Can I leave the airport during a layover in Japan?
Only by entering Japan: leaving the airport during a layover means going through immigration, so it depends on whether you can enter Japan — and whether you are allowed to land is decided at immigration when you arrive.
Who can enter: visa exemption or a visa
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists 74 countries and regions under Japan's visa exemption arrangements (page dated 2025-09-01). Some come with conditions — for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau:
Taiwan: only passports that carry a personal ID number.
Hong Kong: only Hong Kong SAR passports, and British National Overseas (BNO) passports held by people who have the right of residence in Hong Kong.
Macau: only Macao SAR passports.
Being on the list does not guarantee entry: you still apply to the immigration inspector for landing and are examined.
If your passport is not covered
Other countries and regions on the list have conditions of their own — check the notes on the official list. If your passport is not covered by the exemption, you need a passport with a Japanese visa to land in Japan, unless another exception in the same article applies, such as a re-entry permit (Immigration Control Act, Article 6(1)); the shore pass below is separate. Official list: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — visa exemption arrangements →
The shore pass (landing at a port of call)
Japanese law also has a separate shore pass for passengers travelling on through Japan to another country (Immigration Control Act, Article 14).
You do not apply for it yourself: the captain of the aircraft or ship, or the carrier operating it, makes the application.
It allows up to 72 hours near the port where you arrived, before you leave from that port, and the immigration inspector can limit the time and area.
It is not granted to people who fall under the Act's grounds for refusing landing (Article 5, paragraph 1).
This describes what the law says; we have not been able to confirm from Haneda's or Narita's official pages how it is used there — if you want to use it, check with your airline before you travel.
Full text (Japanese): e-Gov — Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act →
At Narita: what the airport says
If you stay in the departure area (airside) until your next flight, you do not go through immigration. To leave that area — to meet someone or go outside the airport — you go through immigration, and in some cases a visa may also be required. Depending on the airline, you may have to enter Japan once even to make a connection. Narita — connecting between international flights →
Aircraft can only operate at Narita between 06:00 and 24:00, and outside those times you cannot stay in the airside areas of the terminals (before arrival procedures and after departure procedures). Passengers transiting overnight must go through arrival immigration and customs, and some passengers may need a visa at that time.
At Haneda: what the airport says
Leaving during a connection is only for passengers who are eligible to enter Japan: you follow the international arrival steps, go from the 2F International Arrival Lobby to the 3F International Departure Lobby, then follow the international departure steps. Haneda's FAQ says the conditions for temporary entry vary by nationality and itinerary, and refers you to the Tokyo Immigration Bureau's Haneda Branch and your airline. Haneda — international to international transfers → · Haneda — flights and procedures FAQ →
Your bags and getting back
Whether you must collect your checked bags depends on the airline: Haneda's FAQ says the procedure differs by airline, and Narita asks you to check with your airline before you depart whether you can connect without collecting your bags or entering Japan.
Coming back at Haneda, you follow the international departure steps: check-in, security screening and departure immigration. Haneda — international departure steps →
Connecting between Haneda and Narita
Haneda and Narita are separate airports, so connecting between them means leaving the airport you land at — which both airports describe as entering Japan (see above). Fares, times and last departures: Haneda → Narita · Narita → Haneda.
Keep planning
Haneda layover planner: what fits 4, 6 or 8 hours →
Good to know
Can I leave the airport during a layover in Japan?
Only by entering Japan through immigration — so it depends on whether you can enter Japan (your passport, any visa you need and your itinerary), and whether you may land is decided at immigration.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport?
Not if your passport is covered by Japan's visa exemption (74 countries and regions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list dated 2025-09-01, some with conditions); otherwise you need a passport with a Japanese visa to land, unless another exception in Article 6(1) of the Immigration Control Act applies — the shore pass is separate.
Can I stay inside Narita Airport overnight between flights?
Not in the airside areas: aircraft can only operate at Narita between 06:00 and 24:00, and outside those times you cannot stay in the airside areas of the terminals. Passengers transiting overnight must go through arrival immigration and customs.
Do I have to collect my checked bags?
It depends on the airline — ask the airline you are flying with.
What is a shore pass?
A landing permission under Article 14 of Japan's Immigration Control Act for passengers travelling on through Japan: the captain or carrier applies, it allows up to 72 hours near the port where you arrived, and the inspector can limit the time and area. This describes what the law says; we have not been able to confirm from Haneda's or Narita's official pages how it is used there — if you want to use it, check with your airline before you travel.