Updated on May 13, 2025
You’ve finally landed in Japan! It’s exciting, but stepping off the plane at Narita Airport can also feel overwhelming. Let us help you eliminate your worries so you can enjoy Japan fully!
Questions like these may be running through your mind:
- How do I get around without speaking Japanese?
- How can I make the most of my stay?
- Will my phone work in Japan?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This complete Narita Airport guide will help you feel confident and ready to begin your adventure in Japan.
Table of Contents
Staying Connected
Available Narita Airport Services
- Information Counters/Visitor Service Centers
- Recharging Spots
- Luggage Delivery Service
- Transportation Between Narita Terminals
- Train Transportation out of Narita
- What to Do in Narita Airport
- Get a Pocket WiFi / SIM Card at Narita Airport & Free Yourself from Stress
Stay connected from the moment you land.✈️ Reserve your Sakura Mobile SIM/eSIM or Pocket WiFi today!
Narita Airport WiFi
Likely, one of the first things you will want to do after landing at Narita Airport is to let your family and friends know you have arrived safely and post a selfie! If you want to get online, simply connect to the airport’s official WiFi ID: “FreeWiFi-NARITA”
How to Connect to Narita Airport Free WiFi
To access Narita Airport’s Free Wi-Fi service, follow the illustration below, with step-by-step text underneath. (Click to enlarge)
- From your device’s Settings menu, set WiFi to ON and select FreeWiFi-NARITA.
- The WiFi connection screen will appear, and you will be asked to agree to the Terms of Service.
- Click on “Access the internet here,” and you will be connected automatically.
*FreeWiFi-NARITA(2.4G) is also available.
Better Connectivity Options (Pocket WiFi or SIM Cards/eSIMs)
Inside Narita Airport, you’ll find several companies offering portable WiFi and SIM card rentals.
Keep in mind that prepaid SIM cards bought at the airport can be pricey, and there may be compatibility issues with certain devices. If you want peace of mind, Sakura Mobile offers a compatibility page so that you can preorder your SIM/eSIM with confidence.
👉 Pre-order our unlimited 5G eSIM before your trip and enjoy instant, secure data as soon as you land. No hunting for WiFi, just scan and go!
Secure Your Connection Before You Land →
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Available Services at Narita Airport
Information Counters/Visitor Service Centers
Whether you’re lost, looking for a restaurant, or trying to figure out train routes, Narita Airport has multiple information counters and tools to help you out.
📍Infotouch Kiosks
These multilingual touchscreen kiosks are located throughout the airport and let you easily search for flight info, restaurants, shops, and transport options.
👩💼Prefer talking to a real person?
Don’t worry, staffed information counters are located throughout the airport and ready to help. Most staff speak English or multiple languages.
- Information Counter Operating Hours: 5:00-24:00 (Domestic), 24 hours (International)
Take a break and play popular Nintendo Switch games for free! This fun, Mario-themed area also has a photo spot with a statue of Mario and Toad.
Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily (Note: No items for sale, free activities only.)
Recharging Spots
Recharging spots for your devices are available in a number of locations throughout the terminals and are free of charge. They can be found at:
- Visitor service centers
- Flight departure gates
- Lounge areas for airline members
- Airport cafes, such as Starbucks, etc.
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Luggage Delivery Service
After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is haul your luggage onto a crowded train or bus. Narita Airport offers convenient luggage delivery services, like JAL ABC, which will send your bags directly to your Tokyo hotel on the same day.
Transportation Between Narita Airport Terminals
The most convenient way to travel between terminals is to catch a free shuttle bus. They are easy to recognize with their bright yellow colors.
Narita Shuttle Bus Timetable
(Click to enlarge)
Terminal 1
(Click to enlarge)
Terminal 2
(Click to enlarge)
Terminal 3
(Click to enlarge)
Important: Be sure to allow plenty of time when using the shuttle service, as buses may be delayed or canceled due to traffic congestion. Also, compensation is not available for missed connections to other means of transport (aircraft or rail, etc.) resulting from delayed or canceled bus services.
