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✈️ Narita Airport Terminal 1 Guide – Table of Contents
🛫 Narita Airport at a Glance
- Overview of Narita Airport and Terminal Functions
- Terminal 1: Star Alliance Hub
- Terminal 2: SkyTeam & Japan Airlines
- Terminal 3: Low-Cost Carriers
- Getting Between Terminals
🧳 Terminal 1 Overview
- Terminal 1 Layout & Passenger Flow by Floor
- Who Uses Terminal 1?
🧳Arrival at Terminal 1
- Arrival Process
- Immigration (1F)
- Baggage Claim (1F)
- Customs & e-Gate (1F)
- SIM Card & Pocket Wi-Fi Rental (1F)
- IC Cards: Suica & PASMO (B1F)
- Currency Exchange & ATMs (1F)
- Luggage Delivery Services (1F)
- Where to Eat After Landing (4F / 5F)
- Basic Facilities:
- Restrooms
- Baby Rooms
- Prayer Room - Hotel Shuttles & Access Plaza (1F)
🛫 Departing from Terminal 1
- How to Reach the Departure Lobby (4F)
- Airline Check-in Counters by Wing
- Baggage Wrapping & Temporary Storage (4F / 1F)
- Security & Immigration Process (2F)
- Duty-Free Shopping (2F)
- Dining Options (2F)
- Lounges & Waiting Areas
- Airline Lounges
- Paid Lounge: Narita TraveLounge
- Free Seating Areas - Gate Areas & Boarding Process
🛫 Narita Airport at a Glance
Narita International Airport (NRT) is one of Japan’s two major international gateways, located about 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo. It has three terminals—each with different airlines, layouts, and amenities.
✈️ Terminal Overview:
- Terminal 1:
– Mainly used by Star Alliance airlines (ANA, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.)
– Split into North Wing and South Wing
– One of the most international-heavy terminals - Terminal 2:
– Home to SkyTeam airlines (Delta, Korean Air, Air France, etc.)
– Japan Airlines (JAL) also uses this terminal
– Includes a main building and a satellite connected by shuttle - Terminal 3:
– Used by low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Jetstar Japan and Spring Airlines
– Connected to Terminal 2 by foot or shuttle
– Very compact with limited services
🧭 Getting Between Terminals:
- Free shuttle buses run every 7–10 minutes
- Walking from Terminal 2 to 3 takes about 10–15 minutes
- Terminals 1 and 2 are too far to walk—use the shuttle or train
🛫 Terminal 1 Overview
Narita Airport Terminal 1 is the largest of the three terminals at Narita International Airport and serves as the primary gateway for many international flights. Opened in 1978 and continually upgraded, it’s divided into two major areas: the North Wing and the South Wing, each serving different airline alliances and countries.
🧭 Terminal 1 Layout
- North Wing
→ Primarily used by Star Alliance members
→ Includes airlines such as:
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- United Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Singapore Airlines
- Thai Airways
- EVA Air - South Wing
→ Mainly serves SkyTeam airlines and other non-affiliated international carriers
→ Includes airlines such as:
- Delta Air Lines
- China Airlines
- Garuda Indonesia
- Philippine Airlines
Each wing has its own dedicated check-in area, with clearly marked zones (A–N) on the 4th floor, which is the Departure Level.
✈️ Terminals & Passenger Flow
- 4F (Departure Floor):
→ Check-in counters, airline service desks, restaurants, shops - 3F:
→ Shower facilities, connecting escalators to arrival areas - 2F:
→ Airline lounges (airside), immigration & security screening - 1F (Arrival Floor):
→ Immigration, customs, baggage claim, transport access - B1F (Basement Level):
→ Train stations (JR East & Keisei), IC card services
🧳 Who Uses Terminal 1?
You will most likely use Terminal 1 if you’re flying into or out of Japan on:
- ANA (international routes)
- Delta Air Lines
- Any Star Alliance or SkyTeam airline
Exceptions:
- Japan Airlines (JAL) uses Terminal 2
- Low-cost carriers like Jetstar, Peach, and Spring Airlines use Terminal 3
🛂 Arrival Process at Terminal 1: Immigration, Baggage Claim & Customs
Location: 1F – Arrival Floor (Ground Level)
When you arrive at Narita Terminal 1 on an international flight, you’ll begin your entry process on the 1st floor (1F). Everything from immigration to customs clearance is handled here in a clear, linear flow.
