Back to Blog2026-03-15

First Time in Japan? Your Airport Pickup Guide

You Just Landed in Japan. Now What?

Congratulations — you made it to Japan. But between immigration, customs, getting cash, finding WiFi, and figuring out how to reach your hotel, the first hour can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything in order, so you can relax and actually enjoy arriving.

Step 1: Immigration and Customs

Visit Japan Web (Do This Before You Fly)

Japan strongly recommends registering on Visit Japan Web before your trip. You can fill in your immigration card, customs declaration, and (if applicable) quarantine info online. At the airport, you'll scan a QR code instead of filling out paper forms — it genuinely saves 10-20 minutes in the immigration line.

If you didn't register in advance, don't panic. Paper forms are available on the plane and at immigration counters. But the QR code lanes are faster, so it's worth doing ahead of time.

Immigration

Have your passport, return flight info, and hotel address ready. Immigration officers may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay — short, simple answers are fine. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are taken for all foreign visitors. Processing typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on how many flights have landed.

Luggage Belt

After immigration, follow signs to baggage claim. Screens display which carousel your flight's luggage is on. Japan's airports are efficient — bags usually appear quickly. Grab a free luggage cart if you have multiple bags.

Customs

If you completed your customs declaration on Visit Japan Web, use the electronic gates (scan QR code). Otherwise, hand your paper form to the customs officer. Unless you're carrying large amounts of cash (over ¥1,000,000), restricted items, or excessive goods, you'll walk straight through.

Step 2: Getting Cash

Japan is more card-friendly than it used to be, but cash is still essential — especially for small restaurants, shrines, vending machines, and local shops.

7-Eleven ATMs — the most reliable option for foreign cards. 7-Eleven convenience stores are everywhere (even inside airports), and their ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards. Withdrawal fees are typically ¥110 per transaction.
Airport currency exchange — available at both Narita and Haneda, but rates are mediocre. Fine for a small amount to get you started; use 7-Eleven ATMs for better rates once you're in the city.

Tip: Withdraw ¥20,000-30,000 to start. That covers a few meals, transit, and incidentals for your first couple of days.

Step 3: SIM Card or WiFi

You need internet access from the moment you leave the airport. Google Maps, translation apps, and messaging all require data.

Airport SIM vending machines — located in arrival halls at both Narita and Haneda. Brands like Mobal, IIJmio, and others offer tourist SIMs (typically 3GB-unlimited for 7-30 days). Prices range from ¥1,500 to ¥5,000. Insert it into your unlocked phone and you're online in minutes.
Pocket WiFi rental — counters at both airports rent portable WiFi devices (¥500-1,000/day). Good for groups since multiple devices can connect. Reserve online before your trip to guarantee availability.
eSIM — if your phone supports it, buy an eSIM before you fly (Ubigi, Airalo, etc.). Activate it when you land — no physical card needed, no counter visit.

Step 4: IC Cards for Transit

Suica and Pasmo are rechargeable IC cards for trains, buses, and convenience store payments across Japan. You tap to ride — no buying individual tickets.

Physical cards: Currently limited availability at stations. Check if vending machines at your arrival airport are selling them.
Mobile Suica (iPhone/Apple Watch): The easiest option. Set it up in your Wallet app — works even without a Japanese bank account. Add funds via credit card.
Mobile Pasmo works similarly on iPhone.

Note: If you're taking a private transfer directly to your hotel, you don't need an IC card right away. You can set one up later at your convenience, rather than standing in line at the airport.

Step 5: Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel

This is the big decision. Here are your options:

Train

From Narita: Narita Express to Tokyo Station (¥3,070, ~60 min) or Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (¥2,520, ~40 min). From Haneda: Tokyo Monorail (¥500, ~18 min) or Keikyu Line (¥300-600). Trains are cheap and fast, but you'll need to navigate stations, buy tickets, manage luggage through turnstiles, and likely transfer to reach your actual hotel. After a long flight, this can be exhausting.

Airport Bus

Limousine buses go to major hotels and stations (¥1,000-3,200). Comfortable, but they run on fixed schedules. If immigration takes longer than expected, you might miss yours.

Taxi

Available curbside. Narita to central Tokyo runs ¥20,000-30,000+ (metered, with possible late-night surcharge). Haneda to central Tokyo is ¥5,000-8,000. Most drivers speak limited English. The meter means you won't know the exact cost until arrival.

Private Transfer — The First-Timer's Best Friend

For your very first time in Japan, a pre-booked private transfer removes all navigation stress. Here's what happens:

Before you land — your assigned driver contacts you with pickup instructions
After you land — free waiting is 1 hour from actual landing time, so take your time through immigration and customs
Meet & greet — optional name board pickup is available for ¥2,000 (subject to airport conditions). Or simply walk to the pickup point and your driver is there.
Door to door — straight to your hotel. No trains, no transfers, no dragging luggage through stations

The price is fixed when you book — no meter, no surge, no surprises.

How Much Does a Private Transfer Cost?

Route	Alphard (4 pax, 4 luggage)	HiAce (9 pax, 8 luggage)
Narita → Tokyo 23 Wards	¥24,000	¥30,000
Haneda → Tokyo 23 Wards	¥16,000	¥20,000

Split between 2-4 people, the per-person cost is surprisingly close to a train ticket — without any of the hassle. Flight monitoring is included: delays over 20 minutes trigger automatic pickup adjustment.

Practical First-Day Tips

Keep your passport handy — you'll need it for hotel check-in (Japanese law requires it), SIM card purchase, and tax-free shopping
Have your hotel address in Japanese — screenshot it or save it in your notes. Even in a private transfer, having the Japanese address ensures a smooth drop-off. For taxis, it's essential since most drivers read Japanese addresses only.
Download Google Maps offline — in case your SIM setup takes time, having offline maps is a lifesaver
Convenience stores are your friend — 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are open 24/7 and sell everything from onigiri to phone chargers to underwear. ATMs are inside.
Don't tip — tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion

Your First Hour, Simplified

Here's the ideal first-timer sequence:

Clear immigration (Visit Japan Web QR code)
Grab luggage
Walk through customs
Pick up a SIM card or activate your eSIM
Withdraw cash at 7-Eleven ATM
Walk to pickup point — your RydAgent driver is already waiting
Ride to your hotel. Done.

No train maps. No ticket machines. No luggage on escalators. Just a comfortable ride in a Toyota Alphard or HiAce, driven by a professional who already knows where you're going.

Book Your Airport Transfer

Send a screenshot of your flight confirmation, or type "Narita to Shinjuku, April 5, 3 people" — RydAgent's AI reads the details and gives you a fixed price in seconds. Takes about 30 seconds.

Ready to Book Your Airport Transfer?

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