Arriving in Tokyo: Airports, Transportation & Japan Entry Requirements

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering what to expect when arriving in Tokyo? Whether you’re flying in from abroad, taking the Shinkansen from another Japanese city, arriving by bus, or even coming by cruise ship, there are several ways to reach Japan’s capital.

Tokyo is a massive city, so knowing where you’ll arrive and how to get to your accommodation can make your first day so much easier. Your arrival experience will also depend on whether you’re entering Japan internationally or traveling domestically from another destination.

In this guide, we’ll cover the main ways to get to Tokyo, transportation options from the city’s airports, Japan’s entry requirements, and what to expect once you arrive.

The Scoop

Options for Getting to Tokyo

Japan Entry Requirements

Travel Tips & What’s Next

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Basic Info for Traveling to Tokyo

Before comparing the different travel options, let’s take a quick look at where Tokyo is located, and the basic options for getting there.

📍 Where is Tokyo?

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is located on the eastern coast of Honshu, the country’s main island. It’s part of the larger Kanto region and is connected to destinations throughout Japan by an extensive network of trains, buses, airports, and ports.

🛬 Options for Arriving in Tokyo

There are several ways to get to Tokyo, depending on where you’re traveling from and how much time or money you want to spend.

By air: Flying is the most common way to reach Tokyo from outside Japan. International flights arrive at either Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport.
By Shinkansen: Japan’s famous bullet trains connect Tokyo with cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima. This is one of the easiest options if you’re already visiting other parts of Japan.
By local or regional train: Travelers coming from nearby destinations, such as Yokohama, Kamakura, or Narita, can reach Tokyo using regular train services.
By bus: Long-distance and overnight buses connect Tokyo with cities throughout Japan. They’re often cheaper than trains but usually take longer.
By sea: Cruise ships and ferries can also bring travelers to the Tokyo area, although this is less common than arriving by air or train.

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Comparing Options for Arrival in Tokyo

Now that you know how to get to Tokyo, let’s break down the details so you can choose which arrival method is best for you.

✈️ Arriving in Tokyo by Air

Most international visitors will arrive in Tokyo by plane. The city has two airports (Narita and Haneda) you can choose from, and the airport you choose will depend on your airline, flight availability, price, and route. While both airports connect to central Tokyo, their locations and transportation options are different and worth comparing before booking your flight.

🛫 Arriving in Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT)

Narita International Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, outside central Tokyo. Despite its distance from the city, it handles many international flights and is a common arrival point for travelers coming from abroad.

The journey from Narita Airport to central Tokyo generally takes longer than the journey from Haneda, but there are several reliable transportation options.

🌃 Cities that Fly to Narita Airport in Tokyo

You can fly direct to Narita from the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and plenty of Asian cities.

Cities from the Americas that fly to Narita include Anchorage, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Montreal, New York, Puerto Vallarta, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.

European cities that fly to Narita direct include Amsterdam, Baku, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Istanbul, Leipzig, Madrid, Vienna, Warsaw, and Zurich.

Cities from Oceania include Auckland, Brisbane, Cairns, Guam, Melbourne, Papeete, and Perth.

Asian cities that fly to Narita include Abu Dhabi, Amami, Angeles City, Asahikawa, Bangkok, Beijing, Bengaluru, Busan, Cebu, Cheongju, Chongqing, Colombo, Da Nang, Daegu, Dalian, Delhi, Denpasar, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Fukuoka, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hakodate, Hangzhou, Hanoi, Harbin, Hiroshima, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Ishigaki, Jakarta, Jeju, Jiaxing, Kagoshima, Kaohsiung, Kitakyushu, Kuala Lumpur, Kumamoto, Manila, Mumbai, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Nagoya, Nankoku, Ningbo, Oita, Okinawa, Osaka, Qingdao, Sapporo, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Singapore, Taichung, Taipei, Takamatsu, Tashkent, Tianjin, Ulaanbaatar, and Xiamen.

