Narita Airport’s parking facilities can accommodate approximately 3,700 vehicles, and it is rare for all parking lots to be completely full on weekdays, weekends, or holidays. However, during peak periods such as New Year’s holidays, Golden Week, and the summer vacation season, the parking lots may become full. Additionally, the roads leading to Narita Airport can become extremely congested, with traffic sometimes coming to a complete standstill depending on the time of day. Due to some narrow, single-lane roads around Narita, unexpected heavy traffic jams may occur.
For those planning to drive to Narita Airport during these peak times, it’s essential to consider these potential traffic conditions. However, one detail often overlooked is the “crowded parking situation.”
In this article, we will explain the peak periods, times, and parking situations at Narita Airport. By knowing this information in advance, you can avoid last-minute stress on the day of your trip, so be sure to check it out!
When are Japan’s peak seasons?
In Japan, peak travel seasons include the summer holidays, consecutive national holidays, and long school breaks, when many people travel domestically and internationally for vacations or to visit family. During these times, planes, trains, and roads all become crowded.
① Golden Week (Late April to early May)
Golden Week is a week of consecutive national holidays in Japan, during which domestic travel is highly active.
② Summer Vacation Season (Late July to the end of August)
Mid-August is the Obon period, which is the peak of the peak season.
③ Christmas to New Year’s (Late December to early January)
This is another high-traffic period with heavy congestion.
Parking at Narita Airport
The official parking lots at Narita Airport are located at varying distances from each terminal, so it’s a good idea to check which parking lot you want to use in advance. Some parking lots allow for advance reservations, which will be introduced below. Narita Airport’s parking facilities operate 24 hours a day, and the management office is open year-round.
Terminal 1
P1: 1,800 spaces (reservable), ¥260/30 min (maximum ¥2,100 per day)
P5: 590 spaces (reservable), ¥210/30 min (maximum ¥1,570 per day)
Terminal 2
P2: 2,700 spaces (reservable), ¥260/30 min (maximum ¥2,100 per day)
P3: 150 spaces (not reservable), ¥210/30 min (maximum ¥1,570 per day)
Terminal 3
There is no parking lot directly at Terminal 3. Travelers need to walk from Terminal 2 or take the free shuttle bus.
Advance Reservations
You can make advance reservations for Narita Airport’s P1, P2, and P5 parking lots via the following website. The reservation period ranges from a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 480 hours (approximately 20 days), so reservations are not possible for periods less than 24 hours. When making a reservation, you’ll need to register your email address, password, name, and other details.
https://parking.narita-airport.jp/en
参考：Narita Airport Parking Reservation Site
Using Private Parking Lots
If Narita Airport’s official parking lots are full, there are also nearby private parking lots available, but reservations are generally required. Please note that many private parking facilities do not offer English support.
Narita Airport USA Parking
Most private parking websites around Narita Airport are only in Japanese, but Narita Airport USA Parking provides reservation support in English. This facility also offers a convenient round-trip shuttle bus to Narita Airport at no additional charge. For fees, please check their website.
Reception time
Departure day : 4:30 am ~ 20:00
Arrival day : 6:00 am~ around 23:00
参考：Narita Airport USA Parking
https://usa-parking.com/english/
Other Ways to Access Narita Airport
Common transportation options to Narita Airport include buses, trains, and taxis. Each option varies in terms of travel time and cost, and the best choice may depend on factors such as rush hour, early morning, or late-night travel. It’s advisable to research thoroughly in advance.
Bus
The “Limousine Bus” service operates from Tokyo Station, major locations and hotels within Tokyo, as well as Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures. If there’s a stop near you, the Limousine Bus provides convenient direct access to Narita Airport. Simply check in your suitcase when you board and collect it when you get off.
From Tokyo Station, the journey to Narita Airport takes about 80 minutes and costs around ¥3,000 for adults. Although the bus takes slightly longer than the train, you can secure a seat with a reservation in advance.
Train
For those who need punctuality, taking the train to Narita International Airport is recommended. Trains generally run on time, making it easy to plan around your flight schedule. Trains also avoid traffic congestion, are economical, and environmentally friendly.
The Keisei Skyliner takes you from Keisei Ueno to Narita International Airport in about 40 minutes, costing approximately ¥2,600.
Taxi
While the most expensive option, taking a taxi allows you to travel comfortably from your starting point to the airport without needing to drive yourself. The fare from central Tokyo to Narita Airport typically ranges between ¥26,000 and ¥30,000.
In Conclusion
As explained above, one of the biggest challenges for visitors to Japan is the limited English support at most facilities and stores, even in Tokyo, where few establishments have English-speaking staff.
At ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car, we offer long-term car rentals for foreign visitors to Japan, ranging from a few weeks to one or two years. We also provide assistance with reserving airport parking spaces and aim to make life in Japan easier and more seamless for foreign visitors. In addition to rental cars, we offer services for car buying and selling, inspections, and repairs. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
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