Tokyo's Narita Airport: Shopping, Food, and Transportation Guide

Whether you're departing or transiting, Narita Airport may be your final stop on your Tokyo journey. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with early check-in, the duty-free goods and souvenirs inside the airport can be quite captivating, causing time to slip away.

This article compiles a list of must-buy duty-free items at Narita Airport, delicious cuisine that you can enjoy, and places to recharge and rest before your departure. We've also included information on transportation between terminals so that you make the most of Narita Airport's facilities and services.

Narita Airport Guide

1. Must-Buy Souvenirs at Narita Airport
- Terminal 1 Departure Area
- Terminal 2 Departure Area
- Terminal 3 Departure Area
2. Flight and Terminal Information
- Inter-terminal Shuttle Buses
3. VIP Lounges and Hotels: Places to Stay at Narita Airport

Must-Buy Souvenirs at Narita Airport

Even if you've already purchased souvenirs throughout your journey, Narita Airport offers exclusive items and specialty items from locations you may have missed during your travels. Take a brief stroll around to ensure you haven't overlooked any hidden treasures so that you can return home with a sense of satisfaction.

Terminal 1 Departure Area

The shopping area of Terminal 1 is situated on the fourth floor of the Central Building, and a noteworthy destination you shouldn't overlook is TRAVELER’S FACTORY, a must-visit for notebook enthusiasts. Here, you can obtain Narita Airport-exclusive travel booklets (in coffee color, priced at 4,200 Japanese yen plus tax) adorned with a Mount Fuji-shaped logo, as well as various types of masking tape featuring designs inspired by Japan's landmarks and attractions.

In addition to these limited-edition items, a wide range of Japanese brand products and miscellaneous goods are available for purchase. However, the ultimate highlight of the first terminal awaits after you pass through immigration.

Our first recommendation is the conveyor belt sushi restaurant Misakiko, which is situated on the fifth floor. Also, make it a point not to overlook the famous noodle shop Chukasoba Tomita, the winner of the Great Tsukemen Battle - Japan's Best Showdown for three consecutive years. It is a must-visit!

Rest Areas with Charging Stations

Adjacent to the south exit (S1) and north exit (N3) of Terminal 1, you will discover the MEETING POINT rest areas, distinguished by their orange and blue signage. These areas offer a designated space for resting, provide power outlets for charging your devices, and grant access to the internet.

Please be aware that seating might be limited, hence arriving early is advisable if you intend to utilize these facilities.

After Customs at Terminal 1

After completing customs at Terminal 1, take your time before finding a place to sit and rest. This area offers numerous outstanding shopping opportunities, including:

- Fukusaya's Nagasaki Castella Cake: These cakes have a short shelf life and come in airport-exclusive packaging, making them a convenient choice for purchasing at the airport.

- Narita Airport CHA no KA sale booth: Even if you didn't visit Kyoto, you can still buy chocolates from the renowned Kyoto chocolate shop Malebranche Kyoto. Their unique textures and flavors are definitely worth trying.

- ISHIYA's Saqu Chocolate-filled Cookies: ISHIYA, known for their Shiroi Koibito cookies, introduces a new delight called Saqu, which are chocolate-filled cookies with various flavors such as Hokkaido cheese and white wine. Their vibrant colors and distinct tastes make them perfect for sharing with colleagues at the office.

- T-shirts with Yoji Yamamoto's Signature offered by GROUND Y; these are Narita Airport-exclusive signature T-shirts designed by Yoji Yamamoto, a well-known fashion designer.

- CHICCA Lip Balm: If you adore Japanese beauty products, consider exploring CHICCA, a brand under the renowned Shiseido group, known for its charming packaging and special limited-edition items.

These products are all compelling reasons to indulge in some shopping at Narita Airport's first terminal before taking a break.

One item you absolutely shouldn't miss is the Pocky PREMIÈRE CLASS, the highest-quality version of Pocky chocolate sticks that isn't available even within Tokyo itself.

It comes in two limited flavors: matcha green tea and chocolate. The matcha flavor showcases the finest Uji green tea and delicately ground tea leaves, resulting in a refreshing and sophisticated bitterness.

Before Departure from Terminal 2

PRESS BUTTER SAND, a buttercream cookie sandwich shop that gained immense popularity at Tokyo Station, owes its success to a unique preparation method. Using an original compression machine, it combines a generous amount of fresh Hokkaido butter with smooth caramel butter, resulting in a distinct and delicious treat. Its appeal even extends to the elderly, as it offers a delightful balance without being overly sweet or heavy.

