Tokyo Narita Airport review by Jon MacKenzie
9 March 2006

This airport is so far from Tokyo that perhaps rather than improving the train service, they should just change the name of the airport so that it doesn't include the word "Tokyo." Just joking of course, but in such a train country as Japan, I am constantly puzzled at why they haven't improved the service yet. They should take inspiration from Shanghai's maglev. Furthermore, a small warning: you should have your passport ready in the train going to the airport, because ridiculously you can't even exit the subway without it, even though you'll need to produce it another 3 times before you fasten your seatbelt. Another point, the airport suffers from a constant reek of tobacco. I always had had this impression of Japan being high-tech enough that they could at least build a sealed low pressure room for smokers, if banning smoking really isn't on the agenda there yet. But, alas, one continues to hope. Last note, actually, the entire design (proportions, use of space, aesthetics, lighting, air quality and architecture) of both terminals belongs to a bygone era. One can hardly count the number of better airports in East Asia at the moment (including 3 right in Japan.) I will vouch though, that at least the staff are good at Narita. I've never had a problem with security/customs/immigration (sometimes the lines are long, but where aren't they.)

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Brian Smith
7 February 20065

Yes, Narita is extremely far from Tokyo. That said, we have no other choice for international departures (except to and from Seoul Gimpo). Departing Narita is not pleasant, especially from Terminal 1. Mainly because they have long walk times to the United and Northwest gates and it is still under renovation until 2006. Terminal 2 is much better organized and they do have shuttle trains to the outer gates. During busy travel seasons (Golden Week, Christmas/New Year's, and Obon in August) both terminals are subjected to maximum usage. There will be incredible lines if arriving and departing, that's just a fact of life. As a resident of Japan, I never have any delay arriving "home" as I can use the Japanese immigration lanes. However, I have seen the horrible lines for foreigners. I usually have a quick exit to the baggage and go straight to the limousine bus ticket stand. From the plane opening its doors to taking my seat on the bus, it rarely exceeds 40 minutes. Despite the location, Narita is efficient considering the volume of traffic that goes in and out. But heaven help anyone who is stuck there during some sort of freak thunderstorm, snow storm (which just happened 1/06), or other "emergency". The airlines and airport have no idea what to do with the backlog of passengers trying to get out on the next available flight (as most of the flights in and out of Narita are always full, except to Europe). The hotels nearby are fairly awful and expensive, with no international TV (the Hilton isn't too bad). Fingers crossed, your experience at Narita won't be so bad as others may let you believe.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Sam Lai
6 February 20065

Arrival is always quite quick, but I understand some comments about long lines at immigration. Slow and not efficient. The Narita Express into Tokyo is efficient, but quite expensive compared to other cities. Departure at Narita is always a hell. The lines at the check-in area are huge - especially for the flights to US. Narita should organize these check-in area's better. After immigration, which is slow again, I normally go to the airline lounges immediately.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Sofian Azizul
20 January 20065

I use this airport at least once a year and I never have problems.It took me less than half an hour to go through immigration and the immigration personnel are very helpful and polite (unlike Europe (Manchester)). Luggage delivery at Narita is very fast and efficient. Narita is a clean airport plus the toilet are spotless. Unfortunately, NRT is far away from the city centre and it took at least 2 hours from Tokyo. Overall, I like this airport.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Paul Bland
12 January 20065

Arriving from Australia at Narita Airport on a Monday evening was like coming home to old friends. The Japanese are unfailingly polite and efficient. I was surprised then to find only two immigration officers stamping passports for non Japanese arrivals. At one stage I counted three hundred people standing in the queue with only two control points. This was clearly a regular occurrence because someone had thoughtfully posted time waiting signs at various points: eg "90 minutes from this point. The fact that the check in desks do not open until ninety minutes before departure is a nuisance for departing passengers. It often takes some organisation to get to Narita from Tokyo and this means a long wait with luggage in hand.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Pierre Fabre
6 January 20065

Been through this one over a dozen times and apart from the cost of getting there from Tokyo, it's a very nice airport with plenty of space and facilities. The Keisei train line is definitely the best choice to get there, the most affordable and certainly fast enough even if you don't get the Skyliner which is a bit more costly. When departing from Japan, if you want to get rid of your luggage as soon as possible, you may prefer taking the bus in downtown Tokyo Narita bus terminal where you can check-in before you get on the bus.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Jantzen Chua
2 January 20065

Narita Airport is generally nice. It's fully equipped with restaurants, lounges, entertainment, stores, even a large bookstore. The ambience is also quite good and adds a hip-hop modern touch. Still, the drawback is its distance from central Tokyo. Without special transportation service, it would be pretty hard to get there. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.

