🇯🇵Tokyo, Japan
Verified 2026-03 · JPY · Japanese, English (limited outside tourist hubs)
Fast answers for landing in Tokyo: which airport train to take, whether you need cash, how to get data before leaving arrivals, which apps matter, and what first-time visitors most often get wrong.
NRT - Narita
Fastest way into the city?
Skyliner (Keisei Railway) -> Ueno / Nippori. 36 min. ¥2,660 (~€16).
Cheapest way into the city?
Access Express (Keisei Railway) -> Aoto → transfer to central Tokyo. 55–70 min. ¥1,270 (~€7.50).
Should I take a taxi instead?
GO (タクシー). 60–90 min. ¥20,000–30,000 (~€120–180).
What if I land late?
Narita's last train window is tight. If you miss it, stay near the airport or budget for an expensive taxi.
More detail
- All trains depart from the basement level of the terminal. Follow signs for 'Train' or '鉄道' after clearing customs.
- Clear immigration and customs, collect your bags
- Follow signs to 'Railway' / '鉄道' — escalators go down to basement level
- You'll see ticket machines and staffed counters for Keisei (Skyliner / Access Express) and JR (Narita Express)
- If you have Suica on your iPhone, just tap through the IC card gate — no ticket needed for Access Express
- For the Skyliner, buy a reserved-seat ticket at the counter or e-ticket machine, then tap through the gate
- Fastest option: Reserved-seat express train from airport basement platform direct to central Tokyo. Departs every 20 min.
- Cheapest option: Regular commuter train — no reservation needed, just tap your IC card and board. Slower but much cheaper.
- Set up Suica in Apple Wallet before you fly — you can top up with Apple Pay and tap straight through gates on arrival (see transit section)
- If you don't have an iPhone, buy a physical Suica/PASMO IC card at Narita airport machines
- The Skyliner + Tokyo Subway combo ticket is great value if you're staying 1–3 days
Will public transport actually work for this trip?
Tokyo has one of the best public transport networks in the world. You'll mainly use underground subways and overground trains — both work with the same IC card (Suica/PASMO). Buses exist but tourists rarely need them. Taxis are clean and safe but expensive.
What should I use to ride?
You can use a contactless bank card or phone directly. Alternatively, use Suica / PASMO IC Card. ¥500 deposit + top-up (refundable). Buy at Any JR station ticket machine, airport convenience stores, or directly in Apple Wallet (iPhone).
Can I use a bank card or phone directly?
Yes. Suica on Apple Watch / iPhone works at all gates
Can I pay cash on public transport?
Yes. Cash works in parts of the system, but expect exact-change rules or slower entry than tapping.
What does one ride cost?
¥170–320 depending on distance. IC card tap or ticket machines
More detail
- Systems: Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR Lines, Buses, Shinkansen
- Works on all trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants. Apple Wallet Suica is the single best setup for tourists with an iPhone.
- Warning: Last trains run around midnight — check timetables, missing the last train is expensive (taxi or manga café)
- Yamanote Line (JR) is the green circle line connecting all major stations — learn this first
- Google Maps transit directions in Tokyo are extremely accurate — trust them
What should I download before landing?
Suica (via Apple Wallet — no separate app needed for basic use), LINE, Google Maps, GO Taxi (set up after landing), Smart EX (if planning Shinkansen travel)
Which app helps most with public transport?
Navitime / Japan Transit Planner. Google Maps transit also works very well in Tokyo — many visitors don't need a separate transit app
Which messaging app do locals actually use?
LINE. Essential — Japan runs on LINE for everything from friend chats to restaurant reservations to official government updates
Which map app should I trust?
Google Maps. Excellent for Tokyo — accurate walking directions, transit times, and restaurant info
More detail
- Food delivery: Uber Eats / Demae-can
Should I use card or cash?
Does contactless work well?
Suica/PASMO works at convenience stores and vending machines. Apple/Google Pay less common than in Europe, but still already widespread. PayPay QR codes spreading rapidly and worth downloading if staying longer.
Which ATM should I use?
Use 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs — they reliably accept foreign cards. Most Japanese bank ATMs don't.
Will Visa or Mastercard work?
Accepted at larger establishments. Some places accept only JCB.
Is there a local payment system I should know about?
IC cards (Suica/PASMO) for transit + convenience stores. PayPay QR codes spreading rapidly.
More detail
- 7-Eleven ATMs are your lifeline for cash — available 24/7 and accept all foreign Visa/Mastercard
- If you set up Suica on iPhone with Apple Pay, you can top up your transit card cashlessly — reducing how much physical cash you need
Best way to get internet after landing?
eSIM before landing
Should I set up an eSIM before landing?
Airalo or Nomad Japan eSIM packages For most Tokyo arrivals, a Nomad eSIM is the easiest way to land with data already working.
Can I buy a SIM at the airport?
Arrivals area at both Narita and Haneda — look for BMOBILE, IIJmio, Sakura Mobile kiosks. ¥3,000–5,000 for 7–30 day tourist data SIMs. Passport required.
Is there usable Wi-Fi?
Airport: good. Metro: patchy. Convenience stores and cafés: common. Japan Free Wi-Fi app helps.
Do I need a VPN?
No. A VPN is not usually required here.
More detail
- City SIM: Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera electronics stores
What is the emergency number?
110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance)
Where can I get basic medicine?
Look for ドラッグストア (drug stores) — Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Welcia are everywhere. Tax-free for tourists over ¥5,000.
What is easy to get wrong on day one?
Trains are silent — no phone calls, no loud conversations. Set phone to silent (manner mode).
More detail
- Tipping is NOT done in Japan — it can cause confusion or even offense
- Smoking is banned on most streets but allowed in designated indoor smoking rooms (the reverse of most countries). Nicotine pouches are also legal to import for own usage.
- Convenience stores (konbini) are world-class — onigiri, bento, and ATMs available 24/7
- Trash cans are rare on streets — carry your rubbish until you find a konbini bin or station bin
- Watch for: Overcharging at unlicensed currency exchanges — use 7-Eleven ATMs instead