Landed In

Arrival guide

Landed in Tokyo.

Getting from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) into the city, what money to carry, the apps locals use, and how to get online.

Tokyo has two main international airports, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). This brief assumes Haneda, which is much closer to the city. Check your ticket if you are unsure.
Fill out Visit Japan Web before you fly. It speeds up immigration and customs, and you will show QR codes on arrival.

From the airport to the city center

Cheapest

Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo

¥330 to ¥660 ($2 to $5)

20 to 40 min

  1. 1Collect your bags and clear customs, then follow the train signs in the terminal.
  2. 2Keikyu Line (red) goes to Shinagawa, where you can switch to the JR Yamanote Line for central Tokyo. The Tokyo Monorail goes to Hamamatsucho.
  3. 3Buy a ticket at the machines or tap a Suica or Pasmo card (Apple Wallet Suica works on iPhone).
  4. 4From Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho, change to the JR Yamanote Line toward Tokyo Station or your central neighborhood.
  5. 5Check your hotel's nearest station in Google Maps before you leave the terminal.
Open in Google Maps
Easiest

Airport Limousine Bus to central hotels

¥1,000 to ¥1,500 ($7 to $10)

35 to 70 min

  1. 1From arrivals, find the Limousine Bus counter or ticket machine.
  2. 2Tell staff your hotel or nearest area, such as Tokyo Station, Ginza or Shinjuku, and they will point you to the right stop.
  3. 3Staff load your luggage under the bus. Board and sit.
  4. 4Get off at the stop closest to your hotel and walk or take a short taxi.
  5. 5Traffic can add time, so allow for a range.
Open in Google Maps
Fastest

Licensed taxi from the airport rank

¥6,000 to ¥11,000 ($40 to $75)

25 to 50 min

  1. 1Follow the taxi signs outside arrivals and join the marked queue.
  2. 2Show the driver your hotel name or address on your phone. Having it in Japanese helps.
  3. 3Doors open and close automatically, so do not touch them.
  4. 4Pay by card or cash at the end. Most taxis take cards, but ask first if unsure.
  5. 5Expressway tolls are added to the fare.
Open in Google Maps

Want a driver waiting for you?

Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.

Partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Money

Japanese yen

JPY

$1 is about ¥150

Cards

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, chains and department stores, but small restaurants, shrines and some local shops are cash only.

Tipping

Do not tip. It is not expected and staff may try to return the money.

Cash

  • Carry some yen for small eateries, vending machines and temples.
  • Keep coins handy, since many ticket machines and lockers use them.

ATMs

  • Use ATMs at 7-Eleven, Lawson or Japan Post banks, which accept most foreign cards.
  • Withdraw in yen and decline any conversion to your home currency.

Apps to download

Google Maps

Must have

Train routes, transfers and walking directions. It is excellent for Tokyo transit.

App StoreGoogle Play

Suica (Apple Wallet) or Pasmo

Must have

Tap-and-go payment for trains, buses and convenience stores.

App StoreGoogle Play

Google Translate

Camera translation for menus and signs.

App StoreGoogle Play

GO

Taxi hailing app that works with Tokyo cabs.

App StoreGoogle Play

Tabelog

Local restaurant ratings, more reliable than tourist-focused lists.

App StoreGoogle Play

LINE

The main messaging app in Japan, used by hotels and restaurants.

App StoreGoogle Play

Stay connected

Mobile data is easy to set up. An eSIM installed before you fly means you are online at the gate.

  • Buy an eSIM from Ubigi or Airalo and install it before departure.
  • Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a SIM at the airport counters in the arrivals hall.
  • Use free Wi-Fi at the airport and stations as a backup, but it can be patchy.

Get your eSIM before you fly

Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

Partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Good to know

  • Do not tip in restaurants, taxis or hotels.
  • Be quiet on trains. Avoid phone calls and keep your voice low.
  • Do not eat or drink while walking in most areas. Stand near the vending machine or shop to finish.
  • Be wary of street touts in nightlife districts like Kabukicho and Roppongi. Drink-spiking and inflated bills are known scams.
  • Carry cash for small places and take your trash with you, since public bins are rare.
  • Take off your shoes where asked, such as at some restaurants, ryokan and homes.
  • Tokyo is very safe, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded stations.

Emergency numbers

Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.