There’s more to do than just board a flight at Haneda Airport International Terminal – this world-class airport is full of restaurants, great shops, and useful services to make your travels that much smoother. Here’s everything you can do with a few extra hours in the airport.
View from the observation deck at Haneda Airport. - image © Florentyna Leow
Note: If you’re arriving at Haneda on an international flight, see our full Arriving at Haneda Airport guide.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to boarding a flight: dashing through the gates just in time, or arriving well ahead of time. We belong in the latter camp. Why endure all the extra stress of potentially missing your flight? Luckily, the international terminal at Haneda Airport is beautifully designed, with great food and retail options to make your pre-flight hours as pleasant as possible – so much so that you’ll seriously consider arriving at Haneda as early as possible!
There’s a lot you can do at Haneda Airport besides rushing through security to hop on a plane. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the international terminal. Here’s what it covers:
All the places mentioned in this article are shown on our comprehensive Haneda Airport International Terminal map at the end of this article.
Inside the international terminal - light and airy. - image © Florentyna Leow
Located in Ota Ward just outside of the central Tokyo area, Haneda Airport is the most convenient choice for travellers flying in and out of this part of Japan. You can get here by bus (approximately one hour from Shibuya Station), train (15 minutes on a rapid Keikyu line train from Shinagawa Station), and monorail (13 minutes on the rapid monorail from Hamamatsucho Station).
In short, the rapid monorail is the fastest and most scenic route, especially if you’re staying on the east side of the city. Check out our guide to airport transport for more.
Shops and restaurants in Edo Market. - image © Florentyna Leow
Airports aren’t exactly known for good food, but Haneda Airport dispels every stereotype there. Restaurants here are decent to good, and there’s a wide variety of mostly-Japanese fare. There’s tempura, sushi, tonkatsu, curry, green tea desserts, and even Japanese-Italian food. What we’ve mentioned below just scratches the surface. Best of all, food at Haneda airport isn’t overpriced for what it is – it’s similar to what you’ll pay for a meal in central Tokyo.
The most important thing to remember is that anything and everything worth eating in Haneda Airport can be found before security. There’s very little of note around the gates, so if you’re looking for a square meal to tide you over pre-flight, head over to “Edo Market” on the 4th floor after you drop off your baggage at your airline’s check-in counter.
Tuna sushi at Ariso. - image © Florentyna Leow
Yes, you can squeeze in one last sushi meal before you leave Tokyo! Head over to Ariso on the 4th floor for some very decent mid-range sushi. The fish is fresh and good, they don’t stint on the neta (topping), and every piece is made to order.
Each seat comes with its own iPad for ordering. - image © Florentyna Leow
It’s counter-seating only here. You’ll order off an iPad in front of you – language options include English, Korean, and Chinese – and there’s even ways to specify whether you want wasabi in your sushi or not. We recommend the 5-piece tuna set, and any kelp-marinated fish on the menu.
The Zunda Saryo storefront. - image © Florentyna Leow
Zunda is a regional Sendai speciality of sweet edamame bean paste – unorthodox if you’re used to red bean paste, but don’t knock it till you try it! Try zunda mochi (rice cake coated with bean paste) at Zunda Saryo on the 4th floor for a taste of the north.
We personally love the “Zunda Shake.” It’s a modern take on this traditional Japanese dessert – they blend edamame paste into a rich vanilla milkshake that holds its own against any Shake Shack concrete.
Rice balls at Tempura Takahashi. - image © Florentyna Leow
Why have plastic-wrapped rice balls when you could have them freshly made and stuffed with tempura? That’s what you get at Tempura Takahashi, a take-away only tempura stand next to Zunda Saryo on the 4th floor. Rice balls filled with deep-fried chicken, prawns, and squid make fantastic light meals when you can’t face a full dinner pre-boarding. They’re good snacks to have on you after passing through security, too.
Takahashi doesn’t just do rice balls, of course. You can get full tempura rice bowls to go, for between JPY750 and JPY1250. It’s not the same as a piping hot sit-down tempura dinner, but for a generously-sized bento box like this, who’s complaining?
