Japanese at the Airport: Words and Phrases for Arriving in Japan
Arriving at a Japanese airport is straightforward even with little Japanese: signs are in English, and staff at immigration and customs are used to visitors. Before you fly, register on Visit Japan Web to get QR codes for immigration and customs, which speeds things up. On arrival you go through immigration (入国審査), collect your bags (手荷物受取所) and pass customs (税関). A few phrases help with transfers, lost luggage, delivery services and getting into the city.
Key signs and words
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 到着 / 出発 | tōchaku / shuppatsu | Arrivals / departures |
| 入国審査 | nyūkoku shinsa | Immigration (entry) |
| 税関 | zeikan | Customs |
| 手荷物受取所 | tenimotsu uketorijo | Baggage claim |
| 乗り継ぎ | noritsugi | Transfer / connecting flight |
| 搭乗口 | tōjōguchi | Boarding gate |
| 国内線 / 国際線 | kokunaisen / kokusaisen | Domestic / international flights |
| 両替 | ryōgae | Currency exchange |
| 宅配便 | takuhaibin | Luggage delivery service |
Useful phrases
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 観光です。一週間滞在します。 | kankō desu. isshūkan taizai shimasu. | I’m here for sightseeing. I’m staying a week. |
| 乗り継ぎはどこですか。 | noritsugi wa doko desu ka. | Where do I go for transfers? |
| 荷物が出てきません。 | nimotsu ga dete kimasen. | My luggage hasn’t come out. |
| このスーツケースをホテルに送りたいです。 | kono sūtsukēsu o hoteru ni okuritai desu. | I’d like to send this suitcase to my hotel. |
| 東京駅まではどう行けばいいですか。 | Tōkyō-eki made wa dō ikeba ii desu ka. | How do I get to Tokyo Station? |
| チェックインカウンターはどこですか。 | chekkuin kauntā wa doko desu ka. | Where is the check-in counter? |
Arriving: what to expect
- Immigration. Have your passport and Visit Japan Web QR code ready. Fingerprints and a photo are taken for most foreign visitors. Residents use the re-entry lanes with their residence card.
- Baggage claim. Screens show your flight and belt number. Report missing bags at the airline’s baggage service counter before leaving the area.
- Customs. Declare items as required. Some medicines that are legal elsewhere are restricted in Japan; check the official rules before you travel.
- Into the city. Trains and limousine buses are well signed in English. Taxis are reliable but expensive for long distances. See trains and getting around.
Handy services
- Luggage delivery (宅配便) sends suitcases to your hotel, usually arriving the next day, so you can travel light.
- SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi are sold in arrivals halls. See getting a phone in Japan.
- IC transport cards and rail passes can often be bought or collected at the airport station.
Leaving Japan
Check in, go through security (保安検査) and departure immigration (出国審査). If you bought tax-free goods, follow the current rules for tax-free shopping, which Japan has been changing. Residents leaving for good should see the leaving Japan checklist.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native Japanese tutors teach one-to-one online, in English. Before your trip we can practise the phrases you’ll need from the airport to your hotel and beyond, so you arrive confident. See also learning Japanese before a trip.