From Airport to Adventure: A Step-by-Step Tokyo Layover Guide
I love cities, and Tokyo is my Everest. It’s a city of infinite possibilities, which makes me excited for every visit. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, there are numerous ways to explore Japan’s capital city, even on a tight schedule. So don’t let your Tokyo layover go to waste; use this guide to get some bonus time in an unforgettable city.
Important Layover Logistics
How much time do I need to make leaving the airport worthwhile?
I would venture to say that 5 hours would be the minimum layover where I would consider leaving the airport, but I’ll point out all the different considerations so you can decide based on your individual circumstances (and risk appetite!). When planning a layover in Tokyo, the first step is knowing which airport you're flying into. Tokyo has two major international airports – Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) – each with different travel times and accessibility to central Tokyo. What you can do during your layover will depend largely on where you land and how efficiently you manage the time you have.
Do I need to go through immigration and customs for a layover?
Yes, even if you’re leaving the airport for just a few hours, you have to go through customs and immigration. Most passport holders from the U.S., Canada, EU, and Australia can enter visa-free, but check Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to ensure you don’t need a visa for short stays. If you do, see if you’re eligible to apply online.
A big time saver is using Visit Japan Web, which allows you to complete your customs and immigration forms online. Once you provide all the requested information, you will receive a QR code. When you arrive at the immigration counter, you will scan the QR code and the immigration officer will review your passport and take a photo. Then you will proceed to a number of customs kiosks where you scan the QR code again and exit. Immigration queue times may vary, so I would still budget 30 minutes to an hour.
Pro Tip: Visit Japan Web will request the address where you will be staying while you’re in Japan. If you’re only in Tokyo for a layover, you can enter the airport’s address.
What happens to my luggage during a layover in Tokyo?
Any checked in luggage will travel on to your final destination, so you will not have access to it during your layover. Remember to pack anything you will need on your layover – like a portable battery for your phone or important medication – in your hand luggage. If you’re only traveling with a backpack, then once you exit customs you can be on your way to your adventure! If, like me, you generally travel with carry-on luggage and a personal item, then you’ll probably want to store your luggage to make it easier to navigate the city.
Coin lockers at Haneda Airport
Both Narita and Haneda offer coin lockers and baggage storage services. Coin lockers come in a variety of sizes, but you’ll need to have Japanese yen on hand. (If you only have notes, don’t worry, there are always change machines nearby.) Once you arrive in the locker room, free lockers will have keys in them. Open the available locker door, place your luggage inside, insert the required change, lock the door and take the key with you. Secure the key in a safe spot, and make sure you have your passport on you.
If you don’t have Japanese yen available, you can’t find any available lockers, or your hand luggage doesn’t fit in the coin lockers, baggage storage services are another option. Fees vary by luggage size. However, please note that not all baggage storage services are open 24 hours, so check operating hours to make sure you can retrieve your luggage before your connecting flight leaves.
How do I get from the airport to the city center?
Narita International Airport (NRT)
📍 Location: 37 miles (60 km) east of central Tokyo
🕒 Estimated travel time to Tokyo: 40–90 minutes
Narita International Airport is located outside the city in Chiba Prefecture and is well-connected by fast and efficient train services, making it possible to explore the city even with a limited layover. Here are the best transportation options from Narita:
| Option | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (JPY) |
| Narita Express (N'EX) | 60-90 minutes | 3,070 |
| Keisei Skyliner | 41 minutes | 2,520 |
| JR Sobu Line (Rapid) | 90 minutes | 1,340 |
| AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT | 65-90 minutes (varies with traffic) | 1,300 |
Haneda Airport (HND)
📍 Location: 9 miles (15 km) south of central Tokyo
🕒 Estimated travel time to Tokyo: 15–30 minutes
Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo and is ideal for short layovers. It primarily serves domestic flights but also handles some international routes. Here are the best transportation options from Haneda:
| Option | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (JPY) |
| Keikyu Airport Line | 15-18 minutes to Shinagawa | 500 + onward fare |
| Tokyo Monorail | 13-25 minutes to Hamamatsucho | 500 + onward fare |
How much time do I need before my connecting flight?
Like any other flight, you will need to go through immigration and security, so plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your connecting flight. If you’re traveling during a busy season, you may want to allow additional time.
3 Sample Itineraries for a Perfect Layover in Tokyo
Exploring Shinjuku: Classic Tokyo
On a recent trip home to Kuala Lumpur, I relished the opportunity to take a breather between two long flights with a Tokyo layover. I was looking forward to a good meal, some light shopping, and a quick dip into a museum, so I decided to head to Shinjuku. If you’re looking for a classic Tokyo experience, night or day, this could be a great layover excursion for you.
From Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) to Shinjuku Station (~1.5 hours).
From Haneda Airport: Take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line (~35 min).