1. ✈️ Immigration (1F – Immediately after disembarking)
Once you exit the aircraft and walk through the jetway, follow the signs that say “Arrivals / Immigration”.
Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll go through a quarantine check (automatic for most travelers)
- Then proceed to the Immigration counters
- Visitors must present:
→ Passport
→ Digital immigration info via Visit Japan Web (highly recommended) - Officers will take a photo and scan your fingerprints
Note: There are separate lanes for Japanese citizens and foreign visitors, clearly marked in English, Chinese, and Korean.
⏱️ Average processing time: 10–30 minutes depending on flight traffic
2. 🧳 Baggage Claim (1F – After Immigration)
Once your passport is stamped, you’ll proceed down a short hallway to baggage claim.
- Large digital screens show which carousel number matches your flight
- Free luggage carts are available nearby
- Airline staff are usually present to assist with damaged or delayed baggage
📍 Location: Same level (1F), just beyond Immigration
3. 🛃 Customs (1F – Final step before exiting)
After collecting your luggage, proceed to Customs inspection.
You have two options:
- Green lane: If you have nothing to declare
- Red lane: If you’re bringing items above duty-free limits
Narita now offers electronic customs gates (e-Gate) with a touchscreen interface and QR scan (linked to Visit Japan Web). It takes under 1 minute to complete.
📍 Customs is located just before you reach the Arrival Lobby.
💡 Tip:
If you’re using the Visit Japan Web for immigration and customs, the whole process is much faster—you can skip most paperwork and use the electronic lanes.
📱 SIM Cards, Pocket Wi-Fi, and IC Cards – Where to Get Them in Terminal 1 (Arrival Floor)
After clearing customs in Terminal 1, you’ll step out into the Arrival Lobby on the 1st floor. This is where you’ll find several useful counters and kiosks to help you get connected and moving right away.
📶 SIM Card & Pocket Wi-Fi Rental Counters
Located just outside the customs exit, these counters are easy to spot and often have signs in English.
Main Providers:
- Telecom Square
- Ninja WiFi
- GLOBAL WiFi
- PuPuRu
- JAL ABC (also does luggage delivery)
What you can do here:
- Rent or purchase a SIM card (data-only or voice + data)
- Rent a pocket Wi-Fi router (daily rates)
- Return devices if you’re flying out (return boxes are available)
Hours: Most counters are open from 6:30 to 21:30, depending on the provider.
Tip: You can reserve online in advance for quicker pickup, especially during peak travel seasons.
💳 IC Cards (Suica/PASMO)
You can also buy or recharge IC cards (used for trains, buses, and vending machines) at:
- JR East Travel Service Center
→ Located near the JR Narita Airport Station inside Terminal 1
→ You can purchase a regular Suica or Welcome Suica (for tourists, no deposit but no refund) - Keisei Ticket Counter
→ Also sells PASMO and offers Keisei train tickets
💡 Tip:
If you’re unsure which to choose:
- Pocket Wi-Fi = Good for groups or high-speed needs
- SIM card = Good for solo travelers with an unlocked phone
- IC card = Useful for all public transportation in Japan
💱 Currency Exchange & ATMs in Terminal 1 (Arrival Floor – 1F)
Once you exit customs and enter the Arrival Lobby on the 1st floor, one of the first things many travelers need is cash in Japanese yen. Fortunately, Terminal 1 offers several convenient and secure options for both currency exchange and ATM withdrawals—all located right along the natural exit path.
🏧 1. Currency Exchange Counters
📍 Location:
- Along the central corridor of the Arrival Lobby (near Exits 3–7)
- Most are positioned just after customs, so you don’t need to search far
🏢 Major Providers Include:
- Travelex
- Mizuho Bank Foreign Exchange Counter
- Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
- Keiyo Bank Exchange Counter
🕒 Typical hours: 6:30 – 21:00
💱 Currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, KRW, CNY, and more
Note: Rates may vary slightly between counters. Most post their daily rates on digital boards.
