Narita Airport Guide: Best Ways to Spend Time & Recommended Facilities

2025-07-26

Think waiting at the airport is boring? Think again! Narita Airport offers a wide range of experiences that turn waiting time into a pre-flight celebration. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time before takeoff.

Narita Airport is Japan’s main international gateway, located about 60km from central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. With the highest number of international flights in Japan, it provides excellent access to Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Operating 24/7, Narita is a key hub for long-haul flights. Its spacious terminals are well-equipped with shopping, dining, and relaxation facilities.

It’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight. Narita is a large airport, so security and immigration procedures can take time. Plan ahead and move with enough time to spare.

Long layovers won’t feel long here — Narita Airport is packed with ways to pass the time.

• Shopping (Terminals 1–3)
  Terminal 1 and 2 offer especially rich shopping experiences. Inside the international departure area, you’ll find global brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bvlgari, and Chanel — including Japan-only and new items. Souvenir shops selling Japanese snacks, green tea products, cosmetics, and character goods are also abundant.
  ・Duty-Free Shops (Fa-So-La): Found in departure zones of Terminals 1 & 2
  ・Japanese Gifts: Available at ANA FESTA and BLUE SKY across terminals
  ・Luxury Brands: Especially concentrated in Terminal 1 South Wing
  


• Restaurants & Cafés (All Terminals)
  Choose from a variety of restaurants offering full meals before your flight. Sushi, ramen, udon, Japanese cuisine, Western meals, and cafés — all options are available to savor Japan one last time.
  ・Terminal 1 5F "SKY FOOD COURT": A convenient food court with various cuisines
  ・Terminal 2 Main Building 4F Restaurant Zone: Upscale Japanese and international dining
  ・Terminal 3 2F Food Court: Budget-friendly and popular with LCC travelers
  


• Lounges (Departure & Arrival Areas)
  Narita offers both airline-exclusive lounges and paid lounges accessible to all.
  ・ANA & JAL Lounges: Located in departure zones of Terminals 1 & 2
  ・IASS Executive Lounge: Accessible for gold cardholders, found in Terminals 1 & 2
  ・Narita TraveLounge: Inside Terminal 1 departure area, offers food, drinks, and Wi-Fi for a fee
  


• Relaxation Facilities (Arrival Levels & Restricted Areas)
  For travelers seeking rest, massage, spa, and shower services are available.
  ・Raffine Massage: On arrival levels of Terminals 1 & 2, short sessions available
  ・Nine Hours (Capsule Hotel): Basement of Terminal 2 Main Building, shower-only use also available
  ・Shower Rooms: Available near lounges in departure areas of Terminals 1 & 2
  


• Free Wi-Fi & Charging Spots (All Terminals)
  Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals (SSID: "FreeWiFi-NARITA"). Charging spots are also placed around seating areas, food courts, and boarding gates — perfect for powering up your smartphone or laptop.


• Tourist Information & Nearby Sightseeing
  Tourist information centers with multilingual staff are available in Terminals 1 & 2. One popular nearby destination is Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, easily accessible by bus or train — a great side trip if you have extra time before your flight.

Narita Airport is more than just a travel hub — it’s a space to enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxation. Since each facility is located in a specific terminal, be sure to check your departure terminal in advance and allow enough time. On your next trip, make the most of your Narita Airport experience!