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.
