate your eSIM, you’ll need to choose a monthly plan, ranging from 1GB/month for ¥ 1,650 , to 30GB/month for ¥ 4,378 . There is no minimum contract period, and there are no cancellation fees, making it a viable choice for both travellers and residents alike. You get a real Japanese phone number with this eSIM. We tested out the 7GB plan.

Note: Due to regulations in Japan, the voice + data eSIM cannot be emailed to customers; your access code will need to be posted to your residence overseas, or otherwise picked up in person in Japan. You need to apply in advance, upload an ID document and wait for a delivery. Once you get your package in the mail, you need to activate your Mobal eSIM on the Mobal website. You’ll enter a 32-digit EID, then wait for Mobal to activate your eSIM and provision your new Japanese phone number. Technical support is available via email and a web form, though most questions can usually be solved by having a peek at Mobal’s FAQs page.

Airalo: Good performance from a trusted brand

Special offer: Order through our link and get 10% off. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

If you’re in the market for speed, Airalo isn’t going to play games with you. Airalo eSIMs roam on SoftBank, one of Japan’s major carriers, offering dependable data on the go. Their Moshi Moshi eSIM line of eSIMs has 7, 15, and 30-day packages. The 7-day package is the bare minimum, with only 1GB of data for US$ 4.50 . The 15-day plan offers 2GB, and at the upper end, the 30-day plans come in 3, 5, 10, and 20GB increments. For those of you who burn through your data, that 20GB package will set you back US$ 26.00 .

Getting the Airalo eSIM took no time at all. We signed up for the 2GB/15-day Moshi Moshi eSIM, and after paying, we were immediately taken to a page with our eSIM QR code waiting. We were 100% good to go within 15 minutes. Note that sign-up is required for this eSIM.

When it came to our speed test, this eSIM left all of its competitors in the dust. Our testing had a lightning fast average download speed of 141.61Mbps. Websites loaded almost instantly, and YouTube videos didn’t stop to buffer once. Even our awkward video calls didn’t make this eSIM break a sweat. If you’re the sort of person who really works your data to the bone, Airalo is a good choice.

Ubigi: Solid performance with easy order and setup process

Ubigi is a global eSIM provider currently offering eSIMs for over 200 destinations. A relatively new name in the Japanese eSIM market, they nonetheless have plans to cover most needs. From economical single day 500MB plans for ¥ 390 to beefy month-long plans with 50GB of data for ¥ 9,700 , there’s something for all travelers.

Ordering from Ubigi is a snap. Once we paid, we had a QR code emailed to us in seconds. One quick scan, and we were ready to go. Like most others on this list, Ubigi works with NTT Docomo for reliable coverage across Japan. The company behind Ubigi is Transatel, which is actually owned by NTT.

We tried the 3GB Ubigi eSIM. In our testing, we experienced average speeds of 73.72Mbps, and webpages loaded in a flash. YouTube playback was smooth with no buffering, and our video calls were lag-free. Overall, at this price point, Ubigi offers excellent quality and speed that make them a strong contender.

World eSIM: Good speed from a trusted Japanese provider

World eSIM is brought to you by Vision Inc. — the folks behind travel wifi name Ninja Wifi . They have nine Japan eSIMs, with various combinations of data and validity periods. We ordered the 3GB/5-day plan for US$ 8.50 , but you can also get 5GB/10-day, 10GB/15-day, and 15GB/20-day eSIMs. If you prefer to get a daily amount of data, there are 500MB/day x 3 days ( US$ 4.50 ), 1GB/day and 2GB/day options.

Getting our eSIM was straightforward. After signing up on the World eSIM website, we paid and had a QR code sent to our email instantly. A quick scan, and we were ready to go. Download speeds averaged 99.15Mbps, and our streaming was smooth. We found that this was one of the best eSIMs for video calling, during our test. It’s a solid choice, overall.

Sakura Mobile: Trusted local Japan provider

An established SIM and wifi provider that’s popular with people staying in Japan both short and long term, Sakura Mobile also has a line of eSIMs. Prices scale depending on how long you’ll be staying (up to a maximum of 90 days), and how much data you want. Their cheapest option — a 3-day, 1GB data-only travel eSIM, costs ¥ 2,100 .

We tested the 3-day, 3GB data-only eSIM, which cost ¥ 2,750 . There was no option to install it directly through the Sakura Mobile website; the QR code and instructions were emailed to us. The user interface was a little clunky, but we managed to get the eSIM set up in under 15 minutes. We didn’t need to activate roaming to use it.