The menu at Tsurutontan. - image © Florentyna Leow
Few things are more satisfying than a hearty bowl of chewy udon noodles. Slurp your way through Tsurutontan’s ginormous bowls. They might be a chain restaurant, but the quality of their noodles is remarkably consistent and delicious across all their outlets; the Haneda branch is no exception. Choose from sukiyaki-style udon, carbonara udon, mentaiko (spicy cod roe) udon, fried prawn curry udon, and more. The sky’s the limit!
Alternatively, hit up Setagaya for a delicious bowl of ramen noodles. With a punchy soy-flavoured sardine and bonito broth, this bowl doesn’t hold back on flavour. Depending on the time of day, you’ll probably see queues in front of the restaurant. It’ll be a fast meal – turnover at ramen joints is fairly quick – but you should still budget a little time before you go through security.
The Katsusen storefront. - image © Florentyna Leow
Who doesn’t like a juicy pork loin cutlet coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried? A meal at Waton Katsusen is straightforward and uncomplicated – decent tonkatsu set meals at relatively reasonable prices. It’s not dirt cheap, but the cost-performance is good.
Tully’s Coffee on the second floor in the arrivals hall. - image © Florentyna Leow
At the time of writing, Haneda Airport does not have great coffee – yet. It’s slim pickings for coffee connoisseurs, sadly, but there are several places to get your caffeine fix right off the plane. Head over to Tully’s Coffee (in the arrivals hall on the second floor, next to the showers) or Cafe Cardinal (departures hall).
Saryo Itoen is located near the escalators, at the entrance to Edo Market. - image © Florentyna Leow
Alternatively, if you prefer caffeine in the form of green tea rather than coffee, try Saryo Itoen, a tea house on the 4th floor. There’s matcha and various kinds of tea, and a good selection of tea-flavoured ice creams and parfaits for the sweet of tooth.
Colourful streamers decorate the center stage at Edo Market. - image © Florentyna Leow
Haneda Airport has excellent duty-free shopping. There’s everything from electronics to crafts to handmade spectacles. To engage in some retail therapy, head to the 4th and 5th floors of the international terminal. The easiest way is via the escalators in the center of the departures hall on the 3rd floor.
Kit-Kat boxes displayed at the front of a shop. - image © Florentyna Leow
Last-minute shoppers, never fear – you can still pick up fun-flavoured Kit Kats at the airport! Several retail outlets around the departure lobby and upper floors stock boxes of these chocolate-covered wafers. You’ll find flavours like plum wine, sake, Hokkaido melon, peach, grape, and Tokyo Banana. It goes without saying that they make excellent souvenirs.
SORADONKI on the 5th floor of the international terminal. - image © Florentyna Leow
For a fairly comprehensive candy and toy collection, you could also head over to SORADONKI – that’s Haneda Airport’s own Donki Hote to you. It doesn’t have the scale of most Donki Hote outlets in Tokyo city proper, but you’ll get a similar sense of concentrated retail madness. Pocky biscuits, sunglasses, nail clippers, makeup – if you want it, you’ll probably find it here.
The entrance to Kiri, a Japanese designware shop. - image © Florentyna Leow
Think shopping in Haneda is just tourist tat? Think again. Kiri is where you pick up some stylish gifts for that design-savvy friend of yours. Whether it’s gorgeous blue Arita-yaki ceramics from Saga prefecture, hand-painted porcelain from Ehime prefecture, or handmade Japanese candles, those with a taste for the finer things in life will love this store.
Blue Arita-yaki plates from Saga prefecture. - image © Florentyna Leow
These small pleasures don’t come cheap. For instance, a set of five small porcelain plates will set you back anywhere from JPY5400 to JPY9720. You’ll need slightly deeper pockets for these souvenirs!
Here’s where you go for boutique beauty products. - image © Florentyna Leow
Tourists love shopping for Japanese bath and beauty products. What else could explain the proliferation of drug stores all over Tokyo touting tax-free shopping? The unfortunately-named Airport Drug drugstore in the departures hall stocks the usual range of products you’ll have seen in many similar stores, from face masks to vitamin and mineral supplements.