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Train Transportation out of Narita
If you are leaving Narita Airport by train, there are two main options to reach Tokyo.
Train Routes from Narita:
| Name | Destination | Time | 1 Adult |
| Keisei Skyliner Express | Nippori Station | 36 mins | 2,580 JPY one way |
| Narita Express (NEX) | Tokyo Station / Ginza | 50 mins | 3,070 JPY one way |
👉 Check out our guide: From Narita Airport to Tokyo: Starting Your Journey in Japan. It covers train routes plus alternative travel options like airport buses and taxis to help you choose the best way to reach your destination.
Get a Rechargeable Train Card (IC Card)
IC cards like Suica and PASMO are rechargeable cards that save you time and hassle when using public transport. They work on trains, buses, vending machines, and even some shops and restaurants across Japan.
You can purchase these cards at train stations before the ticket gates. A standard card costs around ¥500 (about $5 USD) plus the amount you choose to add. You can return the card at any station and get the deposit and remaining balance back.
Important Update (March 1, 2025): Unregistered PASMO and Suica cards will be available again starting March 1, 2025, after a material shortage.
Are you staying in Japan for less than 28 days?
If you’re visiting Japan for less than 28 days, the Welcome Suica card is a great option. It’s a deposit-free IC card available in values from ¥1,000 to ¥5,000, but the balance is non-refundable. It can be purchased at JR stations and used just like a regular Suica or PASMO.
The Welcome Suica mobile app for tourists also launched on March 6, 2025, making it even easier to manage your Welcome Suica card. The app is currently only available for IOS users. For more details, check out the Welcome Suica page.
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Useful Apps for Navigating Japan
Traveling in a country where you don’t speak the language can be challenging, but the digital age has made it easier. Here’s our list of apps that can help you communicate, save time, and save money during your travels in Japan:
These apps will make your trip much smoother, whether you need directions, restaurant recommendations, or help translating signs. Click below to explore more apps that are essential for your time in Japan!
Don’t get stuck without data! All these helpful apps require internet access. Ensure you have reliable connectivity with Sakura Mobile’s Pocket WiFi or eSIM/SIM Card.
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Free WiFi in Japan
While free WiFi is available in Japan, it’s not always reliable or easily accessible for international travelers on a tight schedule. Some places that usually offer free WiFi hotspots (though you may need to make a purchase to sit down) include:
・Starbucks
・McDonald’s
・Lawson
・Some train stations
However, be aware that free WiFi in Japan can be unreliable, and you may struggle with connectivity in some areas. For more information about free WiFi in Japan and why it may not always work, check out our guide on where to find free WiFi in Japan.
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What to Do in Narita Airport
Whether you’re arriving, departing, or just passing through Narita Airport, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. From unique shopping experiences to cultural excursions and convenient rest options, here’s how to make the most of your time at Narita.
🍜 Restaurants
Narita Airport has a great selection of restaurants spread across its terminals. Some highlights include:
- Food Court in Terminal 3: If you’re landing in T3 or just passing through, Terminal 3’s spacious food court offers affordable Japanese meals like donburi (rice bowls), ramen, and curry.
- Terminal 1 (Before Security): Try tsukemen (dipping noodles) at Matsudo Tomita Men-Tan, or unagi (grilled eel) at Kawatoyo.
- Terminal 2 (Before Security): Have sushi at a standing sushi bar (Sushi Uogashi Nihon-Ichi), or check out Sojibou to enjoy soba noodles with a view of the runway.
🛍️Shops and Souvenirs
Whether you’re arriving or heading home, Narita Airport offers plenty of opportunities for some last-minute shopping. Here are a few standout spots worth checking out:
- Pokemon Store (Terminal 2): A must-visit for fans of Pikachu and friends. Perfect for last-minute gifts or souvenirs.
- Itoya (Terminal 1): A high-end Japanese stationery shop featuring beautifully designed notebooks, pens, and unique paper goods.
- Gacha Gacha Machines: You’ll find capsule toy machines (gacha gacha) in various parts of the airport (Gacha World in T1 and near the food court in T3). Great for souvenirs or entertainment while you wait.