In terms of performance, Sakura Mobile’s download speeds averaged 84.46Mbps, although they varied significantly across test platforms. Video playback as well as calling was smooth, though, and we were satisfied with the overall performance.

Jetpac: Good price and performance

Singapore-based eSIM player Jetpac have a range of plans for Japan, starting from 3GB for ¥ 1,500 and going up to 25GB for ¥ 3,765 . When we did our test, there was also a promotional 1GB plan for ¥ 150 . We opted for the 3GB eSIM, however. Once we had paid, the Jetpac eSIM was provisioned instantly.

When it comes to speed, the Jetpac eSIM was one of the top performers during our tests. Download speeds averaged an impressive 122.7Mbps, and streaming as well as video calling was super smooth.

You need to enable roaming to use the SIM, though once up and running it will roam on the local SoftBank and KDDI networks. Jetpac pushes customers towards their app, but it’s not actually necessary to download it. A nice little perk is that the Jetpac eSIM gives you access to 1,100 airport lounges around the world; you can use them in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

Which is better for your Japan trip: An eSIM, or a physical SIM card?

Even with more providers arriving on the scene, the options with physical SIMs are still superior to what you can get with eSIMs. For example, only one of the eSIMs listed here includes a Japanese phone number with calling ability (that’s Mobal ). So if you’d like something more inconvenient but with better options, check out our guide to prepaid SIM cards for travel to Japan .

Also, keep in mind that you might need a second device to install an eSIM, as the second will display the QR code for your first device to scan. If you don’t have a second device, you’ll need some help to install the code — perhaps by asking someone to take a photo of your QR code and then scanning it from their phone.

How did we test the Japan eSIMs?

First of all, a disclaimer: Testing the performance of eSIMs is inherently difficult, due to transient network conditions. You can test the same connection, on the same phone, in the same place, twice in a five-minute interval and get two completely different results for speed and latency.

For our most recent test, we rented six identical Google Pixel 7a handsets, and took them to a studio in Tokyo to test out the eSIMs mentioned in this article. While our video producer recorded the tests, our CEO installed the eSIMs and went through the following:

• Five speed tests, all using the Ookla app and different test servers, assessing the download and upload speeds (we did four tests for upload speeds), as well as latency
• Watched videos on YouTube to assess streaming capabilities
• Made short video calls to look for lag

Our CEO then retested some of the eSIMs the following day, at a different location in Tokyo, to compare results. Due to both Mobal and Sakura Mobile experiencing severe throttling on the initial test day, we have used the data from the second day for their eSIMs.

Some of the eSIMs had to be run on the same device, meaning that not all tests were simultaneous. We know that our testing method isn’t perfect, but it gave us a good idea of the performance of the different eSIMs. We excluded some eSIMs from the article where we had concerns about the ordering process, performance or pricing.

A word on speed tests: We strongly recommend that you don’t run speed tests with your eSIM, as they BURN through data. A single test could use 300MB or more!

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Prices are approximate. This post was first published in October, 2020 and was last updated by Carey Finn on April 1st, 2024.

閱讀中文版本: 去日本旅行的最佳eSIM卡推介

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

TOP 20 Things to Do in Shinjuku, Tokyo

The Suica Card in 2024: How and Where to Buy Tokyo's IC Card

When to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Tokyo's Best Airport: Flying into Narita vs. Haneda

How and Where to Buy Shinkansen Tickets

Top Japanese Phrases You Need Before Traveling to Japan

Luggage Storage In Tokyo

English-Speaking Hospitals in Tokyo — And How To Visit Them

Absolutely everything you need to know about seeing a doctor in Japan.

Yozakura: 8 Best Nighttime Cherry Blossom Illuminations in Tokyo

Light-ups have been extended, since the blossoms were so late this year.

New Video: The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan

We cover the main providers in Japan, including pricing, data speeds, and the convenience of installation.

The Hokuriku Arch Pass: Taking the Slow Route Between Tokyo and Osaka

Meander along Japan's "golden route" — exploring Nagano, Kanazawa and more.

Spring Escapes: Top 7 Day Trips from Tokyo

Must-see cherry blossom, moss phlox, and wisteria locations — all easily accessible from Tokyo.

Ashi Angels: Hakone for Evangelion Fans

Explore the real Tokyo-3.

