What to Do in Haneda Airport During a Layover
Tokyo International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the world, featuring three terminal buildings and 4 runways. It offers a wide range of services and amenities and is multi-awarded while being considered one of the cleanest aviation hubs globally. Thus, travelers with long layovers at HND Airport find themselves enjoying their free time there. While layovers are regarded as a necessary inconvenience during air journeys to distant destinations, the spare time spent at Tokyo Haneda Airport is surprisingly an enjoyable experience. Indeed, passengers find countless things to do at Haneda Airport, being able to exploit every minute until their upcoming flight. So, what are the top things to do while waiting at Tokyo Japan Airport?
Our Tip: The two domestic terminals (terminals 1 and 2) lie close to each other, linked via an underground passageway. Please note that terminal 2 also handles the ANA international flights. On the other hand, terminal 3 is connected to the other two terminals via the free airport shuttle and the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail. In any case, you should bear in mind that a visa might be required to leave your terminal building (thus, entering Japan). A Japan Transit Visa (for travelers between flights) is also an option.
Travelers with disabilities also enjoy their Haneda layover as the accessible airport provides them with numerous services and amenities, and constant assistance to ensure their comfort.
The HND Airport Shopping Experience
Tokyo International Airport houses countless shops. All terminals feature vast shopping areas, while the HND airport international terminal 3 and the international part of terminal 2 host Duty-free zones, where various premium products can be bought tax-free. However, you won’t find Du-ty free areas at the domestic terminal 1 and the domestic Departures of T2. Passengers can also buy products online and reserve duty-free items in advance.
Each terminal boasts a shopping area. The T1’s Marketplace is vast, spreading over six levels at the center of the terminal, right between its north and south wings. Terminal 2 also houses a centrally-located Marketplace, where visitors can shop while enjoying the sounds of relaxing music. On the other hand, terminal 3 features Edo-koji on its fourth floor, representing an old traditional Japanese market from the Edo period. Here, you’ll find souvenirs, Japanese products, and other options as well, along with charming traditional Japanese restaurants, and you’ll likely witness tea ceremonies and admire kimono displays. Moreover, Tokyo Pop Town can also be found on the T3’s fifth floor. It is a shopping area dedicated to Japanese pop culture. Thus, you’ll certainly be impressed by the collection of anime products.
Drink and Eat at Tokyo Airport
Airport food is generally considered to be bad and expensive. However, food at HND Airport is neither of these. Japanese cuisine is one of the world’s best, and the food options at Tokyo Airport are no exception to that. All terminals feature numerous eateries, cafes, and bars, serving refreshing drinks, coffee, tea, beverages, and alcohol, and focusing on local cuisine or providing international flavors. Fast -food and street options are also available, while several facilities offer kids’ menus. Moreover, passengers flying early in the morning or late at night find some (considerably fewer) drinking and dining options during those times as well.
Tokyo Airport Offers Free Wi-Fi
Passengers at Haneda Airport can use its Wi-Fi free of charge. Thus, they can spend their layover at Haneda Airport finishing work projects, checking their socials, communicating with their loved ones, or binge-watching. Charging stations are available as well, while there are also stores renting electronic devices at terminals 2 and 3. It’s important to keep in mind that airport Wi-Fi cannot be used in certain shops within terminal buildings, and connections may be unstable in certain terminals’ zones.
Finding Your Inner Peace is One of The Top Things to Do at Haneda Airport
Travelers arriving or departing from Tokyo Airport can find their peace of mind or pay their religious duties at the designated areas of the HND airport terminal buildings. Prayer rooms can be found on the third floor of terminal 2 (landside) and airside on the terminal’s second level, while terminal 3 houses prayer rooms on its third floor, in the public area. Terminal 1 boasts the Haneda Airport Shrine, a scenic location on its first level.
Rejuvenate Yourself at Tokyo Airport
Do you have an upcoming flight from Tokyo International Airport, and already feel tired and overwhelmed? You can use the airport’s facilities and rejuvenate yourself during your free time at the airport. You’ll find relaxation salons at all terminals and a beauty salon at terminal 1. Moreover, barber shops are located in terminals 1 and 2, while HND airport passengers can make use of the airport’s facilities to enjoy a refreshing shower. You’ll find shower facilities inside the T2’s Power Lounge Central and on the terminal’s first floor, while terminal 3 features showers on its second level. Towels, toiletries, and hair dryers are also available. However, terminal 1 doesn’t house shower premises. Still, it features powder rooms, ideal for grooming and changing clothes. You’ll find powder rooms in two locations on the terminal’s first floor, situated landside. Last but not least, massage chairs are available around the terminals. Therefore, passengers can use the massage chairs located on the first and second levels of T1, the first three levels of T2, and the second and third levels of T3.