✈️ Observation Decks
Narita has observation decks in both Terminals 1 and 2, where you can watch planes take off and land. These areas are also great places to relax while you wait.
🎌 Explore Anime Road (Terminal 2)
If you’re an anime fan, don’t miss Anime Road in Terminal 2. This area features fun displays and photo spots with life-size character cutouts!
🕒Have a Long Layover or Extra Time?
If you have several hours or even a full day between flights, here are a couple of great options nearby:
- Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple: Just 10-15 minutes by train from the airport, this historic temple is surrounded by beautiful grounds and traditional streets with shops and eateries.
- 9 Hours Capsule Hotel (Terminal 2): Ideal if you need a place to nap, shower, or relax between flights. This capsule hotel is located inside the airport and is bookable for short stays or overnight.
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Get a Pocket WiFi / SIM Card at Narita Airport & Leave Your Stress
Finding free WiFi can be frustrating, especially if you need a stable connection to use apps while traveling. That’s why pre-ordering a Pocket WiFi or SIM Card for pickup at Narita Airport, or pre-ordering an eSIM (no pickup required!), is the best way to stay connected.
・Avoid searching for public WiFi hotspots, which can be unreliable.
・Order online before traveling to Japan and easily compare plans.
・Pick up your device at Narita Airport with no contracts or long lines.
・Want to skip pickup altogether? Choose an eSIM and activate in minutes with a QR code!
| Airport | Operating Hours | Location |
| Narita
Terminal 1 |
・Open Everyday
・From 6:30 a.m. to one hour after the final international flight arrival |
Narita Airport Term. 1 South Wing 1st floor (Arrivals), JAL ABC Counter *Please note that orders cannot be picked up at the North Wing JAL ABC Counter. |
| Narita
Terminal 2 |
・Open Everyday
・From 6:30 a.m. to one hour after the final international flight arrival |
Narita Airport Term. 2 1st floor (Arrivals), JAL ABC Counter |
| Narita
Terminal 3 |
There is no counter in Narita Terminal 3
|
・Please use the counter in Terminal 2 for pick up. ・To transfer from T3 to T2, you can walk (630 m) or take a shuttle bus. Official Narita Airport Terminal 3 Map ・For Pocket WiFi returns, you may use the T3 mailbox located around the food court. |
*Important: the airport counters at Narita are for pick up only (no purchases on site), so make sure to pre-order your SIM/pocket WiFi.
Products That Require Pre-Order
・SIM card – Pick up at airport or delivery to your preferred location
・Pocket WiFi – Pick up at airport or delivery to your preferred location
📦Be sure to pre-order so it’s ready when you arrive!
⭐eSIM – No Pickup Needed
・Download and activate in about 5 minutes with a QR code sent to your email
・Great for travelers who want to skip the pickup counter
・5G Truly Unlimited (no daily limits) and 4G (3GB/day of high-speed data) options available
・Same reliable coverage as our physical SIMs!
What Makes Sakura Mobile Different?
Don’t waste time struggling with unreliable connections or confusing options. At Sakura Mobile, we simplify getting a Pocket WiFi or for short- and long-term stays in Japan. With our easy Narita Airport pickup, you’ll have the freedom to travel across Japan — from Tokyo to Osaka — without worrying about losing your connection.
We make sure you have the quality service you need so you can focus on enjoying your trip to Japan!
We offer:
Freedom
・Online ordering and flexible plans to match your needs
・Fast pickup at your preferred location (or get it delivered to your desired location!)
・eSIMs require no pickup – activate in minutes with just a QR code!
・Easy pocket WiFi returns via any Japanese mailbox with the provided envelope
・No contract
・No activation fee
Quality Service
・Powered by Japan’s largest networks (docomo/au/SoftBank)
・Unlimited data options available
・Hotspot/tethering capability
・Full English support
・Trusted by thousands of travelers
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our staff speak fluent English and are happy to assist you. We hope you enjoy your trip to Japan!
CUSTOMER’S VOICE
