Most visitors to Japan will probably pass through an airport at least once during their visit, even if it’s only to enter and exit the island country. So let’s take a closer look at what Japan’s top ten airports have to offer.
1. Haneda Airport – Tokyo
Japan’s largest passenger airport is also a favorite among locals who find it easier to get to than Tokyo’s other major airport, Narita. Haneda was the primary international airport serving Tokyo until 1978. Until 2010, it handled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo while Narita handled most of the international flights. Then in 2010, the airport opened dedicated international terminal after the completion of a fourth runway.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available at Tokyo Haneda Airport. Connect to the “HANEDA-FREE-WIFI” network.
- Computer stations with internet access are available for a fee.
- Free mobile charging services can be found at various information counter in Terminals 1 and 2.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- Transit passengers looking for rest options inside the airport have two options: The Royal Park Hotel The Haneda in ther International Terminal or Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu in Domestic Terminal 2.
- Sky Lounge: Located at the International Departures Area 4F Lounges (Central).
- Sky Lounge Annex: Located at International Departures Area 4F Lounges (North). Showers are available.
Shopping and Dining
- More than just an airport, Haneda could compete with world class shopping malls for what it has on offer. Head to the 4th floor of the International Terminal to walk through an Edo-style shopping village. Head to the 5th floor to shop through Tokyo Pop Town.
- Dining options abound throughout the airport. Find fancier cafes and restaurants on the 4th and 5th floors of the International Terminal.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers for storage are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
- Left luggage offices are located in Terminal 1, B1 and Terminal 2, B1.
- Shower rooms are located in the International Terminal Arrivals Hall, open 24 hours. Towels, shampoo, conditioner, body soap and hairdryer are provided.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are easy to find outside of security. The Seven Bank at Terminal 2, 2F is open 24 hours.
- Designated smoking areas can be found throughout the airport.
- A prayer room is located in the International Terminal.
- Baby change facilities are located throughout the airport. A few nursing rooms are also available.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: Two rail lines connect the airport to Tokyo: the Keikyu Line from the underground and The Tokyo Monorail line from the International Terminal Station.
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located in Terminals 1 and 2.
- Bus: Buses connect the airport to various locations throughout the Kanto region.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle bus connects the International Terminal with Terminals 1 and 2.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the first floor of every terminal.
Information
- Name: Haneda Airport
- City Served: Tokyo
- Airport Code: HND
- Total Passengers in 2013: 68,577,825
- Airport Hours: The International Terminal is open 24 hours
- Website: http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/en/
2. Narita International Airport – Tokyo
A vast majority of foreign visitors are still greeted to the land of the rising sun through Narita International Airport. So it probably has the best name recognition abroad of any Japanese airport. You’ll find plenty to do at this sprawling metropolis of a landing pad.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available at Tokyo Narita Airport. Connect to the “narita-airport-free-wifi” network.
- Coin-operated internet kiosks are located throughout the terminals.
- Mobile device charging stations are free.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- Narita Airport Dayrooms provides showers and beds for those transiting through Narita. Located in both Terminals 1 and 2.
- TEI Lounge: Located at Terminal 1, 5th Floor.
- IASS Executive Lounge: Located at Terminal 1, 5th floor.
- TEI Lounge: Located at Terminal 2, 4th Floor.
- IASS Executive Lounge: Located at Terminal 2, 4th Floor.
- Lounges provided by individual airlines are also available in both terminals. Check with your airline to confirm.
Shopping and Dining
- With the expansion of Terminal 1, Narita’s retail offerings have expanded substantially. Find a huge selection of goods as well as items unique to Japan. Many shops are concentrated on the 4th and 5th floors of Terminal 1.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers for storage are located in both Terminals 1 and 2.
- Shower rooms are located in both Terminals 1 and 2, on both sides of the security gate. Towels, shampoo, conditioner, body soap and hairdryer are provided.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are easy to find outside of security in both Terminals 1 and 2.
- Designated smoking areas can be found throughout the airport.
- Silence rooms can be used for quiet time, meditation, and prayer. You can find them on the 5th floor of Terminal 1 and the 1st floor of Terminal 2.
