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Narita is one of the easiest entry points into Japan, with fast trains to Tokyo, English signage throughout, and a compact town you can walk in a day. This guide answers the practical questions: how to get into the city, what things cost, how to pay, and what to expect from safety and tipping. For an overview of the whole area, see the Narita travel guide.
Narita Travel Tips: Getting to and from the Airport
Three trains and a fleet of buses connect Narita Airport to Tokyo. The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest option, reaching Nippori in 36 minutes and Ueno in 41 minutes for Â¥2,570 one way. The JR Narita Express (N’EX) reaches Tokyo Station in 53 minutes for Â¥3,070 one way, and the cheaper Keisei limited express and JR Sobu rapid lines take 70 to 90 minutes for Â¥1,050 to Â¥1,340. Airport Limousine buses run to Tokyo Station and Shinjuku for about Â¥3,100, and a taxi into central Tokyo costs Â¥20,000 to Â¥30,000. For which months the weather might disrupt your plans, see Narita weather by month, and for the cheapest months to fly, see the best time to visit Narita guide.
Narita Travel Tips: Money, Cards and Currency
Japan remains a partly cash country, so carry ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 in yen even though cards are now accepted at the airport, hotels, malls, and most chain restaurants. Seven Bank ATMs at Narita Airport and 7-Eleven stores accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, and most debit cards 24 hours a day, and they are the cheapest way to withdraw cash. Many small Omotesando shops are cash-only, so stock up before you reach the temple street.
Narita Travel Tips: SIM Cards and Connectivity
You can buy a tourist SIM or rent a pocket Wi-Fi router at arrival counters in all three terminals, or pick up a prepaid data SIM from the vending machines and electronics counters. A 7-day tourist SIM with a few gigabytes of data runs about ¥3,000 to ¥5,000, and pocket Wi-Fi rents for ¥700 to ¥1,000 per day. Free Wi-Fi covers the airport terminals, the stations, and most hotels, but it is thin on Omotesando, so get data before you leave the airport if you need maps. For what to do with your time, see the things to do in Narita guide, and for which area to base yourself in, see the Narita neighborhoods guide.
Narita Travel Tips: Safety, Tipping and Etiquette
Narita is extremely safe, with low crime rates, and the main risks are practical rather than criminal: pickpocketing is rare but keep your wallet secure in the New Year crowd, and check the last train time if you are heading into Tokyo. Tipping does not exist in Japan, and leaving cash on a table will be returned to you, so do not tip in restaurants, taxis, or hotels. On the temple grounds, keep your voice down, and remove your shoes where signs ask. For the area’s event crowds, see the events and festivals in Narita guide.
Narita Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Narita from Tokyo?
Narita Airport is 60 km (37 miles) east of central Tokyo. The Skyliner reaches Nippori in 36 minutes and the N’EX reaches Tokyo Station in 53 minutes, so a same-day trip into the city and back is easy if you have a long layover.
Can I leave the airport during a layover?
Yes. With a 5 to 6 hour daytime layover you can take the train to Keisei Narita Station, walk Omotesando, and visit Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in about 3 hours. Budget 15 minutes each way for the train and keep at least 2 hours to clear security again.
Is Narita tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Narita’s tap water is safe to drink, and free water is available at the airport and from most hotel rooms. If you prefer bottled, vending machines sell 500 ml bottles for Â¥110 to Â¥160.
Where can I store luggage?
Coin lockers and staffed luggage counters operate in all three terminals and at Keisei Narita Station, with locker prices of ¥300 to ¥800 per item per day. The staffed counters will also forward bags to Tokyo hotels for about ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 per piece, which is handy if you want to sightsee hands-free. For hotels that hold bags overnight, see where to stay in Narita.
Suggested Hotels in Narita
Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport
The Hilton is the area’s five-star stopover with an indoor pool, three restaurants, and a free 10-minute airport shuttle. Best for travelers who want a full-service night before a long-haul flight. Check rates and availability
ANA Crowne Plaza Narita
The ANA Crowne Plaza is an IHG hotel with an indoor pool, sauna, tennis courts, and 17th-floor restaurants, 10 minutes from the airport on the free shuttle. Best for families and loyalty-program members who want resort facilities at a mid-range price. Check rates and availability
Toyoko Inn Narita Airport Shinkan
Toyoko Inn Narita Airport Shinkan is a dependable budget chain hotel with free breakfast and an early-morning airport shuttle, about 10 minutes from the terminals. Best for solo travelers and overnight transits who want a clean, cheap, no-frills room. Check rates and availability
