Arrival at Haneda Airport: What should I do first?
Landing in Japan feels exciting.
But right after arrival, many travelers feel unexpectedly stuck.
You’re finally here —
yet the first decision already feels heavy.
The moment people get stuck
You’ve cleared immigration.
You have your luggage.
Now what?
- Should I get cash first?
- Is it better to take a train or a taxi?
- Where do I buy an IC card?
- Am I even going in the right direction?
Nothing is wrong.
There are just too many choices at once.
Why this moment is so confusing
Haneda Airport is efficient, clean, and well-organized.
That’s exactly why the confusion is subtle.
- Signs are everywhere — but in different languages
- Options are all “reasonable”
- Everyone else seems to know where to go
The problem isn’t lack of information.
It’s deciding what to do first.
Why preparation doesn’t always help
Most travelers prepare in advance:
- Airport guides
- YouTube videos
- Blog posts
- Google Maps
But real life changes things.
- Your flight arrives late
- You’re more tired than expected
- The line you planned to use looks crowded
- You’re not sure if this is still the “best” option
Suddenly, your plan doesn’t feel solid anymore.
This is not a failure — it’s a normal travel moment
Feeling stuck at arrival doesn’t mean your trip is off to a bad start.
It simply means:
- You’re in a new environment
- You’re making real decisions, not theoretical ones
- You care about making the right choice
This moment appears for almost everyone, especially on their first visit to Japan.
What helps in this moment
Not more information.
What actually helps is:
- Understanding where you are right now
- Knowing your immediate options
- Choosing a next small step, not the entire journey
This is the kind of moment
that works best with on-the-spot guidance, not fixed plans.
A quiet note from OTAMA
OTAMA exists for moments like this.
Not to tell you what your trip should be —
but to help you move forward when decisions feel heavier than they should.
If you ever find yourself unsure right after arrival,
there is a way to think it through — right where you are.