A selection of face soaps, one of which contains gold leaf. - image © Florentyna Leow
For a more unique selection of products, you’ll want to head over to Makanai Cosme on the 4th floor. Whether it’s face masks containing real gold leaf, konnyaku sponges, silk pumice stones, or seasonally-scented soaps, these products will make you want to treat yourself come bathtime. They make great gifts, too!
The entrance to Kaizosha-Shoten. - image © Florentyna Leow
Not everyone enjoys watching movies on a plane. Swing by the airport bookstore and swipe some books for your long-haul flight! Kaizosha-Shoten on the 4th floor stocks a very decent range of English-language books from the latest fiction bestsellers to light reads. You’ll find many Murakami novels, as well as plenty of John Grisham, Danielle Steele, Jodi Picoult, Sophie Kinsella, and Anne Tyler.
If light reads don’t float your boat, they also stock a good range of Japan-related books, ranging from yakuza memoirs to Japanese garden primers to introductions to samurai culture.
Itoya is a compact but well-stocked stationery shop. - image © Florentyna Leow
Nothing quite compares to visiting their main 12-storey outlet in Ginza, but stationery buffs – and everyone else – will enjoy browsing the Haneda branch of Itoya. Adorable patterned fans for summer? Check. Seafood-themed notebooks? Here. Fountain pens at JPY35,000 a pop? You can splash out right here.
Stock up on Hello Kitty merchandise here. - image © Florentyna Leow
If you missed out on a visit to Akihabara, head over to the 5th floor. There are two shopping areas – the “hot” and “cool” zones respectively – filled with shops catering to all your pop culture needs. Whether it’s racing cars from Hakuhinkan Toy Park, a vending machine dispensing Pokemon toys, or adorable cat merchandise from Hello Kitty Japan, you’ll find plenty to amuse yourself and your kids.
If that’s not enough, there are plenty of gachapon machines dispensing little toys and tchotchkes. They’re perfect for getting rid of all those excess coins you accumulated on holiday.
Samsonite suitcases for sale. - image © Florentyna Leow
Need more room for all the souvenir shopping you just indulged in at the airport? Hit up Travel Pro-Shop Toko for a sleek new Samsonite suitcase or three. Best of all, they’ll take your beat-up bag for disposal when you purchase a new suitcase (a one-for-one deal), so you don’t need to worry about where you’re going to bin your old wheels.
The shower rooms are located in the arrivals hall on the second floor. - image © Florentyna Leow
Everyone just wants to get clean coming off a long-haul flight – right? If you have a short layover at Haneda Airport without an airport stay, a quick shower is just the ticket for recovering from a double-digit-hour flight.
Showers are conveniently located at the arrivals hall on the second floor near Tully’s Coffee. A half-hour session costs JPY1030, and JPY520 per 15-minute extension. They provide towels, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and hair dryers; but if you want any extras like toothbrushes or makeup remover, this will cost a little extra. These shower facilities are open 24/7.
Of course, if you have free lounge access between flights, you won’t need to use these particular showers – just head over to your lounge.
SoftBank Global Rental is one place to pick up a data SIM. - image © Florentyna Leow
One of the most useful things you can do before heading out to explore Japan is picking up some pocket WiFi. You can do this right at the airport. Outlets like KDDI au, Mobile Center, and Softbank Global Rental are your best bets for picking up data SIMs on the day.
However, if you prefer planning ahead, it’s super easy to arrange a pocket WiFi device beforehand and you’ll only have to pick it up at the airport on arrival. Check out our guide on How To Buy a SIM Card in Tokyo for more.
Post boxes near the information desk. - image © Florentyna Leow
You’ll see multiple signs around the departures hall informing you that there are no post boxes after security. It’s important! Whether it’s a last-minute postcard to a friend or the pocket WiFi router that needs returning, you’ll need to drop everything off before going through security. Feed your letters to the red Japan Post boxes beside the escalators near the information desk in the departures hall. The nearest airline counter is row F.
