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How to Get to Sagamihara

How to Get to Sagamihara

Sagamihara Kanagawa, Japan Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Sagamihara has no major airport. Travelers utilize the international airports that serve the broader Kanto region: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Both modern facilities a wide array of services.

Information

  • NRT: East of Tokyo, mainly international flights from global hubs.
  • HND: Closer to the central area Tokyo, significant international and domestic flights.
  • All major international airlines fly to NRT/HND from North America, Europe, Asia.

Flight Availability & Prices

Numerous direct flights available to both NRT and HND from large cities worldwide. The availability and frequency of direct flights depend on the specific city and airline. HND seen an increase in direct international routes.

Booking Advice

  • Flight prices fluctuate significantly with seasons and demand. Dollar Flight Club for deals.
  • Peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, summer holidays, New Year's) prices.
  • Low season (early winter, rainy season) lower prices.

Airport Lounges

Airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges are available for passenger comfort at NRT and HND.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi in both airports. Rent pocket Wi-Fi or buy SIM cards.

On-site Hotels

Both airports have on-site or nearby hotels for convenient overnight stays.

Transfer Options to Sagamihara

From Narita NRT

  • JR Narita Express (N'EX) to Yokohama or Shibuya/Shinjuku, then local train.
  • Airport Limousine Bus to Machida Bus Center, then local train/bus.
  • Total travel time: approx. 2 to 3 hours. Skyscanner for flights.
  • From Yokohama: JR Yokohama Line to Sagamihara/Hashimoto.

From Haneda HND

  • Keikyu Line to Yokohama, then JR Yokohama Line to Sagamihara/Hashimoto.
  • Airport Limousine Bus directly to Sagamihara stations or Machida.
  • Total travel time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • For efficient transfers, purchase an IC card (Suica or Pasmo).

Airport Facilities

Currency & ATMs

Numerous currency exchange counters and ATMs available, international cards accepted.

Shopping & Dining

Extensive duty-free shopping, wide selection of Japanese and international dining.

Tourist Info

Staffed centers assist with maps, brochures, and transport passes.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Sagamihara exceptionally well-served by multiple JR (Japan Railways) and private railway lines, excellent connectivity to Tokyo, Yokohama, and other parts of Kanagawa Prefecture. The train network the backbone of local and regional transport.

Lines

  • JR Yokohama Line connects Sagamihara stations to Yokohama.
  • Odakyu Odawara Line links Sagamiono to Shinjuku (Tokyo) and Odawara (Hakone gateway).
  • JR Sagami Line (Hashimoto to Chigasaki) and Keio Sagamihara Line (Hashimoto to Shinjuku).

Long-Distance Buses & Shinkansen

While trains generally faster for main roads, long-distance rapid buses an alternative. Sagamihara has no Shinkansen station directly. Nearest Shinkansen stations Shin-Yokohama or Odawara.

Options & Access

  • Express buses connect Sagamihara (or nearby Machida) to other cities; look for Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu.
  • Access Shinkansen via JR Yokohama Line to Shin-Yokohama or Odakyu Odawara Line to Odawara.
  • For most day trips, trains remain faster and more convenient.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car flexibility, especially for exploring rural areas or the Tanzawa Mountains around Sagamihara. It specific requirements and considerations.

Requirements

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country (1949 Geneva Convention).
  • Original domestic driver's license. Some countries need a Japanese translation.
  • Japan drives on the left; steering wheel on the right. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Road Conditions & Safety

Japan's roads among the safest option on the planet, distinguished by good maintenance and disciplined drivers.

Safety Notes

  • Roads generally excellent, even in rural areas. Toll roads (expressways) high-speed.
  • Traffic heavy during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) in urban areas.
  • Strict traffic laws: no drunk driving, no cell phones while driving.

Sea/River Arrivals & Border Crossing

  • Not applicable for Sagamihara directly (inland city).
  • Closest major port: Yokohama Port, a major international cruise port.
  • From Yokohama, connect to Sagamihara via train.
  • No significant river transportation services for tourism on Sagami River.
  • Japan an island nation; no land borders to cross.
  • Immigration upon seaports similar to airports (passport, visa, biometrics).

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Japan generally has no departure taxes apply travelers pay separately upon departure. An "International Tourist Tax" of ¥1,000 typically included in air or sea fares. This tax automatically incorporated into your ticket price.

Departure Timing

  • International flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure (NRT/HND).
  • Time for check-in, security, immigration, duty-free shopping.
  • Domestic flights: 1-1.5 hours before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports extensive facilities to make your departure comfortable and convenient. Major train stations also shopping and dining options.

Services Available

  • Lounges, restaurants, duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Currency exchange and tax refund counters.
  • Wi-Fi, charging stations, and rest areas.

Dining Options

Wide selection of dining options, from quick bites to full-service restaurants.

Duty-Free Shopping

Extensive options for cosmetics, liquor, confectioneries, and Japanese souvenirs.

Tourist Info

Staffed centers provide maps, brochures, and assistance in multiple languages.

Departure Readiness

Planning your journey to and from Sagamihara with these details in mind, you a relaxed start and end to your Japanese adventure.