Explore Haneda Airport to the Fullest! A Comprehensive Guide to Enjoying Haneda as a Tourist Destination

Haneda Airport (officially known as Tokyo International Airport) owns three terminals and serves as the aerial gateway to Tokyo from all over Japan and various parts of the world. With the recent increase in the number of passengers, Haneda Airport is no longer just a place for boarding planes.

In this article, we will discuss how to enjoy Haneda Airport as a tourist destination and recommend spots to visit, as it continues to evolve.

How to Access Haneda Airport from Central Tokyo?

When accessing Haneda Airport from central Tokyo, it is recommended to use either the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu Railway.

If you are using the Tokyo Monorail, you can reach the airport from Hamamatsucho Station in approximately 13 minutes. Similarly, if you opt for the Keikyu Railway, you can access the airport from Shinagawa Station in about the same time.

The Tokyo Monorail has two stations: ‘Terminal 1 & 2 Station’ and ‘Terminal 3 Station’. The Keikyu Railway is divided into three stations, one each for Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. As the terminal you need depends on the airline you are flying with, please be careful not to get off at the wrong station.

Haneda Airport’s Three Terminals: An In-Depth Guide to the Must-See Spots in Each

Haneda Airport is composed of three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. We will explain the recommended points of interest for each terminal.

When touring the tourist spots of each terminal, it is advisable to use the free shuttle bus service available for inter-terminal travel. The free shuttle bus allows you to move between the three terminals in about 10 minutes.

Reference：Inter-Terminal Transport | Access | Haneda Airport Passenger Terminal

Terminal 1 Overview

Firstly, let’s introduce the highlights of Terminal 1, where domestic flights from airlines such as Japan Airlines, Japan Transocean Air, and Skymark Airlines arrive and depart.

Observation Deck

A favorite spot for airplane enthusiasts, where one can watch planes departing to various parts of Japan, is the observation deck located on the rooftop of Terminal 1.

One of the reasons the observation deck at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 1 is popular among fans is that it features larger-sized fences instead of finer mesh ones, making it easier for visitors to view the airplanes. Additionally, there are areas with roofs to protect from rain and strong sunlight.

Since there are chairs and tables, you can also enjoy light snacks like bread or onigiri while watching the planes

Location: Rooftop of Terminal 1

Giants Wing Shop

The Giants Wing Shop is a place where you can buy merchandise of the Yomiuri Giants, a team that plays at Tokyo Dome and represents one of Japan’s leading baseball franchises.

The store, decorated with the team’s signature orange color, sells various items featuring their mascot character, Jabbit-kun, such as T-shirts, towels, and spectator gear.

With a wide range of cute merchandise available, it’s a store worth visiting even for those who are not just baseball fans.

Location: 3rd Floor of Terminal 1

Haneda Aviation Shrine

A little-known, hidden power spot in Haneda Airport is the Haneda Aviation Shrine, located in a corner of the arrival lobby of Terminal 1. It’s set up in a small space, similar to a meeting room, with a bright red carpet and a shrine, emanating a solemn atmosphere that seems out of place in an airport.

Originally, it was a shrine on the rooftop of the old Terminal 1, where pilots and cabin crew would pray for safe flights. However, it was relocated to its current location to coincide with the terminal’s renovation.

Nowadays, because of its association with the phrase ‘planes do not crash,’ it is also known as the ‘Never Crash Shrine’. Students and others often visit to pray for success in exams and tests.

Although it is located in a somewhat inconspicuous place, if you are using the airport for traveling to exams or similar occasions, consider visiting for a prayer of success.

Location: 1st Floor of Terminal 1

Terminal 2

Next, I will introduce the highlights of Terminal 2, where domestic flights from All Nippon Airways (ANA), AIRDO, and Solaseed Air arrive and depart.

Observation Deck

The highlight of the observation deck on the rooftop of Terminal 2 is the ‘Starry Sky Stage’ illumination that takes place at night. Countless LED bulbs embedded in the deck floor shine in various colors, creating a romantic and fantastical atmosphere. It is highly recommended as a date spot for couples traveling together.

Additionally, on the 5th floor of Terminal 2, there is an indoor observation space called FLIGHT DECK TOKYO. This area can be used without concern for weather or temperature, so please consider stopping by here on days with bad weather.

Location: Rooftop of Terminal 2

UPPER DECKTOKYO

When you want to enjoy delicious gourmet food at Terminal 2, UPPER DECK TOKYO on the 3rd floor is recommended.

Located right abovethe departure lobby, this area is a food court where you can enjoy dishes from eight countries including Italy, Turkey, and Spain, with nine different types of cuisine.

The chairs and tables are also designed with care, making it a stylish food court that does not feel casual and is popular among visitors.

Location: 3rd Floor of Terminal 2

Terminal 3

Finally, I will introduce the highlights of Terminal 3, which is used for international flights arriving and departing from Haneda.

Edo Alley

Edo Alley is an area within the airport where the traditional streetscape of old Edo (Tokyo) has been recreated.

The area features buildings with a warm wooden exterior and gentle lantern lights. It is lined with shops where you can enjoy Japanese food culture, including yakitori, oden, and Edo-style sushi. There are also photogenic spots like wooden benches with bright red umbrellas, which are particularly popular among foreign tourists as places to rest and take pictures.

Additionally, there are shops selling Japanese-style goods such as traditional crafts and miscellaneous goods, making it a great area for choosing souvenirs for friends overseas.

Location: 4th Floor of Terminal 3

TOKYO POP TOWN

TOKYO POP TOWN is a shopping zone composed of two areas: ‘HOT ZONE’ and ‘COOL ZONE’.

The HOT ZONE is an area enjoyable for those with children, featuring shops that sell popular character goods like Hello Kitty and a store with a slot car racing course approximately 50 meters in length.

The COOL ZONE features a café where you can enjoy a planetarium, as well as shops that offer stylish goods. It’s also a recommended area for choosing gifts or souvenirs for someone special.

Location: 5th Floor of Terminal 3

Must-See: The Newly Opened Haneda Airport Garden in 2023

The Haneda Airport Garden, a newly opened mixed-use commercial facility directly connected to Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport in 2023, is also a spot to enjoy when visiting Haneda Airport.

Inside the facility, there are about 80 shops including stores selling local specialties from various regions of Japan and restaurants. It also houses a 1,717-room airport hotel.

A special highlight is the ‘Izumi Tenku no Yu‘, which is available 24 hours a day. Here, you can soak in the hot springs while viewing airplanes taking off and landing at Haneda Airport, as well as Mount Fuji. There’s also an open-air bath, so you can enjoy the natural hot springs while immersed in a sense of openness.

With a stone sauna and dining area also available, it offers various uses, such as a place to relax before a flight or after arriving on a late-night flight.

Address: 2-7-1 Haneda Airport, Ota Ward, Tokyo 144-0041
Access: Directly connected to Haneda Airport Terminal 3
WEB：Official Website

Haneda Airport: A Treasure Trove of Fun Spots Even Without Boarding a Plane

I have introduced recommended tourist spots within Haneda Airport and the newly opened Haneda Airport Garden. Please refer to this article and take the opportunity to explore various places within the airport.

There are many popular tourist destinations in Tokyo, where Haneda Airport is located. When planning your sightseeing after arriving at Haneda Airport, consider using AVA Travel to find a travel destination that suits your needs.