Connecting to a domestic flight in Japan
Checked against 4 official sources, most recently on . 8 minute read.
What to know first
You clear immigration and Customs at your first Japanese airport, collect your bags, re-check them and go through domestic security again. For flights both operated by ANA Group, ANA's minimum connecting time from international to domestic is 75 minutes at Narita, 80 minutes at Haneda (onward from Terminal 2), 60 minutes at Kansai and Chubu, and 180 minutes if you have to cross between Haneda and Narita. ANA re-checks bags only on same-day connections. On separate tickets, our judgement is to leave at least double the minimum, because a missed flight is your problem.
Conditions to check
- Follow your actual carrier's instructions to collect baggage before Customs and recheck it before domestic security.
- Check the airports, terminals, counter hours, deadlines and ticket protection for your actual flights.
- ANA's minimum connection times apply to the flight combinations stated in its tables, rather than every carrier or itinerary.
On this page
Which connection plan fits your tickets?
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| ANA to ANA at Narita, one ticket | Allow at least ANA's 75 minutes. Collect bags, clear Customs, re-check them at the domestic counter (T1 1F or T2 1F) and go through security again. |
| ANA to ANA at Haneda, onward from Terminal 2 | Allow at least 80 minutes. Take the free shuttle from T3 bus stop 0 (1F), or collect a free Keikyu or Monorail ticket at the T3 2F information counter. |
| ANA to ANA at Kansai or Chubu | Allow at least 60 minutes, with the same bag collection, Customs and re-check. |
| Arriving at Narita, leaving from Haneda (or the reverse) | Allow at least ANA's 180 minutes; on separate tickets, allow 4–5 hours in total (our judgement). |
| Separate tickets, same airport | For a same-airport connection on separate tickets, leave at least double ANA's minimum (our judgement). |
| JAL or another airline | ANA's minimums do not carry over to another airline. JAL's minimum times are not confirmed here as of 11 October 2026 (its site blocks automated checks), so do not plan a JAL connection on ANA's figures. |
| Staying overnight before the domestic flight | For an overnight connection, ask the airline about check-in, baggage handling and transfer requirements; the same-day arrangement above does not cover it. |
Sources for this section: ANA: check-in and connection guidance · Haneda: international-to-domestic transfer procedures · Narita: international-to-domestic connections
A connection is a chain of procedures
Identify the operating airline, arrival airport, domestic departure airport and terminals, and both tickets' conditions. A Tokyo connection may require a Narita-Haneda airport transfer rather than a move between terminals. Confirm your eligibility to enter Japan as well as the connection time. The gap between printed flight times is not itself the time available for arrival procedures and onward travel.
There's no single figure for every airline, but ANA publishes minimums for its own flights (see the next section). This guide does not predict immigration queues or guarantee that an airline will rebook a missed separately purchased flight.
ANA's minimum connecting times, airport by airport
For flights both operated by ANA Group, ANA's minimum connecting time from international to domestic is 75 minutes at Narita, 80 minutes at Haneda with the onward flight from Terminal 2, 60 minutes at Kansai and Chubu, and 180 minutes if you have to cross between Haneda and Narita. ANA also lists 180 minutes from Itami to Kansai and 210 minutes from Kobe to Kansai (ANA international check-in notice, checked 16 October 2026).
At Narita, collect your bags, clear Customs, re-check them at the domestic counter (T1 1F or T2 1F) and go through security again. You may need a shuttle bus between terminals, for example from T1 bus stop 6.
At Haneda, international flights mostly arrive at T3 and domestic flights leave from T1 or T2. The free inter-terminal shuttle leaves T3 from bus stop 0 (1F) every 4 minutes between 05:00 and 20:00 and every 8 minutes between 20:00 and 24:00; the last T3 departure is 01:15 (timetable from 18 August 2026). The information counters on T1 B1F, T2 B1F and T3 2F give transfer passengers a free Keikyu or Monorail ticket when you show your passport and boarding pass. The T1–T2 underground passageway can still be walked, but its moving walkway is out of service for construction.
ANA's international-to-domestic baggage re-check arrangement described here is limited to same-day connections. For an overnight connection, confirm check-in, baggage collection and any transfer requirements with the airline.
JAL or another airline: ask the airline for its minimum connecting time. JAL's connection rules are on its Connection Information page. Its site blocks automated checks, so JAL's minimum times are not confirmed here as of 11 October 2026: read that page or ask JAL before booking.
Separate tickets: for a connection at the same airport, our judgement is to allow at least double the airline's minimum. For a Narita–Haneda airport change, allow 4–5 hours in total (our judgement).
