How to get from Narita airport to downtown Tokyo?
We went to Japan recently, and my parents, who arrived a day after us, took the wrong train at Narita airport. Here I explain the most common mistakes, and if you follow our tips, you’ll be able to catch the right train without getting lost. You absolutely must take the train/subway because taxis are very expensive (several hundred euros) and the shuttle is not an option (too slow).
First of all, you’ll need an internet connection, because Google Maps will be your best ally.
Buying a SIM card on the spot in Japan is not recommended because it’s one of the few countries where data costs more when you buy it there (plus the difficult setup with the APN to enter). It’s better to buy an e-SIM online before you leave, with Holafly (10% discount code by clicking here or using the code NOMADBENTO), a service we use regularly and recommend), so as soon as you’re there, you have unlimited internet right away.
Next, you’ll need cash to buy your transport pass. We recommend withdrawing money with an international card; otherwise, exchange some, but not too much because airport rates aren’t favorable. 3000 yen per person seems more than enough to get you to the city center.
Buy your PASMO transport pass. It’s a rechargeable transit card. You’ll see, just at the entrance to the trains, there’s a sign saying PASMO and lots of people lining up. Buy your PASMO at the airport! We made the mistake of not doing that and regretted it a lot because due to a microchip shortage, the PASMO card is exclusively sold at the airport, and you won’t find it in central Tokyo. Impossible to get your hands on one. Plus, each person can only buy one PASMO card, due to the shortage. This rechargeable card is valid for 28 days from purchase. It costs 1500 yen, and the 1500 yen are usable immediately.
Use your Google Maps to enter your destination. You’ll immediately see how much your trip will cost.
If you don’t have enough credit, there are automatic machines nearby where you can recharge your PASMO. The minimum amount is 1000 yen.
Then, depending on the routes proposed by Google Maps, choose the one that suits you best. Head to the platform in question, but be careful: on the same platform, different trains may pass. Since Japan is a country where trains are punctual to the second, to make life easier, go to the right platform and take the train that arrives at the exact time shown on Google Maps. My parents made the mistake of taking the earlier train, thinking it would arrive sooner, but it wasn’t the right train. Remember, Japanese trains are neither early nor late; they are on time!
If there are several trains as in this example and Google Maps indicates the train departs at 2:05 PM, take the train at 2:05 PM, not the one at 2:00 PM because that’s a different line 😀
It’s possible that your train goes from the blue line to the yellow line, no problem if Google Maps says “stay on board.” If not, Google will tell you to change trains or platforms.
Don’t worry, station names are shown in Latin alphabet.
Hotels in Tokyo
We stayed at these two hotels in Tokyo and really liked them. They are near Tokyo Station (handy for when you take your shinkansen to Osaka or Kyoto), near a metro, right in central Tokyo (all tourist attractions are within 20 minutes by metro), and they cost less than hotels in the hyper-touristy Shibuya area. I like this neighborhood because it takes just a few minutes to enjoy plenty of local restaurants.
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kyobashi €82/night for a double room (Booking link)
- BELKEN HOTEL TOKYO (Booking link)
