Exploring Haneda Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around haneda airport

Haneda Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with approximately 90 million passengers travelling through its terminals each year. However, there is more to Haneda than just the airport itself. With its central location, quick transportation, and short-term accommodation options, Haneda is a great entry point to explore the surrounding area. From the observation decks in the airport, you can see planes taking off and landing with Tokyo in the background, while enjoying a glass of Haneda Sky Ale. Outside the airport, you can visit the Edo Koji area, designed to resemble an Edo-period street, or the nearby Jonanjima Seaside Park for a view of Tokyo Bay. For those interested in aviation, there is the Japan Airlines SKY MUSEUM, and for those looking to relax, the Haneda Airport Garden and its 24/7 spa. Japan's largest Chinatown is also a quick trip away, with over 250 Chinese-owned shops and restaurants to explore.

Characteristics Values
Transport Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line train, Limousine Bus
Hotels The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda, Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu, First Cabin Tokyo Haneda, Haneda Airport Garden
Attractions Jonanjima Seaside Park, Senzokuike Park, Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Japan Airlines SKY MUSEUM, TIAT Sky Road, Edo Koji, Tokyo Pop Town, Haneda Innovation City, Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama Cosmoworld, Hokokuji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Food Haneda Sky Ale, Haneda Airport's cafes and restaurants, Japanese hot springs

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Visit the Edo Koji area, designed to resemble an Edo-period street

If you're looking for things to do around Haneda Airport, a great option is to visit the Edo Koji area, designed to resemble an Edo-period street. Edo Koji, or The Edo Market, is located on the fourth floor of the Terminal 3 Departure Lobby and offers a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture, cuisine and shopping. The area boasts a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as food stalls offering Edo-mae sushi, oden (Japanese hot pot), and freshly made rice balls and breads to take away. Edo Koji is modelled after a typical street of old Japan from the 17th century, with surrounding red pillars similar to those of the Kanda Shrine, and a tall Edo fortified tower, creating a traditional ambiance that expresses Japanese craftsmanship. You'll also find a mock Edo-style theatre, constructed using traditional methods under the supervision of Kabuki actor, Kanzaburo Nakamura XVⅢ, and designed by master architects who specialise in the traditional construction of tea ceremony structures made with natural wood.

The Edo Koji area is easily accessible, located just one minute on foot from the Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station on the Keikyu Line. So, if you're looking for a taste of traditional Japan without venturing too far from the airport, Edo Koji is definitely worth a visit.

In addition to Edo Koji, there are several other attractions near Haneda Airport that might be of interest. For those interested in aviation, the Japan Airlines SKY MUSEUM offers tours, and there is also the option to stay overnight in a "first-class cabin" hotel. The nearby Jonanjima Seaside Park is a pleasant place for a stroll along Tokyo Bay, offering views of ships entering and leaving the bay, as well as planes taking off and landing. If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, the Haneda Airport Garden features a spa that is open 24 hours a day and is a great way to unwind after a long flight.

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Explore Japan's largest Chinatown, with over 250 Chinese-owned shops and restaurants

Yokohama Chinatown, located just south of Tokyo, is Japan's largest Chinatown, with over 250 Chinese-owned shops and restaurants. It is a vibrant and colourful place to visit, full of delicious food and unique shopping experiences.

History

Yokohama Chinatown was established in the late 19th century, when the sea port opened in Yokohama in 1859. This led to an influx of Chinese immigrants, who formed settlements in the area. The growth of the Chinatown was further bolstered by increased trade between China and Japan following the Sino-Japanese Trade Treaty in 1871, which led to a diverse range of Chinese professionals settling in the area. However, the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 devastated the area, and many immigrants chose to return to China. The start of the war between China and Japan in 1937 also impacted the growth of the community.

How to Get There

Yokohama Chinatown is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. The closest station is Motomachi-Chukagai on the Minatomirai Line, which is connected to the Fukutoshin Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line. You can also take the Keihin-Tohoku Line to Ishikawacho Station, which is a short walk away from Chinatown.

Food

Yokohama Chinatown offers a plethora of dining options, ranging from street food to sit-down restaurants. Foodies can indulge in a variety of dishes, including Hong Kong-style egg tarts, Peking duck, Taiwanese noodle soups, dim sum, meat dishes, vegetables, fish, and soups. For those with a sweet tooth, there are treats such as fried sesame balls, egg tarts, and steamed buns with soup inside. Many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat courses, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes.

Shopping

Chinatown is a great place to shop for Chinese-related items, including traditional clothing, charms, lanterns, incense, medicine, spices, and jewellery. You can also find unique souvenirs, such as panda memorabilia. Some shops offer fruits that are less commonly found in other parts of Japan.

Temples

In addition to the culinary and shopping delights, Yokohama Chinatown is also home to two elaborately designed temples: Kanteibyo and Masobyo. Kanteibyo is dedicated to Guan Yu, a historical figure from China's Three Kingdoms Period who became worshipped as a god of war and justice. Masobyo is a temple for devotees of Mazu, the goddess of the sea.

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If you're looking for a leisurely activity near Haneda Airport, consider visiting Senzokuike Park, a short walk from Senzoku Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line. This park is a popular spot for families, boasting a large pond, serene strolling gardens, and play equipment for children.

