🇯🇵 Arriving in Japan – A Calm Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Travelers
🇯🇵 Arriving in Japan – A Calm Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Travelers
There’s something quietly magical about landing in Japan for the first time. Maybe it’s the way the plane window fills with soft morning light, or how the cabin crew bows as you exit. Maybe it’s just the silence—unexpected, gentle—that follows you as you step into the airport.
But as beautiful as the moment feels, it’s normal to have questions:
Where do I go? What paperwork do I need? How do I get to my hotel?
This guide is here to walk you through it, step by step—calmly, clearly, and without stress.
🛬 1. Which Airport Will You Arrive At?
Most international travelers land at one of these three main airports:
- Narita International Airport (NRT) – 60–90 minutes from Tokyo
- Haneda Airport (HND) – closer to central Tokyo (~30 minutes)
- Kansai International Airport (KIX) – gateway to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara
All three are clean, efficient, and foreigner-friendly, with English signage throughout. You’ll feel safe and guided even if it’s your first time in Japan.
🧾 2. Immigration & Customs – What You Need
Before landing, you’ll be asked to complete immigration forms via the new Visit Japan Web system. This replaces paper forms and speeds up the process.
📌 Here’s what to do:
- Visit Visit Japan Web before your flight
- Create an account and fill in your travel info
- Upload your passport and vaccination/entry details
- Once approved, you’ll get QR codes for Immigration and Customs
💡 Pro Tip: Screenshot your QR codes in case you lose Wi-Fi at the airport.
🛂 3. What Happens When You Land
3.1 Follow signs for Immigration (you’ll scan your QR code + take a photo + fingerprint)
3.2 Pick up your luggage
3.3 Go through Customs (scan your second QR code, may be asked a few questions)
All of this is usually smooth and fast—especially if you've pre-registered.
You’ll be welcomed with calm efficiency. No chaos, no raised voices. Just soft instructions and lots of bows.
📶 4. SIM Cards, Wi-Fi & IC Cards – What to Buy at the Airport
Before you leave the terminal, take care of 3 essentials:
📱 SIM Card or Pocket Wi-Fi
- SIM Card: available at vending machines or counters (e.g., Mobal, Sakura Mobile)
- Pocket Wi-Fi: great for groups or if you don’t want to change your SIM
- Prices range from ¥3,000–¥7,000 for a 7–15 day stay
💳 IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA...)
- Used for trains, subways, convenience stores, vending machines
- Buy & charge at train station kiosks (¥2,000 includes a deposit)
- Optional but highly recommended for ease
💡 Tip: Many cards are now available as Apple Wallet versions (Suica, PASMO)
🚆 5. Transportation from Airport to City
From Narita Airport to Tokyo:
🚅 Narita Express (N’EX) – direct to major Tokyo stations (~¥3,000, 1 hour)
🚌 Airport Limousine Bus – goes to hotels (~¥3,500, 1.5–2 hours)
🚆 Local train (Keisei Skyliner) – fast, cheaper (~¥2,570)
From Haneda Airport to Tokyo:
🚆 Tokyo Monorail + JR Line (~¥500–¥700)
🚌 Airport Bus or Taxi (~¥1,000–¥2,500)
From Kansai Airport to Osaka/Kyoto:
🚅 Haruka Express to Osaka/Kyoto (~¥2,000–¥3,000)
🚆 Nankai Line to Namba (Osaka) – budget-friendly
🚌 Limousine Bus – if you have luggage
💡 Tip: Buy combo tickets (e.g., N’EX + IC card) at a discount at airport counters.
🧘 6. One Last Reminder – You Don’t Have to Rush
Airports in Japan are designed for quiet efficiency. No one pushes. No one yells. You’ll have space to breathe, signs in English, and helpful staff at every turn.
So take your time. Stretch after the flight. Maybe grab a konbini snack or warm matcha from a vending machine before you head out.
You’ve arrived. And there’s no need to hurry.
🙏 Thank You for Reading
Arriving in Japan can feel overwhelming at first. But with a little preparation—and a calm mindset—it becomes part of the joy.
✨ Want to know what to pack, what apps to download, or how to explore Japan slowly?
👉 Read the next post in the Japan Travel Essentials series – your gentle guide continues there.
—
With care and clarity,
Kim Ngân – storyteller & slow traveler