Originally Posted by
Wiirachay
NRT has as curfew. It's not a 24-7 operation.
I think this is the issue. 2008 was my first transit through NRT. BWi-DFW-NRT-BKK. We overnighted in NRT and had a hotel. Due to time difference etc, we went to the airport early to get some food and checkout the scene--I love airports. IIRC, you could get in the front doors, but the airport did not open until 7am. I am sure they clear out airside when flights are finished for the evening. Its probably just not expected for such a large global hub airport to close at night.