Giant 3D Cross Shinjuku Cat
Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest station, with over 3 million passengers passing through daily. The station has multiple restaurants, bars and shopping arcades, so you could spend your entire layover here without leaving the station! When I arrived in Shinjuku, I headed for the East Exit where the Cross Shinjuku Cat happens to reside. As a cat lover myself, I appreciate how cats hold a special place in Japanese culture. From the recognizable Maneki-Neko or "beckoning cat", to Tashirojima, an island where the cats outnumber the people, to the innumerable pop culture references like Catbus and Hello Kitty, cats represent protection, prosperity and comfort. The giant calico cat appears on a curved LED screen above the Cross Shinjuku Building, playfully swatting, meowing, and stretching, even yawning and napping, to the delight of passers by below. Since its debut in 2021, it’s won millions of fans worldwide.
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at Sompo Museum of Art
From the Cross Shinjuku Cat, I took a 10-minute walk to the Sompo Museum of Art. My primary reason for visiting was to see Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting, acquired by Sompo Japan Insurance in 1987, and one of the five from the series on display in the world. In addition to Van Gogh, the museum's collection features works by Paul Gauguin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Marc Chagall, as well as rotating exhibitions showcasing modern and contemporary art. During my visit, there was a delightful Canaletto exhibition, which offered sumptuous visions of Venice. The building itself, redesigned and reopened in 2020, boasts a sleek and modern design. The Sompo Museum of Art is petite, making it perfect to tackle on a short layover.
Tempura rice bowl with miso soup at Tenkichiya
English menu at Tenkichiya
One of my main reasons to leave the airport was, of course, to eat! Just a 2-minute walk from the Sompo Museum of Art, in the basement of the Shinjuku Nomura Building, lies Tenkichiya. Tenkichiya’s tendon (tempura on rice) bowls have won the gold award at the National Donburi Grand Prix for 10 consecutive years. I arrived just before the restaurant reopened for dinner at 5:30 pm and there was already a line of diners waiting, but I was still able to secure a spot in the first seating. Tenkichiya is a great option for a layover because its tourist-friendly English menu takes all the fear and guesswork out of ordering. It’s also extremely efficient: the orders are prompt, your check is delivered shortly after your meal is, and you pay at the cashier when you’re done. For something more novel, you can try Numazuko Shinjuku, a kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi restaurant known for its freshness and affordability.
Don Quijote Shinjuku
Specialty Kit Kat flavors at Don Quijote
After dinner, I strolled over to Kabukicho, which is always fun after dark. If you’re interested in picking up souvenirs, Don Quijote, or just Donki for short, is an experience in and of itself. In Shinjuku, the store’s four floors offer everything from pixelated figurines of your favorite anime characters to J-beauty must-haves. I beelined straight to the basement for their jaw-dropping food selection and loaded up on the specialty Kit Kat and Pocky varieties (Milk Tea Kit Kat! Blueberry Pocky!) that always make popular gifts.
Godzilla Head in Kabukicho
Also in Kabukicho, perched atop the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, is the city’s iconic 40-foot-tall Godzilla. The Godzilla head comes to life several times a day, with glowing eyes, smoke effects, and the roaring sounds of Godzilla, every hour between noon and 8:00 pm.
If you have additional time on your layover, you could stop at an izakaya in Tokyo’s atmospheric Golden Gai alleys. Or discover Tokyo’s "depachika" – a blend of "department store" and "basement" in Japanese – which are bustling marketplaces often found in major department stores like Isetan Shinjuku. The basement food halls are a culinary wonderland offering a mix of gourmet food, specialty products, and ready-to-eat meals.
Exploring Asakusa: A Taste of Traditional Tokyo
If you’re a first-time visitor who wants to experience Tokyo’s historic charm, or you’re looking for a cultural stop with great food and souvenir shopping, then Asakusa is a great option for your Tokyo layover.
From Narita Airport: Take the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (40 min), then transfer to the Ginza Line (5 min) to Asakusa. OR Take the Keisei Narita Sky Access to Asakusa (~50 min).
From Haneda Airport: Take the Keikyu Line (direct connection to the Toei Asakusa Line) to Asakusa (~35 min).
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
Incense burner at Senso-ji Temple
Just a 5-minute walk from the Asakusa Station lies Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Founded in 628 AD, it is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and has been a place of worship for nearly 1,400 years. According to legend, two fishermen discovered a small golden statue of Kannon in the Sumida River, and the temple was built to honor it. Senso-ji played a central role in Edo-period Tokyo, attracting merchants, travelers, and artisans. Even today, it remains one of Japan’s most visited spiritual sites, blending ancient traditions with the vibrant energy of modern Tokyo.
Nakamise-dori shopping street
Culturally, the temple symbolizes resilience and rebirth, as it was rebuilt after World War II bombings. Visitors come not only to pray but also to experience Japan’s rich heritage, from the giant red Kaminari-mon Gate to the incense burner believed to bring good health. Surrounding the temple, Nakamise-dori is lined with centuries-old shops selling traditional snacks like rice crackers and souvenirs like hand painted fans, making Senso-ji a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and local culture.