🔁 What to Expect:
- Bring clean, untorn bills—old-design U.S. notes may be refused
- Show your passport for identity verification if exchanging large sums
- Receipts provided for all transactions
- English-speaking staff available at most counters
🏧 2. ATM Machines (Supports Foreign Cards)
📍 Location:
- Scattered throughout the Arrival Lobby, especially near Exits 2–6
- Also available near SIM card counters and bus ticket areas
🔑 Most Reliable ATMs for Foreign Cards:
- Seven Bank ATM (7-Eleven group)
- Japan Post Bank ATM
- Prestia (SMBC) – limited, but international-friendly
- AEON Bank ATM – sometimes available near shuttle areas
🖥️ Menus available in: English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese
💳 Accepted Cards: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, JCB
💡 Tip:
💰 If you’re withdrawing from an ATM, check your bank’s international fee policy.
In many cases, the ATM exchange rate is better than that of airport counters—especially if your bank has low foreign transaction fees.
🧳 Luggage Delivery Services in Terminal 1 (Arrival Floor – 1F)
After clearing customs and entering the Arrival Lobby on the 1st floor, you’ll find several luggage delivery counters where you can send your baggage directly to your hotel, home, or next destination anywhere in Japan. This is especially useful if you’re heading into the city by train or bus and want to travel light.
📍 Location
The delivery service counters are located along the central area of the Arrival Lobby, near Exits 5–7, very close to where the limousine bus ticket counters and SIM/Wi-Fi rental counters are.
Look for signs that say “Luggage Delivery”, “TA-Q-BIN”, or “宅配便”.
🏢 Major Service Providers
- JAL ABC
- Yamato Transport (Kuroneko TA-Q-BIN)
- Sagawa Express (via partner counters)
Each offers same-day or next-day delivery, depending on the destination and time of drop-off.
✈️ What You Can Ship
- Regular suitcases
- Strollers, skis, golf bags
- Souvenir boxes or shopping bags
- Prepaid return shipments (e.g., to the airport before your flight home)
💰 Fees & Delivery Time
- Fees vary by size, weight, and destination (e.g., ~¥2,000–¥3,000 for Tokyo hotels)
- Delivery to Tokyo area hotels typically takes next day, or same day if sent early in the morning
- You can also schedule delivery from your hotel back to the airport before departure
🕒 Operating hours: Typically 6:30 – 21:30 (depends on provider)
💡 Tip:
- Keep your hotel address in Japanese or printed out—it helps avoid confusion
- This service is also available upon departure in reverse: you can send your bags to the airport before your flight to avoid dragging them around on your last day
🍜 Where to Eat After Landing at Terminal 1
Arrival Floor → Dining Options (4F / 5F Landside)
After your long flight and the immigration process, you may be tired, hungry, and in need of a hot meal. While there are vending machines and light snacks on the Arrival Floor (1F), the main restaurants are located on the 4th and 5th floors, accessible via elevator or escalator from the Arrival Lobby.
🚶♀️ How to Get to the Dining Area
Once you exit customs and enter the Arrival Lobby, follow the signs for:
“Restaurants” / “Shops” / “Departure Lobby”
You can reach the dining area by:
- Taking the elevators or escalators located in the center of the lobby (near Exits 4–6)
- Go up to the 4th floor (Departure level), where most restaurants are located
- For additional options, go further up to the 5th floor (observation & shopping floor)
🧳 What to Do With Your Luggage
You’ll still have your suitcase with you at this point, but you have several options:
- Keep it with you – there are wide aisles and seating near most restaurants
- Use a luggage cart – carts are allowed in public areas up to the 5th floor
- Use a coin locker or temporary luggage storage service:
- Coin lockers: Located near Exits 2, 3, and escalator zones
- Delivery/storage counters: You can also check in bags temporarily at the JAL ABC or Yamato counters on 1F
💡 Tip: If you’re continuing onward by train or bus, it may be better to eat before heading to B1F or outside—once you exit the building, dining options are limited.
🍽️ Recommended Restaurants (4F & 5F, Before Security)
🔹 4F – Departure Floor
- Tatsu Sushi – Conveyor belt sushi with English menu
- Soba Udon Haneda – Classic Japanese noodles, quick and comforting
- Mos Burger – Japanese burger chain with teriyaki chicken & shrimp burgers
- Cafe Cardinal – Stylish Western-style café with breakfast and lunch sets
🔹 5F – Observation Deck Floor
- Ramen Bayashi – Local ramen with gyoza sets
- Chinese Kitchen Kiyoken – Dim sum and rice dishes
- Botejyu – Osaka-style okonomiyaki and yakisoba
Tip: The 5F also features an outdoor observation deck, which is a great spot to relax if the weather is nice.