Finding the Best Transport From Narita Airport to Tokyo

How to get from the plane to your accommodation.

5 Stunning Spring Bus Tours From Tokyo

Take a ride to experience the best of the season.

Top 25 Easy Day Trips From Tokyo

Add a few of these to the wander list.

Tokyo to Osaka: Fast and Creative Ways of Getting There

Full guide to taking the bullet train, buses, and low-cost flights.

The Best Tokyo Events, by Month

Find out what's happening in Tokyo throughout the year — and when to go.

Planning the Perfect Trip to Japan: A Booking Timeline

When is the best time to book hotels, buy tickets to Ghibli Park, and sort out everything else?

Close without accepting

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Haruka Express Guide: Transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka/Kyoto/Nara from $4.16

April 16, 2024

Best Haruka Express Products-Enjoy 3% Off

From Mar 5, 2024 to Nov 1, 2024 , Trip.com offers 3% off on JR Haruka Express Train Tickets. Check the following trending products now!

What is Haruka Express?

Haruka express applicable areas.

Haruka Express connects Kansai International Airport with Kyoto, stopping at several major stations along the way, including Tennoji and Shin-Osaka.

Here are the main stations where the Haruka Express typically stops:

• Kansai Airport Station (Kansai International Airport)
• Rinku Town Station
• Hineno Station
• Tennoji Station
• Shin-Osaka Station
• Kyoto Station

Airport Transfer: from Kansai Airport to Osaka/Kyoto

*Required times are approximations.

Haruka Express Ticket Price

Who can buy Haruka Express Tickets?

The JR Haruka Express Train Ticket is only available for non-Japanese tourists with a "short-term stay" status. Holders of long-term visas such as student visas or work visas are not eligible to use this pass.

Adult Haruka Express Tickets

For individuals aged 12 and above (as of the date of exchange or purchase of the railway pass), two infants (aged 1-5) can travel free with each adult ticket. The third infant and onwards will require a separate child railway pass. Infants under the age of 1 travel for free.

Child Haruka Express Tickets

Childred aged 6-11 need seperate railway passes, and they can occupy reserved seats individually and travel by themselves.

Where to Buy Haruka Express Tickets?

Visitors can buy Haruka Express tickets through various methods:

Haruka Express Timetable & Schedule

Timetable of first and last trains from kansai-airport station, timetable of first and last trains to kansai-airport station, how to view haruka express timetable.

After passing through the ticket barrier, passengers should pay attention to the timetable display to confirm their departure time, destination, and platform number.

Source: from West JR official website

How to Use Haruka Express Tickets

After successful reservation, the platform will automatically send a reservation success email to the reserved customer's mailbox. Please present the received information verification code or QR code, and exchange it for a "ride ticket" at the manual ticket counter set up next to the ticket gate at Kansai Airport Station.

Step-to-Step Guide to Exchange Haruka Express Tickets

In case of malfunction of the dedicated exchange machine or any other situation where it cannot be used, please replace it at the "green ticket vending machine" or "green window" with a station passport symbol.

Step-to-step Guide to Exchange Haruka Express Tickets on Green Vending Machine

Please check out the following photo guide to exchange your Haruka Express tickets:

Exchange Haruka Express Ticket Operation Time

• Kyoto Station: 06:30-21:00
• Shin-Osaka Station: 06:00-22:00
• Tourist Information SHIN-OSAKA
• Osaka Station: 06:00-22:00
• Tennoji Station: 05:30-23:30
• Kansai Airport Station: 05:30-23:00
• Sannomiya Station: 06:00-22:00

Haruka Express Seat

There are two types of Haruka Express seats available, which are First Class (Green) Car and Ordinary Car. For first class seat, passengers need to pay additional fee and reserve in advance before boarding. It's also recommended to reserve on vending machine in advance to avoid standing in peak time, especially during the route from Kansai Airport to Kyoto.

Reserving Haruka Express Seat Tips:

• If the reserved-seat car (car No. 4) of your train is crowded, you can use the unreserved seats.
• If the reserved seat tickets are sold out or if you haven't exchanged for reserved seat tickets in advance, you can use the ticket to directly board the non-reserved seats.
• If you have exchanged for a physical train ticket and the train you intended to board is cancelled before departure, you could use the unreserved seats on another "HARUKA" train or the Kansai-Airport RapidService.

Why Choose Haruka Express?