- The Pet Inn Royal, for short pet stays while people travel, is located in the basement of the Terminal 2 Carpark.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: Skyliner Access Express (Narita Sky Access Line); Morning Liner, Evening Liner and Rapid Express (Keisei Main Line); Narita Express (JR Line) and some special rail services along the Keisei Main Line. Travelers can buy tickets and board the trains from the B1 floor of either terminal.
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located on the 1st floor of either terminal.
- Bus: Buses connect the airport to various locations throughout Japan. Check the airport schedule for more details: http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/bus/index.html
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Narita offers free shuttle bus service between 5am – 10:30pm. Passengers traveling between Terminals 2 and 3 can either walk 15 minutes or use the shuttle bus.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the first floor of every terminal.
Information
- Name: Narita International Airport
- City Served: Tokyo
- Airport Code: NRT
- Total Passengers in 2013: 32,465,439
- Airport Hours: 24 hours
- Website: http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html
3. Fukuoka Airport – Fukuoka
Fukuoka Airport is both a domestic and international airport which serves as the primary airport of the island of Kyushu. As the fourth largest airport in Japan, it’s known as one of the most convenient ones because of its location within the city of Fukuoka.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available at the airport.
- Internet kiosks and workstations are located throughout the terminals for a fee.
Airport Lounges
- Relaxing Lounge TIME: Located at Domestic Terminal 2, 3F. Pay-per-use or free of charge for certain credit card holders.
- Lounges provided by individual airlines are also available. Check with your airline to confirm.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers for storage are located in all three domestic terminals and the international terminal.
- Shower rooms are not available.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are easy to find outside of security in all terminals.
- Designated smoking areas can be found in all terminals inside the security gate.
- A prayer room is located in the International Terminal, 4F.
- Baby change facilities and nursing rooms are located throughout the airport.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: The Fukuoka City Subway connects to Hakata Station in Fukuoka within 5 minutes. Take the airport subway line from Domestic Terminal 2.
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located on the 1st floor of domestic terminals.
- Bus: Direct buses to Tenjin and Hakata leave regularly.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle bus connect the domestic and international terminals.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the first floor of every terminal.
Information
- Name: Fukuoka Airport
- City Served: Fukuoka
- Airport Code: FUK
- Total Passengers in 2013: 18,951,652
- Airport Hours: Flights take place between 5:20am and 10:30pm
- Website: http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/english/
4. New Chitose Airport – Sapporo
New Chitose Airport is the main airport of Sapporo and serves the most traveled air route between Tokyo and Sapporo. It is located 50 kilometers SouthEast of Sapporo’s city center.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “NewChitose_Airport_Free_Wi_Fi” network.
- There are 3 free “Internet Corners” in the International Terminal that provide a desk and chair for travellers to use their laptops.
- The domestic terminal has two internet lounges where travelers can connect for a fee.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- New Chitose Airport Onsen is located inside the airport, offers a budget hotel stay and a Japanese-style bathhouse.
- The Air Terminal Hotel is located inside passport control on the east end of the 3rd floor of the domestic terminal buildings 1F and 2F.
- Super Lounge: Located at the Domestic Terminal 3F.
- Royal Lounge: Located at International Terminal 4F.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers and baggage storage rooms are located in both the domestic and international terminals.
- Shower rooms are not available.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are easy to find outside of security in all terminals.
- A prayer room is located in the International Terminal, 2F.
- Baby strollers are provided free of charge for families.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: New Chitose Airport Station connects to the JR rail line. Located in the Domestic Terminal, B1F.
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located on the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal.
- Bus: Bus stands can be found on the 1st floor of both the Domestic and International Terminals
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located at both the Domestic and International Terminals.
Information
- Name: New Chitose Airport
- City Served: Sapporo
- Airport Code: CTS
- Total Passengers in 2013: 18,674,344
- Airport Hours: Domestic: 6:20am – 11pm, International: 6:30am – 10:30pm, Connecting Path: 6:20am – 11pm
- Website: http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/
5. Kansai International Airport – Osaka
Kansai International Airport was opened in 1994 to relieve overcrowding at Osaka’s Itami Airport, which is closer to the city of Osaka and now only handles domestic flights. It’s located on an artificial island 38 kilometers SouthWest of Osaka Station. The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and handles all international as well as some domestic traffic. Terminal 2 handles mostly budget domestic travel.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available.
