The first two hours in Japan set the tone for everything that follows. The airports are efficient and well-signed, but there are specific steps to complete in the right order to set yourself up for a smooth trip.
Step 1: Immigration (30–60 minutes)
Follow signs to Immigration/入国審査. Non-Japanese passport holders use the left lanes (foreign nationals). You'll need: your passport, a completed arrival card (distributed on the plane or at card stands before the queue), and your return flight information. Staff will take fingerprints and a photograph — this is routine and takes under 2 minutes per person. No declaration required unless you're carrying items over customs limits.
Step 2: Customs and Baggage
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then pass through customs. Declare any items worth over ¥200,000 (approximately $1,300), more than 1 liter of alcohol, or more than 200 cigarettes. Most tourists walk through the green "nothing to declare" lane without issue. Prohibited: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat products without certification, and any medications above personal use quantity (check Japan Customs website for specific medications).
Step 3: Get Your SIM or eSIM Activated
If you pre-ordered an eSIM (recommended), activate it as soon as you're through customs — you'll need connectivity for everything that follows. If buying a physical SIM, counters from IIJmio, HIS Mobile, and B-Mobile are located in the arrivals hall. A 15-day data SIM costs ¥3,000–5,000. Pocket WiFi rental counters are also available (¥350–600/day).
Step 4: Get Your IC Card
At Narita Airport: The Suica IC card machines are at the Narita Express (N'EX) ticket area. Load ¥3,000. At Haneda Airport: IC card machines at the monorail and Keikyu Line ticket areas. This card works on all trains, subways, and buses in Japan. Get it before leaving the airport.
Step 5: Get Cash
7-Eleven Bank and Japan Post ATMs in the arrivals hall accept international Visa and Mastercard reliably. Withdraw ¥20,000–30,000 (approximately $130–195) for the first few days. Japan remains significantly cash-based outside major tourist areas.
Step 6: Transport to Tokyo (or Your Destination)
From Narita: Narita Express (N'EX) to Shinjuku/Shibuya/Tokyo Station — 60–90 minutes, ¥3,070 (JR Pass holders free with reservation). Limousine bus to major hotels — ¥3,200, 90–120 minutes depending on traffic. Fastest: N'EX. Most comfortable with luggage: Limousine Bus (direct to hotel area).
From Haneda: Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (25 min, ¥500, then transfer to JR Yamanote). Keikyu Line to Shinagawa (13 min, ¥300, then transfer). Taxi to central Tokyo: ¥7,000–12,000 depending on destination — viable for late arrivals or large groups.
At the Hotel
Check-in before 3pm often requires advance arrangement (call ahead or leave bags in storage). Breakfast is typically not included at Japanese business hotels unless booked separately — the convenience store across the street is your friend. Fill your IC card at the station machine immediately outside the hotel. You're ready.