Mar 24, 2013, 8:50 am
Last edit by: muji
Narita International Airport (NRT) - Layover & Hotel
Where to stay overnight and what to do nearby
Where to stay overnight and what to do nearby
Narita Airport (NRT) is approximately 60 km from central Tokyo. It is blessed with numerous hotels, many with shuttles (served from the terminals' bus platforms) and often at surprisingly low rates for Japan. Some of these hotels offer free shuttles into the nearby city of Narita (Narita-shi).
If you have a few hours (say six or more) Narita offers many things to do--the Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple and Park is beautiful and pleasant and on weekends one often sees performances of traditional arts and music. The Omotesando street leading there is lined with shops and restaurants, as well as a local museum.
See Mike Newman's Narita Layover Pages for many things one can do.
See the thorough online Japan Guide.
Read this article on CNN.
Some of the hotels at/near Narita Airport:
A - Radisson Hotel Narita https://www.radisson.com/narita-hote...-0221/jpnarita
B - Narita Gateway Hotel http://www.reservations.com/hotel/na...FQ-bfgodLi4M0A
C - Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu http://www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/en/h...RIT/index.html
D - Narita View Hotel http://www.viewhotels.co.jp/narita/english/
E - Hilton Narita http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/jap...IHI/index.html
F - ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hote...cp/hoteldetail
G - Marroad International Hotel Narita http://www.marroad.jp/narita/eindex.htm
H - Narita Tobu Hotel http://www.tobuhotel.co.jp.e.mi.hp.transer.com/narita/
I - Hotel Nikko Narita http://www.nikko-narita.com/english/
J - Narita Airport Rest House (located inside the airport) http://www.apo-resthouse.com/english/
K - Toyoko Inn Narita Kuko http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00037/
L - Skycourt Narita http://www.sky-hotel.jp/narita/en/
Narita Int'l. Airport (NRT) Layover & Hotel Master Thread
Dec 6, 2004, 1:01 am
#31
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SF
Programs: /usr/bin
Posts: 1,334
Having just spent 5 hours in NRT about 20 hours ago, I can let you know that you're out of luck if you wish to leave the airport. NRT isn't anywhere close to Tokyo, it's in Narita.
Even the Narita stop is 10-15 minutes by subway.
In the departure lounge however, there are a lot of shops and malls. There is a "Japanese section" and a "Western/Chinese section" It's an alright place to get some authentic Japanese grub if you so desire.
Personally, I just bounced from shop to shop sucking down Shoju (really alcoholic fruity drink) and eating sushi rice triangles while waiting for my plane.
Enjoy your visit
Even the Narita stop is 10-15 minutes by subway.
In the departure lounge however, there are a lot of shops and malls. There is a "Japanese section" and a "Western/Chinese section" It's an alright place to get some authentic Japanese grub if you so desire.
Personally, I just bounced from shop to shop sucking down Shoju (really alcoholic fruity drink) and eating sushi rice triangles while waiting for my plane.
Enjoy your visit
Originally Posted by YoffieLA
Hi All --
Any recommendations for a layover of 5 hours at NRT?
I'll be arriving next Sunday, 12/12 on UAL from HNL at 1:35pm, then connecting at 6:45pm UAL to HKG.
Is there anything worthwhile that can be done in this time period in time to get back through security and customs at NRT in time to make my flight?
Any thoughts or others who have had a similar experience?
Thanks
YoffieLA
Any recommendations for a layover of 5 hours at NRT?
I'll be arriving next Sunday, 12/12 on UAL from HNL at 1:35pm, then connecting at 6:45pm UAL to HKG.
Is there anything worthwhile that can be done in this time period in time to get back through security and customs at NRT in time to make my flight?
Any thoughts or others who have had a similar experience?
Thanks
YoffieLA
Dec 8, 2004, 2:20 am
#32
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8
Layover of 10 hours in Narita
Hi,
I am Malaysian and I was wondering if I need any visa to visit Narita? I have 10 hours before catching my next connecting flight. It seems that I have been getting different answers from the embassy and JAL. Is it difficult to go through the immigration?
Please advice. Thanks.
I am Malaysian and I was wondering if I need any visa to visit Narita? I have 10 hours before catching my next connecting flight. It seems that I have been getting different answers from the embassy and JAL. Is it difficult to go through the immigration?
Please advice. Thanks.
Dec 8, 2004, 2:21 am
#33
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8
Layover of 10 hours in Narita
Hi,
I am Malaysian and I was wondering if I need any visa to visit Narita? I have 10 hours before catching my next connecting flight. It seems that I have been getting different answers from the embassy and JAL. Is it difficult to go through the immigration?
Please advice. Thanks.
I am Malaysian and I was wondering if I need any visa to visit Narita? I have 10 hours before catching my next connecting flight. It seems that I have been getting different answers from the embassy and JAL. Is it difficult to go through the immigration?
Please advice. Thanks.