- Coin-operated computer stations with internet access are available for a fee.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- KIX Airport lounge: Located in Terminal 1, 2F (North). Open 24 hours.
- Lounges provided by individual airlines are also available in both terminals. Check with your airline to confirm.
Other Services
- There are temporary storage facilities for carry-on baggage at the northern and southern ends of the 1st and 4Fs.
- Coin lockers are available in Terminal 1 Building, Terminal 2 Building, and Aeroplaza.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are easy to find outside of security.
- Designated smoking areas can be found throughout the airport.
- Three prayer rooms can be found in Terminal 1, one on the 3rd floor and two in the international gate area.
- A 24-hour pet hotel is available.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: Kansai International Airport connects to Tennoji via the JR Haruka limited express train and the JR airport rapid train. It connects to Namba station via the Nankai Airport Line.
- Car Rental: Reception counters are a three-minute walk from Terminal 1 Building via the 2F connection passage or a 7-minute ride from Terminal 2 Building via free shuttle bus.
- Bus: There are direct airport limousine buses from Kansai Airport to various places and hotels in Osaka.
- Ferry: A high speed ferry connects Kansai Airport with Kobe Airport.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle bus connects the terminals.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located at both terminals.
Information
- Name: Kansai International Airport
- City Served: Osaka
- Airport Code: KIX
- Total Passengers in 2013: 17,660,809
- Airport Hours: 24 hours
- Website: http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/index.asp
6. Osaka International Airport – Osaka
Also referred to as Osaka-Itami International Airport, Osaka International Airport is the primary domestic airport for the Kansai region of Japan. Despite the “International” in its name, the airport stopped handling international flights in 1994, when Kansai International Airport opened.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available at at the airport.
- Computer stations with internet access are available for a fee.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- Lounge Osaka is located on the 3rd floor of the Central Terminal.
- Sakura Lounge is located on the 3rd floor of the North Terminal.
Other Services
- Baggage storage is located at the South and North Terminals
- Coin operated lockers for storage are located in the South and North Terminals.
- A medical and dental clinic are located at the Central Terminal, 1F.
- Designated smoking areas can be found throughout the airport.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: Take the Osaka Monorail from the airport to Hotarugaike Station and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line for Umeda Station.
- Car Rental: Offices for major car rental companies are located at the airport.
- Bus: Buses connect the airport to various locations throughout Osaka.
- Ferry: A high speed ferry connects the airport with Kobe Airport.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located at all terminals.
Information
- Name: Osaka International Airport
- City Served: Osaka
- Airport Code: ITM
- Total Passengers in 2013: 13,823,922
- Website: http://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/
7. Naha Airport – Naha
Naha Airport is Japan’s seventh busiest airport and the primary terminal for passengers traveling to and from Okinawa. The airport services domestic flights within Japan and scheduled flights to China, Korea, and Taiwan.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available. PCs are available for a fee.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- The airport offers “resting rooms” with beds.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers and baggage storage are located in both the Domestic and International Terminals.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are easy to find outside of security.
- Designated smoking areas and rooms can be found on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Floors.
- A prayer room is located in the International Terminal, 3F.
- Nursing rooms are located on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Floors.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: A monorail takes travelers from the airport to the city center. Board the monorail from an access route on the 3rd floor.
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located at the terminal.
- Bus: Board transit and limosine buses from the 1st floor.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the first floor.
Information
- Name: Naha Airport
- City Served: Naha
- Airport Code: OKA
- Total Passengers in 2013: 16,039,825
- Website: http://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/
8. Chūbu Centrair International Airport – Nagoya
Chubu Centrair International Airport (or Central Japan International Airport) is located 35 kilometers South of Nagoya. It is the fourth largest international airport in Japan and could be called a gateway for the Central (Chubu) area of Japan. The airport is located on a manmade island in the Bay of Ise. It was opened in February 2005 in time for the Expo 2005 Aichi and took overall international and most domestic air traffic previously handled by Nagoya’s Komaki Airport.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available at the airport. Internet kiosks are available for a fee.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- Sakura Lounge: Located at the International Terminal, 2F.