Getting between the two airports: Haneda Airport lists the airport shuttle bus at 65–85 minutes for ¥3,600, and through trains on the Keikyu, Toei and Keisei lines at 90–115 minutes for ¥1,760–3,080 (¥1,746–3,066 by IC card). Times are before traffic or waiting, so they sit inside, not on top of, the 4–5 hours we suggest for separate tickets.
Sources for this section: ANA: check-in and connection guidance · Haneda: international-to-domestic transfer procedures · Narita: international-to-domestic connections · tokyo-haneda.com: How do I get from Narita to Haneda, and how long does it take?
Worked example: Narita arrival, Haneda departure on separate tickets
Situation: you arrive at Narita T1 on an international flight at 07:40 and have a separate-ticket ANA domestic flight from Haneda T2 to Sapporo at 11:30.
Landing to terminal exit (immigration, bags, Customs) takes 30–60 minutes in our planning assumption, so you are out by 08:10–08:40. ANA's minimum connecting time for this airport change is 180 minutes, which includes ground transport, check-in, bag drop and security.
The scheduled gap is 3 hours 50 minutes. ANA's 180-minute minimum applies only to the ANA Group flight combinations in its table. Confirm both operating carriers and the actual itinerary conditions before using that figure; the arithmetic does not by itself show whether this separately booked connection is protected or will work.
Result: 11:30 meets ANA's 180 minutes only if counted from landing, and falls short of our 4–5 hour separate-ticket margin (11:40–12:40). Our judgement: book 12:40 or later.
Contrast, same airport and one ticket: arrive at Haneda T3 on ANA at 07:40 and connect to an ANA domestic flight from T2. An 80-minute gap corresponds to 09:00; confirm that the actual itinerary meets ANA's conditions before booking. Take the free shuttle from T3 bus stop 0 (1F), or collect a free Keikyu or Monorail ticket at the T3 2F information counter.
Sources for this section: ANA: check-in and connection guidance
Do not assume checked bags will bypass customs on arrival
When connecting from an ANA Group international flight to an ANA Japan domestic flight under ANA’s through-check-in policy, you must claim your checked luggage at your international arrival airport, clear Customs, and re-check it. ANA notes this baggage through-check service applies solely to same-day connections. This policy does not cover other airline pairings.
For ANA Group international-to-domestic transfers, allow ample time to collect your bags, clear Customs, and recheck them for your domestic flight—even if your booking confirmation shows your final destination. On any other carrier or ticket combination, plan on collecting and re-checking your bags too; a luggage tag or a booking search result proves nothing.
Sources for this section: ANA: check-in and connection guidance
At Haneda, first identify which terminals are involved
For a Haneda T3 arrival connecting to a JAL domestic flight from T1, the T3 2F domestic transfer check-in counter opens 05:30–11:00 and 13:30–19:45 (Japan time). When that counter is closed, complete the domestic boarding procedures at T1.
For a T3 arrival connecting to an ANA domestic flight from T2, the T3 2F domestic transfer counter opens 05:30–19:30 (Japan time). When it is closed, complete the procedures at T2.
Counter closure and closure of the domestic transfer security checkpoint are different. If that checkpoint is closed, Haneda directs passengers to the Keikyu Line, monorail or free inter-terminal shuttle. Check service hours and your airline’s deadlines; do not assume the transfer-only bus is available.
Write the terminal names beside the flight numbers. Do not assume every international arrival uses the same building, or that a transfer shortcut shown for one airline is available to every passenger.
Sources for this section: Haneda: international-to-domestic transfer procedures
At Narita, account for the terminal transfer and repeat security
Narita says international-to-domestic passengers complete immigration at the arrival terminal. Where the domestic flight leaves from a different terminal, the airport directs passengers to the relevant transfer route. Its guidance also states that passengers re-entering the domestic departure area undergo security screening again.
Check the terminal info for your actual travel date rather than relying on past itineraries. If special assistance, luggage, or family members change your walking pace, check the full transfer sequence instead of adding an arbitrary buffer.
Sources for this section: Narita: international-to-domestic connections
Keep airline cutoffs distinct
Track your airline's check-in, bag-drop, and boarding deadlines separately. Count backwards from the earliest cutoff and identify any uncertain steps between landing and that time. Never assume your scheduled arrival time is when you will reach the next counter.
ANA publishes a minimum connection time chart for itineraries operated entirely within the ANA Group, subject to specific airport and terminal requirements. Rely on these guidelines only when both your flights and transit routing fully match ANA's stated conditions. Generic itinerary calculations or personal time buffers do not by themselves show that an alternate connection is valid.
