Exploring Haneda Airport: Things To Do And See

Haneda Airport, also known as Tokyo International Airport, is a great place to spend a layover. The airport has plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained while you wait for your flight. You can easily get between the three terminals using the free shuttle buses.

If you're looking for food, you can sample Japanese staples like ramen, sushi, and soba, or opt for international options like Italian or European cuisine. There are also plenty of cafes, including Starbucks, and to-go kiosks.

For shopping, you'll find a range of boutiques, local clothing brands, bookstores, handmade art shops, and airport standards like duty-free areas and convenience stores.

If you're looking to relax, there's a spa with an outdoor hot spring, multiple lounges, and an airport hotel with a rooftop hot spring. You can also visit the Haneda Airport Shrine, where travellers can pray for safe travels.

With so much to do, Haneda Airport is the perfect place to spend your layover in Tokyo.

Visit the spa and onsen

Haneda Airport is widely regarded as the better of Tokyo's two airports, and it's easy to see why. Not only is it significantly closer to downtown Tokyo than its rival Narita, but it also boasts an on-site spa and hot springs.

The Izumi Tenku no Yu spa is directly connected to Terminal 3 and is open 24 hours a day. It features a dozen hot springs and baths, including a carbonated water bath, an icy cold plunge, and a refreshing jet pool. There are also indoor and outdoor baths, with the latter offering views of the city and Mount Fuji on clear days. If you're looking to relax before your flight, you can also enjoy the dry, steam, and stone saunas, as well as the massage and 'akasuri' body-scrub treatments on offer.

The spa is open to the public, including non-hotel guests, and costs ¥4,800 for adults and ¥2,000 for primary school students and under. This includes a face towel, bath towel, robe, and access to the entire facility. If you're staying at the Hotel Villa Fontaine, you'll receive a ¥2,000 discount. Do note that the baths are closed daily from 10 am to 12:30 pm for cleaning.

If you're looking for a quick haircut or a pre-flight massage, you can also visit the Airport Barber in Terminal 1 or the Raffine Refreshment Salon, respectively.

Explore the observation decks

Haneda Airport has several observation decks across its three terminals, each offering a unique experience. Here is an overview of the observation decks to explore:

Terminal 1 Observation Deck

The Terminal 1 Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the airport, providing a 360-degree dynamic perspective of planes taking off and landing. It is split into two floors, with ample space for families to relax and enjoy the scenery. This observation deck is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive view of the airport's operations and the surrounding cityscape.

Terminal 2 Observation Deck

The Terminal 2 Observation Deck presents a romantic outlook, showcasing the beauty of Tokyo Bay and the surrounding areas. On clear days, you can even spot landmarks such as Disneyland, Makuhari, and the Boso Peninsula. This observation deck is perfect for couples, as many choose this spot to propose while enjoying the illuminated night view.

Terminal 3 Observation Deck

The Terminal 3 Observation Deck offers a unique perspective of international aircraft up close, along with a view of the control tower. From this deck, you can also see iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The night view from this deck is particularly stunning, resembling a jewel box. Terminal 3 is also home to the Haneda Airport Garden, which features shops, restaurants, and a spa for a well-rounded airport experience.

International Terminal Observation Deck

The International Terminal Observation Deck provides a good vantage point to watch arriving and departing flights. It offers a great view of the airport and the dynamic movement of planes. This deck is easily accessible by train or subway and has plenty of seating, restaurants, and souvenir shops to enhance your visit.

Shop at the Edo Market

If you're looking for a place to shop and eat at Haneda Airport, the Edo Market on the fourth floor of the Terminal 3 Departure Lobby is the place to go. Designed in an Edo-period style, the market offers a range of restaurants and souvenir shops, allowing travellers to enjoy Japanese culture, cuisine and shopping.

For food, the Edo-mae Yokocho offers Edo-mae sushi, oden (Japanese hot pot), and other dishes, while Okonomi Yokocho has freshly made rice balls, breads, and other takeout items. There are also several restaurants serving Japanese staples like ramen, sushi, and soba, as well as Italian, European, and deli options.

For shopping, the market has a variety of souvenir shops, including the Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza, which features various "Northern high-grade foods", dried sea cucumbers, confectionery, dairy products, and processed seafood. There are also shops selling stationery and miscellaneous goods, as well as home appliances and electric appliances.

The Edo Market is a great place to spend your time at Haneda Airport, offering a unique and stylish shopping and dining experience that will leave you with a lasting impression of Japan.

Eat at the airport's restaurants

Haneda Airport offers a wide variety of dining options, from quick bites to high-end restaurants. Here's a guide to help you navigate the airport's culinary offerings:

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to high-end restaurants. You can find popular chains like Starbucks, which provides a unique view of the check-in lobby, or try out LDH Kitchen THE TOKYO HANEDA for a more upscale experience. If you're looking for a quick bite before your flight, there are also several fast-food options available, including Subway.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is home to the Edo Market, a food hall located on the fourth floor of the International Terminal. Here, you'll find a variety of Japanese staples such as ramen, sushi, and soba, as well as Italian, European, and deli options. There's something for everyone, whether you're looking for a sit-down meal or a quick bite on the go. Some notable restaurants in Terminal 2 include Yoshinoya, Soba Sakedokoro Tsukijian, Beck's Coffee Shop, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and McDonald's.

Terminal 3

While there are no specific restaurant recommendations for Terminal 3, the terminal does offer a variety of dining options. You can find restaurants and cafes with views of the planes taking off and landing, making for a unique dining experience.

International Terminal

The International Terminal is a foodie's paradise, offering a wide variety of mostly Japanese fare. You can find tempura, sushi, tonkatsu, curry, green tea desserts, and even Japanese-Italian cuisine. The Edo Market on the fourth floor is a food hall with plenty of options to choose from, including Ariso for sushi, Zunda Saryo for green bean vanilla milkshakes, and Tempura Takahashi for tempura-stuffed rice balls. If you're craving noodles, Tsurutontan and Setagaya are great choices for udon and ramen, respectively. For a juicy pork loin cutlet, head to Waton Katsusen. And if you need a caffeine fix, Tully's Coffee and Cafe Cardinal have you covered.

Take a quick trip into Tokyo

Haneda Airport is located just 14km from the centre of Tokyo, making it a great option for those wanting to explore the city before or after their flight.

If you're looking to take a quick trip into Tokyo, the first thing to do is check your luggage into the storage areas in any of the three terminals. Then, make your way to the train station. The quickest way to get to the best areas of the city is by train, with the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line stopping at all three terminals. The Tokyo Monorail will take you to Hamamatsucho Station in just 13 minutes, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to reach destinations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. The Keikyu Line will take you to Shinagawa Station in 11 minutes, where you can also transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, as well as the Shinkansen bullet train.

With so much to see in Tokyo, you'll want to pick just one or two sights or neighbourhoods to explore. In Asakusa, the Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa-jinja Shrine are popular spots. Shoppers will love Shibuya’s malls and department stores, while Harajuku is the place to go for trendsetters. For great views of the city, head to the Mori Tower in Roppongi.

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