When you search a business class award to Tokyo, the airport code matters more than most people think. Here is how to choose.
The short answer
If the award space is equal, pick Haneda (HND). It sits about 30 minutes from central Tokyo, versus 60 to 90 minutes from Narita (NRT). After a 13 hour flight, that hour is worth a lot.
But award space is rarely equal, and Narita often has more of it. Never skip a great Narita seat just to land at Haneda.
Getting into the city
| Haneda | Narita | |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi to Shinjuku or Ginza | about 30 to 45 min | about 70 to 90 min, costly |
| Train | Keikyu or monorail, about 30 min | Narita Express or Skyliner, 40 to 60 min |
| Limousine bus | about 40 min | about 75 to 90 min |
From Narita, the Skyliner to Ueno or the Narita Express to Tokyo and Shinjuku stations are the easy picks. Load Suica or buy Welcome Suica / TOURIST PASMO at the terminal before you leave.
Which airlines land where
ANA and Japan Airlines fly into both airports from North America, so check both codes when searching. Many partner carriers serve only one. Always search the city code TYO or run both airports separately.
Sakura trip tips
- Arriving late at night? Haneda keeps you close, so you can still check in to your hotel fast.
- Heading straight to Kyoto? From either airport you can reach Shinagawa or Tokyo station for the shinkansen. See our Tokyo to Kyoto shinkansen guide.
- Open jaw: fly into Tokyo and home from Osaka (KIX) to avoid backtracking. Our 10-day cherry blossom itinerary is built that way.
Departure and tax refunds
On the way out, do tax-refund customs confirmation in the international lobby before check-in. Both Haneda and Narita support Visit Japan Web online confirmation over dedicated lobby Wi-Fi (or the kiosk). See Visit Japan Web and tax refunds in 2026/2027.
Bottom line
Search both airports, take the best seat, and plan the transfer around where you land. Want us to find the space for you? Our Award Search does the digging.
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