Passengers using the Skyliner express train between Narita International Airport and central Tokyo will now be able to use facial recognition to board the train. This is expected to help ease overcrowding and ensure better service.

Starting on Friday, passengers can use the service -- run by Keisei Electric Railway -- by registering a facial image when purchasing tickets online.

A piece of paper will then be issued after passing through the gate bearing information such as seat numbers.

Keisei Electric says this should help ease congestion at ticket counters, as passenger numbers surge amid a boom in inbound tourism.