Aihara Kanagawa, Japan Travel Guide
Narita International Airport (NRT) serves as a major international gateway, east of Tokyo. Haneda Airport (HND), closer to central Tokyo, handles both international and numerous domestic flights. Many travelers prefer Haneda due to its city proximity. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are Japan's main international carriers. Numerous other international airlines offer direct flights from major global hubs. Consider services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.
Both Narita and Haneda airports deliver extensive facilities: dining, shopping (duty-free), currency exchange, ATMs, luggage services, free Wi-Fi, and mobile/Wi-Fi router rentals. For transfers from NRT, take the Narita Express (N'EX) to Shinjuku, then transfer to JR Chuo Line to Hachioji, then JR Yokohama Line to Aihara (2.5-3 hours). From HND, take the Keikyu Line to Yokohama Station, then JR Yokohama Line to Aihara (1.5-2 hours).
Major international gateway, east of Tokyo. Long-haul flights.
Closer to the central area Tokyo. International and domestic flights.
Golden Week, Obon, New Year's see peak prices and crowds.
Wide selection of The land of the rising sunese and international restaurants, cafes, food courts. Duty-free shops, souvenir stores, fashion boutiques.
Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, baggage storage and delivery. Mobile phone and Wi-Fi router rentals.
Airline lounges, prayer rooms, medical clinics. Overall comfortable travel experience for arrivals and departures.
Aihara's location within Japan means land transportation focuses solely on domestic travel. The train network serves as the main connection. Aihara Station on the JR Yokohama Line connects to Yokohama Station (major transport hub) southbound, and Hachioji Station (western Tokyo, transfers to JR Chuo Line for central Tokyo) northbound. The line also reaches other parts of Sagamihara City and Machida City.
An extensive local bus network from Aihara Station connects to surrounding residential areas within Sagamihara's Midori Ward (Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu). Long-distance highway buses are obtainable from major Sagamihara stations, but not directly from Aihara. For self-driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is needed, next to your original license. Japanese roads are well-maintained; traffic drives on the left.
Major Japanese rental companies (Toyota, Nissan, Times, Nippon) and global brands operate via local partnerships. Rental branches are typically at airports and major train stations (Sagamihara, Hashimoto), not usually Aihara Station. Advance booking is advised, especially for peak seasons. Consider an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for toll roads. For reliable bookings, consult DiscoverCars.com.
Available in some larger cities or tourist areas, but less common in Aihara. An appropriate motorcycle endorsement on your IDP is needed. Bicycle sharing programs are less common directly in Aihara; some inns or local shops might offer bicycle rentals.
Aihara's inland location means sea and river arrivals are not directly relevant for reaching the district. Major cruise ports in Kanagawa Prefecture include Yokohama Port, which offers international and domestic cruise ship services. River transportation is not a significant mode of public transport in Aihara or the Sagami River section for tourists.
The Sagami River primarily serves for recreation, like angling or boating in specific designated areas, rather than for transport. While scenic, it does not function as a route for public transit to Aihara. Any river-based activities would be for leisure, not for inbound or outbound travel to the district.
Aihara is not directly accessible by sea or river transport.
No ferry services or cruise ports serve Aihara directly.
Sagami River is for leisure, not transportation.
Japan levies a ¥1,000 "International Tourist Tax" (also called "sayonara tax") on all departures by air or sea. This tax is usually included in your flight or ship ticket price. Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights for check-in and security. For domestic flights, 1-2 hours is usually sufficient. Standard security checks occur. You will undergo a brief exit immigration check.
Departing travelers have access to extensive airport facilities, including dining, shopping (duty-free), lounges, and currency exchange services. If you made eligible purchases and followed tax-free shopping procedures, visit the tax refund counters for processing. Consider using luggage delivery services (Takkyubin) to send souvenirs or large luggage from your hotel directly to the airport for pick-up upon departure. This allows for lighter travel to the airport.
No specific customs declaration is needed for departing passengers unless carrying large amounts of cash (over ¥1 million) or prohibited items.
Have your passport and boarding pass ready for security and border control.
Check for any railway disruptions or traffic delays, particularly during rush hour, when traveling to the airport.
Confirm your flight details and airport transfer plans the day before departure. Check for any railway disruptions or traffic delays, especially during peak hours, to secure a timely arrival at the airport.
