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Airports

Most people flying to Japan will enter the country through Tokyo’s Narita Airport or Kansai Airport in Osaka.

Narita International Airport handles virtually all of Tokyo’s international air traffic. Somewhat confusingly, Tokyo’s other main airport is named Tokyo International Airport, though it’s more commonly called Haneda Airport. Haneda’s only international flights are to Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong. If you’re flying into Tokyo from anywhere else you’ll be landing at Narita, which is about 60 kilometers from central Tokyo, or an hour by the fastest available train. If your flight arrives late you may find it easiest to book a room in a hotel near the airport, continuing into Tokyo proper the next day.

Japan’s second most important international hub is the impressive Kansai International Airport, located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and connected by rail to Osaka via a 3-kilometer bridge. Again, accommodations are available on the island for travelers arriving or departing at difficult hours.

As mentioned above, one of these two airports will serve as the port of entry for most visitors to Japan. Other important international airports that may serve your needs include Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport, Kyushu’s Fukuoka Airport, and the New Chitose Airport in Sapporo. From any of these, of course, domestic flights are accessible to points throughout the country, an option that can sometimes be cheaper than rail travel. Discuss your itinerary carefully with your travel agent to make the best use of Japan’s superb domestic transportation.