Discovering Haneda: Top Attractions and Activities Near Japan’s Iconic Airport

If you’re planning to travel to Japan, you have probably heard about Haneda airport. It’s closer to central Tokyo than any other airport, so you’re probably looking to land there. But did you know that Haneda, Tokyo, is more than just an airport? This post explores all of Haneda’s history and top attractions, including its shopping and dining options.

Introduction to Haneda: A Gateway to Tokyo and Beyond

Haneda Airport is one of Tokyo’s main international airports. It’s located in the southern part of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Haneda is the busiest airport in Japan and hosts the two biggest airlines in the country: Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. In terms of size, it handles the largest amount of passenger traffic and is known as Tokyo International Airport. The airport sees a large number of domestic flights to Fukuoka, Sapporo, Osaka, and many other Japanese cities.

Haneda is located in Ota, a special ward in the Tokyo Metropolis. If you’re already in Japan, you can easily access the airport via train and bus from places like Tokyo Station, Narita Airport, and Shinjuku Station.

You don’t have to fly to spend quality time at Haneda. Besides its role in welcoming travelers looking for the easiest access to Tokyo, Haneda also serves as an exciting tourist destination. The airport boasts a wide range of food options, luxurious accommodations, observation decks, museums, shopping centers, and other attractions. There’s so much to see and do when you tour Haneda Airport.

A Quick History of Haneda Airport and Its Evolution

Haneda Airport was constructed on what used to be a popular resort area located in a town called Haneda (merged into the Kamata ward in 1932). It replaced Tachikawa Airfield as Tokyo’s main airport.

Land reclamation and construction of the initial 130-acre airport began in 1930 by the Japanese postal ministry. Haneda Airport opened on August 15, 1931, as a small airfield with a 300-meter runway, one terminal, and two hangars. The first flight from it took off ten days later. In the 1930s, most of the flights were domestic, with a few exceptions to Korea, Taiwan, and Manchuria. However, during World War II, Haneda became an airfield for military transport activities.

U.S. Control Post-World War II (1945-1958)

After the war ended, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers took control of the airport and renamed it Haneda Army Air Base. He also ordered an expansion project, which took its overall area to 636 acres.

The project was completed in June 1946, and Haneda served the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force until 1958, when control was fully restored to the Japanese government.

Japanese Government Control and Reclaim of International Status (Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century)

Before receiving full control, only a portion of Haneda was returned at first. This portion was called Tokyo International Airport in 1952. It continued to serve both domestic and international travel for several decades. But in 1978, all international flights from Tokyo, except those to Taiwan, moved to the newly built Narita Airport.

Haneda returned to being a domestic hub and would not reclaim its international status until 2008. New flight rules allowed Haneda to host international flights, but only within the hours in which Narita Airport was closed. Although it continues to expand with new facilities, Haneda is still subject to both domestic and international slot restrictions.

What Sets Haneda Apart from Other Tokyo Airports

Haneda and Narita Airports are two of the major airline hubs for travelers to Tokyo, and they inevitably get compared with each other a lot. Let’s explore what sets Haneda apart from Narita Airport.

1. Closer to central Tokyo: Haneda Airport is only 13 miles from the city center, which takes 30 minutes to get to by train. On the other hand, Narita is located 47 miles from central Tokyo, and traveling there via train takes nearly one hour. Hence it’s much cheaper, faster, and easier to access Tokyo’s downtown regions from Haneda.

2. More passenger traffic: Overall, Haneda records a higher number of flight passengers than Narita, most of whom stem from domestic flights. You’re bound to meet more Japanese people there than at Narita.

3. Better modern amenities: While both airports have similar facilities, Haneda’s amenities for international flights are slightly nicer and better maintained. Haneda also has more lounges for passengers.

Things to Do Within Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport consists of Terminal 1 (opened 1993), Terminal 2 (opened 2004), and Terminal 3 (opened 2010). Within these passenger terminals are some of the best attractions for tourists. Check them out below:

1. Tokyo Pop Town: Tokyo Pop Town is a shopping mall built into Haneda Airport Terminal 3. It celebrates Japanese modern culture by offering shops and immersive facilities related to anime, manga, video games, and other popular media. The mall includes a gift shop, several stores, some race slot cars, and the Starry Cafe Planetarium.

2. Haneda Nihonbashi Bridge: In Terminal 3 lies the Haneda Nihonbashi Bridge, which connects the 4th floor and 5th floor. It’s a half-length replica of the iconic Nihonbashi Bridge, which existed in the 17th century during the Edo period. The bridge is made from Yoshino cypress and surrounded by designs of the old Tokyo (Edo).