Tokyo Narita Airport review by Geraldo Faria
30 November 2005

Actually the limousine bus from Yokohama should be around 3,800 yens, not 38,000. Also there are about 5 or 6 ways to reach the city from Narita, and unfortunately, Narita Airport is about 2 hours from any in Tokyo, or even 3 hours. But it is worth it.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Masaki Oda
9 October 2005

Narita is often criticized for being far from Tokyo. It is true that you need to leave the city four ot five hours before the flight. However, the airport has made improvements in the past years. There are now lots of airport bus services to various suburban communities and train stations around Tokyo. These buses are equipped with Radio and they are constantly communicating with the dispatchers so that they can take the least crowded route to/from Narita. Therefore, in some cases, they are more convenient than Narita Express or Skyliner trains. As the part of T1 is under renovation, you may have to walk long, especially to/from 40s gates (mainly used by United). However, there are signs in English, Mandarin, Korean and Japanese, and it is easy to find the way around. Immigration and security lines can be long during the peak hours, but they are efficient and usually move quicker than they look.

Tokyo Narita Airport by William Henwood
22 August 2005

I made a mistake on my last comment. Limousine Buses only cost 3,000 Yen, not 38,000 Yen. They can take you to neighbouring prefectures and to major hotels. Sorry for the error (350 USD does sound strange for a coach journey).

Tokyo Narita Airport by William Henwood
19 August 2005

I know that Narita is quite a distance from the centre of Tokyo, but it is not pysically possible to place a large, international airport on mountainous ground. There is Haneda airport in central Tokyo, but Haneda can't handle many international flights a day, simply because the airport can't really expand in the middle of a capital city (just like old Kai Tak airport in Honk Kong). Anyway, for the foreign traveller (especially from the United States), Narita is not so bad. Signs are well posted in English, Japanese, Mandarin and Hangul Korean, so you will not get lost and confused. NW and AA flights arrive at Terminal 1.You will get a passport check, queues are long (but moving) in the daytime, and in the evening, it is quiet, and you will get to the front in 3 minutes at most. Everything is simple at Narita, you can get the job done very quickly, whether if you are a Japanese national or a foreigner. Once you are past the security checks, you can take the orange, "Friendly Airport Limousine" coach service, takes you to many places in central Tokyo and Japan, for 38,000 Yen (nearly 350 USD, expensive). Two trains operate out of the airport, the JR Narita Express, and the Keisei Skyliner. The Narita Express goes to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ueno, Shinagawa, Ikebukuro, Yokohama and Omiya stations. The Keisei goes to Nippori and Ueno stations (in central Tokyo). The Express costs more than the Skyliner, but has a larger range of stops. Avoid taking the taxi (if possible). Journeys cost 200USD. So accessing central Tokyo, is fairly simple. Doing a transfer at Narita is simple as well, whether international or domestic.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Jay Duce

8 August 2005

This airport was impressive - not for its looks but for efficiency! Never have I gotten my bags so fast nor cleared passport control and customs so fast in my life! I think I was done in about 5 minutes. Maybe US airports need to lean from the Japanese because it seems that they have figured out how to do what we cannot! Yes, I am talking about moving people.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Harry Tsui

