Welcome to Tokyo!
If you’re coming to Tokyo, there’s one thing I really want you to remember.
The Tokyo area has two major international airports.
1. Narita International Airport (NRT)
Narita International Airport’s airport code is NRT.
It has many international flights, so even people who live in Tokyo often use it.
But here’s the thing.
Narita Airport is not actually in Tokyo.
It’s located in Chiba Prefecture, right next to Tokyo.
That means getting there can take quite a bit of time.
2. Tokyo International Airport (HND)
Tokyo International Airport’s airport code is HND.
This airport is actually located in Tokyo.
And here’s something worth remembering.
Most Japanese people don’t usually call it “Tokyo International Airport.”
They call it Haneda Airport.
The official name is “Tokyo International Airport,” but almost everyone in Japan says “Haneda Airport.”
Even the official website uses “haneda” in its domain:
Not “Haneda International Airport.”
Just Haneda Airport.
That’s the name people in Japan will understand.
The name “Tokyo International Airport” is so rarely used that it can actually sound unfamiliar to many Japanese people.
So if you need to ask for directions, don’t say:
“I want to go to Tokyo International Airport.”
It’s much more natural to say:
“I want to go to Haneda Airport.”
Do I only need to remember my own airport?
You might think so.
I get it.
But please make sure you know which airport you’re using.
Because Haneda — remember that name now? — and Narita are far apart.
Traveling between them usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
I actually saw this on a Japanese TV program.
Apparently, some visitors accidentally go to the wrong airport.
If that happens when you arrive in Japan, it’s usually not a disaster.
You can stop, figure out where you are, and continue your trip.
The real problem is when you’re leaving Japan.
Some travelers go to the wrong airport and miss their flight.
That would be a terrible way to end a trip.
I hope your visit to Japan is smooth, fun, and full of great memories!
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