🚝 Getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Planning on arriving in Tokyo’s Narita Airport? Here are the options for getting from the airport to the city:

Narita Express: The JR Narita Express, often called the N’EX, is a comfortable train option connecting the airport with major areas such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama. It’s especially convenient if your accommodation is near one of these stations.
Keisei Skyliner: The Keisei Skyliner is one of the fastest ways to reach northern Tokyo. It connects Narita Airport with Nippori and Ueno, where you can transfer to other train lines.
Airport Limousine Bus: Airport buses connect Narita with various hotels, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs throughout Tokyo. This can be a good choice if you have heavy luggage or your accommodation is near one of the stops.
Taxi or Uber: This is an ideal option if you’re traveling with a group, have a lot of luggage, or don’t mind spending a bit extra for comfort.
Private transfer: Transfers offer door-to-door service, and are great for single travelers or large groups looking for more convenience, and don’t mind spending more than public transportation.

🛬 Arriving in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport is located much closer to central Tokyo and serves both international and domestic flights. Because of its location, it’s often the more convenient airport for travelers staying in central neighborhoods.

The airport is well connected to the city by train, monorail, bus, and taxi.

🌃 Cities that Fly Direct to Haneda Airport in Tokyo

You can fly direct to Haneda from the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and plenty of Asian cities.

Cities from the Americas that fly to Haneda include Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington.

European cities that fly to Haneda direct include Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Istanbul, London, Munich, Paris, and Rome.

Cities from Oceania include Guam and Sydney.

Asian cities that fly to Haneda include Amami, Bangkok, Beijing, Dalian, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Hakodate, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Ishigaki, Jakarta, Kagoshima, Kuala Lumpur, Kumamoto, Manila, Miyazaki, Mumbai, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, Qingdao, Sapporo, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shimojishima, Singapore, and Taipei.

🚝 Getting from Haneda Airport to Tokyo:

Here are all of the options for getting to the city if you are arriving in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport:

Keikyu Line: The Keikyu train connects Haneda Airport with Shinagawa and other parts of Tokyo. Shinagawa is also a major Shinkansen station, making this option useful if you’re continuing your journey elsewhere in Japan.
Tokyo Monorail: The Tokyo Monorail connects Haneda with Hamamatsucho Station, where you can transfer to other JR lines, including the Yamanote Line.
Airport Limousine Bus: Buses serve many Tokyo hotels and neighborhoods. This can be easier than navigating trains if you have large bags or are staying near a designated bus stop.
Taxi or Uber: This is an ideal option if you’re traveling with a group, have a lot of luggage, or don’t mind spending a bit extra for comfort.
Private transfer: Transfers offer door-to-door service, and are great for single travelers or large groups looking for more convenience, and don’t mind spending more than public transportation.

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🚆 Arriving in Tokyo by Train

If you’re already traveling through Japan, arriving in Tokyo by train is often one of the easiest options. Tokyo is a major railway hub, and trains connect the city with destinations across the entire country.

🚄 Arriving in Tokyo by Shinkansen

The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel to Tokyo from most major Japanese cities. Depending on your route, you may arrive at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.

Common Shinkansen routes include:

Kyoto to Tokyo
Osaka to Tokyo
Nagoya to Tokyo
Hiroshima to Tokyo
Sendai to Tokyo
Kanazawa to Tokyo

Tokyo Station is centrally located and connects to numerous JR lines and subway routes. Shinagawa Station is especially useful for travelers continuing to or from destinations served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, including Kyoto and Osaka.

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streets of Osaka — **Kyoto, Nara, & Osaka are all easily connected to Tokyo by Shinkansen.**

🚃 Arriving in Tokyo by Local Train

Local and regional trains are useful when arriving in Tokyo from nearby destinations. For example, travelers coming from Yokohama, Kamakura, Narita, or other areas of the Kanto region can use regular train services rather than the Shinkansen.

Tokyo has several major stations, so check your accommodation’s location before choosing your route. Arriving at Tokyo Station may sound like the obvious option, but another station could be much more convenient depending on where you’re staying.

🚌 Arriving in Tokyo by Bus

Long-distance and overnight buses connect Tokyo with cities throughout Japan. They’re generally more affordable than trains, and much cheaper than the Shinkansen.

