Located approximately 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, Narita International Airport (NRT) serves as Japan’s primary international gateway. Originally known as New Tokyo International Airport, Narita has evolved from controversial beginnings into one of Asia’s most important aviation hubs, connecting Japan to destinations worldwide while complementing Tokyo’s other major airport, Haneda.
NRT History
The history of Narita International Airport begins in the 1960s when Tokyo’s original international airport, Haneda, began experiencing capacity and noise issues as jet aircraft became more common. The Japanese transport ministry commissioned a study of alternative locations in 1963 and selected a plan to build a facility in rural Chiba Prefecture.
Narita’s construction was met with fierce opposition. Local farmers, supported by student activists and political parties, formed the Sanrizuka-Shibayama Union to Oppose the Airport in 1966, initiating what became known as the Sanrizuka Struggle. The protests stemmed from the government’s decision to build the airport without consulting residents and expropriating their agricultural lands.
Despite the opposition, construction proceeded with delays. The first passenger terminal was completed in 1972, but it wasn’t until May 20, 1978, that Narita Airport finally opened for operations. The opening day was marked by significant security measures, with thousands of police present to counter protesters.
In the decades following its opening, Narita steadily expanded its facilities. Terminal 2 opened in 1992, and a smaller Terminal 3 dedicated to low-cost carriers began operations in 2015. Over time, the airport has grown from its initial 405 hectares to cover approximately 1,137 hectares as of 2019, with ongoing expansion projects aiming to increase this to around 2,300 hectares.
NRT Quick Facts & Statistics
- IATA Code: NRT
- ICAO Code: RJAA
- Location: Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, 60 km east of central Tokyo
- Elevation: 41 meters (135 feet) above sea level
- Size: Approximately 1,137 hectares (2,810 acres)
- Ownership: Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA), privatized in 2004
- Runways: Two – Runway A (4,000 meters) and Runway B (2,500 meters)
- Passenger Volume: Approximately 33 million passengers (pre-pandemic)
- Destinations: Over 100 cities in more than 40 countries
- Airlines: More than 60 carriers operate from NRT
- Status: Second busiest airport in Japan; major international hub for Asia-Pacific
- Cargo Volume: Approximately 2.35 million tons of cargo handled annually
- Daily Operations: Handles around 700 flights per day
Terminals and Facilities
Narita International Airport operates with three passenger terminals that offer a range of services designed to enhance the passenger experience.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the airport’s oldest and largest terminal, having opened with the airport in 1978. It is configured in a satellite design with a main building connected to satellite concourses. The terminal is primarily used by airlines belonging to the Star Alliance. Key features include:
- North and South Wings catering to different airlines
- An extensive array of duty-free shops constituting “NAA Retail”
- Over 60 dining options including traditional Japanese and international cuisines
- Multiple lounges including ANA Suite Lounge and United Club
- Free observation deck on the 5th floor offering views of the runway
- Free Wi-Fi, medical clinic, and currency exchange facilities
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 opened in 1992 and serves primarily Japan Airlines and its Oneworld alliance partners. Notable features include:
- “Narita 5th Avenue,” the largest duty-free mall in Japan
- A wide selection of restaurants and cafés on various floors
- Airline lounges including JAL First Class Lounge and Sakura Lounge
- An observation deck offering panoramic views of airport operations
- Shower facilities and business center services
Terminal 3
Terminal 3, opened in April 2015, serves low-cost carriers with a budget-conscious design:
- A simplified layout with a walking path connecting to Terminal 2
- Budget-friendly dining options and convenience stores
- Limited shopping facilities compared to Terminals 1 and 2
- No aerobridges—passengers walk to their aircraft or take shuttle buses
- Terminal primarily serves carriers such as Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, and Zipair Tokyo
Free shuttle buses connect all three terminals, with journeys taking approximately 10-15 minutes between terminals.
Airlines and Destinations
Narita International Airport serves as a major hub for air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region.