26 March 2005

Enjoying your transit at Narita Airport? Instead of spending time at the Lounge, I usually just get out of the airport through Immigration. Nowadays, it takes around 45 minutes to get through the long line. Once you are out of the Immigration, you can exchange some money before exiting the Custom gate and then rush down to the underground (right in front of the Exit) to catch the regular Keisei Line. (Keise Line is on the left side of the track while the JR is on the right.) The treat to the city of Narita is a wonderful experience not to be missed and a big plus for the otherwise remote airport. The fare is 250 yens one way. If you are using Terminal 1 (United, NWA) that would be the 2nd stop. Get off the train and walk through an underground passage to get to the Exit. Then go straight to the end of the street, turn right at the corner bookstore, pass the interchange and walk straight all the way to the famous Narita Temple. Narita Temple is free, unlike other temples in Japan. The Entrance is very beautiful, just like the one at Nikko. And you are welcome to really go inside the temple hall and hear the peaching. If you still have time, walk around the temple and the beautiful garden and pagoda. It is peaceful and meditating. Then on the way back, pick up the Japanese food from the grocery. There is a small Japanese noodle shop just on the left side of the Keisei train station. Enjoy your noodle there. The cost is at 450 Yens. If you still have some change, pick up some tasty sushi on the store next door. The time I spent: get off the United 747 at 2:00 PM. Walk to the Immigration at around 2:10 PM. Get off the Immigration at 3:00 PM (two 747s). Catch the Keisei train, arriving at Narita at 3:15 PM. Rush to the Narita Temple at 3:30 PM, just in time for the last part of the peaching ceremony. Spent around one hour at the Temple site. Back to the Narita station at 4:30 PM for noodle, bookstore and pastry shop. Then take the 5:00 PM train to the airpot. I was back to the United Lounge at 5:30 PM, just in time for taking the shower and eating the raw shrimp with the white wine. This simple no hassle stop-over transit can give you an authentic taste of the best of Japan. The Temple, old Japanese style street with all the goodies and traditional Japanese hotels (roykans), noodles, pastry, and sushi are part of the experience that you cannot find in Tokyo. On the way to San Francisco on the upper deck, I can take the sashimi out and enjoy it all the way, as if I had just spent a long time visiting Japan! For your information, I cannot speak Japanese. Just use hand signs all along.

Tokyo Narita Airport by D Larkin

21 March 2005

The thing that frustrates me about this airport is its distance from Tokyo. You will need to mentally prepare yourself for an additional two hours of travel time to actually get to Tokyo. This means that you will need to plan on leaving for the airport 4-5 hours before your return flight. You will also need to have around 1,500 yen on hand for train fare. I recommend taking the Keisei line to Nippori, where you can transfer to the Yamanote line (the main line that encircles the city). Be careful! A skyliner ticket costs nearly double the regular fare and only gets you there 10 min. faster. Just buy a plain 1,000 yen ticket and take the limited express train. Other than its appalling location, the airport is pretty nice. The terminals are extremely clean and the staff is generally friendly and helpful. Immigration lines vary from 10 minutes to over 60 minutes, which varies depending on how many checkpoints they choose to operate on a particular day. It is frustrating to stand in line for ages in front of ten checkpoints when only two or three are open. Security takes only 5-10 minutes in terminal one but tends to be much longer in terminal two. Food is scant past security, so be sure to buy your food beforehand. Overall, NRT is a decent airport, but it is not at all convenient if you aren't transiting. One can only hope they start allowing more international flights at Haneda.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Kevin Armstrong

8 December 2004

I left Japan on an open-jaw ticket via Tokyo Narita. I arrived in the middle of the night as my flight was fairly early in the morning. Be warned: Narita is very, very far from Tokyo and public transport is non- existent at that time of night. I took a cab not realising how far away it was and it cost me the best part of USD 200! Arriving at the airport was a nightmare. The place was almost completely shut down and a lot of police everywhere who seemed surprised that anybody should want to arrive at the airport at that ungodly hour. I had a hell of a job convincing them that I wasn't a terrorist. Once they let me in I was stuck into a horrible room with a dozen or so other passengers with just a couple of vending machines providing refreshments, dim lighting. Not very pleasant at all. Things perked up when the airport started to get busy. Check-in, security and immigration all went quite smoothly. The only thing that surprised me was the lack of stores, restaurants etc beyond the departure gate. Not much at all considering this is the major airport for one of the world's major cities.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Peter Dowling

3 November 2004

Just returned from a quick 5-day trip to Japan (SYD-NRT-SYD). I was quite impressed with the immigration/customs at Narita, taking less than 5 minutes on entry and exit. This may be the exception rather than the rule (?) but was most acceptable. As for transportation to Tokyo (or anywhere else in Japan, except Hokkaido), my advice is to take the train. 1 hour to Tokyo city center, 4 hours to Osaka, etc, etc. And you actually get to see the scenery (and enjoy a nice bento meal if you wish).

