20 Spots to Enjoy in Narita International Airport's Terminal 2: Restaurants, Cafes, Observatories, and more!
Narita International Airport is one of Japan's busiest and most important airports, so many travelers to Tokyo will inevitably end up here with some time on their hands. If you find yourself in need of a place to relax at the airport with some heavy luggage in Terminal 2, look no further! Here are some recommended places to take a break and enjoy some delicious food while you await your flight.
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10 Classic Spots in Narita International Airport Terminal 2
1. IASS Executive Lounge 2
First on the list of recommendations is the IASS Executive Lounge 2, located on the 4th floor of Narita International Airport's Terminal 2. Traveling can be very exhausting, and you may find yourself looking for somewhere to take a break. IASS Executive Lounge 2 is the perfect place to do just that.
At IASS Executive Lounge 2, you can relax in one of their luxuriously comfortable chairs, and there is also an observatory, restaurant area, and shopping area right nearby. If you want a change of scenery and to see the views outside, you can walk over to the observatory. If you get hungry, you can head to the restaurant and shopping area to enjoy some delicious food and get some shopping done while you're at it. This lounge is a wonderfully convenient place for all of these things while allowing you to take a break.
2. Sushi Misakimaru
Do you ever just crave some sushi when you're hungry? Our next recommendation is Misakimaru, a restaurant in Narita Airport where you can enjoy fresh sushi. This restaurant is operated by the famous sushi chain Kyotaru, so the quality is guaranteed, and all the delicious sushi here is offered at a reasonable price.
The lunch menu at Misakimaru is especially recommended. You can enjoy some deliciously fresh sushi or an udon set that comes with an exquisite pairing of a subtly sweet stock soup and deep-fried bean curd. Their nigiri sushi, sushi rolls, and sea lettuce miso soup set is also a great way to enjoy a delicious meal at a reasonable price.
3. Starbucks Coffee - South Arrivals Lobby Branch
If you're at an airport, chances are you're tired from carrying all your heavy luggage. Open from 7:00 am to 9:30 pm, Starbucks is a great place to keep in mind for when you want to take a quick break.
Because this Starbucks is located inside the airport, their staff's service is reliable and efficient. The deliciousness of their drinks is important, but good service is also a big factor for many people in airports who want an efficient and hassle-free experience. This is a spot where you can comfortably spend some time and relax.
4. McDonald's
If you want to take a break and enjoy a meal without spending too much money, the McDonalds in Terminal 2 is a cheap and convenient option. This is a good place to remember for when you're feeling peckish and in need of a rest.
This McDonalds is in a convenient location to take a break from shopping or to kill some time until a departing flight. As with any other McDonald's, they offer affordable meals so you can relax here with no stress.
5. SHA HO DEN
SHA HO DEN is a great place to satisfy a big craving for Chinese food. Their authentic Chinese dishes are not to be underestimated just because the restaurant is in an airport! The lunchtime menu and original menu offers a selection of tasty dishes for reasonable prices, making this place a very enticing option.
Everything at SHA HO DEN is handmade and crafted to ensure the dishes are healthy. Their use of cooking oil to make healthier dishes makes this restaurant's menu feel a little different to some heavier Chinese-style meals. Their yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) with starchy sauce is highly recommended, and is one of their most popular dishes. The noodles have plenty of volume but also lots of vegetables, so you can enjoy a filling Chinese meal without feeling guilty.
6. TOKYO TONKOTSU BASE MADE BY IPPUDO
Ippudo's ramen is a no-brainer for when you're craving a deliciously thick tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen. Visit TOKYO TONKOTSU BASE MADE BY IPPUDO to devour Ippudo's famous ramen in the airport!
TOKYO TONKOTSU BASE MADE BY IPPUDO is a must-try restaurant if you enjoy tonkotsu ramen. They stay true to Ippudo's concept of, "Something for everyone to enjoy: a wide variety of tonkotsu ramen". Don't miss the chance to enjoy Ippudo's delicious signature tonkotsu ramen in the airport, with its thin, textured noodles and soup packed with umami.
7. Kukai
It can be difficult to choose what type of ramen you want to eat, which is what makes Kukai an ideal spot to visit. With choices of ramen bases including soy sauce, salt, miso, tonkotsu, and tantan (Japanese-style dandan noodles), you can have your pick depending on what flavor you feel like eating.
The variety of ramen offered at Kukai is great for indecisive people or people who want to try a ramen base that they haven't had the chance to try yet. All of these choices are delicious at Kukai!
8. Obon de Gohan
Obon de Gohan is recommended for health-conscious people who want to enjoy some delicious Japanese rice. Their dishes are nutritionally-balanced, handmade, and wide in variety, so you're sure to find something you'll love.
Not only do they offer many dishes on their menu, you can also customize the type of rice and side dishes to create a meal to your liking. Obon de Gohan also serves desserts, so once you've enjoyed your meal, you can wrap up with a sweet dessert.
9. Fa-So-La AKIHABARA
If you forgot to pick up your favorite sweets like the Tokyo Banana or Sugar Butter Tree, Fa-So-La AKIHABARA is a life-saver. Different from normal souvenir shops, they have a dim, outer space-like interior design that displays a wealth of souvenir options.