🚻 Basic Facilities in Terminal 1: Restrooms, Nursing Rooms & Prayer Spaces
Location: Available on Every Floor – Especially 1F, 4F, and Near Boarding Gates
Whether you need to freshen up after a long flight, take care of a baby, or find a quiet space for prayer, Terminal 1 is equipped with clean, well-maintained, and clearly signed facilities in multiple languages.
🚻 Restrooms(トイレ)
📍 Where to find them:
- Immediately after exiting customs (1F Arrival Lobby)
- Near elevators, escalators, and gate areas (2F)
- Near restaurants and shops on the 4F & 5F
🧼 Equipped with:
- Western and Japanese-style toilets
- Washlets (bidet functions)
- Changing tables
- Accessible stalls for travelers with mobility needs
🧼 Cleanliness: High standards, with cleaning staff rotating throughout the day
👶 Nursing Rooms / Baby Rooms(授乳室・ベビールーム)
📍 Main locations:
- 1F Arrival Lobby – near Exits 2 and 5
- 4F Departure Lobby – near check-in counters
- 2F airside (after security) – near gates
🍼 Facilities include:
- Private nursing spaces with curtains or doors
- Diaper-changing tables
- Hot water dispensers for formula preparation
- Trash bins for diapers
💡 Tip: Open to mothers and fathers alike; some rooms are gender-neutral and marked as “Baby Care Room”
🕌 Prayer Room(祈祷室)
📍 Main location:
- 5F Observation Deck Floor, near international souvenir stores
- Signposted as “Prayer Room” or “Quiet Room”
🙏 Equipped with:
- Separate space for men and women
- Ablution area (for Muslim travelers)
- Multilingual guidance and appropriate signage
🕒 Open during airport operating hours
💡 Tip: All these facilities are clearly marked with icons and signs in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
If in doubt, airport staff are generally helpful and accustomed to assisting international travelers.🛄 Terminal 1 Departure Floor: Airline Check-in Counters & Layout
The Departure Floor of Terminal 1 is located on the 4th floor. It’s spacious, clearly signed in English, and divided into two main wings:
🏨 Hotel Shuttle Buses & Access Plaza (1st Floor – Central Zone)
The Access Plaza at Narita Airport Terminal 1 is the central hub for ground transportation services, conveniently located on the 1st floor, directly connected to the Arrival Lobby. It’s where many travelers head immediately after customs to reach hotels, other terminals, or begin their onward journey.
🚏 What You Can Find at the Access Plaza
🛎️ Hotel Shuttle Buses
Many nearby hotels offer free shuttle bus service to and from Terminal 1.
📍 Shuttle bus stops are located in clearly labeled lanes within the Access Plaza loop.
- Examples of serviced hotels:
– Hotel Nikko Narita
– Narita Tobu Hotel Airport
– Narita View Hotel
– APA Hotel Keisei Narita Ekimae
– Narita Airport Rest House
🕒 Timetables are posted in the Arrival Lobby and online. Shuttles generally run every 15–30 minutes.
🚌 Airport Limousine Buses & Highway Buses
Ticket counters and boarding stops are also located in the Access Plaza.
These buses serve destinations across the Kanto region and beyond.
📍 Bus ticket counters: Near Exits 5–7 in the Arrival Lobby
📍 Boarding area: In front of the Access Plaza zone
🚖 Taxi Stand
Taxis (including flat-rate taxis to Tokyo and Yokohama) are available directly outside the same central zone.
📍 Stand location: Just beyond the hotel bus and limousine lanes
Signs for “Taxi” and “Fixed Fare Taxi” are prominently posted in multiple languages.
🚐 Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus Stop
Need to transfer to Terminal 2 or 3?
📍 The free inter-terminal shuttle departs from designated stops in the Access Plaza, every 7–10 minutes.
🅿️ Rental Car Return Area
If you rented a car during your stay, most rental car returns are handled through facilities connected to the Access Plaza.
Rental car companies have separate counters on 1F, and staff will guide you to the return locations.
✈️ Departing Process at Terminal 1: Reaching the Departure Lobby (4F)
If you’re flying out of Japan from Narita Airport Terminal 1, your departure experience will begin on the 4th floor, which serves as the main check-in and departure lobby.
Whether you’re arriving at the airport by train, bus, shuttle, or taxi, here’s how to smoothly reach the right place to begin your check-in process.
