A beginner’s guide of what to do when you arrive at the Tokyo International Airports
Airport Arrival in Japan
Here’s a simple guide to explain what happens when you arrive at the Tokyo Airports. This article will help you be prepared and perhaps lessen any nervousness you might be feeling about arriving in Japan. You’ve absolutely nothing to be worried about! Japan is a beautiful country full amazing things to see and do, and of course wonderfully polite and friendly people.
Before you arrive, it may be useful to read my Japan beginner guides in order and start with The essential Japan pre-trip planning check list! .
What happens when you arrive in Japan?
When you first arrive at your Tokyo airport – usually Haneda or Narita International Airports, Japan – you’ll be carefully directed to the Japan Customs and Immigration areas. It’s here you will be first asked if you have a Japan Arrival QR Code.
What is the Visit Japan Web Arrival QR Code?
The Visit Japan Web QR Code is your online arrival card. Learn all about how to get your Visit Japan Web Arrival QR Code in our step-by-step guide.
How do I use my Japan arrival QR code at the airport?
At Japan customs, have your QR code ready to be scanned on your phone. You may find screenshots to be the handiest way to present your QR codes to the customs officer. A screenshot may be especially helpful if you don’t yet have data on your phone when you land in Japan and so may not be able to retrieve them.
How long does Customs clearance take in Japan?
If you have your Arrival QR Code ready to go you can move straight into the customs queue. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour queuing time. The length of time waiting in the customs queue can depend on several factors including time of arrival, number of flights, and even the occasional system breakdown.
On average, the system works efficiently, and you should be through Customs processing in around twenty minutes. Once you arrive at the head of the queue the Customs Officer will process your arrival by scanning your QR Code and taking your photo and your electronic fingerprint impression.
It takes approximately 40-60 minutes to get from airplane door to the arrival hall Terminals, providing there are no major delays. Rest-assured that Japanese airport processing is usually highly efficient and passenger friendly.
TIME SAVING TIP…
There is a family & disability fast lane at customs
You may not realise that there is a shorter queue at customs especially for families with young children, the elderly and also for those families with a disabled member. If this is the case in your travel party, don’t hesitate to approach a customs queue attendant to make yourself known before joining the main queue. Customs Staff will be able to direct you to the correct area to save you time and stress.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme is a visibly worn lanyard or bracelet that helps you to voluntarily share that you have a disability which may not be visibly obvious. It also indicates that you may need assistance, patience or more time in places such as airport security and customs.
The Sunflower Lanyard is recognised at several international Japan airports including Narita and Haneda Airports in Tokyo. Free lanyards are also available from the dedicated Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme information desk at Haneda.
Need to know! Keep your passport on you in Japan at all times.
All tourists/visitors to Japan must have their passport on them at all times – everywhere in Japan. It’s the law! Authorities don’t check tourists often, however when they do you can be detained and receive a fine. A group member posted about this happening recently in my Tokyo Disneyland Holiday Planning Facebook Group here. It’s always best to follow the rules to avoid any issues.
What else should I pick up at the Airport before I leave?
There are usually large food halls accessible from the arrival area of each international airport Terminal. It can be difficult to find food after around 9pm in Japan other than convenience stores, so if you’re flight arrives in Japan in the evening it may be wise to have your dinner at the airport first.
Other useful items you can get from Japan Airports which might be useful for your visit include tourist train cards like the Suica IC Card, a small amount of Cash from an ATM (although the best cash withdrawal rates are usually at 7/11 Convenience Stores found all over Japan) and a Japanese SIM card for phone data if you haven’t already pre-arranged one.
Japan mobile phone coverage information
Add international coverage onto your normal mobile phone service provider or buy an eSim so that you have data from the moment you land in Japan. Airalo eSIM is proven to work well in Japan, including Tokyo Disney Resort, and allows you to make calls and access the internet in Japan.
Should I stay at an Airport Hotel?
There are always hotels located around the Japan airports, in particular Narita which an hour from Tokyo. Considering the longer shuttle times to some of the cheaper outlying airport hotels, it may be more economical and less extra work to travel to where you want to be immediately upon arrival or invest in a closer and more expensive airport hotel. Only you know what will suit you best.
How do I get from the Airport to Tokyo?
Read my next Beginner Guides:
One less thing to plan – book your Japan theme park entrance tickets online before you go!
Klook is a reputable, official online Japan attractions ticket seller.
buy your Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea tickets online at Klook here.
Exclusive attractions discount: Get up to 10% off popular Tokyo attractions like TeamLabs, Shibuya Sky & many others (not TDR tickets) using my Klook discount code:
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Klook conditions: $50 min spend, $50 max discount, 5 times use. Klook new customers can get 10% off and existing customers get 3% off. Klook exclusions list here. This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!
Get your free Wise travel money card!
Take advantage of our free Wise travel money card offer to save the AUD$10 card fee here.
What’s the cheapest airline to get from Australia to Japan?
We partnered with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to Japan. Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to Japan every day – check their website for their low Tokyo and Osaka fares and frequent sales!
Additional Tokyo planning reading
Top Tokyo Tourist Attractions you shouldn’t miss
Hotels with free shuttles to Tokyo Disney Resort
Have a question? Drop a comment below! I’d also love to hear about your own Japan experiences!