Most of the customers at Fa-So-La AKIHARA are foreign travelers, and the atmosphere of the shop will make you feel like you're in Akihabara's exciting shopping hub. If you have some extra time before boarding, this is also a great place to have fun browsing and picking up some last-minute items.
10. Sanbei
Sometimes, a refreshing Japanese meal is just what you need before you get on your flight. At Sanbei, you can enjoy a bowl of authentic sanuki udon that will make you forget you're in an airport. Along with their deliciously chewy noodles, you can try their sweet-and-spicy oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) for a filling meal.
Since they are open from 7:00 am even on Sundays, this is a good place to remember if you find yourself at the airport when many shops are still closed. The sanuki udon is not the only dish available for you to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors - the oyakodon and tempura are also great options to enjoy a last taste of Japan.
5 Trendy Spots in Narita International Airport's Terminal 2
1. Dotour Coffee Shop
At Dotour Coffee Shop you can enjoy drinks for reasonable prices, including the small blended coffee for only 220 yen.
Along with drinks, Dotour Coffee Shop also offers tasty light meals. Consider buying yourself one of their affordably-priced sandwiches to bring with you on your flight!
2. N’s COURT
If you're looking for the kind of variety you can find in food courts, from ramen to rice dishes, you will find it at N's COURT. This is one of the few restaurants in the airport that offer such a wide variety of dishes.
At N's COURT you can choose from dishes like ramen, sandwiches, curry and more. They also have WiFi and outlets readily available, so you can use and charge your electronic devices for a stress-free dining experience with your favorite food.
3. RB
RB is a stylish restaurant that serves delicious light dishes like pancakes, french fries, and cheesecakes. The atmosphere of this restaurant is popular for its non-airport-like interior.
One of the most popular dishes at RB is their roast beef, which can be enjoyed with their Roast Beef Rice Bowl or Roast Beef Sandwich. The reason for its popularity is the lean cut of meat that is used, which is not too oily so you can enjoy a delicious meal without feeling weighed down.
4. CAFÉ de CRIÉ
CAFÉ de CRIÉ is recommended for travelers who want to enjoy a stylish, Instagram-worthy cafe. You can count on getting some pretty pictures while you enjoy the appetizing drinks and food here.
For drinks with a "SOY" mark like the Cafe Au Lait, Cappucino, and Cafe Latte, you can substitute the milk for soymilk for an additional 40 yen. These thoughtful customizations are recommended for those who prefer soymilk over regular milk.
5 Affordable Spots in Narita International Airport's Terminal 2
1. MEIJI PARLOR
2. GINDACO
If you're feeling a little peckish but don't want a full meal, you can't go wrong with GINDACO. The takoyaki (fried batter balls with octopus) here also goes great with their highly carbonated high balls.
Their takoyaki has a flavorful combination of crunchy and soft textures and is a great match with an alcoholic drink. You can even have a pick from various kinds of takoyaki, including the spring onion takoyaki and cheese mentaiko (pollock roe) takoyaki!
3. BLUE SKY 63 Gate Shop
BLUE SKY 63 Gate Shop is a great place to head to if you have lots of places you want to visit, including a coffee shop, souvenir shop, and convenience store. They have a variety of light meals, souvenirs, and drinks on offer.
Because of their convenient variety of spaces, you can enjoy a light meal in their eat-in space, walk around the souvenir section, and then buy some drinks and snacks before heading onto your flight. This is an efficient way to spend your last moments in Japan.
4. 4F North Observation Deck
The 4F North Observation Deck in Terminal 2 is a surprisingly unknown spot, located just left of the IASS Executive Lounge 2. For airplane enthusiasts, 7:30 am to 9:30 am or 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm are the best times to see many types of airplanes take off and land.
The advantage of the 4F North Observation Deck is that there is never glaring sunlight so you can take beautiful photos. This place is highly recommended for families with young children or airplane enthusiasts to have some fun at the airport.
5. 4F South Observation Deck
The 4F South Observation Deck in Terminal 2 is also a surprisingly unknown spot, located on the other side of the 4F North Observation Deck to the right of the IASS Executive Lounge 2. For this observation deck, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm is the best time to visit, because many JAL (Japan Airlines) flights land during this time.
As opposed to the North Observation Deck where you can see different airplanes, the South Observation Deck offers a rare view of the side of the airport that gets crowded with JAL airplanes. There is also a Seven Eleven convenience store near the entrance, so you can buy some drinks and snacks to enjoy a relaxing time watching airplanes here.
Take a Break at One of These Recommended Spots in Narita International Airport's Terminal 2
This was an introduction to 20 great places to check out when you visit Narita International Airport's Terminal 2. From popular spots, stylish cafes, to lesser-known places you won't have to spend too much money, there are many options available at this airport terminal. Please feel free to bookmark this page so that you have a reference for when you're looking for a place to take a break or kill some time!
Header Image: pio3 / Shutterstock
Translated and republished with permission from: SPIRA (formerly known as Relux Magazine)
By the way, you can book a hotel through Relux (run by SPIRA) by clicking here!
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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