🚶 How to Get to the Departure Floor (4F)
Depending on where you enter Terminal 1, you can reach the 4th floor in the following ways:
From the Train Station (B1F):
- Take the escalators or elevators directly from the JR or Keisei station level up to 4F Departure Lobby
- Signs for “Departure”, “Check-in Counters,” and airline logos are clearly posted in English
From Access Plaza or Arrival Lobby (1F):
- Use the central elevators or escalators near Exits 5–6 to go up
- Alternatively, if you’re coming from the hotel shuttle or limousine bus drop-off zone, walk into the terminal and follow the signs marked “Departure (4F)”
🧳 What to Prepare Before Heading Up
Make sure you have the following ready before check-in:
- Passport
- Flight e-ticket or printed itinerary
- Visa (if applicable for your destination)
- Luggage (hand-carry and check-in)
- Visit Japan Web confirmation (for your return, if applicable)
💡 Tip: If you used a luggage delivery service (TA-Q-BIN, JAL ABC), head to your airline’s check-in counter with only your hand luggage.
🧭 What’s on the 4th Floor (Departure Lobby)
Convenience stores (before security)
Check-in counters (Zones A–N)
Airline service desks
Self check-in machines
Currency exchange counters
Restaurants and cafes
🛄 Check-In Counters at Terminal 1: North & South Wings (4F)
The check-in area at Terminal 1 is located entirely on the 4th floor. It is divided into two major sections—North Wing and South Wing—each serving different airline alliances and destinations.
🧭 Layout Overview
- North Wing (Zones A–C)
→ Primarily used by Star Alliance airlines - South Wing (Zones J–N)
→ Used by SkyTeam airlines and select non-aligned carriers
Each check-in zone is marked with large lettered signs (A–N) hanging from the ceiling and floor indicators in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
✈️ North Wing Airlines (Zones A–C)
- ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Zone A
- United Airlines – Zone B
- Singapore Airlines – Zone C
- Lufthansa – Zone C
- EVA Air – Zone C
- Thai Airways, Asiana, and other Star Alliance members
🛫 Most international ANA flights depart from Terminal 1 North Wing.
✈️ South Wing Airlines (Zones J–N)
- Delta Air Lines – Zone K
- China Airlines – Zone L
- Garuda Indonesia – Zone M
- Philippine Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and other SkyTeam members or independent carriers
💡 Note: Some airlines rotate their zones during the day. Always check your airline’s latest information on the departure screens near the entrance or online.
🖥️ Self-Service & Special Desks
- Many airlines (especially ANA and Delta) offer self check-in machines and baggage drop lanes
- If you need extra help (e.g., unaccompanied minors, wheelchairs, oversize luggage), visit the Airline Service Desk near each zone
- Oversized baggage areas are typically located on the sides of each wing, clearly labeled with signs
💡 Tip:
- Arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight
- The check-in process may take time during peak morning and evening hours
- Many airlines begin accepting check-in 3 hours before departure—not earlier
📦 Baggage Wrapping & Temporary Storage Services (4F & 1F)
If you’re checking in soon and want to protect your luggage or store extra bags while shopping or eating, Terminal 1 provides both wrapping and temporary storage services in convenient locations.
🔒 Baggage Wrapping Services
📍 Location: 4F (Departure Lobby), near North and South Wings
You’ll find baggage wrapping counters near the check-in areas on both the North and South Wings. Look for signs that say “Baggage Wrapping” or “Packing Service”.
Services Offered:
- Plastic shrink-wrap for suitcases or boxes
- Reinforcement for cardboard packaging
- Luggage belts and security tags (optional)
💰 Typical cost: Around ¥1,000–¥1,500 per piece (depends on size)
🕒 Hours: Generally 6:30 – 20:00
💡 Tip: Recommended if your luggage has fragile contents, zipper issues, or if you’re carrying a soft bag
🧳 Temporary Luggage Storage
📍 Locations:
- 4F (Departure Floor) – near check-in areas, next to JAL ABC counters
- 1F (Arrival Lobby) – near Exits 5–6
- Some coin lockers also available on 1F and B1F
What You Can Store:
- Suitcases, carry-ons
- Backpacks, souvenir bags
- Strollers, musical instruments
- Shopping bags while you explore the airport
💰 Cost (storage counter): ~¥800–¥1,200/day
💰 Coin lockers: From ¥300 (small) to ¥700 (large), depending on size and duration
💡 Tip:
- If you’re planning to explore the airport before your flight, store your luggage early so you can walk around freely
- JAL ABC and Yamato Transport also offer luggage forwarding if you want to send items back home or to your hotel
🛃 Security & Immigration at Terminal 1 (2F – Airside Entry)
After you’ve checked in and dropped off your luggage on the 4th floor, the next step in your departure process is to head down to the 2nd floor, where Security Screening and Immigration Control are located.
