Haneda Airport

In recent years, with the rise of budget airlines, Haneda has expanded to offer a wide selection of international destinations. Flights now serve such popular cities as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Vancouver, Honolulu and London. 

For those who must – or choose – to spend time in the terminals of Haneda, there are plenty of diversions to occupy one’s self. In the international terminal, spend a bit of time wandering along Edo Alley, on the 4th floor of the international terminal. Around 40 shops and restaurants tempt travelers with a selection of locally-made goods and gourmet bites such as yakitori and simmered oden. A replica of the Nihombashi bridge – the starting point from which all roads were measured in the Edo Period – connects the terminals 4th and 5th levels. On floor 5, Tokyo Pop Town is a mecca for anime and manga fans, where character-based souvenirs (such as beloved icon Hello Kitty) can be picked up for adoring fans back home. 

In the domestic terminals, don’t miss a night visit to the viewing deck on the 5th floor of Terminal 2. As darkness falls, over 4000 LED lights enliven the scene. On a clear day or evening, Mount Fuji can be seen looming on the horizon. Those seeking to petition for a safe flight will find a small aviation-themed shrine dating back to 1931 tucked away in Terminal 1. And craft beer fans are well catered to in Terminal 1’s Sky Station, where the Haneda Sky Ale – created by local brewery TY Harbor – can be exclusively enjoyed (the beer is not sold anywhere outside the airport).