Tokyo Airport is non-smoking. Still, you’ll find designated smoking areas around its premises.
What Are the Top Things to Do in Haneda Airport for Families
Tokyo Airport offers all the necessary services for passengers traveling with children. Thus, it features children’s restrooms and offers stroller rental services. Additionally, terminal 1 is equipped with 16 baby nurseries, while 18 baby nurseries are located within terminal 2, and 18 more baby nurseries can be found in terminal 3. Terminal 1 also houses a day nursery, which accepts reservations based on availability at least two days prior to the airport arrival. The day nursery is located on the north side of terminal 1’s third floor and is open from 07:00 am to 08:00 pm. Finally, children’s areas are also available inside the Tokyo airport terminals. Hence, you’ll find playgrounds located landside on T1’s second floor and airside, situated both on the north and the south sides of the same level, as well as on T2’s second floor. Indeed, three children’s spaces lie on that level, one in the public area and two airside (on the north and south sides). In addition to those facilities, a playground is situated in the after-security area of level 2, at the international zone. Finally, terminal 3 features only airside children’s spaces: one is located on the north side of the third level, while the other is on the same floor, towards the south.
Are you traveling with your furry friend? You’ll find a pet hotel on the first floor of the Car Park P4, lying close to terminal 2.
The HND Observation Decks Are Undoubtedly One of the Top Things to Do at Haneda Airport
Regardless of your terminal, you’ll find an observation deck offering the most stunning views of planes taking off and landing at the airport. Please note that under bad weather conditions, the observation decks might be inaccessible. In detail, the following observation decks can be found at the airport:
- Terminal 1: The Observation Deck is located on the terminal’s last two levels (6th and 7th floor-roof). It offers breathtaking runway views and is open from 06:30 am to 10:00 pm.
- Terminal 2: The Observation Deck can be found on the T2’s fifth floor and is open from 06:30 am to 10:00 pm. From that point, passengers can spot the runways and Tokyo Bay, while if the weather is good, Disneyland, Makuhari, and Boso Peninsula might also be visible. In addition to the Observation Deck, T2 houses Flight Deck Tokyo, the indoor observation deck on the fifth floor that operates from 05:00 am to 11:00 pm.
- Terminal 3: The T3’s Observation Deck is situated on the terminal’s fifth level, offering seamless views of the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree..
The Cultural Things to Do at Haneda Airport
Tokyo Airport features several cultural things to do and promotes local traditions and history. The amazing Haneda Nihonbashi Bridge, located between the fourth and fifth levels of terminal 3, is vivid proof of that fact. The made-of-Japanese-cypress bridge is a replica of Tokyo’s Nihonbashi Bridge, dating back to the 19th century. Folding screens from the National Museum of Japanese History are to be found along the way, showcasing the city’s history and Tokyo’s lifestyle in the past. On the other hand, the TIAT Sky Hall, also located in T3, hosts various events, while the TIAT Sky Road, leading from the Festive Plaza to the Observation Deck, is adorned with plane models of all the airlines operating at HND Airport. A flight simulator is also available here. Moreover, the Edo-koji, on T3’s fourth floor, transfers passengers back in time, representing a traditional market of the Edo period.
Tokyo Haneda Airport is decorated with numerous works of art. Thus, passengers interested in the art typically find Haneda layovers enriching, as they can explore the airport’s masterpieces. Just to name a few, the following works of art can be found within the three HND airport terminals:
- Moon (Fifth floor of T2)
- Kaze no Keikoku (Wind Valley) (Third floor of T2)
- Galaxy (Fifth floor of T2)
- Lakeside in the Morning (North side of T2’s First floor)
- Lakeside in the Evening (South side of T2’s First floor)
- Drifting Clouds (Second floor of T3)
- Water Shrine (Second floor of T3)
Haneda Airport Garden
Haneda Airport Garden opened its doors in 2023, providing numerous services and dining and shopping facilities. The complex is linked to international terminal 3 via its second level. It houses more than 60 retail stores, 20 eateries, a luxurious hotel, and onsen baths on the rooftop, providing top-quality services and amazing views. Haneda Airport Garden also features a bus terminal, while a free shuttle bus connects the complex to the Ariake Garden.
