How to Get to Itabashi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports Serving Tokyo

Narita International Airport NRT

Located in Chiba Prefecture, NRT is Japan's main international gateway. It handles a vast number of international flights from across the globe.

NRT Information

Main international gateway to Japan.
Located in Chiba Prefecture.
Serves a high volume of international flights.

Haneda Airport HND

Located closer to central Tokyo, HND handles a mix of domestic and an increasing number of international flights. It often has a more convenient option for reaching the city.

HND Information

Closer to central Tokyo.
Handles both domestic and international flights.
Often more handy for city access.

Airlines & Routes

Major international and low-cost carriers serve both NRT and HND from global hubs. Options include JAL, ANA, Delta, United, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flight prices are highest during peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, summer holidays). Lowest prices often occur in winter (excluding New Year).

Airport Facilities

Both NRT and HND offer extensive facilities: shopping, dining, lounges, currency exchange, SIM card/Wi-Fi rentals, and information desks.

Transfer Options from Airports to Itabashi

From Narita NRT to Itabashi

Narita Express (N'EX): To Ikebukuro Station (80-90 min), then transfer to JR Saikyo Line or Tobu Tojo Line for Itabashi.
Keisei Skyliner: To Nippori Station (40 min), then transfer to JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro, then Itabashi-bound lines.
Airport Limousine Bus: To major hubs like Ikebukuro, then local train to Itabashi.
Consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo IC card upon arrival for smooth travel.

From Haneda HND to Itabashi

Keikyu Line: Directly to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to JR Saikyo Line (via Yamanote Line or direct services) to Itabashi.
Tokyo Monorail: To Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro, then Itabashi-bound lines.
Airport Limousine Bus: To major Tokyo areas like Ikebukuro, then connect to Itabashi.
Researching options ahead of time often yields better prices and schedules.

Flight Booking Resources

Flight Deal Alerts

Dollar Flight Club for finding cheap flights. Booking flights several months in advance is recommended.

Flight Comparison

Skyscanner for comparing prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies. Direct flight options are available.

Booking Timing

Booking flights several booking months ahead is recommended, especially for peak seasons, to secure better prices.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Japan's train system is extensive and highly efficient, connecting Itabashi to the rest of Tokyo and beyond.

Rail Lines in Itabashi

Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Accessible from major Tokyo stations (Tokyo/Shinagawa) for inter-city travel.
JR Saikyo Line: Runs through Itabashi, connecting directly to Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.
Private Railways & Subways: Tobu Tojo Line, Toei Mita Line, and Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line also serve Itabashi.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Highway buses offer an economical alternative to trains for inter-city travel from Tokyo.

Bus Travel Information

Operators like Willer Express offer routes connecting Tokyo to many other regions.
Buses typically depart from major terminals in Tokyo, like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station.
An economical choice for budget-conscious long-distance travel.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving in Tokyo is generally not recommended for tourists due to a smooth-running public transport network and high costs.

Driving Requirements & Advice

International Driving Permit (IDP): Required (1949 Geneva Convention).
Driving Side: Japan drives on the left side of the road.
Parking/Tolls: Parking is limited and costly; toll roads are common and expensive.

Road Conditions & Safety

Japanese roads are well-maintained, and safety standards are high.

Safety and Traffic Laws

Roads are in excellent condition across Japan.
Traffic laws are strictly enforced.
General safety standards are high for drivers and people walking.

Car Rental Resources

Major car rental companies (Toyota, Nissan, Orix, Times) operate throughout Japan.
You can find car rental comparisons and bookings through DiscoverCars.com.
Driving within central Tokyo is generally not recommended for tourists.

Car navigation systems may be within Japanese, but some companies offer English options.
An International Driving Permit is mandatory.
Public transportation is far more efficient in Tokyo.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Tokyo Bay hosts cruise ship terminals, welcoming international cruise liners. From these terminals, you can connect to Tokyo's the public transit network.

Sea Arrivals Overview

Tokyo Bay features cruise ship terminals for people arriving internationally.
Domestic ferry services connect Tokyo to other Japanese islands.
Ports are well-connected to Tokyo's public transport system.

River Transportation & Immigration

River transportation mainly functions for sightseeing tours on waterways like the Sumida River in central Tokyo. This is not a main method for international travelers arriving in Itabashi.

River & Port Procedures

River transport is mainly for sightseeing, not main arrival.
Standard immigration and customs apply at Japanese seaports.
From terminals, easy access to Itabashi via city transport.

Cruise Terminals

Tokyo Bay hosts terminals for international cruise liners, well-connected to city transit.

Itabashi Relevance

Sea/river arrivals are not a main method of entry directly into Itabashi Ward, which is away from the sea.

Connections

From any Tokyo port, travelers can easily reach Itabashi via the extensive public transport network.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

An International Tourist Tax of ¥1,000 (approximately USD $7) applies to all individuals departing Japan.

Tax Details

Tax amount: ¥1,000.
Typically included in airfare or ship fare.
No separate payment at airport or port.

Departure Procedures & Timing

For international flights, schedule your arrival for the airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Departure Guidelines

Allows ample time for check-in, security, immigration.
Especially useful during peak travel periods.
Confirm flight status and terminal information in advance.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Shopping & Dining

Last-minute souvenir shopping and a large variety of restaurants are available.

Lounges & Duty-Free

Airline and independent lounges, plus duty-free shopping for various goods.

Currency Exchange

Facilities to exchange leftover Yen or other currencies before departure.

Departure Reminder

Allocate ample time for airport procedures, especially for international flights, to guarantee a smooth departure.

How to Get to Itabashi