The beginning of the trip is one of the most important moments and everything must go well to fully enjoy the rest of the stay. Through this information we would like to explain how to access nearby cities from the main airports, and present useful tickets to all those who wish to travel to Japan.
How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport
Narita Airport is located more than 60 kilometres from Tokyo. Taxi travel costs around 20,000 yen (at least 140 euros), but there are other more accessible means of transport such as train or bus.
Here are the available means of transport:
The train
It is now possible to access the JR (Japan Railway) and Keisei lines from each of the airport's terminals, where there are counters for each line.
If you use the JR lines, we will explain on the next page one of the most economical ways to travel, the Japan Rail Pass, reserved for foreigners with a tourist visa.
Narita Express
The JR network is undoubtedly the most useful as it serves all the country's prefectures. The Narita Express is part of the JR East network, and connects Narita Airport to Tokyo Station in about an hour. This train is one of the most convenient, since it goes to Yokohama and also serves the main Tokyo stations such as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, or Ômiya in Saitama. The price of a second-class one-way ticket is 3,020 yen.
Keisei Skyliner
With the Keisei express service, it is possible to reach Ueno and Nippori stations from Narita airport in 40 minutes. In 2010, a new train model was put into service on this line. The ticket price is 2,470 yen and it is possible to access the centre of the capital by using the "express" or "access" without paying any extra charge.
Limousine bus
Shuttles connect Narita Airport directly to many train stations and hotels. Although the price varies according to the distance covered, the maximum is about 3,000 yen (prepayment). Limousine buses are equipped with toilets.
Once through customs, it is possible to buy the ticket for the Limousine bus at one of the airport ticket offices.
How to get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport
There is another international airport in the Tokyo region. This is Haneda Airport, which is located between Shinagawa and Yokohama. It is the oldest and largest airport in the country.
After the opening of Narita Airport in 1978, it lost its status as the capital's main international airport, but remained the hub for domestic flights connecting Tokyo to the various prefectures of the archipelago.
In October 2010, a new international terminal was opened and several airlines are now also offering international flights to Paris, London, Frankfurt and Munich, among others.
From Haneda Airport, it is possible to reach downtown Tokyo faster than from Narita Airport by monorail, train or Limousine bus. The taxi fare costs between 6,000 and 8,000 yen.
Transfer between Narita and Haneda airports
The best way to get around is by train or Limousine bus. The Limousine bus passes every 65 to 85 minutes and the ticket price is 3,100 yen.
How to get to Osaka and Kyoto from Kansai International Airport
For those who wish to visit Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, Kansai International Airport is a good option. This airport, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, operates 24 hours a day.
With the "Haruka" express train service on the JR East line, it is possible to reach Kyoto in 75 minutes. The usual price for a ticket with a reserved seat is 3,370 yen.
For those who want to go to Osaka, the Nankai line (limited express rapid) is recommended. Nanba station is 34 minutes from the airport. The price of a one-way ticket is 1430 yen.
There is also a Limousine bus service that connects Kansai International Airport to Osaka, Kobe and Nara.
Itami Airport
We must be careful not to confuse it with Kansai International Airport. Although its official name is Osaka International Airport, it no longer operates international flights since the opening of the new Kansai Airport. Domestic flights are more frequent at Itami Airport. The bus ride between Kansai International Airport and Itami International Airport takes approximately 70 minutes.