- Star Alliance Lounge: Located at the International Terminal, 2F.
- KAL Lounge: Located at the International Terminal, 2F.
- Centrair Global Lounge: Located at the International Terminal, 2F.
- Centrair Airline Lounge: Located at the Domestic Terminal, 3F.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers for storage are located throughout the airport.
- Bathhouse with a View: “Fu No Yu” offers a bathhouse with a view of the airplanes and the sunset beyond the Ise Bay.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are located in both the departures and arrivals lobbies.
- Designated smoking areas can be found throughout the airport.
- A prayer room is located in the Arrivals lobby.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: Travelers can reach Nagoya via the Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu). Connections can be made from Nagoya Station to the Shinkansen bullet train, JR, Kintetsu, and Nagoya subway lines; and from Kanayama Station to the JR and Nagoya subway lines.
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located on the 1st floor.
- Bus: Buses connect the airport to various locations throughout Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the first floor.
Information
- Name: Chubu Centrair International Airport
- City Served: Nagoya
- Airport Code: NGO
- Total Passengers in 2013: 9,552,867
- Airport Hours: 24 hours
- Website: http://www.centrair.jp/en/
9. Kagoshima Airport – Kagoshima
Kyushu’s second largest airport to Fukuoka Airport, Kagoshima airport is located 30 kilometers NorthEast of Central Kagoshima. JAL and ANA offer flights into Kagoshima from several other cities inside Japan. It’s also the starting point for many flights to Okinawa and the surrounding islands.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.
- Computer stations with internet access are available for a fee.
- Three mobile phone chargers are available per location. Devices will be locked while charging and remain secure if left unattended.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- Nanohana Sky Lounge: Located on the 2nd floor, Southside. The basic admission fee is waived for guests who present a gold card from a qualifying institution as well as an airline ticket for the day.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers for storage are located on the 1st floor of the Domestic and International Terminals.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are available throughout the airport.
- Designated smoking areas can be found throughout the airport.
- A prayer room is located in the International Terminal, 3F.
- Baby strollers are free to use and found at every entryway and inside the building.
Ground Transportation
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located at the airport.
- Bus: Bus is the easiest way to get from the airport to Kagoshima. There is a bus almost every 10 minutes to Kagoshima Chuo (Central) station during airport operation hours. Rides take around 40-60 minutes.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located at the airport.
Information
- Name: Kagoshima Airport
- City Served: Kagoshima
- Airport Code: KOJ
- Total Passengers in 2013: 5,042,755
- Website: http://koj-ab.co.jp/en/
10. Sendai Airport – Sendai
Located 14 kilometers SouthEast of Sendai Station, Sendai airport mainly functions as a domestic airport with regular flights to Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Kanazawa. It also has select international flights to neighboring countries and a daily flight to Honolulu. The airport closed down temporarily after the March 11, 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami. But has long since reopened with full service.
Wifi and Internet
- Free WiFi is available.
Airport Hotels and Lounges
- The airport offers two business lounges on the 3rd floor. The West Side lounge offers shower facilities.
Other Services
- Coin operated lockers and baggage storage are located in both the Domestic and International Terminals.
- ATMs / Cash Machines are easy to find outside of security.
- Designated smoking areas and rooms can be found on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Floors.
- A prayer room is located in the International Terminal, 3F.
- Nursing rooms are located on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Floors.
Ground Transportation
- Rail: The Sendai Airport Line connects the airport to Sendai Station and takes between 17 and 25 minutes.
- Car Rental: Rental offices are located at the airport.
- Bus: Buses can be accessed from outside the terminal.
- Taxi: Taxi stands are located outside the terminal.
Information
- Name: Naha Airport
- City Served: Naha
- Airport Code: OKA
- Total Passengers in 2013: 16,039,825
- Website: http://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/
Have a good trip and travel!
