Full Guide to Haneda Airport – The Closest International Gateway to Tokyo City, One Read Is Enough!

For first-time travelers to Japan, the question “Narita or Haneda?” often causes confusion.
Today, let’s fully break down Haneda Airport (HND) — the international airport located super close to central Tokyo. After reading this, you’ll be ready to start your Tokyo trip with ease!

I. Superior Location – It’s Really Close to the City!

Haneda Airport is in Ota Ward, Tokyo, and is one of the most convenient airports for entering the city center.
•    By train, it takes only about 15–20 minutes to reach Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho, where you can easily transfer to the Yamanote Line or JR lines to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, and other core areas.
•    Whether you want to save time or quickly blend into Tokyo’s daily rhythm, Haneda is the right choice!

II. Three Terminals – Don’t Go to the Wrong One!

Haneda Airport has three terminals:
Terminal 1
•    Mainly for domestic flights.
•    Centered on JAL (Japan Airlines) and related companies, with some other domestic flights as well.
Terminal 2
•    Mainly for domestic flights, centered on ANA (All Nippon Airways) and its group airlines.
•    Since 2020, some international flights (especially ANA and Star Alliance flights) also depart here, so immigration procedures may be done here.
Terminal 3
•    Primarily for international flights. Most foreign visitors enter and exit here.
•    Recently, to ease passenger flow, some domestic flights (e.g., LCC or special-time flights) also use this terminal.
✅ A free shuttle bus connects the terminals.
•    First bus: around 4:15 AM
•    Last bus: around 1:30 AM next day
•    Frequency: every 4 minutes (05:00–20:00), every 8 minutes (20:00–24:00), every 30 minutes late night to early morning.

III. Transportation Options – Compare and Choose What Suits You

 

Method	Time	Cost (Adult)	Recommended For
Keikyu Line	~11-15 mins.	To Shinagawa Station ¥330	Travelers wanting fastest city access
Tokyo Monorail	~13-20 mins.	To Hamamatsucho Station ¥520	Connecting Yamanote Line, Tokyo Station direction
Airport Limousine Bus	~30-90 mins.	To Tokyo Station ¥1,200	Those with lots of luggage, kids, or avoiding transfers
Taxi	~30-40 mins.	¥6,000-¥10,000+ (higher late night)	Arriving late, groups wanting comfort

 

(Times and fees are for reference. Actual conditions may vary.)
💡 Strongly recommended: buy a Suica or Pasmo card at the airport. It works for both Keikyu and Monorail, saving time from lining up for tickets.

IV. Haneda Airport Is More Than an Airport – It’s a Hidden Leisure Hub

Many think airports are just for transit, but Haneda itself is like a “mini travel destination.” With extra time before boarding, you’ll find many surprises.

1. Rooftop Observation Deck (Tokyo Sky Deck) – Free for Plane Lovers

•    Each terminal has an observation deck, but the best is at Terminal 3.
•    Great for dramatic airplane photos, Tokyo night views, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days.
•    Location: Terminal 3, 5F, outside security, open to anyone.
•    Highlights: One of Japan’s largest open-air airport decks. You can also sometimes see Tokyo Disney fireworks.
•    Tip: It’s windy — bring a jacket. Best time: sunset to enjoy both sunset and night views.

2. Edo Koji – Step Back Into Old Edo

•    Location: Terminal 3, 4F, International Departures.
•    Edo-period street style with stone pavements, red lanterns, noren curtains — a great photo spot.
•    Souvenirs: Tokyo Banana, Royce chocolate, Haneda-limited sake, wagashi, crafts.

3. Food Paradise – Taste Japan in One Stop

•    Haneda hosts many famous Tokyo restaurants, some with airport-only menus.
•    Sushi: “Sushiden,” “Matokoiya.”
•    Ramen: Past lineups included Rokurinsha, Tenhou.
•    Desserts: Toraya, Obusedo, Kasho Sanzen, Fukusaya, Nenrinya, Nadir Gullu (Turkish sweets), Ladurée (French macarons).

4. Baggage Delivery Service – Free Your Hands

•    Providers: Yamato (Kuroneko), Sagawa, Nippon Express.
•    How: After baggage claim, fill in hotel address, pay fee, send luggage to hotel or next destination. Also available for return trips.
•    Fee: ¥1,500–2,500 per piece (varies by size/weight).
•    Delivery: Usually next day in Kanto, same day if morning service; 2–3 days to Hokkaido/Kyushu.
•    Best for: travelers wanting to go sightseeing luggage-free, or not dragging bags on return trip.

5. Coming Soon – Direct Airport Access Line

JR East is building the Haneda Airport Access Line, expected to open in 2031. It will connect Haneda directly to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, etc., making travel even easier.

6. Practical Tips

•    Fast + Cheap to the city → Keikyu Line to Shinagawa, transfer to Yamanote Line.
•    Lots of luggage/kids → Limousine Bus.
•    Exploring Yamanote Line area → Buy Monorail discount pass.
•    If you have time after arrival → Don’t rush. Visit the observation deck, take photos, or use baggage delivery.
•    First thing after landing → Get a Suica or Pasmo card for smooth Tokyo travel.
Haneda Airport Official Website (English):
https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/index.html
✨ Next issue: Full Guide to Narita Airport — stay tuned if you’re interested!