Source: from Hello Kitty Haruka website

The Haruka Express, officially known as the "Kansai-Airport Express HARUKA," connects Kansai International Airport (KIX) with major cities in the Kansai region. It offers spacious seating and facilities to accommodate passengers with luggage. Haruka Express provides a direct and convenient link between Kansai International Airport and major cities, it takes 35 minutes to Tennoji, and 45 minutes to Osaka.

Source: from West JR official website/Ordinary Car

Source: from West JR official website/Green Car

Popular Attrarions around Haruka Express Major Stops

Popular attrarions in kyoto.

Situated in the scenic area of Higashiyama, Gion is a traditional entertainment district in Kyoto. Nowadays, it is a well-known attraction in Kyoto, and a must-see place for many tourists wishing to spot a geisha.

Arashiyama has be the subject of many poems since ancient times. The cherry blossoms in spring and the red maple in autumn are famous sights. The beautiful scenery of the wild bamboo forest also reveals the unique charm of Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is an ancient temple in Kyoto and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. The veranda of the temple suspended over the moutain is a national treasure of Japan.

Popular Attrarions in Osaka

Universal studios japan.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) located in Osaka is one of the five Universal Studios theme parks in the world. It opened in 2001 and is a classic and beautiful world of joy for many tourists. It has more than 60 fun-filled attractions that will keep you entertained and wandering throughout the day.

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park is a large park in the Osaka downtown area which features the famous Osaka Castle within. In addition, there is also a forest park and public facilities such as the multipurpose sports ground, baseball field, open-air music theater, and football field.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is the world's largest dome-shaped ceiling tank in the Arctic zone, offering sensory experiences of the natural environment, including touching sharks.

FAQs about Haruka Express

What facilities are available on the haruka express, is haruka express covered by jr pass, where can i buy the haruka express tickets, do i need to reserve a seat on the haruka express.

Haruka Express Guide

• 1. Best Haruka Express Products-Enjoy 3% Off
• 2. What is Haruka Express?
• 3. Haruka Express Applicable Areas
• 4. Airport Transfer: from Kansai Airport to Osaka/Kyoto
• 5. Haruka Express Ticket Price
• 6. Who can buy Haruka Express Tickets?
• 7. Where to Buy Haruka Express Tickets?
• 8. Haruka Express Timetable & Schedule
• 9. How to Use Haruka Express Tickets
• 10. Why Choose Haruka Express?
• 11. Popular Attrarions around Haruka Express Major Stops

<h3>Trending Searches</h3>

Getting Around

• Tokyo Metro
• narita express
• Eurail Pass Discount
• Japan car rental
• Haruka Express

Popular Attractions

• Things to Do at Disneyland Paris
• disney locations
• tokyo disneyland tickets
• magic kingdom
• Shanghai Disneyland Tickets
• universal studios japan tickets
• blizzard beach water park
• disney california adventure park
• tokyo disneyland

Connectivity

• eSIM Vietnam
• Saudi Arabia esim
• best china travel apps
• best Japan travel apps
• eSIM Malaysia
• eSIM Singapore
• China Taxi App

Popular Content

• weekend getaways in alabama
• Trip to Nigeria cost
• Trip to Bahamas cost
• Weather in Pittsburgh in November
• Trip to Jordan cost
• trip to italy cost
• Belize trip cost
• Trip to Senegal cost
• Climate in South Korea
• Trip to Australia cost
• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

The 20 Best Airports in the World (2024)

N ot all airports are created equal. Some are soulless, clinical spaces with little more than bright blueish lighting and endless corridors. They are nothing but a functional building from which to launch your next adventure, be it a weekend away with friends or a big solo trip in a new, far-flung destination.

Others, however, can make your vacation experience special from the outset. The good airports are the ones we look forward to, despite all the lines and bureaucracy. They're the ones with appealing food and drink-a champagne bar, perhaps, or a micro-brewery with a taproom-and unique spaces that offer more than simply a place to sit and charge your devices. Perhaps they have indoor gardens, rooftop terraces with runway views, or even entire adventure playgrounds to keep the kids happy while you're waiting for your flight to be called.

These kinds of added luxuries have put 20 airports on the Skytrax World's Best Airports list this year, with Singapore Changi Airport stealing the show for the 12th time since 1999, when Skytrax launched its first airport customer satisfaction survey. Voted by travelers in a global customer satisfaction survey, which takes into account everything from public transport options and line waiting times to cleanliness, choice of food and shops, and accessibility adjustments, the Asian hub took its title back from Doha's Hamad International Airport, which was the 2021 and 2022 Airport of the Year.

