Narita to Ferno (VA) (NRT–MXP) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Japanese passport holders enter Italy visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen agreement. No advance application, no fee. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area with one blank page. Starting in 2025, the EU's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will require a pre-travel registration costing EUR 7, valid for 3 years.

At the border (or more likely at airline check-in), you may be asked for proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds. Travel insurance covering EUR 30,000 is not mandatory for Japanese nationals but is a smart move given European medical costs. The 90-day limit applies across all 27 Schengen countries combined, not per country.

Direct flights from Tokyo Narita to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) run about 12 to 13 hours on Alitalia (ITA Airways), ANA, and JAL. Italy uses the euro (EUR), trading at roughly 0.0062 EUR per JPY. No vaccination requirements. Italy's regional trains (Trenitalia Regionale) connect smaller towns cheaply, while Frecciarossa high-speed trains cover Rome to Milan in 2 hours 55 minutes for EUR 30 to EUR 80 depending on how early you book.

The Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport in 60 minutes, with stops at Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama (¥3,070 one-way from Tokyo; discounted round-trip tickets available). Keisei Skyliner from Ueno takes 41 minutes to Terminal 1 (¥2,570); the faster option from east-side Tokyo. Keisei Limited Express is slower (80 min) but cheaper at ¥1,290.Limousine buses depart from major Tokyo hotels and stations for ¥3,200 and take 75–105 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are extremely expensive (¥20,000–30,000+); avoid unless cost is no concern. The airport is 60 km from central Tokyo.

Malpensa Express trains depart Terminal 1 every 30 minutes to Milano Cadorna (45 min, €13) and Milano Centrale (52 min, €13). Terminal 2 passengers must take the free inter-terminal shuttle to reach the train. Taxis from Terminal 1 charge a fixed rate of around €100 to central Milan; pre-booked private transfers can be slightly cheaper.

Rental car desks are located in Terminal 1's arrivals area with a separate multi-storey car park. The A8 and A26 motorways give good access to the broader Lombardy and Piedmont regions.

Humid subtropical/continental climate on the Po Plain. Summers (June–August) are hot and muggy at 28–34°C, with afternoon thunderstorms that can produce short but sharp ground delays. Winters (November–February) are cold, damp, and foggy at 0–7°C. Fog is the most significant disruption risk and can persist for days, causing diversions to Turin or Bergamo.

Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant but bring variable rain. Po Valley fog is notoriously dense. Check conditions carefully for November through January travel.