🔽 How to Get to the Security Area
📍 Signs for “Departures / Security / Immigration” will direct you to escalators and elevators from the check-in area (4F) to the 2F security checkpoint.
- Use the central escalator/elevator cores between North and South Wings
- Staff are positioned near the entrances to guide you
- Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport ready
🧷 Step 1: Security Screening (2F – Pre-Immigration)
You’ll pass through a standard international security checkpoint.
What to expect:
- X-ray screening for carry-on bags
- Walk-through metal detector and/or body scanner
- Liquids must follow the 100ml/transparent bag rule
- Remove laptops, tablets, and cameras from your bag
- Jackets, hats, and large accessories may need to be placed in a tray
💡 Tip: Lines are usually shorter in the early morning and mid-afternoon
🌍 Step 2: Immigration (2F – After Security)
After passing security, continue directly to Immigration Control.
- Present your passport and boarding pass
- Foreign nationals will undergo a brief exit interview and passport scan
- Fingerprints and photos are not taken during exit, only at arrival
- No physical stamp is usually issued—exit is recorded electronically
Visit Japan Web (again)?
✅ No need to show Visit Japan Web for departure—only used for arrival/customs
🧭 After Immigration: You’re Airside!
Once through immigration, you’ll enter the airside zone, which includes:
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants and cafés
- Airline lounges
- Boarding gates (2F & 3F depending on wing)
💡 Important: You cannot return landside after passing immigration. Be sure to eat, shop, or use facilities like showers or nursing rooms before going through if needed.
🛍️ Duty-Free Shopping and Dining After Immigration (2F – Airside Zone)
Once you’ve passed security and immigration, you’ll enter the airside area of Terminal 1, where you can enjoy some final moments in Japan with duty-free shopping, local food, and cafés.
🛍️ Duty-Free Shopping
📍 Location: Throughout the central corridor of the 2F airside zone (and near gate areas)
Major Duty-Free Shops:
- Fa-So-La DUTY FREE – Multiple branches offering alcohol, tobacco, perfume, watches, luxury items, and local snacks
- ANA DUTY FREE – Branded cosmetics, skincare, premium liquors
- Hello Kitty Japan – Iconic character goods, popular with overseas tourists
- Shiseido / Kanebo counters – Japanese cosmetics at tax-free prices
- Japan Duty Free – International and Japanese designer brands
💡 Tip: Prices are duty-free, and passport is not required, as you’re already airside.
🎁 Recommended Items to Buy:
- Japanese whiskey (Yamazaki, Hibiki)
- Matcha sweets and rice crackers
- High-end skincare (SK-II, Hada Labo)
- Character items (Sanrio, Pokémon)
- Traditional crafts (fans, ceramics, furoshiki)
🍱 Dining Options After Immigration
📍 Location: Scattered throughout the 2F airside corridor and near gate areas (especially in the North and South wings)
Popular Restaurants & Cafés:
- Ramen Kyowakoku – Ramen food court offering multiple regional styles
- Blue Sky Café – Sandwiches, coffee, and light Japanese/Western meals
- Kineya Mugimaru – Udon noodles and tempura
- Tully’s Coffee – Café chain with espresso, sweets, and seating
- Japanese Bento Counter – Takeaway boxed meals for flights
🍱 Tip: Prices airside are reasonable, and most restaurants accept credit cards, IC cards (Suica, PASMO), and some mobile payments.
🧼 Final Stops Before Your Gate
- Restrooms and nursing rooms are available near all gate areas
- Some shops also sell travel-size snacks and souvenirs for quick grab-and-go
🛋️ Lounges and Waiting Areas in Terminal 1 (Airside – After Immigration)
After passing through immigration at Narita Terminal 1, you’ll find a variety of places to relax, work, or refresh while waiting for your flight. Whether you’re flying business class or looking for a quiet spot as an economy traveler, there are options for everyone.