3. Observation Decks: There are three main observation decks in Haneda Airport, each one located in a different terminal. You can find a deck in Terminal 1 on the 6th floor and roof of the building. It offers an unobstructed view of every part of the airport and the planes on its four runways. In Terminal 2, you’ll find a deck on the 5th floor, offering views of Tokyo Bay. On clear days, you can even see Disneyland and the Boso Peninsula. Terminal 3 has an observation deck on its 5th floor, which features stunning views of Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower.

4. Haneda Airport Shrine: There is a shrine located on the 1st floor of Terminal 1, where people go to pray for safe air travel before flights or express gratitude upon safe arrival.

5. Japan Airlines Sky Museum: Learn about Japan’s premier airline and how it carries out daily operations. The Japan Airlines Sky Museum is an aviation exhibit with a focus on a specific airline. It allows for guided tours, revealing both new and old aircraft. The museum is located in the JAL Maintenance Center. 

6. Starbucks Coffee: There is a Starbucks at the airport where visitors and travelers alike can stop by for a hot cup of coffee. It’s like any other Starbucks in the country with a slight twist. This branch, which is located on the 3rd floor of Haneda Airport Terminal 1, offers incredible views of planes taking off or landing on the airport grounds.

7. Haneda Airport Garden: This is a large multipurpose complex containing 60 shops, a shuttle bus terminal, a spa, two luxury hotels, and 20 restaurants.

Must-Visit Attractions Near Haneda Airport

You’ll find more exciting attractions outside of Haneda Airport. The Haneda Innovation City is a massive business complex opened in 2023 and should be your first stop after leaving the airport. A little further away lies Kawasaki Daishi Temple, which is technically in Kawasaki City. The temple has been around since 1128.

A visit to the Ota Market will offer you access to all kinds of wholesale produce and traditional crafts made in Ota City. You can also stop by Anamori Inari Shrine without leaving the city. The shrine is accessible from Haneda Airport via a 6-minute train ride.

Day Trips from Haneda Airport: Exploring Tokyo’s Gems

There are many exciting places easily accessible from Haneda that you could add to your itinerary and use as day trips. One of them is the artificial island of Odaiba, located in Tokyo Bay. You can take a 30-minute train ride to the island directly from Haneda.

The busy neighborhood of Shinagawa is also easily accessible via a train ride from Haneda. Once there, you’ll get your fill of shopping centers, temples, and high-rise structures. Another great option for a day trip is the Tokyo Tower in Minato. It’s one of the tallest structures in the country and a famous tourist spot.

Relaxation and Comfort: Lounges and Services at Haneda Airport

Haneda offers some level of comfort to travelers looking to unwind, thanks to its luxurious lounges, nap areas, and spa services.

Facilities like Power Lounge, Tokyo International Air Terminal (TIAT) Lounge, and Sky Lounge offer services ranging from regular to premium. These services include a shared buffet, shower rooms, powder rooms, meals, and spa treatments.

Dining in and Around Haneda Airport: A Culinary Adventure

There are nearly 200 different places to eat at Haneda Airport. These eateries include restaurants, cafes, fast food stores, food courts, and izakayas.

They serve dishes ranging from authentic Japanese foods to Western and Chinese food. The following are notable restaurants in the area:

1. Shinjuku Acacia

2. Ginza Lion

3. Azusa

4. Setagaya

5. Hokkaido Kitchen

How to Get Around: Transportation Options from Haneda Airport

Below are some ways to travel from Haneda to Tokyo and other parts of Japan.

1. Keikyu Airport Line: This is a popular train option that passes through Haneda and reaches places like Shinagawa Station in less than 15 minutes.

2. Tokyo Monorail: This is a fast and convenient way to reach central Tokyo. The train can get to Hamamatsucho Station in 13 minutes, and you may board the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, Akihabara Station, Shinjuku Station, or other stops in downtown Tokyo.

3. Airport Limousine Bus: Take this bus from any of the terminals to popular hotels in Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and other parts of Tokyo.

4. Taxis: Haneda Airport features 24/7 taxi services. Although expensive, they offer a convenient and fast way to reach your destination.

Conclusion: Why Haneda is More Than Just an Airport

Don’t just visit Haneda for the flights. Shop, eat, and relax in the airport and its surroundings by using our guide to explore this vibrant area.

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