The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

Welcome to Tokyo Haneda Airport – one of the most efficient, clean, and well-connected airports in the world. If you’re flying into Japan or making a connection through Tokyo, Haneda offers a smoother and more traveler-friendly experience than its counterpart, Narita.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from terminals to transport – so you can land like a local.

First: Get to Know the Terminals

Haneda is split into three terminals:

• Terminal 1: Primarily domestic flights (JAL, Skymark, others)
• Terminal 2: Domestic for ANA + some international flights
• Terminal 3: Dedicated to international flights

🛑 Important: Terminal 3 is the only terminal most international travelers will use.
There’s a free shuttle bus and also monorail access between terminals.

🕐 Transit & Transfer Tips

• Domestic to international transfers are easy but not instant – allow at least 60–90 minutes
• No immigration check needed for terminal-to-terminal transfer (if already in transit zone)
• Customs and security are efficient but thorough

Pro tip: Japan is punctual to the second. If your itinerary says “boarding ends at 15:05”, it means it.

🧭 Getting Around Inside

Haneda is beautifully designed, but signage can get a little overwhelming.

• Most signs are in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
• Information desks are everywhere – staffed with super helpful (and often multilingual) agents
• There are free maps, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and even robotic assistants

🛍️ Shopping, Food & Lounges

• Shopping: Haneda has incredible souvenir stores, cosmetics shops, electronics, and even a traditional Japanese “Edo-style” shopping street in Terminal 3
• Food: From ramen and sushi bars to Lawson convenience stores – affordable, fresh, and fast
• Lounges:
  • ANA & JAL international lounges – world-class service
  • TIAT Lounge – available for many non-Japanese airlines
  • Paid shower and nap rooms for long layovers

Tip: Don’t leave without trying Tonkotsu ramen or grabbing a matcha soft-serve from one of the specialty kiosks.

💼 Luggage & Services

• Luggage storage & forwarding: Efficient and reasonably priced – perfect for travelers heading into Tokyo just for a few hours
• SIM cards & pocket Wi-Fi available at vending machines or counters
• Children’s play areas, prayer rooms, pet relief areas – all available and easy to find

🚆 Transport Into Tokyo

• Tokyo Monorail: Fast, scenic, connects to Hamamatsucho Station (great for Yamanote Line)
• Keikyu Line: Cheaper, direct to Shinagawa Station (and from there anywhere)
• Taxis: Very reliable, but expensive (especially at night)
• Limo bus: Great for hotels or direct city transfers

🚇 Want to reach Shibuya or Shinjuku? Take Keikyu → transfer to JR lines. You’ll be there in 30–45 minutes.

⚠️ Final Tips

• Haneda is extremely punctual and clean – follow instructions precisely
• Respect quiet zones – Japan values calm, especially in transport hubs
• Public transport > taxis in 90% of situations

🧳 Final Word

Haneda Airport is the gold standard for international airports – clean, calm, and efficient without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re arriving in Tokyo or passing through, HND will likely be the smoothest part of your journey.

Now go enjoy Japan – and don’t forget to bow politely at customs.