Tokyo Narita Airport by K Johnson

30 September 2004

These comments are concerning the International transit facilities at Narita, and pertain to both Terminals #1 and #2. Quite frankly, I will do ALL possible to avoid using Narita as a transit site if the layover is in excess of 3 or 4 hours. Due to restrictions on planes being able to land or depart during the night, an evening arrival in transit will be an all-night nightmare for some. Anyone who has experienced an extended night time transit at Changi Airport in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur's airport will be extremely disappointed to find that at Narita, virtually every shop or restaurant (and there a few of those to begin with) is closed. The tiny day rooms in both of Narita's terminals are nearly always full. The newsstand, when open, carries only Japanese-language periodicals. Airport employees appear to have no idea of what facilities are available.... I inquired about internet access, and was told there was none, yet there is a small business center in each terminal with internet. For me, the worst point of Narita is the difficulity to go from Terminal #1 to Terminal #2. I am slightly physically disabled, and found a jaunt between the teminals involves steep staircases with no handrails, a sloppy bus shuttle service with surly drivers and no moving walkways. I have the advantage of speaking Japanese, so the airport signage was no problem. But there is no effort to inprove Narita's "hospital operating room" decor - no paintings of Japanese attractions, no attempt to acquaint the first-time visitor with the country. It is possibly the bleakest major Asian airport in terms of the transit areas. On the plus side, Narita is a clean airport. The toilets are spotless. Finally, I feel Narita's transit facilities are designed with the Japanese traveller in mind, a peculiar situation since the passengers in transit are mostly foreigners!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Jacques Kavafian

2 September 2004

I visit Tokyo several times a year and so I am used to Narita Airport. It's a very big but very efficient airport. Usually arriving at terminal 2 the immigration line for foreigners can be very long but it never takes more than 40 minutes to go through it. The ligne for Japanese citizens goes by so fast usually less than 10 minutes wait no matter how long the line is. One should consider that almost all aircraft landing at Narita are widebodies, usually 747s, so they spillout a lot of passengers. Transportation from Narita is abundant. There is the Narita Express which can take from 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending where in Tokyo one is going and costs about 3,800 yen. There is the express Keio line that costs 1,000 yen and goes to central Tokyo in about one hour and ten minutes. Then there are various buses to most hotels in the city but thos can take over two hours depending on traffic. Everything is spotless at Narita and people are workers are very polite. Baggage delivery at Narita is super fast and almost always our bags are waiting for us by the time we clear immigration and this has happened even when the immigration line was 15 minutes or so. For those complaining that the airport is too far, well, I am sorry but there is no way of putting such a big airport near the city. There is no room so it's one of the small inconveniences one has to put up with. The Narita Express service has now expanded and it goes to Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama. It's the best way to get to the city.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Elin Stuart

16 August 2004

Narita is dull but overall efficient and easy to get through. Be warned however at the serious lack of cafes beyond security! The queues at immigration can be terrible, obviously something they need to work on as the natives seem to have to wait almost as long as the foreigners. Bit of a contrast with Haneda where there isn't as much as an ID check, bit worrying.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Soichiro Abe

27 July 2004

On my business trips to Japan, I always have to use NRT airport. Although almost always crowded, things go smoothly there; sometimes, passport control is a bit lengthy (in Terminal 2) because there are only two or three counters open. Transportation from Tokyo is a minimum 60 minutes (by Narita Express); although, using the "Friendly Airport Limousine" bus service or similar means of transport actually offers more convenience (trains can be cramped sometimes). In case you have Shinkansen Connections to Narita Express via Tokyo Station, ensure at least 30 minutes of connection time because you have to walk quite a big distance - especially when carrying luggage, you should calculate some more time because you have to change floors often.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Andres Morinigo

