Just Landed at Narita? Here's Exactly What to Do

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You Just Landed. Here's What to Do (In Order).

This isn't a "complete guide to Narita Airport." You don't need that right now. You need to get through the airport and to your hotel. Here's exactly how, step by step.

Total time: 60-90 minutes from touchdown to train platform.

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Step 1: Turn On Your Phone (On the Plane)

Before the seatbelt sign goes off, do this:

If you have eSIM set up: Go to Settings → Cellular → turn on your Japan eSIM line. You'll connect to a Japanese network within minutes of the doors opening.
If you don't have data yet: Don't panic. You have options in the terminal (see Step 4). Narita has free WiFi to get you started.

Free WiFi at Narita: Network name is `FreeWiFi-NARITA`. Open your browser, accept the terms. It works, but sessions are limited to 3 hours and it's slow.

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Step 2: Immigration (15-40 min)

Visit Japan Web — If you registered online before your flight, use the QR code lane. It's significantly faster.

If you didn't register: it's fine. Join the regular line. Have these ready:

Passport
Arrival card (they hand them out on the plane, or grab one before the immigration counter)

Tip: Terminals 1 and 2 have different immigration areas. Follow the signs for your terminal. If the line looks insane, it moves faster than you think.

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Step 3: Grab Your Bags & Clear Customs

Baggage claim is right after immigration. Customs is usually quick — walk through the green "nothing to declare" lane unless you're bringing in restricted items.

Luggage delivery service: If you have heavy bags and want to go straight to exploring, there are luggage delivery counters (Yamato, JAL ABC) that will ship your bags to your hotel for ~2,000 yen per bag. You'll get them by evening or next morning.

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Step 4: Get Connected (If You Haven't Already)

You're now in the arrivals lobby. If you still don't have data:

Option A: eSIM (2 minutes)

If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or newer, most Android from 2020+), you can buy and activate one right now using the airport WiFi.

Browse plans, pick one, scan the QR code — done. You'll be online before you leave the terminal.

Quickest options right now:

Airalo → — Install via app, no QR needed on newer iPhones. From $4.50.
Saily → — 2 taps to install. From $4.
Ubigi → — NTT Docomo network, best if heading rural. From $9.

Or compare all plans →

Option B: Physical SIM Card

Vending machines and shops in the arrivals area sell prepaid SIM cards. Look for:

Terminal 1: Arrivals lobby, near the South Exit
Terminal 2: Arrivals lobby, near the convenience stores

Prices: ~1,500-3,000 yen for 1-3GB.

Option C: Pocket WiFi Rental

Counters in both terminals. Reserve online for better rates. ~500-1,000 yen/day. You'll need to return it at the airport before your departure.

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Step 5: Get Yen

ATMs that work with foreign cards:

7-Eleven (セブンイレブン) — In the arrivals area. Look for the 7-Bank ATM.
Family Mart (ファミリーマート) — Uses E-net ATMs.

How much to withdraw: Start with 10,000-20,000 yen (~$65-130 USD). Many places accept IC cards and credit cards now, but you'll need cash for small shops, some restaurants, and temple visits.

Avoid: The currency exchange counters have terrible rates. ATMs are almost always better.

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Step 6: Get a Train Card

You'll use this for everything: trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines.

Mobile Suica (iPhone): Download the Welcome Suica app (or add Suica to Apple Wallet). Load 3,000 yen to start.

Physical card: Buy a Welcome Suica at the JR ticket counter or vending machines near the train gates. 1,000-5,000 yen to start.

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Step 7: Get to Tokyo

Option A: Narita Express (N'EX) — Recommended for Most

To: Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro
Time: 60 minutes to Tokyo Station
Cost: ~3,250 yen
Buy tickets: JR ticket counter or reserved seat machines near the platform
N'EX discount: Foreign passport holders can get a round-trip discount ticket (~4,070 yen)

Option B: Keisei Skyliner — Fastest

To: Ueno, Nippori (connect to JR/Metro from there)
Time: 36 minutes to Ueno
Cost: ~2,520 yen
Best if: Your hotel is near Ueno, Asakusa, or along the Yamanote Line

Option C: Access Express — Budget

To: Asakusa, Nihonbashi, Shinagawa (via Asakusa Line)
Time: ~55 minutes to Asakusa
Cost: ~1,270 yen
Best if: You're on a budget and your hotel is in eastern Tokyo

Option D: Limousine Bus — Heavy Luggage

To: Major hotels and stations
Time: 75-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
Cost: ~3,200 yen
Best if: Your hotel is a direct stop and you have lots of luggage

Use Google Maps to check which option gets you closest to your hotel right now. Train times are real-time accurate in Japan.

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You're on the Train. What Now?

Relax. You've made it through the hardest part. Japan's trains are clean, quiet, and on time.

A few things for the ride:

Quiet: Keep your phone on silent. Calls on trains are frowned upon.
Luggage: Store large bags in the overhead rack or luggage area near the doors.
Don't eat: Eating on local trains is not common (Shinkansen is different).

When you get to your station, follow signs to your exit. Google Maps will guide you door to door.

Welcome to Japan.

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Quick Reference Card

Save this for later:

| Need | Where |

|------|-------|

| Emergency | Call 110 (police) or 119 (ambulance) |

| Free WiFi | "FreeWiFi-NARITA" at airport, "Japan Connected" app in cities |

| Cash ATM | 7-Eleven or Family Mart (any branch, nationwide) |

| Train help | Station staff — they're incredibly helpful, many speak some English |

| Translation | Google Translate camera mode or VoiceTra app |

| Pharmacy | Look for ドラッグストア (drug store) — Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sundrug |