Back in Japan after 5 years, I made sure I could take photos upon my arrival at Narita International Airport. I was not sure how strict they were at the airport regarding taking photos so I was cautious and tried not to inconvenience others as I took a few pictures. Of course, taking photos at the immigration area is prohibited so I did even attempt to take any pictures there. All the photos in this post are in public places and gives an idea about how the airport looks like from the perspective of an arriving passenger.

Upon deplaning, passengers are guided to proceed towards the arrival area where passengers with connecting flights are likewise guided to the transfer area.

While walking towards the immigration area, I took a photo of some of the aircraft docked at Narita. This is an Alitalia plane using its familiar logo and livery from way back. I don’t remember if they’ve changed or “updated” their logo and livery recently.

Narita Terminal 1 is large and so to proceed to the arrivals, transfer areas passengers may use the moving walkways for their convenience.

I took a photo of our plane, a Delta 747-400. Delta took over NorthWest, which I used to take for trips home when I was studying in Japan in the 1990s. Their fares are less expensive than JAL, ANA and PAL among full service airlines connecting Manila and Narita.

After splitting up with passengers with connecting flights, we were guided to the immigrations area at the airport. Prior to the area, passengers have to go through quarantine, which is a standard check they do at airports to make sure people are not bringing in some disease that could be spread to the general population.

After clearing immigrations, passengers descend to the baggage claim area. Passengers connecting to domestic flights bound for other destinations in the Japan are advised to take their luggage before proceeding for domestic travel check-in.

Luggage carousel at Narita Terminal 1

Here’s another photo of the luggage carousel. Notice the signs advising passengers against taking their carts too close to the carousel. This allows for space for people taking their bags from the belt rather than have the area congested with carts.

After clearing customs, arriving passengers might want to change their money to Japanese Yen before purchasing tickets to travel to their intended destinations or to buy some refreshments after a long flight. There are banks proving currency exchange services at the arrival area.

Signs at the airport gates guide passengers to the locations of bus stops and taxi stands. There are also guide signs for trains serving the airport.

Information board for arrivals at Narita Terminal 1

Airport Limousine Bus services are available and you can purchase tickets at their counters at the airport arrival area. While more expensive than rail transit, limousine bus services may be the most convenient in terms of routes and destinations. The service is recommended to people staying at hotels along the bus routes.

Information on Terminal 1 North Wing arrivals and domestic departures at Terminals 1 and 2 are provided at the airport.

For those taking their cars or taxis to their destinations, road traffic information for expressways are shown. Segments in red indicate traffic congestion, which is quite common when approaching central Tokyo.

A small cafe inside the airport for passengers or well-wishers wanting to have a hot meal or coffee/tea.

Shops at the airport sell snacks, sweets, drinks, newspapers and magazines, and some souvenirs. These are not the Duty Free shops, which are at the departure level of the airport.

I was also able to take a photo of luggage transport services counters at Narita. Unfortunately, the photo was blurry so I decided not to post it here. These transport services allow travelers with large bags or many pieces of luggage to have these delivered to their homes or hotels, allowing passengers to travel light using the trains or bus. Two of the most popular and reliable services are JAL-ABC and Kuroneko Takkyubin [with the black cat (kuro neko) logo].

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