26 July 2004

I just recently visited Tokyo with a group of friends and had the experience of going through Narita airport. First of all, it was my first trip to Asia so I did not know what the expect despite the fact I have travelled through Europe and South America. After our fifteen hour flight, we arrived at the airport and had to stand in a long but tolerable immigration line. We claimed our checked bags and were on our way to the trains so that we could get to our final destination of Yokohama ( a city or suburb just outside of tokyo). Anyways, I was in shock to learn that the transportation cost 3,000yen (about 27 usd) in a subway train for more than two hours. The airport is absurdly far from anything that you can remotely call Tokyo or its outlining parts. It took us about two and a half hours and a few train changes to finally arrive at our destination. It was an absolute nightmare. If the Japanese are so advanced, they should at least think twice about placing this absolutely enormous airport more than two hours away from Tokyo. On the return flight home, we decided to take the "limousine bus" that departs from the Yokohama bus terminal and goes straight to Narita for 38,000 yen, much more reasonable the the hellish subway. Despite it was a non-stop bus service to the airport, it still took a good hour and 40 minutes to arrive. If they are going to refer to this airport as "The new Tokyo/Narita International Airport", try placing it a bit closer to Tokyo. Who wants to spend their days visiting the city of Narita or Chiba anyway? Japan is a beautiful country with elegance and tradition, but the airport, despite big and efficient, is exhausting. Oh and by the way, if you have a ten hour layover, there is little to do unless you can leave the departure terminal because once you go through security there is an extremely limited amounts of shops and restaurants.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Michael Chen

16 July 2004

I personally like NRT a lot. It is one of the largest airports in the world but yet it doesn't feel like it. NRT's gates are spaced out that it gives you the feeling of smaller terminals and a very "small town" feeling. Is it me or does NRT rain a lot. The four times I've been through there were all either foggy/drizzle/pouring/cloudy. I have never seen sunshine there.

Tokyo Narita Airport by V Howander

1 July 2004

I have been to a few huge International airports and been overwhelmed but Narita is very "people friendly". I have visited there twice. It is easy to find your baggage and get information about transportation to hotels or outlying areas of Tokyo. It is pleasant to spend time shopping or eating while waiting for flights. Although it is the airport for a major city, it seems more like a small airport.

Tokyo Narita Airport by G Thulhu

6 June 2004

Narita is one of my favourite airports. It can be crowded (if you don't know to go upstairs and avoid the crowds), and it can be confusing (if you don't think to actually stop and read the signs and airport maps), and it can be hideous in summer going through immigration or customs -  but having travelled all over the Pacific and seen such things as the delights of Changi or Christchurch and the horror of LAX or San Jose (never again, either of them!), I can happily say that Narita is one of my favourites. Why - because the place actually works. You can eat there at reasonable or outrageous prices. You can buy cheap or expensive gifts or what- not. You can find free showers if you look closely, and you can get into the city in a variety of ways and at a variety of prices and speeds. And, for those of you coming back into Japan on a re-entry permit and not liking the look of lines at Immigration during mid-summer, you can enter via the 'Japanese only' lines. This often upsets the locals no end, so I highly recommend it.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Charles Ainsworth

10 May 2004

Some tips for Narita International Airport: (1) Use the Keisei Skyliner train to travel to Tokyo (it ends at Ueno station) instead of the JR Narita Express. The Skyliner is cheaper. But, if you're traveling to western Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc) then the Narita Express is probably easier. If you miss the Skyliner (it runs about 40-minutes apart), it's ok to take one of the local Keisei trains, it makes more stops, but will get you to Ueno just the same and is even cheaper. (2) If you need to exchange money, do it before exiting the customs area. The exchange bank has windows that face both inside the customs area and outside to the general public lobby. There's usually a line at the public lobby window but never inside the customs area. (3) Near the shopping/dining section of the terminal are several VIP-type waiting lounges that are open for anyone to go into. They're not advertised but if you walk around and spot one, just walk in and make yourself at home. (4) If you're traveling with young children or have elderly-appearing people in your party, the immigration staff may send you to an "express" type immigration processing line that avoids the long line that most foreigners have to stand in. If you match this situation, try to get the attention of one of the ushers in the immigration section before you get in the normal line to see if they will send you to this "express" line. (5) Another quiet waiting area is at the end of the terminal near the US military liason/help desk. Many Narita airport employees take their breaks in that area for just that reason- it's quiet and not crowded.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Ellie Mills

4 April 2004

I travelled through Narita Airport only once, in January 2003. It was my first International airport I met. So first I was at a loss. But then I was absolutely delighted with all services I met. Everybody tried to help and did their best without any irritation, everybody was so helpful and polite. After Narita I visited Incheon is Seoul - the most hopeless of airports I have been in, then there were Brisbane and Sydney's airports. I can definitely say Narita was the best. Never ever I met so friendly people trying to do their best to help you in everything. I am very grateful to all of them! They made my 11-hours staying there restful and very pleasant.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Khaled Elzobeir

31 March 2004

I've been to Narita airport 8 times (start/ end point or transiting). The airport is far from the city center (70 KM) and ground transportation is very expensive unless you really know your way around. The staffs are friendly and efficient, but in short supply. While transiting on 3 different occasions, I needed new boarding passes and each time I had to queue for 1/2 hours or more. Security there in my opinion is the most efficient on the six continents, while immigration queuing time varies - 10 minutes in the afternoon, 3o minutes in the evening. Plenty of restaurants and seats, although the Duty Free Shops are expensive.

