Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) is one of the world’s gateways to Japan. Many travelers may visit here for the first time in the next three or four years and will undoubtedly be astonished at how it has changed. In 2023, Haneda Airport achieved plenty of international critical acclaim, and the area has transformed inside and outside as massive complexes have appeared. Here’s what you need to know.
International Acclaim and Awards Won in 2023
Skytrax Awards:
- Ranked #1 World’s Cleanest Airports – Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023
- Ranked #1 Asia: The Cleanest Airports 2023 – Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023
- Ranked #2 Best Airports in Asia 2023 – Skytrax Best Airports 2023 by Global Region
- Ranked #1 Best Airport in the World 2023 – with a passenger count of 50m+
- Ranked #1 Best Airports with the Fewest Delays 2023 – with 88.4% on-time performance (OTP)
- Ranked #3 Best Airports with Most Restaurant Choices 2023 – with over 150 restaurants to choose from
- Ranked #3 Best Airports with Cheapest Parkings 2023 – with weekly parking rates of approximately $34.90
Haneda Airport’s Three Terminals
Originally, Haneda Airport was divided into two terminals, one international and one domestic. However, in March 2020, these were rearranged into terminals 1, 2, and 3. International flights are assigned to Terminal 3 and part of Terminal 2, while domestic flights are in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The station names of Keikyu Railway and Tokyo Monorail were also changed at the same time. Due to the pandemic, Terminal 2 has been closed for international flights, but these will resume from July 19, 2023.
Visit Terminal 3: The International Terminal
On the 4th floor of the international terminal (Terminal 3) is a shopping and dining area called Edo Koji (Edo Lane), designed to recreate the atmosphere of bygone days when Tokyo was known as “Edo.” Newly renovated this March, the area holds more than 20 restaurants unique to Japan, including Edomae sushi, yakitori, and oden restaurants.
In the latest reopening, hot topics were the famous sukiyaki restaurant “Ningyocho Imahan,” “SPAGHETTERIA VAVnova,” and the onigiri (rice ball) specialty shop “Onigiri Konga,” serving up the taste passed down from the famous Tokyo rice ball shop, “Bongo.” Before leaving Japan, treat yourself to a traditional Japanese family favorite, onigiri.
Beyond the Airport, Destination #1: Haneda Airport Garden
Shop ‘til you drop on the 1st and 2nd floors filled with all kinds of stores, from sweets to traditional arts or the latest fashions. Two of the most coveted souvenirs are the traditional arts and folding fans from the Kyoto maker “Hakuchikudo,” and the Western-style umbrellas made by a company from Fukui Prefecture, “Fukui Yougasa.” Fukui Yougasa items are not cheap, but the distinctive, unique way of weaving fabric to make it water-repellent is a prime example of Japan’s hidden traditional techniques.
Haneda Airport Garden (Continued)
At “KOKUYO DOORS,” the exclusive store of Japan’s major stationery producer, KOKUYO, feel free to try top-quality products to find the one you want and pick up sets of original stationery from Japan’s first IoT vending machine of stationery. The vending machine is available in English, so you can easily see what kind of stationery it sells!
Beyond the Airport, Destination #2: Haneda Innovation City
Another new spot near the airport is Haneda Innovation City, which opened in July 2020, and will fully open in this fall. This vast complex is directly connected to Tenkubashi Station, just one station away from Terminal 3 Station. In addition to a hotel, restaurants, and a live performance hall, a variety of other attractions come together here to offer experiences of both traditional Japanese culture and cutting-edge technology. A free footbath is a great place to relax while watching the planes landing or taking off to soar above, not only popular in the daytime but also for the airport night view as well.
Where to Eat at Haneda Innovation City
To experience cutting-edge technology, pop into the cafe AI_SCAPE where robots both cook and serve food. Choose from a set menu of three dishes, such as curry and pasta. Also, at GURUNAVI FOODHALL WYE Tenkubashi, opened in November 2022, place your order by smartphone and get served by a robot waiter, ideal for those with little time to spare. You can enjoy tastes from top restaurants selected from all over Japan.
Where to Stay at Haneda Airport
The 4th to 12th floors of the Haneda Airport Garden are occupied by two hotels, the Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport (160 rooms in total) and Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport (1,557 rooms in total), which combine to offer one of Japan’s largest selection of airport hotel rooms. When flights arrive late at night or leave in the early morning, this is the place to come. On the top floor is a natural hot spring spa with a fantastic view, “Izumi Tenku no Yu.” Gaze out upon Mt. Fuji from the women’s bath, or watch airplane action from the men’s side for a refreshing bath on a sunny day.
In short…
The world is watching what happens at Haneda Airport; the future undoubtedly holds further advancements. When visiting Japan and Tokyo, make the most of your time until the last minute at Haneda Airport.
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Sarah founded Dukes Avenue in 2018 as a creative outlet while working at a London hedge fund. What initially started as a small blog has become a widely read luxury lifestyle online publication targeted at the modern woman, with content curated to inspire readers to live their best and most fulfilled lives. Sarah has lived in London, Malta, and, most recently, the United Arab Emirates and uses her travels and experiences to inspire much of the content.
