A Helpful Guide to Haneda, Narita, and Kansai Airports for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Japan? One of the first big decisions you’ll face is choosing which airport to fly into. For most travelers from the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Australia, the three major international gateways are:
- Haneda Airport (HND) – Tokyo
- Narita Airport (NRT) – Tokyo
- Kansai International Airport (KIX) – Osaka
While each airport has its advantages, if you’re looking for the most convenient and stress-free entry into Japan, our top recommendation is: Haneda Airport. But if your flight options don’t include Haneda, don’t worry—we’ll explain why the other two are still excellent choices depending on your itinerary.
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✈️ Quick Comparison: Haneda vs Narita vs Kansai
| Airport | City | Distance to Center | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda (HND) | Tokyo | ~15 km | 20–30 min | Tokyo stays, short trips, easy entry |
| Narita (NRT) | Chiba (Greater Tokyo Area) | (To Tokyo) ~60 km | 60–90 min | Budget flights, long-haul routes |
| Kansai (KIX) | Osaka | ~45 km to Osaka / ~75 km to Kyoto | 40–80 min | Western Japan trips (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe) |
🛬 Haneda Airport (HND): The Most Convenient Gateway to Japan
Haneda is our #1 recommendation, especially for first-time visitors.
✅ Why Choose Haneda?
- Closest international airport to central Tokyo
You can be in Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Tokyo Station in under 30 minutes. - Fast immigration and customs
Smaller crowds and shorter walk times compared to Narita. - Great domestic connections
Perfect if you’re transferring to another Japanese city (e.g., Sapporo, Fukuoka). - Modern and efficient
Clean facilities, plenty of English signage, and less overwhelming for new travelers.
🚆 Access from Haneda:
- Tokyo Monorail + JR: 20–30 minutes
- Keikyu Line: Direct to Shinagawa or Asakusa
- Taxi: ~$50–$80, depending on time and destination
- Airport Limousine Bus: Also available to major hotels
✨ If you’re flying into Japan and want to hit the ground running, Haneda is the ideal choice.
🛬 Narita Airport (NRT): Long-Haul Friendly but Farther from Tokyo
Narita Airport handles many long-haul international flights and often has lower airfares compared to Haneda. However, it’s much farther from central Tokyo, requiring extra time and planning.
✅ Why Consider Narita?
- More flight availability from North America and Europe
- Often cheaper fares—great for budget-conscious travelers
- Modern terminal amenities including capsule hotels and great shopping
🚆 Access from Narita:
- Narita Express (N’EX): ~60 minutes to Tokyo Station
- Keisei Skyliner: ~40 minutes to Ueno
- Airport Limousine Bus: 60–90+ minutes
- Taxi: ~$200+—not recommended unless in a group
👀 Things to Keep in Mind:
- After a long international flight, an extra 1–2 hours to reach your hotel may feel exhausting
- Immigration lines can be longer depending on the arrival time
- Some low-cost airlines land in Terminal 3, which requires more walking
🧳 If Haneda isn’t available, Narita is still a solid choice—just plan for a longer arrival process.
🛬 Kansai International Airport (KIX): The Best Option for Western Japan
If your itinerary focuses on Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or Kobe, flying into Kansai Airport might make more sense than going through Tokyo.
✅ Why Fly into KIX?
- Closer to the Kansai region than flying into Tokyo
- Direct access to Kyoto via the JR Haruka Express
- Plenty of international flights, especially from Asia and Oceania
- Great for Osaka-based trips or the southern Golden Route
🚆 Access from KIX:
- JR Haruka Express: 30–50 min to Osaka / 75 min to Kyoto
- Nankai Airport Express: ~45 min to Namba Station (Osaka)
- Airport Limousine Bus: Available to major hotels
- Taxi: ~$100–$150 depending on distance
👀 Watch Out For:
- If you’re trying to reach Tokyo from Kansai, it’s a 3+ hour train ride
- Fewer English-speaking staff compared to Tokyo airports
🌸 Planning to explore Kyoto temples, Osaka’s food scene, or Nara’s deer park? KIX is a smart, efficient starting point.
🧭 How to Choose the Best Airport for Your Trip
Here are a few questions to ask:
- Are you spending most of your time in Tokyo? → Fly into Haneda
- Are you flying from a city that only offers Narita? → Narita is fine—just plan for a longer transfer
- Are you focusing on the Kansai region? → KIX will save you hours of travel
- Looking for the cheapest ticket? → Search all three—sometimes Narita or Kansai has better deals
Also consider arrival times: flights that arrive in the evening may leave you with limited transit options, especially from Narita.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions from First-Time Visitors
Can I fly into one airport and out of another?
Yes! For example:
- Fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), fly out of Osaka (Kansai)
- This works well with a Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka route.
Is Narita really that bad?
Not at all! It’s a fully functional, comfortable international airport. It’s just farther away and requires extra time—but it’s still manageable and well-connected.
Is it worth paying more to fly into Haneda?
If you value time, convenience, and a smoother arrival—yes, it’s worth the extra cost for many travelers if you can affords it.
🏁 Conclusion: Haneda Is Ideal, but You Have Great Options
If you’re asking “Where should I fly into when visiting Japan?”, the simple answer is Haneda Airport. It offers:
✅ The shortest commute to central Tokyo
✅ Faster immigration and baggage claim
✅ Easiest domestic connections
But—don’t worry if your airline only flies to Narita or Kansai. These airports are also safe, clean, and efficient, and with a little extra planning, you’ll still have an amazing trip.
The most important thing? You’re coming to Japan. ✨
Choose the airport that fits your schedule, budget, and itinerary best—and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
