No Expectations

First time arriving at Tokyo's Narita Airport?

by Kip Cole on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 22:09 UTC

Narita Airport T2 Arrivals Hall

If you’re a first time visitor to Japan, chances are you’re coming through Narita Airport. Here’s a quick guide to the fundamentals: getting cash, transportation to your hotel and cell phone coverage. It’s a bit different to the average North American and Western European setup, but straight forward nevertheless.

Visiting Japan is a joy. Polite and friendly people; great food; history and culture. But from a western perspective not everything works the same way as you might expect.

• Narita Airport is a long way from Tokyo. Typically you should allow 90 minutes in transfer time and it can be much worse in peak traffic times or bad weather.
• Most bank ATMs won’t accept your international ATM card. And you’ll need lots of cash since credit card usage in Japan is low - most purchases are in cash.
• The Japanese standard cell phone system is not compatible with most global phone systems - you’ll need a GSM 3G handset or rent a local handset

Step 1: Exchange Some Money

Narita Airport Cash Exchange

Foreign exchange booths are available in the arrivals hall after immigration. You’ll need to fill in a form before joining the line to get your Japanese Yen. Note the currency type you are exchanging and how much. Hand over the form and your passport to the teller and receive your Yen in exchange.

Put your form/passport in the small tray on the counter. Your cash will be returned the same way. This applies in shops, restaurants - everywhere. Japanese culture has greater respect for the physical condition of banknotes. Torn, crumpled or defaced notes may not be accepted.

Step 1a: Cash from an ATM

There are many ATMs but most of them will not accept your international ATM card. Since you’ll be using cash much more than your credit card (with the exception of hotels) you don’t want to be caught short. There are Citibank and HSBC ATM’s in the arrivals area. And Citibank will be found in most major cities. Update: tokyosubway on TripAdvisor notes that Shinsei Bank and 7-Eleven ATMs do accept international ATM cards as well as Citibank and Post Office ATMs.

International ATMs at Narita Airport

Your best bet is often the Post Office ATMs. Usually located inside the lobby area of the post office, these ATMs accept international cards. There’s no advertising to that affect, and no obvious external signage. All the ATMs are bilingual Japanese and English so usage is straight forward.

Step 2: Local Cell Phone

Traditionally, international cell phone roaming into Japan was a challenge. However these days the GSM 3G networks can roam so if you’re a Blackberry or iPhone user - or any of the many other GSM-based 3G handsets - then you’ll be fine. Note that 2G GSM isn’t enough, these won’t work in Japan.

Phone Rental At Narita Airport

However if you’re a CDMA user (for example, Verizon CDMA network in the USA) you’ll need to rent a handset. There are rental kiosks on the departures level at Narita airport and this may be your best option.

Step 3 - Getting To Your Hotel

There three main choices for getting from Narita Airport to your Tokyo area hotel. One is the Japan Rail (JR) which has a station directly below the terminal. It’s fast and efficient - but not especially luggage friendly. And a the other end you’ll need to negotiate the labyrinth that is Tokyo Station and transfer to the subway. If you’re just a ‘roll on’ kind of traveller then its a good option. Second choice is the Keisei train, which is good if you want to save money going back to the airport as well. But for most travelers arriving for the first time I recommend using the “Limousine Bus” service which takes passengers door-to-door to most Tokyo are hotels.

There are taxis - but it will cost you at least $USD 200 so it’s not a viable option in most cases. In July 2010 the new Skyliner train will commence operation offering a 36 minute ride into Tokyo.

Limousine Bus Ticket Counter at Narita

Head for the Limousine Bus counter. The fare is a flat 3000 Yen to any hotel. You’ll receive your ticket for a bus at a specific time. There are many different bus routes and around 15 different bus stops so make sure you note which stop you need (they’re clearly signposted) and the time of your bus. The same stop will service different buses heading for different parts of Tokyo. However there are efficient staff at each stop who will make sure you get on the correct bus. Note that you may need to wait for up to 30 or 40 minutes for a bus; plus the 90 minutes or so to get to your hotel.

Narita Airport Limousine Bus Departures

With your ticket in hand, head outside to the curb where you’ll see the bus stops, each clearly signposted. Find your stop (it’s noted on the ticket) and head there. The electronic board will show you the upcoming next three buses and their scheduled times. Being Japan, the bus will depart on time. Exactly on time. So be prepared.

In Summary

• Be patient, it’s going to take you a while to get your money, arrange transport and take the bus.
• Don’t get caught without cash. Assume no one will take your credit card except your hotel and you won’t go wrong
• Cash is never exchanged hand-to-hand. Alway via the ubiquitous tray.
• Look after your cash, don’t crush, crumple or deface it or it may not be accepted.
• Your hotel can book your return Limousine Bus trip. Allow 2 hours at Narita airport for formalities, 90 minutes for the bus. Yes, a lot of your day will disappear

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