Transit Procedure at Japan Airports

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Transiting through Japan’s major airports, such as Narita International Airport (NRT) and Kansai International Airport (KIX), is generally smooth and well-organized. For international-to-international transfers, passengers can usually stay within the international transit area without passing through immigration or customs, provided their airline offers through check-in for baggage and boarding passes. Follow the “International Transfer / Connecting Flights” signs to reach the transfer security checkpoint and your next departure gate.

For international-to-domestic connections, you must clear immigration, collect your baggage, and pass through customs before re-checking your luggage for the domestic flight. At Narita, domestic flights mainly depart from Terminals 2 and 3, while at Kansai, domestic departures are located on the upper floor of Terminal 1.

If you’re connecting from a domestic-to-international flight, proceed to the international departure area for security and immigration clearance. Always allow sufficient connection time, especially when transferring between terminals.

Both Kansai and Narita airports offer transfer desks, airline service counters, and clear signage in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring a smooth experience for transit passengers. Airport staff are available to assist if you are unsure about your transfer process or terminal connection.

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