Tokyo Narita Airport by John Kennett

26 February 2004

Using NRT to tansit- JAL to QF and then QF to OZ. Arrival from ICN was late afternoon- the airport seemed quiet, though the line at the transfer information desk was VERY long- those in economy had a long wait, as even we business class passengers who got off the plane quickly we stuck be hind a few other people. The English ability of the women (they were all women) at the transfer desk seemed hit-and-miss. It is a very dull airport compared to SIN or HKG, but fine for a transit of a couple of hours. Early morning arrival from SYD meant that I was waiting at the transfer counter for 30 min before it opened - though at least I was first in line- the extra time was handy for when they misdirected me to the wrong terminal for my connecting flight to ICN!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Patrick Leung

4 February 2004

I have been couple of times to the Narita airport the past few months. On arrival flights, I usually accelerate my steps to be the first few in my flight to arrive the Immigration, otherwise you have to suffer the long queue. It takes average 1 to 2 minutes for each passenger to pass thru the immigration. The fact is the immigration is usually under staff. Usually only 2 to 3 staffs processing pax for the whole plane. If you are lucky enough, there are no passengers left before your flight, than you could go thru pretty quickly. The most painful part is the custom. I have been search my luggage for around 50% of my arrive. (Well, I have only been search in this airport!). Same as all, Narita is too far away from the City. One suggestions to people which transit in Narita, if you want places to visit, visit "Chiba". Is just around 30mins train from Narita. For outgoing flights, everything is okay.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Walter De Angeli

1 January 2004

As a regular visitor to and through Narita Airport, I find it the most under utilised airport once through the immigration barrier into the departure terminals. I have consistently placed suggestions in their suggestion box complaining about the frightful lack of day use rooms. In some 10 times through the airport I have only managed a room at their facility ONCE and that was a single I had to share with my daughter. The aggravating thing - you cannot pre book and pay for a room. The cardboard sign "No rooms vacant" should be a permanent brass fixture as I doubt I have ever seen it without the handwritten cardboard sign (the time I got the room I ignored the sign) As the to Australia connection times ex Europe and Asia can range from 4 to 8 hours, this day room need seems imperative. Please folks have pity and use some of that vacant space!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Kenji Kommer

14 November 2003

I think most visitors to Japan will concur that the Japanese people are extremely efficient and the customer service that one receives while in the country is unparalleled. Inbound/Outbound Customs and Immigration, however, is a major exception at NRT. In the 20 times that I have been in/out of NRT , I have never been able to trudge through the extremely bureaucratic process in less that 90 minutes. Just as others have stated in their previous comments: Plan accordingly and try not to lose your patience!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Steven Riley

9 November 2003

This is possibly one of the most efficient best run airports in the world The staff, although not always fluent in English, try their best, the baggage handling is superb, and the customs agents and immigration people are generally courteous and polite. The signs are clear and well placed, check in is usually quick if you get there early, and there are lots of nice places to eat and have a coffee or beer. The only problem is the distance from Tokyo center.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Tony Bennett

28 October 2003

Check-in is a breeze, unless you a flying on an American Airline, then security is a pain. Security and immigration is not a problem. It is Japan, so don't leave it to the last minute. The service is great and there are many shops to do your last minute shopping. Prices can be a bit hefty.

Editor Note: Do you avoid peak hours ? On the 15/16 occasions I have passed through NRT recently, the queues at Immigration have been simply terrible !?

Tokyo Narita Airport by Lisa Cooper

27 October 2003

Don't leave yourself little time for a connection. Few English signs - and one counter to help you. You need to take the shuttle between terminals, and this is very confusing when you are not sure where you are going.