Japan's aviation hubs performed well this year, with 4 of the country's main airports in the top 20, while Paris, Istanbul, and Madrid garnered spots in the top 10. Here's the full ranking from Skytrax.

1. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

Singapore is famous for its vast and varied food scene, and this even extends into its airport. In addition to taking the top spot overall, Changi International (pictured above) won the Skytrax world's best airport dining award and best airport leisure amenities awards in 2023. When you find yourself in Singapore's gargantuan terminals, don't miss spicy Indian cuisine from Bikanervala, comfort food at Burger & Lobster (a London favorite), or traditional Singaporean flavors at Kopitiam. As for those amenities, the Jewel Changi complex is home to a glass-floored canopy bridge, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, as well as giant trampolines and slides.

If you have an overnight layover, check into the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport -it was voted the world's best airport hotel for the eighth time in 2023. Those with long layovers that aren't overnight can pay for a day pass to the outdoor pool at the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel -it's located inside Terminal 1 so you don't have to go through customs to use it.

2. Hamad International Airport, Qatar

In 2022, Hamad International saw nearly 36 million passengers pass through its terminals in Doha. To accommodate the surge of people who traveled to Doha for the FIFA World Cup in November and December 2022, the Middle Eastern transport hub expanded to increase its capacity to over 58 million passengers per year, while also adding a second airport hotel and an indoor tropical garden called the Orchard.

If you're traveling through Hamad-which connects Washington, D.C., New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Houston with South Africa, Tanzania, and India-expect to see high-end designer stores like Burberry, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo with duty-free price tags within its terminal. (It's no surprise it won first place for world's best airport shopping.) The varied dining options include divine cakes from L'eto Caffe on Concourse C and sandwiches in Harrods Tea Room in the south duty-free zone. Best of all, the airport even has a pay-to-use fitness center and spa, as well as pay-by-the-hour sleep pods for long layovers.

3. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), Japan

The main entry point into Japan's capital is a favorite among passengers for many reasons. This year in the Skytrax awards, Haneda's Tokyo International Airport won cleanest airport, best domestic airport, and the award for best accessibility for reduced mobility passengers. We love it for its "calm down, cool down" secluded seating areas for anxious or stressed passengers who are sensitive to light, sound, or crowds and for the numerous spas and massage chairs available throughout its three terminals.

4. Incheon International Airport, South Korea

With a spa, myriad gardens for relaxation, a movie theater, and an ice skating rink, Incheon International has been designated the fourth best airport in the world with the best airport staff overall. This vast airport is the main aviation gateway for Seoul, South Korea's sprawling modern capital, and it served over 17.8 million passengers in 2022.

5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Even if you're only transiting through the French capital's main airport, you can still soak up a bit of that Parisian culture and world-class art. In both terminals 1 and 2, you'll find rotating exhibitions by top museums, including the Louvre and Palace of Versailles. Relax in the chic Instant Paris lounge for free, or head to the spa for a massage or beauty treatment in Terminal 2E.

6. Istanbul Airport, Tükiye

In addition to being named the sixth best airport in the world, Istanbul airport also earned the accolade of the most family-friendly airport in 2023. There's a brilliant soft play area for kids, which has a pretend airplane to climb in and out of. The airport provides family-focused shuttles for getting around easily.

7. Munich Airport, Germany

In 2023, Munich Airport held on to its place as seventh best in the world. We love the free relaxation lounges where you can recline on beds surrounded by plants, and the VIP Wing lounge (starting at €382), which offers a private shuttle to your flight, high-end dining, and a biergarten serving traditional Bavarian food, such as weisswurst and dumplings.

After a two-year pandemic break, Munich Airport also brought back its Christmas market in 2022 complete with a forest of decorated firs, live music, and an ice skating rink.

8. Zurich Airport, Switzerland

Efficiency was what impressed travelers passing through Zurich Airport, which won best security processing as well as eighth best airport in the world. Considering Zurich saw more than 22.6 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2022, that's quite a feat. Facilities here are pretty good, too, with beauty salons, a hairdresser, a dental center, and a gym.

9. Narita International Airport, Japan

The largest airport in Japan, Narita is now the world's ninth best aviation hub according to passengers. It's little wonder this airport impresses, as Narita has all manner of unusual features. Terminal 2 has its own Japanese art gallery, and there's an exhibit on traditional Kabuki theater in Terminal 1. At the Nine Hours capsule hotel in Terminal 2, ideal for layovers or early morning flights, you can nap for under $12 per hour.