A baggage delivery service operated by ANA in the departures hall - image © Florentyna Leow
Don’t be that person dragging your massive suitcase up narrow staircases and on crowded trains all over Japan. Save yourself the hassle and send it to your hotel instead! Japanese luggage forwarding services are efficient, timely, and pretty much always arrive where they’re supposed to. It’ll cost you under JPY2000 per medium-sized suitcase, but the freedom of walking around unencumbered is priceless.
Pro-tip: if you’re at the arrivals hall on the second floor, the JAL ABC and ANA baggage delivery service counters usually see long queues. To skip the lines, head over to their counters in the departures hall on the 3rd floor. Queues here are usually short or non-existent.
Alternatively, you can book your luggage delivery service online through an agent like Klook before you leave home. See our detailed guide for more information about how Japan's luggage delivery services work.
Coin lockers in the departures hall. - image © Florentyna Leow
If you’re going on a day trip out of Haneda, it’s best to stash any excess baggage somewhere at the airport. Those with backpacks or carry-on suitcases may want to consider using the coin lockers. We recommend those on the departures floor (3F), which are near the bathrooms on both ends of the hall. Small ones cost JPY300 and larger ones cost JPY500. These are the prices for 24-hour use.
The baggage storage counter in the arrivals hall also offers dry-cleaning services. Win! - image © Florentyna Leow
Those with anything larger than cabin-sized baggage will need to go to a manned baggage storage counter. You’ll find these in both the arrivals and departures lobby – pick one that’s convenient for you. Prices will vary by the size of your suitcase. The counter in the departures hall also offers wrapping services for your baggage; be warned that it’ll take around 10 minutes per piece.
This massage center is on the 5th floor. - image © Florentyna Leow
Flights can really wreck your body – humans weren’t made to sit for hours in an upright chair! Head to Raffine on the 5th floor for a well-deserved massage between flights. If you’re not feeling up to a long manual unknotting, you could just soak your feet in a hot “foot spa” for a few minutes. It’ll set you back around JPY540 for 5 minutes.
SMBC bank is one place to exchange some currency. - image © Florentyna Leow
As a rule of thumb, one should probably never exchange cash at airports – rates tend to be mildly extortionate. But if you’re in a pinch, there are a few places in the international terminal where you can swap out one currency for another. The departures hall (3F) has three – SMBC, Mizuho, and Travelex respectively. If you have time, compare rates across them to see which one will give you the best deal that day.
Seven Bank ATMs in the departures hall. - image © Florentyna Leow
Alternatively, if you need some yen, just head over to the Seven Bank ATMs in the departures hall. They take international cards!
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. But if you’re a Japan resident and speak fluent Japanese, you might choose to buy yours at either of the Japanese insurance counters in the departures hall. These are Tokyo Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance and Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc. respectively.
Charging stands near the information desk in the departures hall. - image © Florentyna Leow
No one really likes carrying extra battery packs. There are a number of charging stands after you go through security, but if you’re hanging out in the international terminal before boarding your flight, the most convenient ones are near the information desk in the departures hall. USB cables not included.
Lounge access isn’t just for burnt-out consultants and frequent flyers. Fork out a few dollars and you, too, can chill out in one of the airport lounges! You’ll have to go past security to access any of the paid lounges. Try the Sky Lounge or Sky Lounge Annex, both located in the international departures area. It costs JPY1030 per person for entry. Worth it for drinks and a little peace and quiet before your flight.
Purikura booths on the 5th floor in the Hot Zone. - image © Florentyna Leow
Snapchat selfies are well and good, but it doesn’t have the wacky, analogue charm of a photo sticker booth selfie session. You’ll find some ultra-Japanese photo sticker booths in the Hot Zone on the 5th floor, where you can pose and primp to your heart’s content. You’ll be rewarded with stickers of you and your travelling companions – a great momento to end your trip in Tokyo. Have fun decorating your photos!