Dec 8, 2004, 7:57 am
#34
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: OW, *A, Bonvoy, WOH
Posts: 809
From Kementerian Luar Negeri (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
http://www.kln.gov.my/english/visain...ian/japan.html
You'll need a visa to clear immigration. Without one, you'll have to stay in the airport the whole time. Good news with the visa: it's free. Once you get a visa, 10 hours is more than enough time to visit Narita (or Tokyo). Immigration can be as quick as 5 minutes or as long as one hour (entering AND exiting the country) depending on time of day. I would return to the airport 2 hours before your flight just to be safe assuming your bags are checked through and you already have a boarding pass for your next flight.
http://www.kln.gov.my/english/visain...ian/japan.html
You'll need a visa to clear immigration. Without one, you'll have to stay in the airport the whole time. Good news with the visa: it's free. Once you get a visa, 10 hours is more than enough time to visit Narita (or Tokyo). Immigration can be as quick as 5 minutes or as long as one hour (entering AND exiting the country) depending on time of day. I would return to the airport 2 hours before your flight just to be safe assuming your bags are checked through and you already have a boarding pass for your next flight.
Dec 8, 2004, 11:03 am
#35
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8
Thanks!
I'll get one when I am back in Malaysia.
Can anyone recommend a few interesting attractions in Narita? I don't know if I'll have time to Tokyo though...
Can anyone recommend a few interesting attractions in Narita? I don't know if I'll have time to Tokyo though...
Originally Posted by blueDC
From Kementerian Luar Negeri (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
http://www.kln.gov.my/english/visain...ian/japan.html
You'll need a visa to clear immigration. Without one, you'll have to stay in the airport the whole time. Good news with the visa: it's free. Once you get a visa, 10 hours is more than enough time to visit Narita (or Tokyo). Immigration can be as quick as 5 minutes or as long as one hour (entering AND exiting the country) depending on time of day. I would return to the airport 2 hours before your flight just to be safe assuming your bags are checked through and you already have a boarding pass for your next flight.
http://www.kln.gov.my/english/visain...ian/japan.html
You'll need a visa to clear immigration. Without one, you'll have to stay in the airport the whole time. Good news with the visa: it's free. Once you get a visa, 10 hours is more than enough time to visit Narita (or Tokyo). Immigration can be as quick as 5 minutes or as long as one hour (entering AND exiting the country) depending on time of day. I would return to the airport 2 hours before your flight just to be safe assuming your bags are checked through and you already have a boarding pass for your next flight.
Dec 8, 2004, 11:40 am
#36
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
It varies hugely from zipping right through to being denied entry! Average wait is 30-40 minutes max. You need to be back two hours before flight time if flying Y and not elite. Ten hours is a LONG time to stay at NRT, so I would try. Train transport to the city of Narita is available (and frequent) in the basement of the terminal, but be sure to get some Yen first. Take the Keisei line unless there is a regular JR train leaving within 5 minutes (NOT the Narita Express!).
Go find Mike Newman's Narita Layover Page for everything you need to know and more.
Go find Mike Newman's Narita Layover Page for everything you need to know and more.
Dec 8, 2004, 4:27 pm
#37
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,960
According to the international travel requirements section on the DL website for Malaysian citizens traveling to Japan:
Passport required.
Visa not required for a stay of max. 90 days. However, it is
highly recommended to obtain a visa. Passenger arriving without visa will be subject to thorough interrogation and strict checks by the immigration officers upon arrival and is LIKELY TO BE REFUSED ENTRY.
Visitor must hold:
- return or onward ticket; and
- all documents required for next destination; and
- proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay.
If holding an APEC Business Travel Card:
visa not required provided the back of the card states it
is valid for travel to Japan. Upon arrival a visit pass will
be issued.
If you don't have a visa, get one to minimize the hassle. That's a long wait at Narita airport.
Passport required.
Visa not required for a stay of max. 90 days. However, it is
highly recommended to obtain a visa. Passenger arriving without visa will be subject to thorough interrogation and strict checks by the immigration officers upon arrival and is LIKELY TO BE REFUSED ENTRY.
Visitor must hold:
- return or onward ticket; and
- all documents required for next destination; and
- proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay.
If holding an APEC Business Travel Card:
visa not required provided the back of the card states it
is valid for travel to Japan. Upon arrival a visit pass will
be issued.
If you don't have a visa, get one to minimize the hassle. That's a long wait at Narita airport.
Dec 8, 2004, 5:57 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 2,262
Originally Posted by jpaine1
Hi,
I am Malaysian and I was wondering if I need any visa to visit Narita? I have 10 hours before catching my next connecting flight. It seems that I have been getting different answers from the embassy and JAL. Is it difficult to go through the immigration?
Please advice. Thanks.
I am Malaysian and I was wondering if I need any visa to visit Narita? I have 10 hours before catching my next connecting flight. It seems that I have been getting different answers from the embassy and JAL. Is it difficult to go through the immigration?
Please advice. Thanks.
You don't need a Japanese visa when you have a connection at NRT for less than 72 hours.
You might need to fill out a shore pass, but I'm not sure.
The one thing that I can sure is you don't need a visa for 10 hours.