Tokyo Narita Airport by David Zeggelaar

10 October 2003

I have passed through Narita several times and I have to strongly point out that the lineups for almost everything are ridiculous. I pity the poor fool who shows up late for check-in. Immigration was more like sheep-herding, where the weary masses crowd into a small "pen" to wait in an impossibly ziz-zagged queue for far too long. Domestic connections - good Luck !

Tokyo Narita Airport by Eric Lin

8 October 2003

Although elevators are available throughout Narita Airport's Terminal 2 (both airside and landside), be warned -- they are small. In fact, they are so small that if a passenger using a wheelchair is traveling with 2 able-bodied companions, one of those companions should use the escalators or stairs. I've seen much roomier elevators at LAX. The moving walkways in Terminal 2 (and in the renovated portions of Terminal 1) have sensors that allow them to automatically shut down when they are not carrying any passengers. (A "sleeping" moving walk can be "awakened" by walking through an invisible light beam in front of that moving walk.) Although Terminal 2 has a decent selection of shops & restaurants on the 4th floor, I prefer Terminal 1's new Airport Mall. Terminal 1's Airport Mall is very pretty and consists of 2 levels of shops & restaurants, along with easy access to Terminal 1's observation deck.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Chohong Choi

29 September 2003

After years of experiencing Terminal 1, I experienced Terminal 2 at Narita for the first time. It's roomier than Terminal 1, but for passengers who are elderly/disabled/not very mobile/loaded down, the need to go up and down stairs for some gates is inconvenient. Also, Terminal 2, like Narita overall, is rather dull, despite being clean and efficient.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Steve Cheung

28 September 2003

Narita Airport is a headache for passengers if you carry two pieces of large luggage! If you stay in a hotel where the airport limousine bus does not stop by, you have to get on a taxi first (which trunk is usually not large enough for two pieces of luggage) to the limousine station. Even if you board the Narita Express at Tokyo station, you have to drag your luggage inside the station, walk down certain stairs and then hundreds of feet distance, and get to the underground platform by elevator with hardly any noticeable signs. Moreover, the 65-minute long train journey will usually be standing room only if you don't reserve the seat in advance. Finally, you have to learn from the Japanese to travel light. Or you have to spend 2,000 Yen/piece on "tyaakyuubin" service to have your luggage shipped one day in advance to the airport first.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Michael Jones

26 August 2003

Both terminals have a wide range of shops and restaurants. Some of the bar areas are great. My personal favorite is air-side of immigration in Terminal 1. It has comforts that put many business lounges to shame. I've never seen any horrendous lines for immigration (unlike SFO and LHR). Transport from Tokyo is very efficient. Although it is quite far from the centre, the quickest train gets you to town in under an hour for less than 2000 yen. There are, in fact, three trains. Regular Kesei express (75 min, 1000 yen), Kesei skyliner (55 min 1900 yen) and Narita express (55 min 2500 yen). There are also alot of buses that go direct to the major hotels - but maybe not a good idea on a Friday evening! Finally, you can get a taxi for about 16,000 yen (if you're rich). The only complaint I have to make about Narita is the landing charges are very high which makes Narita a rather expensive place to fly to and from (as far as I know, the big differential in ticket prices from LHR to NRT compared to LHR to SIN is down to this).

Tokyo Narita Airport by Lai Ying Loong

18 July 2003

Narita is physically too far from the city, not to mention the cost required to get to the city is extremely high if one takes by the Narita Express to Tokyo Station. It is also hardly the most interesting airport around. I transited once to SFO via NRT from SIN, and there was next to nothing to do. The shopping was pretty much pathetic, and the food was bad. In the end, I just got a day room and slept and took a shower. Couldn't do much, plus the seats available weren't exactly the most comfortable around.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Karl Heers

28 June 2003

I entered Japan through Narita when it first opened and also in 2003. Immigration tests the patience of even the most frequent traveller but even more problematic are associated services. Without japanese language skills everything is immensely difficult, ranging from finding the right bus for the long trip to downtown Tokyo to buying food, catching trains and obtaining any information. But it is still the most beuatiful country in the world.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Kurt Mueller