Although the journey can take significantly longer, they’re a good budget-friendly option as they can help you save money on accommodation.

We enjoyed our overnight bus, but do keep in mind that overnight buses may not be the most comfortable option for travelers who need more room, or if you’re arriving after a long journey and planning to explore immediately.

⭐️ Main Bus Stations in Tokyo

Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal: Also known as Busta Shinjuku, this is one of Tokyo’s main hubs for highway buses. It’s located near Shinjuku Station and is convenient for travelers staying in the Shinjuku area.
Tokyo Station Yaesu Bus Terminal: Located near Tokyo Station, this terminal serves numerous long-distance bus routes arriving from and departing for destinations throughout Japan.
Shibuya Mark City Bus Terminal: This terminal serves select highway bus routes and can be convenient for travelers staying in or around Shibuya.

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💡 When booking a bus, check the exact arrival terminal rather than simply searching for “Tokyo,” since buses may arrive in different parts of the city.

🌊 Arriving in Tokyo by Sea

Although most visitors arrive in Tokyo by air or train, it’s also possible to reach the Tokyo area by cruise ship or ferry.

🛳️ Cruises to Tokyo

Tokyo is a popular stop on cruises around Japan and East Asia. Cruise ships arriving directly in Tokyo generally dock at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in the Odaiba area.

The terminal is connected to Tokyo’s public transportation network, so you can continue into the city by train, monorail, taxi, or other local transportation. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may also arrive at Yokohama Port, which is outside Tokyo but well connected to the city by train.

If you’re arriving by cruise, check the exact port listed on your itinerary. Yokohama and Tokyo are separate cities, and the transfer between them can take time.

Check out cruises that go to Tokyo

⛴️ Other Sailing Options to Tokyo

Ferries connect Tokyo with several destinations around Japan, and are a fun and unique option for those that are fans of slow travel. These routes are more commonly used by domestic travelers or visitors taking a longer journey around Japan (especially with a car), but they can be an interesting alternative to flying or taking the train.

Here are some ferry routes that go to Tokyo:

Tokushima → Tokyo: Ocean Tokyu Ferry runs daily between Tokushima and Tokyo, taking about 18 hours. This route continues onward to Shin-Moji in Kitakyushu.
Shin-Moji (Kitakyushu) → Tokushima → Tokyo: The same Ocean Tokyu Ferry route works in the opposite direction, taking about 34 hours from Shin-Moji to Tokyo with a stop in Tokushima.
Hakata (Fukuoka) → Tokyo: MOL Sunflower operates a long-distance route between Tokyo and Hakata, making this another option for traveling between Kyushu and Tokyo by sea.
Kanda (Fukuoka Prefecture) → Tokyo: MOL Sunflower also operates a Tokyo–Kanda route, with some sailings calling at Miyazaki and/or Uno along the way.

Arriving in Tokyo: Japan’s Entry Requirements

Now that you know how to get to Tokyo, let’s talk about the entry requirements you need to keep in mind for visiting Japan.

🛂 Do You Need a Visa for Japan?

Japan’s visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport, length of stay, and purpose of travel. Citizens of many countries can enter Japan visa-free for short-term tourism, often for stays of up to 90 days. However, the permitted stay and conditions can vary by country.

For example, travelers from countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Spain, and the United Kingdom are generally eligible for visa-free short-term visits for tourism, subject to Japan’s current rules.

Travelers who are not eligible for visa-free entry may need to apply for a visa before traveling. Some eligible travelers can apply through Japan’s eVisa system, while others may need to apply through a Japanese embassy or consulate.

💡 Always check the current requirements through the before booking your trip to Japan, as visa policies can change.

💉 Vaccinations and Health Requirements

Before arriving in Japan, check whether any health-related entry requirements apply to your specific situation. In general, there are no vaccine requirements to enter Japan. However, it’s recommended for travelers to have the MMR vaccine, and if you’re from a country prone to certain diseases, you should double-check as requirements can always change.

