Deutsch
English
Nederlands
Dansk
Tokyo's Airports
Whether for cherry blossoms, business trips, spectacular landscapes, or bustling cities – Japan is a popular travel destination. Most flights from Europe to Japan land at Tokyo’s airports. The larger of the two, Haneda, is also one of the largest airports worldwide. Narita, too, is frequently used, particularly for international flights. What makes these two airports unique, what other airports are in Tokyo, and what Japan’s capital has to offer are covered in the following article.
Inhalt
Overview of Tokyo's Airports
Tokyo’s metropolitan area has a total of four civilian airports: Haneda, Narita, Ibaraki, and Chōfu. Primarily the first two are used for international air traffic, while Ibaraki occasionally services closer destinations in Asia, and Chōfu serves only domestic flights. For a long time, nearly all international air traffic was handled solely by Narita Airport. Only in 2010 did Haneda rejoin as an international airport after over three decades serving mostly domestic flights. Together, Haneda and Narita have the fourth-highest number of passengers for any city worldwide – behind London, New York, and Istanbul, but ahead of the airports in Paris.
Among the Largest in the World: Tokyo Haneda
Tokyo Haneda Airport – officially Haneda Airport or Haneda Kūkō – is one of the five largest airports in the world by passenger count. In global rankings for the best airport, it regularly landed in second place during the 2020s, behind Singapore’s Changi Airport. Haneda’s success is all the more remarkable given that it was used only for domestic flights for a long time. From 1978 to 2010, there were nearly no international connections, and flights from abroad arriving during the day resumed only in 2014. Airlines often use the airport for flights that connect to other destinations within Japan.
When it opened in 1931, Haneda was already Japan’s largest airport. It was built on land reclaimed from the sea, similar to today’s Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok. After World War II, Haneda was under U.S. control and was further expanded. In 1952, it was returned to Japan and began its first international phase, which lasted until Narita’s opening in 1978. Initially, all international flights were routed through Narita. It wasn’t until 2010 that a new international terminal was opened at Haneda – its third terminal overall.
Haneda is the closest of Tokyo's airports to the city center, and transportation links are excellent. The Tokyo Monorail is perhaps the most convenient option, taking around 18 minutes to reach Hamamatsuchō Station, where connections are available to the Yamanote Line, an inner-city loop line. Buses take just under an hour, while taxis are generally not recommended due to Japan's relatively high prices. For those not wanting to carry heavy luggage, Haneda offers services that transport it safely to hotels in the city.
Controversial Construction: Tokyo Narita
Narita Airport is Japan’s second-largest airport and the largest if only international passenger and cargo flights are considered. It serves as an international hub for major Japanese airlines Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. Generally, airlines use Narita for flights that connect to other Asian countries. Narita has consistently ranked among the top 5 in recent years.
In the 1960s, plans began for a second Tokyo airport due to the high volume at Haneda. The nearby town of Narita was chosen. Built in a densely populated area without consulting local residents, some were even forcibly displaced, which quickly led to unrest. The airport’s opening was delayed, and resulting protests led to fatalities.
As a result, Narita is completely closed from midnight to 6 a.m. Nevertheless, sabotage and protests continued, and between the opening in 1978 and the late 2010s, there were over 500 incidents of airport damage. Perhaps the most curious result of this is the survival of a farm in the middle of the airport grounds – with the adjacent runway curving around the privately owned land.
Like Tokyo’s other airports, Narita is well connected to the rail network. The most comfortable option is the Narita Express, which reaches all key city districts in under two hours. Reservations are recommended. For a quicker option, the Keisei Skyliner takes just 40 minutes to connect to the Yamanote Line. Buses and taxis are also available, and luggage can be conveniently sent to hotels.
Smaller Airports: Ibaraki and Chōfu
In addition to non-civilian facilities, Tokyo also has Ibaraki Airport and Chōfu Airport. Since 2010, Ibaraki has also handled passenger flights, though only low-cost airlines operate here. Some domestic destinations as well as airports in Taiwan and mainland China are served. Chōfu Airport primarily handles flights to the Japanese Izu Islands, with no regular international flights. As there are no dedicated rail lines here, the best way to reach these smaller airports from the city center is by bus.
Sights in Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities, and its metropolitan area ranks first. There is a lot to see here, from modern buildings and entertainment facilities to traditional Japanese temples and quaint little alleys. Be sure to set aside plenty of time for a visit. A small selection of highlights might look like this:
Shibuya
The Shibuya district, especially the area around Shibuya Station, is the heart of Japan’s nightlife, youth culture, and fashion. The Shibuya Crossing is not only a fantastic photo spot but also the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, with up to 250,000 people per day.
Food & Restaurants
Tokyo’s food scene is undeniably a city highlight. Alongside its massive fish market and hundreds of ramen and sushi restaurants, Tokyo is also at the forefront of fine dining. Nowhere else has as many Michelin-starred restaurants as Tokyo.
Hanami
The cherry blossom festival Hanami is beloved by both locals and international travelers. Between March and May, cherry trees across Japan blossom, providing a setting for outdoor picnics and celebrations. During this time, Tokyo’s Ueno Park is adorned with colorful paper lanterns, creating a particularly impressive experience.
Of course, these are just a few of Tokyo’s attractions. With enough time, you can also easily reach many other sights in Japan thanks to high-speed trains (Shinkansen). From impressive Kyoto with its numerous historical buildings to the majestic Mount Fuji or Himeji Castle, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re visiting Tokyo’s airports for a short trip or a longer stay, we wish you a pleasant flight.