An excellent view from the seats at the Haneda Airport international terminal observation deck. - image © Florentyna Leow
It’s more common to run for the plane and board it, but how often do you get to slow down and watch them take off and arrive? The open-air observation deck on the 5th floor of Haneda’s international terminal gives you a full view of the proceedings. Spend some time watching planes zoom off into the wide skies. It’s more than a little awe-inducing, and perfect if you have kids into airplanes, too!
The Haneda Airport International Terminal map shows each of the locations mentioned, plus more. You can view a full size version of the Haneda Airport map too.
If you have an early morning flight, where you stay the night before makes a huge difference in your day. Or, if you have a late arrival, you might like to stay at the airport for a night instead of trying to figure out trains the moment you touch down. Airport hotels are perfect for times like this.
Besides the airport hotels, we recommend staying as close as possible to Haneda Airport to minimise travel time in the morning. A good area to check out is between Tenkubashi and Anamori-inari Stations on the Keikyu-kuko monorail line, as this is just one stop before Haneda Airport International Terminal. We’ve suggested a few hotels in this area below.
Otherwise, though, Haneda Airport is easily accessible from downtown Tokyo. If you’re not flying very early in the morning, staying at a hotel in one of the central districts is perfectly acceptable. Check out our overview of districts and hotels in Tokyo for more information.
Royal Park Hotel THE Haneda - image © Booking.com
Royal Park Hotel THE Haneda
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This is the best choice if you’re taking an international flight early next morning, or you’re arriving too late to catch a train or bus into town. The entrance is literally located at one end of the departures hall in the international terminal. And as expected of this hotel brand, rooms are stylish, modern, and comfortable. They won’t be the largest rooms around, but you’ll have a good night’s rest. Don’t underestimate the luxury of waking up and rolling up to your flight with just a short walk!
Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu - image © Booking.com
Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This airport hotel is in Terminal 2 (one of two domestic terminals) rather than the international terminal, but with free shuttle bus services, who’s quibbling here? Rooms at Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu aren’t huge, but they’re clean, quiet, and well-stocked with amenities – even a hairdryer and an iron for business travellers. The WiFi is decent, there’s room service, and there’s a good variety of newspapers if you still read paper versions.
Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo - image © Booking.com
Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located a 10-minute taxi ride from Haneda Airport, rooms at Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo are pretty much what you expect from a Japanese business hotel. The rooms are on the smaller side – you’ve been warned if you have large suitcases – but they are otherwise comfortable, well-designed, functional, and clean. Mattresses here are very decent if on the moderately firmer side, and with quiet surroundings, you’ll get a good night’s sleep. With a trouser press and iron in each room, you know who their main clientele are! They also have a free shuttle service between the hotel and Terminals 1 and 2. The surrounding area also has some decent restaurants – skip the hotel restaurant.
Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo West Wing - image © Booking.com
Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo West Wing
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
As with their sister hotel, rooms at Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo West Wing are also on the smaller side – they’re pretty similar at both places. Don’t expect much closet – or indeed suitcase – space. But, room prices here aren’t bad at all given the location. They also have all the amenities you’ll need, especially if you’re a business traveller. The complimentary shuttle service here goes straight to the international terminal, so if you’re heading to the domestic terminal, you’ll need to transfer to a different bus at the sister hotel.
Hotel MyStays Haneda - image © Booking.com
Hotel MyStays Haneda
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The MyStays hotel brand is fairly consistent across their branches. Rooms here are small when compared to similar hotels internationally, but they’re larger than most Japanese hotel rooms of this ilk. More importantly, they’re clean and comfortable. The toiletries provided in the rooms are good, as are the rest of the amenities. The train station is a 5-minute walk away, and there’s also a free shuttle bus to Haneda Airport. The only thing is that we would suggest skipping breakfast – it’s not really worth the money. Also, pick up some coffee from a convenience store nearby as there’s none in the room.
trulytokyo.com is an online guide to Tokyo written by Chris Rowthorn, author of Lonely Planet Japan guides, founder of InsideKyoto.com and InsideOsaka.com, and long-time Japan resident. More about Chris
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