The pond, Senzokuike, is a rare find in Tokyo and features an antique feel, with a vibrant population of waterfowl. You can rent iconic swan paddle boats, as well as traditional rowboats, to explore the pond. The park also has a food bazaar, so you can enjoy a bite to eat during your visit.

Senzokuike Park is especially enchanting during the cherry blossom season, when the surrounding mature trees explode with pink blooms, creating a magical atmosphere. The park is also a great place to visit in the autumn, when the trees display fiery hues, and even in the summer, when the lush greenery provides a refreshing escape from the heat.

The area surrounding the park includes the Senzokuike Shopping Street, where you can find cafes and restaurants such as Cafe Musashi, as well as residential areas, schools, and libraries. The nearby Ikegami Honmonji Temple, the main temple of Nichiren Buddhism, is also worth a visit.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll, a fun boat ride, or a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the pond and gardens, Senzokuike Park offers a delightful escape for families, friends, and solo travellers alike.

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Experience traditional Japanese culture and modern technology at Haneda Innovation City

Haneda Airport is more than just an airport; it is a destination in itself, with a wealth of food, shopping, and attractions. One such attraction is Haneda Innovation City, a large-scale commercial and business complex located just minutes from Haneda Terminal 3. The complex is easily accessible, being directly connected to Tenkubashi Station, which is only one stop from Haneda Airport Terminal 3.

Haneda Innovation City combines traditional Japanese culture with modern technology. Visitors can enjoy a range of gourmet dining options, Japanese cultural activities, and music events. The complex also features research and development facilities, an advanced medical research centre, and convention facilities.

For those interested in traditional Japanese culture, Haneda Innovation City offers the opportunity to explore the creation of traditional crafts and cuisine. Visitors can also savour Japanese dishes and craft beer, admire a Japanese garden interwoven with modern technology, and collect capsule toys. The complex also features an ashiyu footbath on the Skydeck, where visitors can relax and enjoy a panoramic view of the airport and its runways.

Additionally, Haneda Innovation City is home to innovative companies shaping the future of smart mobility, healthcare, and robotics. Visitors can interact with the complex's tech facilities along the Innovation Corridor and experience the latest advancements in these fields. The Artist Village, a spacious lawn area with art-inspired playground equipment, offers a break from the technology-focused attractions, providing a place to sit back, relax, and watch the planes go by.

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Relax and rejuvenate at the famous Haneda hot springs, renowned for their moisturising effects

If you're looking to unwind and rejuvenate after a long flight, the famous Haneda hot springs are just a stone's throw away. With its moisturising effects, it is the perfect place to relax and refresh yourself.

Heiwajima Natural Hot Springs is a mere 15-minute drive from Haneda Airport and is open 24/7. It is one of the largest natural hot spring facilities in Tokyo, with 150 tons of thermal water bubbling up from 2,000 meters below ground. The sodium-chloride spring water forms a thin layer on your skin, locking in moisture and leaving it smooth. The carbonated water helps open small blood vessels, boosting your metabolism. You can also experience the hot stone spa, with its variety of natural stones offering different therapeutic benefits. The facility also includes a restaurant, massage services, and a library with comics and newspapers, ensuring you have everything you need to relax and rejuvenate.

If you're looking for a more traditional experience, Heiwajima Hot Springs offers a public bathhouse where you can immerse yourself in the hot spring waters. This traditional experience requires participants to be comfortable nude around others of the same gender.

For those seeking a more comprehensive wellness experience, Heiwajima Onsen offers a range of packages. The Welcome Course allows you to stay for up to 14 hours, providing a perfect opportunity to rest and relax after a long flight. It includes a shuttle bus service to and from Haneda Airport, making it an incredibly convenient option.

With its proximity to the airport, natural hot spring waters, and array of relaxing amenities, Heiwajima Hot Springs is the perfect destination to revitalise and rejuvenate after a tiring journey.

Frequently asked questions

Haneda Airport is close to downtown Tokyo and Yokohama, so there are plenty of things to do nearby. The airport itself has observation decks, and the surrounding area offers flexible accommodations for those with late or early flights. The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda is located at Terminal 3, the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu is in Terminal 2, and the First Cabin Tokyo Haneda, an airplane-themed capsule hotel, is in Terminal 1. Outside the airport, you can visit Jonanjima Seaside Park, which offers views of Tokyo Bay and even has camping and BBQ facilities. You can also visit the Edo Koji area of the airport, designed to resemble an Edo-period street, or head to the nearby Ikegami Honmonji Temple, the main temple of Nichiren Buddhism.

Haneda Airport offers a wealth of food, shopping, and attractions. Air enthusiasts can enjoy the observation decks, take a tour of the Japan Airlines SKY MUSEUM, and even stay the night in a "first-class cabin" hotel. You can also visit the Edo Koji area of the airport, designed to resemble an Edo-period street, and enjoy the night view of planes taking off and landing from one of the airport's many cafes and restaurants.

Haneda Airport is easily accessible from downtown Tokyo, so you can explore the city during your layover. You can visit the nearby Tsukiji Fish Market, or head to the laid-back district of Kamata, which features scenic shopping streets, great dining, and a unique take on Japanese hot springs. If you want to stay closer to the airport, you can visit the Haneda Airport Garden and go to the spa, or check out the shops and restaurants in the area.

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