Sources for this section: ANA: check-in and connection guidance
Check what happens if you miss a connection before paying
Ask who you contact first, whether the tickets are handled as one itinerary, and what the terms say about a missed onward flight. Avoid assuming that two flights displayed together on a search page create the same protection as the exact ticket you purchase.
Keep your remaining plans in mind: check-in deadlines, prepaid activities, luggage handoffs, or final transit connections. A later flight only serves as a backup if you can confirm seat availability and extra costs in advance.
Keep a quick, practical transit checklist on hand
A good checklist names the terminals, operating airlines, baggage procedure, applicable cutoffs and the responsible contact for a delay. Keep private booking and identity details in the airline's own secure channel rather than in a shared or general trip note.
When either flight changes, review the entire transfer chain. A previously completed personal task is not confirmation that the updated connection still works. The final answer belongs to the current itinerary and responsible operators.
Do this now
1. Write down each flight's operating airline, airport and terminal.
2. Subtract the international arrival time from the domestic departure time and compare it with the minimum for your airport in "ANA's minimum connecting times, airport by airport".
3. Compare your gap with both the applicable airline minimum and our separate-ticket planning allowance: at least double the airline minimum for a same-airport connection, or 4–5 hours in total for a Narita–Haneda airport change. If the gap is too short, look for a later domestic flight.
How much connection time do you need for a Japan domestic connection?
How much connection time do I need from an international to domestic flight in Japan?
For flights both operated by ANA Group: 75 minutes at Narita, 80 minutes at Haneda (onward from Terminal 2), 60 minutes at Kansai and Chubu, and 180 minutes between Haneda and Narita. These are ANA's published minimums. On separate tickets, our judgement is to allow at least double, because the second airline won't rebook you for a missed connection.
Do I collect and recheck baggage during a Japan domestic connection?
Yes, for ANA. Confirm the baggage process for the actual international arrival and domestic onward airline. For the ANA Group international-to-ANA domestic connection covered here, ANA says to collect bags at the arrival airport for Customs, then check them in again. That baggage arrangement is limited to same-day connections; other carriers and itineraries need their own confirmation.
When do I clear Customs on an international-to-domestic connection in Japan?
Follow the arrival airport's current international-arrival process before entering the domestic leg. Customs belongs to the international arrival flow, so do not plan a domestic transfer as though the first airport were only an airside transit point.
Are Narita and Haneda domestic connection procedures the same?
No. At Narita you may need a shuttle bus between terminals (for example, from T1 bus stop 6), and you go through security again before domestic departures. At Haneda, international flights mostly arrive at T3 and domestic flights leave from T1 or T2: use the free shuttle from T3 bus stop 0 or a free transit ticket on Keikyu or the Monorail. ANA's minimums also differ: 75 minutes at Narita and 80 at Haneda.
Official pages for this guide
The rules in this guide come from the official pages below. Japan, Booked. does not book or submit requests on your behalf.
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Sources and how this guide was checked
Published · Based on official sources · no affiliate links
Official sources
These official sources explain the rules and conditions used in this guide. Live availability and your own booking, admission or service outcome still need to be confirmed for your trip.
- ANA: check-in and connection guidance
What this confirms: ANA Group international-to-ANA domestic through check-in requires collecting bags for Customs and rechecking them, with this baggage arrangement limited to same-day connections. Its minimum-connection-time table is limited to flights both operated by ANA Group and distinguishes airport and terminal combinations; it does not validate another itinerary.
Last checked - Haneda: international-to-domestic transfer procedures
What this confirms: Haneda’s T3-to-T1 JAL counter opens 05:30–11:00 and 13:30–19:45; when closed, domestic procedures are completed at T1. Its T3-to-T2 ANA counter opens 05:30–19:30; when closed, use T2. A closed domestic transfer security checkpoint has separate public-transport alternatives. These routes do not by themselves show every airline’s connection time or a particular flight’s eligibility.
Last checked - Narita: international-to-domestic connections
What this confirms: Narita Airport requires completing international arrival procedures in your arrival terminal, followed by terminal transfers and reclearing domestic security where applicable; these general instructions do not guarantee individual connection times.
Last checked - tokyo-haneda.com: How do I get from Narita to Haneda, and how long does it take?
What this confirms: Getting between the two airports: Haneda Airport lists the airport shuttle bus at 65–85 minutes for ¥3,600, and through trains on the Keikyu, Toei and Keisei lines at 90–115 minutes for ¥1,760–3,080 (¥1,746–3,066 by IC card). Times are before traffic or waiting, so they sit inside, not on top of, the 4–5 hours we suggest for separate tickets.
