Japan airports 2026: Narita, Haneda, Kansai, which to choose

Japan airports 2026: Narita, Haneda, Kansai, which to choose

Japan has several major international airports, each with a different profile depending on the city you’re headed to and the airline you’re flying. Haneda and Narita serve Tokyo, while Kansai serves Osaka and Kyoto.

Haneda (HND), the most convenient airport for Tokyo

Haneda is by far the fastest option to reach central Tokyo, with a trip of just 13 to 20 minutes to central stations like Shinagawa or Hamamatsuchō, via the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu line, for as little as ¥330-550 (€2-3.5).

This proximity makes Haneda the airport to systematically favor if your airline serves both. Some Asian and Japanese carriers (ANA, JAL) operate mostly out of Haneda, while many European long-haul flights still use Narita.

Narita (NRT), still essential for many long-haul flights

Located in Chiba Prefecture, about an hour from central Tokyo, Narita remains served by many European and international carriers despite being farther out.

Two main options to reach the center:

• Keisei Skyliner: the fastest, 36 minutes to Ueno or Nippori, about ¥2,470 (~€16)
• JR Narita Express (N’EX): 53 to 60 minutes to Tokyo Station, about ¥3,070 (~€20), convenient if your hotel sits near a JR station

Direct buses (Airport Limousine) also serve many downtown hotels, a comfortable but slower option in heavy traffic.

Kansai (KIX), the gateway to the Kansai region

Kansai Airport, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, serves Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. It’s the most logical option for a trip centered on this region rather than routing through Tokyo.

• JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka: about 50 minutes, ¥2,400 (~€15)
• JR Haruka Express to Kyoto Station: about 75 minutes, ¥3,640 (~€23)
• Nankai Airport Express (Rapi:t) to Namba (Osaka): a convenient alternative to reach the Namba district directly

Switching airports in Tokyo: a trap to plan for

A point often underestimated by travelers: Narita and Haneda are two distinct airports, separated by 1 to 1.5 hours of travel (direct bus or train with a transfer). If your itinerary involves landing at one and departing from the other (international connection, domestic flight), allow a comfortable margin, ideally 3 to 4 hours between the two flights to absorb any delays.

Speeding up customs with Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web is the official platform that lets you pre-fill your customs declaration and immigration information online before departure. A QR code generated in advance lets you move faster through the automated gates on arrival, a valuable time saver during peak tourist season when lines get noticeably longer.

Luggage and connectivity on arrival

All three airports offer luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to your hotel or a Japanese address, an option heavily used by travelers who don’t want to haul large suitcases through crowded public transit. Expect 1 to 2 days of delivery time and about €15-25 per bag depending on distance.

For internet connectivity, an eSIM activated before departure or a portable Wi-Fi router rented at the airport lets you get online as soon as you step off the plane, even before clearing customs.

Other practical info Japan

• Visa : 90-day exemption for French and EU nationals
• Time difference : +7h / +8h from Paris
• Currency (¥ Yen) : cash, cards and withdrawals
• eSIM : connected on arrival

Page written by Marie L., Southeast Asia and Japan specialist, editor-in-chief of L’Heure du Voyage. 12 years of experience, regular stays in Tokyo since 2015. Updated: July 28, 2026. Verified by 2 experts.