Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the largest airport in Kenya and is a major hub for both commercial and civil air transport in East Africa . It is named after the country's first president and prime minister, and serves the country’s capital city. 

Welcome to Tokyo, a mesmerising Asian mega-metropolis where high-tech meets antiquity with effortless grace.

The city started life as a small fishing village to become a 17th-century shogun powerhouse. Today it is Japan’s cultural, educational, commercial and governmental hub. Book a flight to Tokyo to experience a unique blend of cultural riches.

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the largest airport in Kenya and is a major hub for both commercial and civil air transport in East Africa . It is named after the country's first president and prime minister, and serves the country’s capital city. 

Efficient and friendly, passengers flying from Nairobi with Qatar Airways will find this an excellent start to their journey, with friendly staff, good facilities and a smooth, hassle-free departure experience.

Transportation and parking

Travel from the capital is reasonably easy to arrange. Official taxis, operated by Kenatco, take approximately 20-30 minutes from the centre of Nairobi to the airport, although during busy periods this can double. 

An alternative to taxis are the airport shuttle coaches Citi Hoppa (distinctive yellow and green vehicles), although advice is that travellers book an official taxi as their first choice. Parking at the airport is limited with just 900 short-term and 100 long-term parking spaces in total.

Arriving in Nairobi

The airport is currently undergoing major redevelopment, with a new terminal scheduled for opening in 2016. Currently, all passengers flying from Nairobi with Qatar Airways leave from the Departures area of the old terminal.

 Note that current security measures in Nairobi are exceptionally tight, so it is highly advised that passengers arrive at least 2-3 hours before their flight is due to board to clear check in and security procedures. 

Facilities and amenities

There are no business facilities at the airport, although this may be addressed once the new terminal opens. A VIP lounge is available for business class and first class travellers.

Paid-for Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal, and an internet café in the Departures area is also open for passengers. A restaurant is located on the fifth floor, and a café is open in Unit 1. 

Additional restaurants and drinks outlets are located in Unit 2, and cafés and snack bars can be found in Unit 3. Numerous retail outlets provide passengers with a good choice of African goods and souvenirs, luxury goods, Duty Free and accessories.

While most people will constrain their visit to Narita purely to travel to and from the airport on the way to nearby Tokyo, the town itself does have plenty to offer visitors who are willing to stop and look around. Book a flight to Narita with Qatar Airways and you could discover this interesting little destination for yourself, before you head to the bright lights of Tokyo.

Charming and with plenty of traditional Japanese character, Narita is a relatively tranquil location that gives visitors a taste of the real Japan. The people are friendly and welcoming, and are happy to show tourists willing to interrupt their journey to the capital around their little town. Nearby attractions make this off-the-beaten-track location well worth exploring.

Tourist attractions

The town is known for its ancient buildings, and one of the best is the Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple, the site of which dates back to the 10th century. Classical pagodas and tranquil gardens are complemented by a European style garden too, making it an interesting fusion of two distinctly different cultures.

To really understand a little more about Japanese culture, take a trip to Boso No Mura, a living museum dedicated to the culture of the Japanese people. It includes a reconstructed traditional Japanese street, burial mound and a samurai residence. The centre hosts festivals and events celebrating the native culture of Japan’s islands too.

The Museum of Aeronautical Science is about 15 minutes by bus from the airport, while at the northern end of the runway you’ll find a surprisingly tranquil spot, Sakura-no-Yama Hill. This is a great spot to watch the aeroplanes take off and land, and during the spring the cherry trees turn this peaceful little park into a riot of colour.


Travel Considerations

Flights to Narita with Qatar Airways land at Narita Airport, Japan’s largest international air transport hub. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Narita please check the visa and passport requirements.