Located 60 km east of Tokyo, Narita is Japan’s busiest international gateway, handling nearly half of all overseas arrivals. While Haneda Airport surpasses it in total passenger numbers, Narita remains the primary entry point for international travelers.
The airport features two runways: a 4,000m main runway (the longest in Japan, tied with Kansai’s second runway) and a 2,500m second runway.
Narita’s history is marked by strong local opposition, with protests and delays stretching from its planned opening in 1972 to its eventual launch in 1978. The intense conflicts led to fortified security, including guard towers designed to prevent unauthorized entry. Until 2015, all visitors had to show ID upon entering the airport.
Today, Narita has three terminals and continues to expand, despite ongoing challenges in land acquisition.
As the original terminal at Narita, Terminal 1 has undergone extensive renovations, nearly doubling in size with North and South wings feeding into five satellite concourses.
It primarily serves All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Star Alliance carriers (except Air India). The terminal features multiple ANA lounges and a United Club for Star Alliance passengers.
Both Keisei and JR rail lines connect to Terminal 1. Keisei trains run to Keisei Ueno and Nippori Station, offering easy access to the Tokyo Yamanote Line, while JR provides express services to Tokyo Station with connections to the Shinkansen bullet train.
Note: Terminal 1’s station is called Narita Kuko.
Opened in 1992 as a state-of-the-art terminal, Terminal 2 was built in anticipation of Narita’s second runway. It features a main terminal and a satellite concourse, connected by moving walkways.
Terminal 2 primarily serves Japan Airlines (JAL) and its Oneworld partners, but also hosts several independent airlines, including low-cost carriers like Scoot and AirAsia X.
Train services operate from Narita Kuko Dai Ni Biru (“Narita Airport No. 2 Building”), with both JR and Keisei offering direct connections.
Opened in 2015, Terminal 3 is designed primarily for low-cost carriers (LCCs). Airlines such as Jetstar, Spring Japan, and Vanilla Air operate both domestic and international flights from this terminal.
Reflecting its budget-friendly focus, Terminal 3 has a minimalist, warehouse-like design with limited amenities beyond immigration. There are no air bridges, requiring passengers to walk to their aircraft.
Terminal 3 does not have a train station. Passengers must either walk 500m to Terminal 2 or take the free shuttle bus.