10. Madrid-Barajas Airport, Spain

Madrid Barajas Airport is located northeast of the Spanish capital, and from there it's a cheap train ride to anywhere in the city. But you'll want to linger in this airport that over 50 million travelers passed through in 2022. Head over to Terminal 4-with its iconic curved bamboo roof-to the two macrobiotic mini-spas from SHA Wellness Clinic. Called Esenza by SHA , each one offers therapeutic treatments as well as organic foods and juices.

And the rest of the top 20 airports . . .

11. Vienna International Airport

12. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

13. Rome Fiumicino Airport

14. Copenhagen Airport

15. Kansai International Airport

16. Chubu Centrair International Airport

17. Dubai International Airport

18. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

19. Melbourne Airport

20. Vancouver International Airport

Additional reporting by Lyndsey Matthews. This article was originally published in 2022; it was updated on March 15, 2023, with new information.

America still has the world's busiest airport

• New data on the world's busiest airports in 2023 reveals the latest trends in global travel. 
• 8.5 billion passengers traveled by plane last year, almost marking a return to pre-pandemic levels.   
• Airports in Asia and the Middle East became busier, but the US has once again clinched the top spot. 

International travel is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the just-released list of the world's busiest airports in 2023.

8.5 billion passengers traveled globally by plane last year — up from 7 billion passengers in 2022 .

The rise in air travel marks a recovery to 93.8% of levels in 2019 before the world shut down, according to preliminary data published by the Airports Council International (ACI), a trade association that includes 2,600 airports worldwide.

Increasing travel to airports in Asia and the Middle East was one of the key trends to emerge from the data, with Dubai International Airport jumping from the fifth to the second busiest airport in the world.

Airports in India, Japan, and Turkey also made it into the top 10 and were some of the biggest movers in terms of annual gains in passenger numbers.

As the world's largest domestic market for flights , US airports still make up five of the busiest airports in the world, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its No. 1 position.

Despite tough global economic conditions, there was "a growing inclination towards travel," Luis Felipe de Oliveira, the ACI's world director general, said in a press release.

"Airports continue to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel," said Oliveira.

Here's a closer look at the top 10 busiest airports in the world.

10. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

Passengers: 72.2 million

2022 ranking: 9th

Delhi's main airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, saw a 21.4% increase in year-on-year traffic. While it has dropped a place this year, Delhi has grown significantly as a transport hub since 2019, when it sat at number 19 in the rankings.

9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport, USA

Passengers: 73.9 million

2022 ranking: 4th

Travel through Chicago O'Hare jumped by 8.1% throughout 2023. O'Hare is a hub airport for domestic travel, particularly for United and American Airlines flights. It is also a focus city for low-cost rivals Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

8. Los Angeles International Airport, USA

Passengers: 75.1 million

2022 ranking: 6th

Travel through LAX was up 13.8% in 2023, however, compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, passengers at the West Coast airport decreased by 14.8% — the largest decrease of any airport in the top ten rankings. LAX is a hub for a number of carriers, including Alaska Airlines, United, American, and Delta. But domestic travel at the airport shrunk dramatically as airlines cut the number of flights following a series of meltdowns in 2022.

7. Istanbul Airport, Turkey

Passengers: 76 million

2022 ranking: 7th

Passenger numbers at Turkey's Istanbul airport have increased by 18.3%, making it the only transit hub to keep level with its previous ranking in the top 10. Notably, traffic through the airport has jumped by 45.7% since 2019.

6. Denver International Airport, USA

Passengers: 77.8 million

2022 ranking: 3rd

Denver Airport has dropped down several places on the list but still shows strong signs of growth in terms of passengers. In the last year traffic through the Colorado airport was up 12.3%, and it has also grown 12.8% from pre-pandemic levels.

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan

Passengers: 78.7 million

2022 ranking: 16th

Japan's Tokyo Haneda Airport saw the largest increase in traffic by far, with passenger numbers surging by 55.1%. Some of that jump can be explained by a lag in tourism as Japan only reopened its borders in late 2022. Despite the jump, Tokyo Haneda is still 7.9% under its 2019 level of traffic. This January the airport made headlines after a fatal collision involving a Japan Airlines plane and a coastguard vehicle killed five people.