Relax at Tokyo International Airport
If you want to relax during your Haneda layover, you should make your pick among the following options: you can either settle on one of the airport lounges or check in at the Haneda airport hotels. All terminals feature lounge facilities (shared lounges and airline lounges), providing top-rated services to their customers and accessible to all travelers for a fee. Alternatively, all terminals house hotel facilities. That being said, the lodging option at terminal 1 is a capsule hotel, while the only hotel located airside is to be found within the T3’s premises.
Other Services and Things to Do at Haneda Airport
Are there other things to do at Haneda Airport during a layover? You can head to one of the information counters located in all three terminal buildings and get a Haneda airport memorial stamp, real proof of your stay in the main airport Tokyo. Moreover, you can visit the Festival Plaza of T3, and write a prayer for good luck, health, and wellness on a wooden tag (ema) and hang it on the terminal’s wall. Additionally, terminal 1 houses a thrilling flight simulator on its fifth level, open from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm. Finally, HND passengers can watch interesting videos about aviation, stay informed about Haneda news, or participate in quizzes at the “Much More About Haneda!” corner, on T3’s fifth floor.
Our Tip: If you want to optimize your Haneda layover, you should download the Haneda airport app. It offers useful information and handy tips on how to make the most of the airport’s amenities. Moreover, escort services are also provided at HND Airport. Therefore, you can benefit from that service and have a member of the airport’s staff accompany you and help you with the relevant procedures.
The Best Things to Do Near Haneda Airport
If you have a long layover but feel reluctant to stray far from the airport (or visit central Tokyo), you’ll find equally interesting destinations close to Tokyo International Airport. The airport is efficiently connected to the Tokyo Metropolis and several surrounding locations via numerous bus lines, while train connections (Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line) are also effective. On the other hand, airport taxis are always available to drive HND airport passengers to the locations of their choice. So, what are the top things to do near Haneda Airport?
- The Haneda Innovation City: The complex lies a short ride (7 minutes) from Tokyo International Airport. It masterfully blends advanced technology and high-tech features with traditional influences and the promotion of Japanese culture. It houses numerous eateries, bars, and cafes, along with various retail stores, and hosts many cultural events.
- The Jonanjima Seaside Park: If you want to enjoy amazing views of Tokyo Bay, observe the plane traffic, and enjoy the calmness of a serene walk in a beachside park, you should head to Jonanjima Seaside Park. It is located a 20-minute ride from Tokyo Airport and is the ideal place for long walks and picnics.
- The Ota Market: One of the largest markets in Japan can be found close to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Food products (fruits, vegetables, fish), tea, and flowers are sold here, and visitors can visit one of the on-site restaurants to enjoy fresh and delicious meals.
- Ikegami Honmonji Temple: If you want to experience Japanese religious culture, you should pay a visit to the Ikegami Honmonji Temple. Lying 10km/6.2 miles from HND Airport, the Buddhist temple dates back to the 17th century. A pagoda spreading over five levels is also located inside the temple’s complex.
- Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park: If you enjoy nature, you should visit the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, located a 20-minute drive from HND Airport. Bird-watching is, expectantly, the park’s highlight. Still, visitors also enjoy peaceful walks around the park. The park houses a Nature Center, spreading over three floors and offering seamless panoramic views of the area.
- Cruises and Tours: You’ll find several cruises and tours organized at Haneda Airport. Hence, you can participate in one of those tours (boat tours from Haneda Airport Pier are also available) and explore Tokyo Bay and the areas surrounding the airport in comfort.
Our Tip: If you have retrieved your luggage, you’ll have to store it to enjoy a relaxed layover at the airport. Conveniently, there are luggage storage locations in all three terminal buildings. Thus, terminal 1 offers luggage storage services on the basement and first level, while the luggage storage facilities of T2 can be found on the basement level and the three first floors. Finally, passengers arriving at T3 can leave their baggage at the luggage storage locations on the terminal’s second and third levels.