If you have time for a sit-down meal, delicious options abound. Just 5 minutes from Senso-ji Temple, Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku serves onigiri (rice balls) with unique fillings. The Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery is also Tokyo’s oldest onigiri restaurant. Don’t worry if you’re an onigiri novice, you can ask for an English menu with pictures. There is usually a line, so this may not be a great option if you’re particularly tight on time. But if you can afford to wait, then it will be well worth it. Another nearby neighborhood staple is Daikokuya, a 130-year old tempura restaurant famous for its “black tempura”, which is fried in sesame oil.
If you have a longer layover, you can build on this itinerary by taking a stroll on the Sumida River Walk, a pedestrian pathway that connects Asakusa with the Tokyo Skytree area. The walk from Senso-ji Temple to the Tokyo Skytree only takes 20 minutes, where two observation decks offer unparalleled panoramic views of the city. As an added bonus, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Sumida River and the iconic Asahi Beer Hall with its golden "Flame" sculpture along the way.
Exploring Ueno Park: Edo History in Nature
If you’re lucky enough to have a daytime layover and good weather, then opting for some time in one of Tokyo’s famous green spaces might be the perfect breath of fresh air during a layover. Ueno Park is easily accessible from Tokyo’s airports and offers both a lush landscape and fascinating history.
From Narita Airport: Take the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (40 min).
From Haneda Airport: Take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station (~40 min).
Kiyomizu Kannon-do in Ueno Park
Tsuki no Matsu Moon Pine
There are myriad things to do in Ueno Park, but if you’re worried about having limited time on a layover, these are the stops I heartily recommend. Just 5 minutes from the Ueno Station, you’ll find Kiyomizu Kannon-do. If you’ve been to Kyoto, it may look familiar; the historic Buddhist temple is modeled after Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu-dera. Founded in 1631 as part of the Kan'ei-ji Temple complex, it is dedicated to Senju Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. One of its most distinctive features is the wooden stage, built in the same cliffside style as its Kyoto counterpart, offering beautiful views of Shinobazu Pond. But what stole my heart was the Tsuki no Matsu, the Moon Pine with a circular branch, meticulously recreated based on historical images of Edo.
Bridge over Shinobazu Pond
Blooming lotus flowers on Shinobazu Pond
After glimpsing it from Kiyomizo Kannon-do, it will be hard to resist strolling over to Shinobazu Pond for a closer look. A peaceful retreat, the pond is divided into three sections: the Lotus Pond, which blooms beautifully in summer; the Boat Pond, where visitors can rent swan boats; and the Cormorant Pond, a sanctuary for birds. At its center stands the Benten Hall, a striking octagonal structure dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, arts, knowledge, wealth, and water. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll, capturing seasonal views, or enjoying a boat ride, Shinobazu Pond offers innumerable postcard-perfect photo opportunities.
Karamon Gate at Ueno Park’s Toshogu Shrine
From Shinobazu Pond, a 6-minute walk will bring you to Ueno Park’s Toshogu Shrine. The historic Shinto shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Built in 1627, it has survived wars and natural disasters, making it a rare example of Edo-period architecture in Tokyo. Enjoy the impressive golden Karamon gate, with its intricate wood carvings and elaborate gold leaf.
If you have the luxury of time, make an advance reservation at Inshotei, an elegant kaiseki restaurant within the park. Inshotei dates back to the Meiji period and offers a unique historical and cultural dining experience. If sampling street food in a vibrant market sounds like your idea of an adventure, then head over to Ameyoko-cho, where stalls offer takoyaki, yakitori, and more.
A longer layover will allow you to explore more of Ueno Park’s delightful offerings as well as nearby areas. Check out my full day Ueno Park itinerary, which includes additional attractions and nearby detours.
Additional Tips for a Successful Layover
Keep your layover radius small. Tokyo has so much to offer, and it’s normal to want to cram as much in as you can. But limiting your travel time is key. Don’t waste it trying to get from one place to another, just find fun things to do in a given area or neighborhood.
Research transportation options in advance. If you’ve never been to Tokyo and you’re worried about navigating the subway system, then the Narita Express might be a pricey but worthwhile compromise. If you plan to use the subway, buy a PASMO or SUICA card.
Consider focusing on just one thing. Even if it’s your first visit to Tokyo, you don’t have to cross the Giant Godzilla Head or Shibuya Scramble Crossing off your list. If you’re an art lover, consider visiting one museum or checking out the popular teamLab Planets experience. If you’re a food lover, seek out one great restaurant or dish to try.
Don’t write off exploring the airport itself. Narita has a park where you can get a close-up view of planes arriving and departing, while Haneda offers the opportunity to experience an onsen, or hot spring bath.
Conclusion
A layover in Tokyo is more than just a stopover, it’s an opportunity to experience one of the world’s most dynamic cities, even in just a few hours. With this step-by-step guide, you can navigate your layover smoothly, maximize your time, and get a taste of Tokyo’s unforgettable sights, flavors, and experiences. And if this whirlwind visit leaves you wanting more, don’t worry. Tokyo will always welcome you back for a longer stay.