For Pokémon enthusiasts, Japan is a paradise filled with limited-edition Pokémon merchandise. The Pikachu figures dressed in pilot and flight attendant outfits at the POKEMON CENTER in Narita Airport are incredibly adorable and reminiscent of flight attendants in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada."

Another fantastic souvenir choice is the Imperial Outer Garden Dorayaki crafted by Kameya Seika, a reputable Japanese confectionery brand. These dorayaki (red bean-filled pancakes) feature Hokkaido Tokachi red bean paste and are imprinted with the royal chrysanthemum emblem. With a shelf life of up to one month, they make a perfect gift. You can find them at the Tokyo Food Museum on the fourth floor of the main building in Narita Airport's Terminal 2.

If you're seeking a satisfying meal before your flight, Terminal 2 offers a wide range of dining options. Sushi Misakimaru provides conveyor belt sushi, Tonkatsu Inaba Wako specializes in pork cutlets, and T's Tantan offers noodle dishes with vegan options.

We also recommend indulging in the exquisite Japanese cuisine at Opan de Gohan. Despite being a chain restaurant, its light and refreshing dishes will leave you feeling satisfied and comfortable, even after a long flight of three hours or more.

Rest Areas With Charging Stations

The North Waiting Area Family Space is situated at the far end of the B arrival gate, and it might not be readily apparent. If you're unsure of its location, feel free to ask the airport staff for directions.

This area can be accessed 24 hours a day and offers amenities such as power outlets, seating, a gaming area, vending machines, restrooms, and even travel books to help pass the time. On the other side of the exit, you can directly access Terminal 3.

International Departures at Terminal 2

At Terminal 2, it's more convenient to do your shopping before proceeding to departure, as the duty-free shops after immigration tend to focus primarily on luxury goods and skincare products. If you're hoping to find limited-edition items, you may be disappointed.

However, you can still purchase local Japanese cookies and souvenirs from various regions across Japan. For instance, you can find large Pocky chocolate sticks with a natural fruit sweetness or Tokyo Banana cookies with a Hello Kitty design. Many items often sought by travelers are also available at the duty-free shops located after immigration.

International Departures at Terminal 3

Compared to other terminals, Terminal 3 has a more limited selection for shopping and exploring before departure. However, there are still some recommended souvenirs worth considering:

- Narita Yume Bokujo Milk Cotton Candy: These delightful treats are crafted by the renowned Chiba-based Narita Yume Bokujo (Narita Dream Dairy Farm). Exclusive to the third terminal, these milk cotton candies undergo a special treatment at 65 degrees for an extended period to sterilize them without breaking down the fat globules. This results in a refreshing texture, and they are adorned with chocolate pieces to create a charming cow pattern on the outside.

- S'MORE Chocolate Pie with Roasted Marshmallow: This chocolate pie features roasted marshmallows with a satisfying chewiness, even at room temperature. Some people prefer to briefly heat it in the microwave for about 5 seconds to enhance the contrast between the semi-melted marshmallow and the rich chocolate sauce within the crispy pie crust.

- Tokyo Banana: While you may be familiar with Tokyo Banana cookies, consider selecting the Maple Banana Cake with Heart-Shaped Maple Sugar and the Banana Pie as souvenirs. These two flavors are exclusively available at the Tokyo Food Museum within Narita Airport, while other flavors can be found after you finish the customs procedures.

These souvenirs offer unique flavors and experiences to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

As Terminal 3 primarily caters to low-cost carriers (LCCs), many travelers choose to have a meal at the airport before boarding their flights. However, due to limited space, the dining options in the third terminal are somewhat restricted.

Nonetheless, you can still discover satisfying B-grade cuisine options that are often much more enjoyable than in-flight meals. Choices such as Miyazaki Sanuki Udon, Nagasaki Katsu Sandwich, and FRESHNESS BURGER provide a delicious pre-flight dining experience.

International Arrivals at Terminal 3

At Terminal 3, the duty-free shops after immigration may be compact, yet they offer a diverse assortment of popular souvenirs. You can find beloved items such as Tokyo Banana cookies, Potato Chips San Kyodai, Japanese sake, Royce's chocolates, and THE MAPLE MANIA maple cream cookies. If there is still room in your bag, it's worth taking a second look to ensure you haven't overlooked any items on your shopping list.