✈️ Airline Lounges (for eligible passengers)
📍 Location: Mostly near the gates in the North and South Wings (2F)
🔹 ANA Lounge (North Wing)
- Available to:
- ANA business class passengers
- Star Alliance Gold members
- Features:
- Spacious seating
- Buffet-style meals and drinks
- Shower rooms
- Power outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi
🔹 Delta Sky Club (South Wing)
- Available to:
- Delta One and SkyTeam elite passengers
- Features:
- Lounge bar, workspace, light snacks
- Shower facilities
- Tarmac views
🔹 Other airline lounges:
- Thai Royal Orchid Lounge
- United Club
- Korean Air KAL Lounge
💡 Tip: Check with your airline or ticket class to confirm lounge eligibility.
💳 Paid Lounges (Available to All Travelers)
📍 Narita TraveLounge
- Location: Near gates 26–29 (South Wing, airside)
- Accessible to all passengers for a small fee (~¥1,200–¥1,500)
Services:
- Comfortable seating and tables
- Complimentary soft drinks and snacks
- Paid alcoholic beverages and food
- Wi-Fi and charging outlets
- Shower access (for additional fee)
Note: Great option for economy passengers with long layovers.
🪑 Free Waiting Areas
📍 Scattered near boarding gates in both North and South wings
- Equipped with plenty of seating
- Some zones offer reclining seats or window views
- Power outlets and USB ports available in many seating rows
- Quiet Zones are marked in areas far from high-traffic shops and restaurants
💡 Pro Tip: Some seating zones near less-used gates tend to be quieter and less crowded—perfect for rest or work.
🚪 Gate Areas & Boarding Procedures (2F – Airside)
Once you’re through security, immigration, and have enjoyed some last-minute shopping or rest, it’s time to head to your departure gate. Terminal 1 is large but well-signed, making it easy to find your gate with time to spare.
📍 Where Are the Gates?
- All international gates are located on the 2nd floor (airside) of Terminal 1
- Divided between the North Wing and South Wing, just like check-in areas
- Gate numbers are clearly labeled (e.g., Gate 31–47 North, Gate 21–29 South)
- Follow signs based on your boarding pass or departure screen listings
💡 Tip: Most gates are within a 5–15 minute walk from the central immigration area. However, remote gates (bus boarding) may take longer—plan accordingly.
🖥️ How to Check Your Gate
- Flight information displays are located throughout the terminal
- Screens show real-time updates on gate number, boarding time, and flight status
- Airline staff often announce gate changes by loudspeaker in multiple languages
🛂 Boarding Process
Here’s the typical boarding sequence:
- Gate opens about 40–60 minutes before departure
- Announcements are made in English and Japanese
- Priority boarding for:
- Business class
- Frequent flyer elite status holders
- Families with small children or those needing assistance
- General boarding follows by group number or seat row
💡 Tip: Have your passport and boarding pass ready—you’ll need to scan it before entering the jetway or shuttle bus to the aircraft.
🚨 Final Checks
- Once you’ve passed the gate, you may need to undergo a final security screen (especially for U.S.-bound flights)
- Airport staff will re-check carry-on sizes and liquid compliance
📌 After boarding begins, do not leave the gate area, as boarding can progress quickly
🧳 Conclusion: Navigating Narita Terminal 1 with Confidence
Whether you’re arriving in Japan or departing for your next destination, Narita Airport Terminal 1 offers a smooth, logical, and multilingual environment tailored to international travelers.
You’ll find everything clearly organized by floor and zone:
- 🛬 Arrivals (1F): Immigration, baggage claim, customs, and immediate access to transportation, SIM/Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and luggage delivery
- 🏨 Access Plaza (1F): Hotel shuttles, buses, taxis, and inter-terminal shuttles—all in one hub
- 🛫 Departures (4F): Easy-to-navigate check-in areas by airline, food and shopping before security
- 🛃 Security & Immigration (2F): Fast, efficient, and clearly signed in English and other languages
- 🛍️ After Security: Duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and quiet waiting areas before boarding
Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning traveler, Terminal 1 is designed to guide you step by step with clear signage, friendly staff, and practical services to make your journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.
✈️ With this guide, you’re fully equipped to make the most of your time at Narita—no confusion, no stress—just travel, your way.
The complete guide to Narita Airport Terminal 1—arrivals, departures, shops, dining, transport, and what to expect.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!