Major Airlines
NRT serves as a hub or focus city for several carriers:
- Japan Airlines (JAL): Japan’s flag carrier uses NRT as its primary international hub
- All Nippon Airways (ANA): Japan’s largest airline maintains significant international operations
- Nippon Cargo Airlines: NRT serves as the main hub for this cargo-focused carrier
- Several low-cost carriers including Jetstar Japan, Zipair Tokyo, and Peach Aviation
Terminal Distribution
Airlines are generally distributed by alliance affiliation:
- Terminal 1: Primarily serves Star Alliance carriers including ANA and United
- Terminal 2: Mainly hosts Oneworld alliance members such as JAL and American Airlines
- Terminal 3: Dedicated to low-cost carriers like Jetstar Japan and Peach Aviation
Destinations
NRT provides connections to approximately 100 cities across more than 40 countries:
- Extensive service throughout Asia, including Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore
- Multiple daily connections to major U.S. cities including Los Angeles and New York
- Regular service to major European destinations like London, Paris, and Frankfurt
- Domestic routes serving major Japanese cities, primarily operated by low-cost carriers
Ground Transportation
Despite its distance from central Tokyo, Narita offers multiple transportation options to connect passengers to the city.
Rail
Narita is served by two main rail operators:
- JR East’s Narita Express (N’EX): Premium service to major Tokyo stations
- Travel time: About 60 minutes to Tokyo Station
- Cost: Around 3,070 yen one-way
- Keisei Electric Railway:
- Skyliner: High-speed service to Nippori and Ueno stations (36-41 minutes, 2,570 yen)
- Access Express: More affordable service with more stops (60-70 minutes, 1,330 yen)
Bus
Several bus services operate between Narita and various Tokyo destinations:
- Airport Limousine: Connects to major hotels and stations (60-120 minutes, 3,100 yen)
- TYO-NRT Airport Bus: Budget-friendly option to Tokyo Station (60-90 minutes, 1,500 yen)
Taxi
Taxis provide door-to-door service at premium prices:
- Travel time: 60-90 minutes depending on traffic
- Cost: Fixed-fare services available, typically 20,000-25,000 yen to central Tokyo
Future Development Plans
Narita International Airport continues to evolve to meet changing demands and maintain its competitive position.
Runway Expansion
- Extension of Runway B from its current 2,500 meters to 3,500 meters
- Discussions about a potential third runway to increase capacity
- Plans to operate with reduced separation between parallel runways
These enhancements aim to increase Narita’s annual aircraft movements capacity to approximately 500,000 operations per year.
“New Narita Airport” Project
A comprehensive $5 billion revamp announced in 2024 aims to:
- Eventually decommission one terminal and build a new facility
- Integrate all terminals into a single, unified complex
- Redesign facilities to balance the needs of both full-service and low-cost carriers
- Enhance connections between terminals and improve passenger flow
Capacity Enhancement Initiative
The initiative focuses on increasing Narita’s ability to handle growing passenger numbers:
- Terminal expansions to accommodate up to 50 million annual passengers
- Additional aircraft parking positions and improved apron facilities
- Enhanced baggage handling systems with greater automation
- Implementation of biometric technologies to streamline passenger processing
Transportation Infrastructure
Improvements to ground transportation are also planned, including enhanced rail connections, expansion of highway access, and better integration with Tokyo’s public transportation network.
The NRT Experience
Narita International Airport provides visitors with a refined introduction to Japanese efficiency, service, and culture. The airport consistently ranks among the world’s best for cleanliness, punctuality, and customer service.
Its shopping and dining options showcase the best of Japan, from high-end electronics and traditional crafts to world-class cuisine. Each terminal features observation decks where travelers can watch aircraft operations with Mount Fuji visible in the distance on clear days.
Unique to Narita is its cultural atmosphere that blends efficiency with distinctly Japanese touches. The airport offers services like the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program, which provides free guided tours for passengers with layovers.
For international travelers, Narita provides a seamless arrival experience with multilingual signage and staff. Advanced technologies like automated immigration gates expedite processing for eligible passengers, while detailed directional guidance helps newcomers navigate to their onward transportation with ease.
As Japan continues to welcome increasing numbers of international visitors, Narita International Airport remains committed to providing an exceptional gateway experience that reflects Japan’s dedication to hospitality, efficiency, and technological innovation.
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