Still Not Sure What To Buy? Try Your Luck With Capsule Toy Dispensers

If you have some spare coins, you can have some fun on the fifth floor of Terminal 1 or on B1 (first basement floor) of Terminal 2. There, you'll discover a remarkable selection of 150 capsule toy dispensers, offering a wide variety of collectible items. If you're a fan of Japanese anime or enjoy the thrill of random draws, this is an experience you won't want to miss.

Flight Information: Do you know which terminal to board your flight?

Distinctive Features of Each Terminal

Terminal 1 serves multiple airlines, including EVA Air, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Peach Aviation. Underground, you can conveniently access Narita Airport Station, with the option of two train lines: JR (Japan Railways) and Keisei Subway.

Terminal 2 accommodates airlines such as JAL (Japan Airlines), American Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, as well as budget carriers like Jetstar, Tigerair, and Thai AirAsia. Underground, you can access Airport Terminal 2 Station, and likewise, you can choose between JR or Keisei Subway for your journey to Tokyo or other destinations.

Terminal 3 is specifically dedicated to budget airlines, offering a wide range of low-cost carriers operating to and from various Asian destinations. This includes airlines such as Jetstar, Vanilla Air, and Spring Japan. If you plan to use the train, please note that you'll need to take a short walk to Terminal 2 to catch it.

To verify the terminal assigned to your airline, check the official Narita Airport Airline Information Webpage.

Inter-terminal Shuttle Buses

Photo source: Narita Airport official website

The photo is of bus stop number 1 from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3.

Narita Airport consists of three terminals, interconnected by free shuttle buses. These buses also travel around all the terminals, and clear signage makes it easy to locate the bus stops, ensuring you won't get lost or encounter difficulty finding your way.

VIP Lounges and Accommodations: Good Places to Stay at Narita Airport

The credit card member VIP lounges at Narita Airport can be found in the pre-departure area. If you arrive at the airport early and the check-in counters are not yet open, those who prefer to avoid shopping can visit the TEI VIP Lounge or IASS Executive Lounge for a rest.

While the TEI VIP Lounge primarily caters to credit card members, it is also open to general guests, with priority given to credit card members during peak times. You can locate the TEI VIP Lounge on the 5th floor of the first terminal and the 4th floor of the second terminal.

For non-members, the cost for a 2-hour stay is 1,300 Japanese yen (tax included). Below we provide information on paid VIP lounges that are not exclusive to any specific airlines.

VIP Lounge in Terminal 1

The Narita TraveLounge, situated on the 3rd floor of Terminal 1 after the check-in area, is available for a fee of 1,200 yen per adult (tax included).

VIP Lounge in Terminal 2

The Rassurants VIP lounge on the 4th floor of Terminal 2 before the check-in area for international departures offers reclining chairs for guests to stretch their legs and unwind. The fee for this lounge is 1,030 yen per adult (tax included).

Rest Areas and Overnight Service

Shower facilities in Terminal 1 can be found on the 2nd floor in the pre-departure area and on the 3rd floor in the post-departure area. At Terminal 2, shower facilities are only available on the 3rd floor in the post-departure area.

Nine Hours Narita: A Capsule Hotel

For travelers catching early morning or red-eye flights who miss transportation to the city, Narita Airport's second terminal is home to the popular capsule hotel Nine Hours, which is located in the P-2 multi-level parking lot B1. It provides a comfortable resting place for travelers.

The sleeping capsules feature a futuristic design with a minimalist black-and-white color scheme. Attention to detail has been given to the layout to minimize vibrations when turning over, and the capsules are stacked alternately, ensuring ease of access for guests on the upper bunks without disturbing others.

Within Narita Airport's Terminal 2, before the departure procedures, you can find the Nine Hours capsule hotel for resting. After the departure, a rest area with shower facilities is available for freshening up or even taking a short nap.

For a single capsule, the rate is 1,540 yen per hour (tax included). If you only require the use of the shower facilities, it is 1,030 yen for 30 minutes (tax included).

Enjoy Shopping and Food at Narita Airport

Arriving at Narita Airport marks the conclusion of your Tokyo journey, allowing you to devote your attention solely to the airport for the day. You can indulge in a shopping spree, savor delectable cuisine, and relax without concern for your next destination. Just be sure to stay mindful of your flight departure time and avoid getting so engrossed in shopping that you risk missing your flight!

For further information and details about the airport, visit the official website of Narita Airport.

Main image by Pixta