A long layover doesn’t have to mean staring at the departure board for hours. If you’re passing through Japan’s main international hub, there are enough practical and low-stress things to do at Tokyo Narita Airport to help the time pass more comfortably. Whether you want a decent meal, a quiet place to sit, a shower, or a short break outside the terminal, Narita offers a few solid options—as long as you keep expectations realistic and plan around its size and distance from central Tokyo. Here are eight things to do if you find yourself with time to spare at Tokyo Narita Airport.
1. Enjoy one (or more!) good meals
A layover at Narita gives you plenty of chances to eat well, especially if you’re curious about Japanese food. Across the three terminals you’ll find a wide mix of sit-down restaurants and quick options, with Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offering the broadest selection. Expect familiar Japanese staples like ramen, udon, tempura, donburi, and sushi, alongside casual Western chains and Asian cuisines such as Korean and Chinese. Cafés, bakeries, and grab-and-go counters are easy to find if you’re short on time.
Popular spots travellers often seek out include Sushi Kyotatsu for higher-quality sushi, Blue Sky Miso Kitchen for comforting miso-based dishes, and Goemon for Japanese-style pasta. Convenience chains like Starbucks, Subway, and McDonald’s are also present if you just want something predictable. One reliable option for overnight travellers is Yoshinoya in Terminal 2 (landside), which has traditionally operated 24 hours, though late-night hours should always be confirmed on arrival, as they can change.
2. Hang out in a lounge
If you’re craving quieter seating, Wi-Fi, and regular food and drinks, an airport lounge can be a good reset during a long layover. Several lounges at Narita accept pay-at-the-door guests or travellers with lounge memberships, regardless of airline or ticket class. Amenities vary by lounge, but usually include snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and more comfortable seating than the main terminal. Exact locations, access rules, and hours are best checked in advance or in our Tokyo Narita Airport Guide.
3. Shop
Shopping is one of the easiest ways to pass time at Narita, with a strong focus on Japanese products rather than just global duty-free staples. Alongside electronics, books, and convenience stores, you’ll find shops selling regional snacks, boxed sweets, matcha and loose-leaf teas, stationery, and small craft items that pack easily into carry-ons. Stores such as Traveller’s Factory Airport, Kyoto Craft Mart, and Satsumaya Okutanien are good stops for distinctly Japanese souvenirs.
Don’t overlook the airport pharmacies and drugstores. Many travellers use the opportunity to browse Japanese skincare, cosmetics, and wellness products that are harder to find abroad. Even if you’re not shopping seriously, wandering these stores can be a low-effort way to break up a long layover.
4. Refresh with a shower
If you want to freshen up between flights, Narita offers public shower facilities in Terminal 1, located landside in the main building on the 2nd floor. Showers are rented in time blocks, with towels, basic toiletries, and hair dryers included. Prices and hours (commonly cited as daytime only) should be verified on arrival, as they are subject to change.
For travellers near Terminal 2, the Nine Hours Narita Airport capsule hotel also sells shower-only packages, which can be useful if you don’t need a bed but want a proper reset. The hotel is connected via the Terminal 2 area and parking complex.
5. Pamper yourself
Long flights can leave you stiff or worn out, and Narita has a few low-key ways to feel human again. Massage chairs are scattered through all three terminals and are an inexpensive option if you just need a quick break. For more involved services, Hair Salon Kings offers haircuts in Terminal 1 landside, while Nail Quick provides manicures and pedicures nearby. These are practical rather than luxurious, but can make a noticeable difference on a long travel day.
6. Go sightseeing
Narita Airport is quite far from central Tokyo, so sightseeing plans need to be realistic. Even using fast trains, travel time into the city is usually around 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and longer to western hubs like Shinjuku.
If you have around five hours or more, a much lower-stress option is the nearby city of Narita. Using the Keisei Line, you can reach central Narita in under 20 minutes. The area around Omotesando Street is walkable and lined with shops and restaurants, and Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and its surrounding park offer a calm, green break from the terminal. This option works especially well if you want fresh air without worrying about long return journeys.
Only if you have eight hours or more does heading into Tokyo itself start to make sense. The Narita Express connects the airport with Tokyo Station in about an hour, with less frequent service to Shinjuku taking longer. Tokyo is vast, so focus on just one area. Popular first-time stops include Meiji Jingu Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, or neighbourhoods like Shibuya or Ginza.
Whichever option you choose, build in generous return time. Large stations can be confusing, and trains can be crowded, especially during peak hours.
However you spend your time away from the airport, don’t forget to make it back for your next flight! The train stations are often large and chaotic, so leave enough time to navigate to the right platform. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Tokyo.
7. Get Connected
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and is generally reliable for messaging, browsing, and streaming, making it easy to pass time or stay in touch during a long wait.
8. Sleep
If you plan to sleep in the terminal, Narita is generally tolerant of overnight travellers, though conditions vary by terminal and night. Travellers may be asked to show identification and onward flight details. Terminal 1 is often cited as the most comfortable option, with benches and some carpeted areas, and lights typically dimmed overnight. However, a May 2024 reader report indicates that some departure areas are cleared late at night, with overnight passengers directed to a visitor service area on the first floor, so flexibility is important.
Terminal 3 has more seating with couches, which can make light napping easier, but it is smaller and can feel busier. For those who prefer a proper bed, transit hotels in Terminals 1 and 2 rent rooms by the hour, and also offer shower-only options. Nine Hours Narita Airport, located near Terminal 2, is a capsule hotel available for short stays or overnight use. Several off-airport hotels nearby run free shuttles and may offer day rooms, which can be appealing if you need quiet and privacy.
Still rather opt for a hotel? You’ve got options! Transit hotels within T1 and T2 offer single or double rooms by the hour. (If you don’t want to rest, opt for a shower-only package.) Or, head to Nine Hours Narita Airport, a capsule hotel in Terminal 2, also available for overnight or hourly rates. Within a few minutes drive of the airport are a couple more traditional hotels, running free shuttles and offering day rooms. See our Tokyo Narita Airport Guide for details and locations.
Updated 07 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Tokyo Narita Airport. Visit our Tokyo Narita Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.