It’s also a good idea to travel with any necessary prescription medications in their original packaging and confirm that medications are permitted under Japanese law. Japan has strict rules regarding certain medicines that may be commonly available in other countries.

For the most current information, consult official Japanese government guidance before departure.

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Arriving in Tokyo: Other Things to Know

Now that you know how to get to Tokyo and what Japan’s entry requirements are, here are a few final things you need to know when arriving in Tokyo.

🧳 Baggage

If you’re arriving to Tokyo by air, you’ll collect your luggage after passing through immigration. Depending on the airport and how busy it is, baggage claim can take some time, so don’t plan an important activity immediately after landing.

If you’re arriving by train or bus, keep in mind that navigating Tokyo with large suitcases can be challenging, especially during rush hour. Some stations are enormous, and not every station has an elevator or an exit close to your accommodation.

If you’re traveling with oversized luggage on the Shinkansen, check the baggage rules when booking your ticket. Certain Shinkansen routes require reservations for seats with designated oversized-baggage space.

🛂 Customs

International travelers must go through customs after immigration and baggage claim. Japan has restrictions on certain food products, plants, animal products, medications, and other goods, so make sure you understand what you can and cannot bring into the country.

You can complete customs declaration information online through Visit Japan Web before arriving. The system can also be used to prepare immigration-related information, helping make the arrival process more efficient. Visit Japan Web is not a visa application system, so travelers who need a visa must still obtain one separately.

Here are a few things you’re not allowed to bring into Japan:

Meat and animal products
Fresh fruits and plants
Weapons and explosives (including gun powder and fireworks)
Illegal drugs and narcotics (including cannabis)
Stimulant medications (such as Aderall)
Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine (like Vick’s or Sudafed)
Counterfeit materials (like fake luxury brands)
Large amounts of medication (more than 1 30-day prescription needs a special certificate)

🚆 Finding Transportation

Once you exit the airport, station, bus terminal, or port, follow signs for your chosen transportation method. Tokyo’s transportation system is extensive, but the size of the stations and number of train lines can feel overwhelming when you first arrive.

Before your trip, look up:

The closest station to your accommodation
Which train or subway line you need
Whether your route requires a transfer
Which exit is closest to your hotel
Whether your accommodation offers airport transfer instructions

Having your hotel’s address saved in Japanese can also be helpful, especially if you need to show it to a taxi driver or ask for directions.

Final Tips for Arriving in Tokyo

Arriving in Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first, especially if it’s your first time navigating Japan’s transportation system. Planning your arrival in advance will make the transition so much smoother.

Here are a few final tips to make your arrival in Tokyo easier:

Check your arrival airport or terminal: Narita, Haneda, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and Yokohama all offer different transportation connections.
Research your airport transfer before landing: Knowing which train, bus, or transfer to take will save you time and stress.
Keep your accommodation address accessible: Save it on your phone and, ideally, have the Japanese address available too.
Allow extra time after landing: Immigration, baggage claim, customs, and transportation can take longer than expected.
Avoid scheduling major activities immediately after arriving: Give yourself time to reach your accommodation, check in, and recover from the journey.
Use Google Maps for transportation: It’s especially useful for finding train platforms, transfer routes, station exits, and estimated travel times.
Have some payment options ready: While Japan is increasingly card-friendly, having cash available is key for transportation, smaller businesses, or emergencies.

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👀 What’s Next?

Now that you know how to get to Japan’s capital, and info for arriving to Tokyo, let’s help you explore more of this incredible city.

Here are some other Japan travel guides that we have:

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⭐️ Is Osaka worth visiting?
🗼 30 things to do in Osaka, Japan
✈️ How to get to Osaka, Japan
🚗 How to get around Osaka, Japan
📖 Ultimate Osaka travel guide
🍴 Osaka food guide
🚌 How to get to Nara, Japan
🏮 Nara Lantern Festival
🦌 What to do in Nara in one day
📖 Nara travel guide
📆 The best time to visit Japan
🇯🇵 The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Japan

Now you know all the info you need for arriving in Tokyo! If you have any other questions about the transportation, feel free to drop your questions in the comments below!

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