Last checked
About this guide
Plan an international-to-domestic connection in Japan by factoring in baggage claim, Customs, terminal transfers, and airline check-in cutoffs, not just flight departure gaps.
This guide can't give you a live quote, hold a booking, or tell you whether you personally qualify or whether something suits your trip.
How we checked this
Sources and limits of this guide
These dated notes clarify what is confirmed by official sources—and what you still need to verify yourself.
If columns are cut off, scroll sideways. Keyboard: focus the table, then use Left/Right Arrow keys.
| Question | What we found | Where it comes from | What this means for your trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| What does ANA's check-in and connection guidance clarify? | ANA Group international-to-ANA domestic through check-in requires collecting bags for Customs and rechecking them, with this baggage arrangement limited to same-day connections. Its minimum-connection-time table is limited to flights both operated by ANA Group and distinguishes airport and terminal combinations; it does not validate another itinerary. | ANA: check-in and connection guidance | This applies only to the scope stated. |
| What details are covered in Haneda: International-to-Domestic Transfer Procedures? | Haneda distinguishes international-to-domestic paths by arrival/departure terminal and the availability of airline transfer facilities; a route for one carrier is not universal. | Haneda: international-to-domestic transfer procedures | This applies only to the scope stated. |
| What does the Narita Airport international-to-domestic transit guide cover? | Narita Airport requires completing international arrival procedures in your arrival terminal, followed by terminal transfers and reclearing domestic security where applicable; these general instructions do not guarantee individual connection times. | Narita: international-to-domestic connections | This applies only to the scope stated. |
| Does published guidance determine the outcome for your specific case? | No. The cited instructions establish specific facts, not a reservation, current capacity, completed transaction or personal suitability. | The three statements based on official sources above. | Keep missing conditions still unconfirmed and ask the responsible party before committing. |
Based on official sources, linked below.
Guide updates Reviewed
When this guide was checked and what changed
- First published
- Last checked
- Check again by
- What we checked
- ANA baggage and minimum-connection guidance, Haneda terminal procedures and airport-transfer guidance, and Narita arrival-transfer procedures were checked on 16 October 2026. The stated ANA minimums apply only to the specified ANA Group flight combinations. JAL minimum times and individual ticket protection remain unconfirmed; counter hours do not guarantee a connection.
- Latest update
- : Corrected the worked-example arithmetic and separate-ticket planning allowances; added the previously reviewed Haneda T3 counter-closure steps.
The date above reflects when these checks were last run. If an individual source was rechecked later, you’ll see that date next to it below. Other copy edits are listed in the update history.
Who edits this guide
One editor looks after this guide
Japan, Booked. is run and edited from Japan. The same editor checks the Japanese and English sources, writes the traveller-facing guidance and keeps the correction history up to date.
What changed
Update history
- Partial article update
Corrected the worked-example arithmetic and separate-ticket planning allowances; added the previously reviewed Haneda T3 counter-closure steps.
- Guide updated
How do I get from Narita to Haneda, and how long does it take?
- Scheduled recheck
Rechecked on 11 October 2026: the dated facts in this guide were compared with their primary sources (the per-source dates and the review date stay as they were until the source list is updated). Corrected: the underground passageway between Haneda Terminals 1 and 2 can still be walked; only its moving walkway is out of service.
- Situation table
Added a “your situation, what to do” table, using only facts already in this guide. No facts were rechecked, so the review date is unchanged.
- Added ANA minimum connecting times and a worked example
Added ANA's published minimum connecting times for Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu and Narita–Haneda transfers, Haneda shuttle and transit-ticket details checked on 8 October 2026, a worked example for separate tickets and a next-step list.
- Updated baggage claim order and transfer eligibility criteria
Rechecked ANA information on 25 September, corrected the sequence of baggage claim and Customs clearance in the English FAQ, and noted the specific scope of the minimum connection time table.
- Official source verification
Clarified that ANA baggage rules and minimum connection times apply specifically to ANA Group flights, and verified the connection steps for Haneda and Narita.
- Source-reviewed publication
Published an independently reviewed guide with dated primary sources, a clear scope and limitations, and links to help you plan your next steps.
If an operator, organiser or product changes in a way that affects the guide, we check it again sooner. Reader reports help us spot what to investigate, and we verify them against current official information before publishing. Read our update and corrections policy. See every guide's review schedule. Suggest an improvement to this guide.