Whether you’re looking to get stuff done or relax, here are ten things to do on your layover at Tokyo Haneda Airport:
1. Check out the food scene
Japan is a foodie’s paradise; you can sample some of that here at the airport. In the International Terminal, most restaurants, cafes, and to-go kiosks are located on the 4th Floor’s Edo Market, including plenty of Japanese staples like ramen, sushi, and soba, plus Italian, European, and deli options. In Terminals 1 and 2, you have your pick from about 100 options, spread throughout and ranging from high-end restaurants to quick options like Starbucks and Subway. Several eateries stay open around the clock for those late-night hunger pangs.
2. Lounge
If you’re spending time between flights catching up on work, you may want to check into one of the many airport lounges. For a single fee, you can take advantage of WiFi, including drinks and food, and a quieter, comfier environment than the main terminals. The nice thing about these lounges? All travellers can take advantage of them, not just First or Business Class travellers. Some are even open 24-hours. Show up at the door and pay the fee. Locations and amenities are listed in our Tokyo Haneda Airport Guide.
3. Shop
Shoppers rejoice! With over 100 shops in the domestic Terminals 1 and 2 alone, you’ll have plenty of ways to spend your layover and money. And even if you’re not a shopper, you’ll enjoy browsing the many well-curated shops. You’ll find a range of boutiques, local clothing brands, bookstores, handmade art shops, and airport standards like Duty-Free areas, convenience shops, and technology stores. The International Terminals has fewer shops, but they still run the gamut from quick last-minute needs to Japanese and high-end options. Hello Kitty Japan and the KIRI Japan shops are especially popular.
4. Showers
Do you want to shake off that flight feeling? Freshen up with a shower! Facilities are located in the International Terminal, and the shower cubicles include towels, toiletries, hair dryers, and a free drink coupon. Rates per person: ¥1,030 per 30 minutes; ¥520 for each 15 minutes thereafter.
5. Take care of your errands
Use your layover at Tokyo Haneda airport to check off any chores. Take advantage of a shoe shine and repair shop, laundry services, and dry cleaning.
6. Freshen up at the spa or barber
Are you in need of a quick haircut? Airport Barber in Terminal 1 is open daily. Or, if you want to indulge in some pre-flight pampering, the Raffine Refreshment Salon offers massage services and reflexology – though they are located pre-security.
7. Visit the museums
Located in Terminal 2, the Discovery Museum is a mix of art exhibits and a history of Japan. Open daily. Terminal 1’s Juveniland Tokyo is a fun gallery that displays vintage toys and nostalgia, offering some for kids to play with.
8. Sightseeing
Located just a few miles from the city center’s Tokyo Station, you can pop into this world-class city for a few hours if you’ve got enough time between flights.
First, check your hand luggage at the storage areas in all three terminals. Then, head for the train, the quickest way into the best city areas. The Tokyo Monorail stops at Terminals 1 and 2 and the International Terminal, connecting to the Hamamatsucho Station. The Keikyu train line stops at a shared station between Terminals 1 and 2, plus another station at the International Terminal, which will have you at Shinagawa Station in under 15 minutes. Buses and trains are available, too, but they have to compete with the notorious Tokyo traffic.
With so much to see, you’ll want to pick just one or two sights or neighbourhoods to explore. In Asakusa, the Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa-jinja Shrine are popular spots. Shoppers will love Shibuya’s malls and department stores (also known for its street crossing – the infamous Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble). Harajuku is the trendsetter center, so it’s an excellent spot to relax, enjoy a coffee, and people-watch once you’ve visited the must-see Meiji-Jingu Shrine. For great views of this vast metropolis, head to the Mori Tower in Roppongi.
However you spend your time away from the airport, ensure you have plenty of time to return before that next flight.
9. WiFi
WiFi is free and unlimited so that you can catch up on all of the internet, but you will have to register with a name and valid email address. Speedier and secure options are available for a fee.
10. Sleep
Airport staff generally tolerate airport sleepers, even those camping overnight in this 24-hour airport. The airport is pretty friendly, too, thanks to an abundance of benches and couches (some without armrests), many carpeted areas, and dim lighting at night. If you stay in a terminal overnight, plan for security to check your passports and tickets. Not sure if sleeping in the airport is your speed? There are two hotels directly at the airport: Royal Park Hotel The Haneda, a traditional hotel connected to the international terminal, and First Cabin Tokyo Haneda, a budget capsule hotel located in Terminal 1. Both options offer day rooms or “refresh” rooms. Otherwise, two hotels are located within a few minutes drive of the airport. See our Tokyo Haneda Airport Guide for details and locations.
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Tokyo Haneda Airport. Visit our Tokyo Haneda Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.