16 June 2003

I transited through Narita on UA from BKK to SFO. It's like visiting another planet. Given that mobile phones from virtually any other civilized country do not work in Japan, the absence of credit card phones in the terminal can only be interpreted as a disgraceful two-fingered salute to travelers from the rest of the world. Interestingly, the phones provided in the UA Red Carpet Lounge connect to ATT and KDD, but neither accept calls on AMEX, VISA etc to destinations outside of the US. The only solution is to walk back towards the main building, change money and buy a phone card that only seems to work in Japan. Given that major airlines such as UA and NW use this terminal as their major hub in Asia, one would expect world-class communications to match the destinations served.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Paul Bunker

2 June 2003

Recently travelled through Narita and I agree it is a bit far from the city but the Limo Bus service is good. A lot of people seem to use it to travel into the Akasaka area then they get a taxi. Terminal 2 is good it took no time at all to pass through immigration and customs, if you have ever used Heathrow you will know what hell really looks like.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Tony Lai

22 April 2003

I would have to agree with the previous comments about the physical location of NRT. It's so far away from the city center. Taking the Narita Express isn't cheap either. As far as the airport itself, immigration took quite a while. I waited almost 40 minutes to get go though immigration. On the other hand, departing Narita was a breeze. Going through the security check and immigration took about 10 minutes total. Unfortunately, it took another 10 minutes to get to the gates and lounge area (this is for Terminal 1). Overall, biggest gripe is immigration. It just takes too long!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Susana Schmied

25 March 2003

I do agree, Narita is not easy ,but the worst is immigration. Takes ages to get in and out.I never felt so bad. I have been taken for 2 hours, filled some forms and spoken with some officer with worse English than mine. Horrible!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Chohong Choi

09 December 2002

I agree with Mr. Wright's comment that the Northwest Terminal at Narita is pretty cramped. Transit passengers also have to make a big u-turn to a security checkpoint before returning to the waiting area. There are few shops or things to do in the airport, and it has apparently been this way since the 1980s, when Pan Am operated out of Narita. One good thing about Narita (and perhaps Japanese airports in general) is that security is pretty efficient. Just a month before 09/11, one of my friends and I were transiting at Narita from JFK to Hong Kong. Narita security discovered a pair of scissors in his carry-on luggage, and had him check it in. Security at JFK never did anything about this. We thought it was a case of security overkill, until 09/11 awakened people to what has been a long-standing problem at U.S. airports. Lesson: don't wait until tragedy strikes to make improvements.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Montague Smith

26 November 2002

I had no problems navigating Narita, its one of the easier airports. I had more trouble trying to get through immigration more than anything. The queue at 3pm when JAL /ANA flights arrive from Europe / US is stupid. I waited in line for over 2 hours to get through. The departure security checks seem to take ages, the line often goes outside terminal 2.

Tokyo Narita Airport by John Wright

19 November 2002

I just flew through Tokyo Narita airport two times this week and will twice next week. Both of these will be through the Northwest Terminals at Narita. This terminal is the worst in the world. They park 7 x 747's around the the very small terminal and all chaos breaks out. Nowhere to sit at all. All incoming passengers have to line up and go through single security check point. It took 25 minutes to do this. If you get into the main part of the terminal, you cannot find a place to sit or even stand. This is an awful place, despite being the state of the art airport when built. Northwest, surely you can do better!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Lisa Cooper

22 September 2002

Narita is difficult to navigate when you don't speak Japanese. Clear signs not posted for the English speaking people on the flight. The enquiry desk had hordes of non Japanese trying to work out where to go for their connecting flight. More English signs would help!!

Tokyo Narita Airport by Joseph Chui

31 July 2002

Tokyo Narita Airport is one of the most inconvenient airports I have experienced. Physically the airport is too far away from Tokyo city. Even using airport train easily takes more than 1.5 hr to reach the town. Never think of using limousine bus to get to the hotel as the frequent traffic jam within and around Tokyo can double the journey time. Experienced once to Ikebukuro area that took more than 2.5hr.  The airport itself is quite crowded. Always a long queue in front of immigration for foreigners. More counters should be opened for them. However, I do appreciate there are lots of interesting shops and good, inexpensive restaurants.

Tokyo Narita Airport by Vincent Hui

31 July 2002

Narita Airport Terminal 2 is the hub of JAL. I have a unpleasant experience there on 21/7/2002. Facilities is okay. Toilets are clean. But the worst part was the immigration - a long queue in the immigration. I finally waited more than an hour to pass it! There were only 3 counters for foreigners! The arrival hall was a little bit crowded.