Check out Narita International Airport website.
They should have the information regarding it.
BTW, Japanese immigrations are the easist to deal that I've ever visited.
Don't worry about it.
I recommend you to spend time at the observation deck on the 5th floor.
It's a nice place.
I love to hear PW4090 sound at there.
Last edited by N227UA; Dec 9, 2004 at 10:02 am
Dec 9, 2004, 3:52 am
#39
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Terra Australis Cognita
Posts: 5,350
Originally Posted by N227UA
BTW, Japanese immigrations are the easist to deal that I've ever visited.
Don't worry about it.
Don't worry about it.
With 10 hours to spare I'd definitely head into Tokyo. Here's a summary of the options for getting there and away.
Dec 9, 2004, 8:26 am
#40
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA MM, Hilton-Dia
Posts: 1,480
Originally Posted by jpatokal
Umm... no, they aren't, and I'd expect the OP to get a fair amount of grilling especially if he's Malay or Indian.
If it's an overnight connection, then you should have no problem without a visa. Same day connection, it's a good idea to get a visa although N227UA is technically correct: you don't need a visa.
Dec 9, 2004, 12:07 pm
#41
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8
Thanks!
Thanks again for your information. I'll apply the visa when I am back in Penang. I believe I don't need a transit visa to stay overnight because it's less than 72 hours. (That's what the JAL and the embassy told me.) And I am not planning to visit any places in the evening. After a long flight, we will go to the hotel and take a hot meal. Have a shower and get rest until the next morning for my connecting flight to KL.
Dec 9, 2004, 12:42 pm
#42
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: lapsed UA 1K (now a lowly 2P), HGP Platinum
Posts: 9,607
TIMATIC (http://www.delta.com/travel/trav_ser...atic/index.jsp) shows for Malay citizens visiting Japan:
As A U.S. Citizen, I have had layovers in Japan of 3 or 4 hours that I used to at least get to the rest of the airport 
(there's very little to do in the International Terminal). Once, I actually put on the landing card "Purpose of Visit: Lunch" The immigrations officer thought it was funny.
Sounds like it is the best plan to get a visa, although shore passes are available if you don't have time to get the visa and want to risk it. Of course, the worst that can happen is you'll be denied entry and stuck in the airport which would be the case anyway!
Visa not required for a stay of max. 90 days. However, it is
highly recommended to obtain a visa. Passenger arriving without
visa will be subject to thorough interrogation and strict
checks by the immigration officers upon arrival and is LIKELY
TO BE REFUSED ENTRY.
highly recommended to obtain a visa. Passenger arriving without
visa will be subject to thorough interrogation and strict
checks by the immigration officers upon arrival and is LIKELY
TO BE REFUSED ENTRY.
(there's very little to do in the International Terminal). Once, I actually put on the landing card "Purpose of Visit: Lunch" The immigrations officer thought it was funny.Sounds like it is the best plan to get a visa, although shore passes are available if you don't have time to get the visa and want to risk it. Of course, the worst that can happen is you'll be denied entry and stuck in the airport which would be the case anyway!
Dec 9, 2004, 3:50 pm
#43
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
This is double-posted, it's also in the "Asia" forum, and since the operators ignored my suggestion to close one or the other and since it has way more comments in the other forum, maybe a word to the wise will do the trick?
Dec 13, 2004, 8:41 am
#44
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: The road less traveled
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA EXP, Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, Natl EE, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 5,118
Five Hours in Tokyo
I would definitely take the time to go visit Narita City. It is worth it! A buddy and I just did this a few weeks ago and would heartily recommend it. Narita City is a neat little town with a beautiful temple and surrounding gardens. The road to the temple is lined with interesting shops.
You can read my blog entry about it to get step-by-step tips:
http://www.nakedsky.org/archives/000046.htm
You can read my blog entry about it to get step-by-step tips:
http://www.nakedsky.org/archives/000046.htm
Dec 13, 2004, 4:19 pm
#45
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
This connection time is problematic even for getting into Narita town. Immigration waits can be 60 minutes, although they also can be 5 minutes. Checkin time is 2 hours before departure unless you have status or are flying C/F. Even then, I'd suggest 80 minutes since there can be a line for outbound passport checks (although if you are late, they will usually pull you out of the line for that one).
The Keisei line train between Narita airport and Narita town runs about once every 20 minutes.
So if you check out immigration and there is no long line, you might consider trying it. You would have about 3 hours once you pass immigration. You need some Yen, preferably from the ATM, then buy a ticket to Narita downstairs. You can change the leftover Yen at the bank at the airport upon your return.
Complete details on what to do are in Mike Newman's Narita layover page, which is back online.
The Keisei line train between Narita airport and Narita town runs about once every 20 minutes.
So if you check out immigration and there is no long line, you might consider trying it. You would have about 3 hours once you pass immigration. You need some Yen, preferably from the ATM, then buy a ticket to Narita downstairs. You can change the leftover Yen at the bank at the airport upon your return.
Complete details on what to do are in Mike Newman's Narita layover page, which is back online.