4. London Heathrow, UK

Passengers: 79.2 million

2022 ranking: 8th

Travel through the UK's largest airport shot up by 218% in 2022 and has once again made strong gains throughout 2023, jumping by a slightly more modest 28.5%. The airport has credited travel from the Asia-Pacific region as a major factor in its increased passenger numbers. It hopes to supersede its pre-pandemic level of traffic in 2024 and hit a record 81.4 million passengers, the airport said in a report published in December.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, USA

Passengers: 81.8 million

2022 ranking: 2nd

Dallas/Fort Worth airport , known as DFW, is American Airlines' busiest hub and the departure city for many of the airline's international flights. Last year traffic through the airport jumped by 11.4%.

2. Dubai International Airport, UAE

Passengers: 87 million

2022 ranking: 5th

Dubai took the number 2 ranking in the list for the first time, thanks to a significant 31.7% increase in passenger numbers. Dubai's new position reflects the heavy investment that has gone into the aviation industry and boosting tourism in the region.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA

Passengers: 104.7 million

2022 ranking: 1st

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport comes in at No. 1 as the busiest airport in the world, a position it has held for more than two decades. In 2023, the Atlanta airport saw an 11.7% increase in passenger numbers.

Here's a look at what it takes to be an air traffic controller at the world's busiest airport.

• Main content

The World’s Best Airports of 2024 announced. More Details Here .

2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast (13th forecast) More Details Here .

KIE’s Commitment to SDGs. More details Here .

The United States and Japan officially launched the “U.S.-Japan Tourism Year” in 2024. More details Here

You can get your KIE’s invoice anytime when you need it. How to ?

< Important >  International Travel Notification Here.  Travel State Gov – U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE .

Kintetsu International

• Automated Systems
• Work Efficiency
• Cost Reduction
• Risk Management
• Enhancement of Governance
• Online Booking
• KIE Preferred Hotel
• Group Travel to Japan
• Incentive Travel
• Business Meeting

KIE Preferred Hotel Program

• About a Program
• Nationwide Discount Hotels
• Hotel Promotion
• Search Hotels nearby

USA/ Northeast

• New Jersey/ Philadelphia
• Boston/ Providence/ Manchester

USA/ Midwest

• Wisconsion/ Iowa/ Kansas/ Missouri
• Ohio/ Indiana
• Washington DC/ Virginia/ West Virginia
• Kentucky/ North Carolina/ South Carolina
• Georgia/ Florida
• Tennessee/ Alabama/ Louisiana/ Oklahoma
• Houston/ Dallas/ Austin/ San Antonio
• Portland/ Seattle
• Los Angeles/ Orange County
• San Francisco/ San Jose
• Las Vegas/ Phoenix

International

• Puerto Rico
• Hotel Booking in Japan
• Case Study/Testimonials
• Branch Information
• How to print your Invoice
• View Your Trip
• Flight Status
• Visa Arrangement
• Wi-Fi Rental
• Travel Insurance

The World’s Best Airports of 2024

Last Updated : 04/19/2024

Announcement

The world's best airports of 2024, other winners at the 2024 awards.

According SKYTRAX

Hamad International Airport, Doha, is named the World’s Best Airport 2024,

2nd place is Singapore Changi Airport.

3rd place is Seoul Incheon Airport.

Full World Airport Awards results here Here

World’s

-Best Airport Staff is Tokyo Narita

-Cleanest Airport is Tokyo Haneda

-Best Airport by PAX numbers is Tokyo Haneda

-Most Improved Airport is New Chitose

-Best Regional Airport is Centrair Nagoya

-Best Airport Security is Rome Fiumicino

Popular Resources

According SKYTRAX The World’s Best Airports of 2024  

Testing a Prototype Self-service Screening System

This week, the Department of Homeland Security(DHS) and the Transportation...

Related Resource

2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast (13th forecast)

According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s News on 18th April 2024

• AirlineBTMCorporateMICETravel requirements海外渡航

New Entry Requirements to Japan after 25th JAN 2024 at  3:00 AM (Japan time)

For those entering or returning to Japan after 25th Jan 2024 3:00 AM (Japan Time), ...

The introduction of ETIAS, required for travel to the EU, has been postponed until mid-2025.

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. 

This link will redirect you to the website of Kinki Nippon Tourist Corporate Business Co, Ltd. All inquiries will be answered by KNT Corporate Business Co. Contact here .