Arriving in Japan Can Feel Busy at First

Landing at Tokyo Narita, Haneda, Osaka Kansai, or any other major Japanese airport means moving through several steps in sequence. The terminal is usually busy, the corridors are long, and you may be tired from a long flight.

The good news: the arrival process generally follows a predictable order, and the signs are clear. You do not need to read Japanese fluently. Recognizing a few key words and knowing what to do at each step is enough to get through without getting stuck.

Note: Exact procedures, sign placement, and checkpoint order can vary between airports, terminals, airlines, and individual circumstances. Always follow the signs posted at your airport and the instructions of airport and immigration staff.

Before you head for the exit, it's worth deciding how you'll get online — a Japan eSIM activates before you land, while Pocket Wi‑Fi counters are usually near baggage claim. See our eSIM vs Pocket WiFi comparison for Japan to pick the right option for your trip.

The Usual Arrival Flow

After landing, most international arrivals in Japan follow a flow similar to this. The exact order and specific steps depend on your airport, airline, and situation.

  1. 1 到着 / Arrivals — Follow signs for Arrivals after leaving the aircraft. This leads you into the terminal and toward immigration.
  2. 2 検疫 / Quarantine — You may pass a quarantine checkpoint before immigration. Follow any posted notices or staff instructions at this stage.
  3. 3 入国審査 / Immigration — Passport control. Have your passport and any required documents ready. This comes before collecting your checked baggage.
  4. 4 手荷物受取 / Baggage Claim — After clearing immigration, follow signs to the baggage carousels to collect your checked luggage.
  5. 5 税関 / Customs — Declare any items as required. Follow the guidance of customs staff and posted instructions.
  6. 6 出口 / Arrival Lobby — After customs, you exit into the public arrival area. From here you can access transport, information desks, SIM counters, ATMs, and other services.

Key Airport Signs and Words

These are the signs you are most likely to encounter from the moment you land until you leave the airport. For each one, focus on what to do next — not just what the word means.

到着 tōchaku Arrivals One of the first signs after leaving the aircraft. Follow it toward immigration and baggage claim.
乗継 norigitsugi Connecting Flights Follow only if you have another flight from this airport. If Japan is your final destination, do not follow this sign.
検疫 ken'eki Quarantine A checkpoint that may appear before immigration. Follow staff instructions and any posted notices at this stage.
入国審査 nyūkoku shinsa Immigration Passport control. Have your passport ready. This step happens before you collect checked baggage.
手荷物受取 tenimotsu uketori Baggage Claim After immigration, check the display screens for your flight number to find the correct carousel.
税関 zeikan Customs Follow this sign after collecting your baggage. Prepare your declaration documents and follow staff guidance.
出口 deguchi Exit Leads from customs into the arrival lobby — the public area where you can access transport, services, and meet people waiting for you.
案内 annai Information Look for information counters in the arrival lobby for maps, transport guidance, and general help. Staff are often available.
国内線 kokunai-sen Domestic Flights Relevant if you are connecting to a domestic destination after clearing immigration. Not needed if you are going directly to your hotel.
国際線 kokusai-sen International Flights Marks the international terminal or departure area. Not usually needed on arrival, but useful for orientation in large multi-terminal airports.
トイレ toire Restrooms Signposted throughout the terminal, usually also shown as a universal pictogram. Plentiful and clean in Japanese airports.
両替 / ATM ryōgae Currency Exchange / ATM Available in most arrival areas. If you need Japanese yen in cash, look for ATMs or currency exchange counters near the arrival lobby.
Wi-Fi / SIM — Mobile Connectivity SIM card vending machines, mobile counters, or Wi-Fi rental desks may be available in arrival areas. Location and availability vary by airport and terminal.
鉄道 tetsudō Train Follow to reach the airport train station. Trains are the main transport option to the city center at most major Japanese airports.
バス basu Bus Airport buses serve many city centers and hotel areas. Follow this sign to find the bus stop or information counter.
タクシー takushī Taxi Taxi stands are typically outside the arrival lobby. Fares are metered. For most airport-to-city routes, trains or buses are faster and less expensive.

After Immigration: Baggage Claim and Customs

After clearing immigration, you will follow signs for 手荷物受取 (Baggage Claim). Display screens near the carousel area show which carousel is assigned to each flight — look for your flight number or departure city.

Once you have your baggage, follow 税関 (Customs) signs. You may need to submit a declaration form, which is often distributed on the aircraft or available near the customs area. Follow the guidance of customs staff and posted notices — requirements can vary and change.

This guide does not cover specific customs rules or prohibited items. For the most current information, check official Japanese customs guidance before you travel.

After customs, you will pass through 出口 (Exit) into the arrival lobby — the public area. This is where the rest of your arrival experience begins.

Finding Mobile Data, Wi‑Fi Rental, and SIM Counters

Once you reach the arrival lobby, you may want to set up your mobile data connection before heading into the city. Having a working connection from the start makes it easier to use maps, look up train routes, translate signs, and contact your accommodation.

Depending on the airport, you may find SIM card vending machines, mobile service counters, or Wi-Fi router rental desks in or near the arrival lobby. Availability, location, and operating hours vary between airports and terminals — these services are not guaranteed to be open or available at any given time.

If you are planning to use mobile data throughout your trip, it is generally easier to arrange your internet connection in advance rather than at the airport.

Deciding between eSIM and Pocket Wi‑Fi for Japan? A quick comparison helps you choose before you fly — so you have a working connection from the moment you land.

Compare Japan eSIM and Pocket Wi‑Fi Options →

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Getting from the Airport to the City

After exiting customs, follow signs for your preferred transport option. Most major Japanese airports offer several choices, and the signs in the arrival lobby are generally clear.

IC Card tip: If you plan to use trains during your trip, purchasing or loading a Suica or ICOCA card at the airport is a convenient first step. These cards work on most trains, subways, and buses — and at many convenience stores. Look for チャージ (recharge) machines at station gates if you need to top up.

Specific fares, timetables, and route options change over time and vary by airport. Check the official airport website or an app like Google Maps for current information before you travel.

Quick Arrival Checklist

Before you leave the airport, run through these steps: