Entertainment at Haneda International Airport

Under Haneda's nihonbashi in Edo Market.

Recently I flew from Tokyo to Los Angeles through a different way than I normally do – Haneda International Airport. I’ve always gone to Narita, begrudging the long distance to get there, as it’s basically in the middle of nowhere. I was surprised that Haneda has an international terminal, and found it a wonderful change! While I’m not saying Narita is terrible, Haneda is bursting with entertainment to occupy you while you wait for your flight! Plan a visit for your next travel plans to check out all the great amenities it has to offer.

Restaurants

Katsudon set.

There are plenty of restaurants at Haneda’s international terminal, which is split into two different areas: Edo Market, and Tokyo Pop Town. Most are located in Edo Market, and two at Tokyo Pop Town. You’ll be sure to recognize Edo Market from the traditional Japanese style architecture, which mimics an old Edo town. It offers a variety of cuisines, from kaiten zushi, yakiniku, fried pork cutlets, and ramen, as well as cafes offering light snacks, sweets, and refreshments, and Western cuisine such as pasta, hamburger steak, and pizza. There’s even upscale dining at Tailwind of the Royal Park Hotel (yes, the airport also has a hotel attached to it), and a bar where you can relax with a beer. At Cafe & Books (located past security at Gates 145-146), you can enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a good book; both Japanese and other foreign languages are available.

Planetarium Starry Cafe

For a unique experience, dine at PLANETARIUM Starry Cafe, located in Tokyo Pop Town. Haneda International terminal is the only airport to have a planetarium. You can enjoy drinks with light fare such as hot dogs, popcorn, and star-shaped fruit while enjoying a planetarium show of 40 million stairs. There is a 520 yen entrance fee for adults and 310 yen for children, and you must purchase one drink for a separate fee. Each show is 15 minutes and scheduled at different times of the day. The last showing is at 10:20 PM, and there is an English version of “Starry sky viewed from Nihonbashi” at 9:20. There’s also a show starring Rilakkuma! You can check here for the detailed schedule of performances (Japanese only).

Activities

A replica of nihonbashi bridge in old Edo.

One of the funnest activities of the international terminal is simply walking around and admiring the traditional Japanese architecture! The highlight is a large bridge overlooking the departure lobby, modeled after the nihonbashi bridge of old Edo.

There is some traditional Japanese artwork on display here.

Traditional artwork gives an authentic feel.

You can also pose for pictures while wearing kimono or ninja clothing with fees ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 yen (27-91 US dollars).

Feel like a real Edo-ite in traditional clothing.

Here you can buy an ema (wooden prayer board) to display on the wall.

Hundreds of random people's prayer boards forever on display.

Because everything is better when it comes out of a vending machine.

You can purchase the ema from a vending machine for a few hundred yen, then write your message and hang it up on the wall – or bring it home as a memento of your travels.

A close-up shot of ema makes you feel like you're at a real temple.

Fun

Flight simulator.

Head to Tiat Sky Road to get a taste of your next few hours of life in this flight simulator! (In case you’ve got the pre-flight jitters or can’t get enough time in the air). For a small fee you can experience what it’s like to be a pilot. The corridor features panels and model planes from various airlines and displays outlines for travel in the future.

Close by is “Cool Zone” of Tokyo Pop Town.

Enter the "Cool Zone".

Starry Cafe this way!

Starry Cafe is at the end of the corridor, as well as a great toy shop with a giant race track!

Pretty much every boy's dream: a giant racetrack.

There is also a stage where performances are given.

Edo stage.

Shopping

The terminal offers plenty of shops to purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs, as well as modern character goods. You can buy T-shirts with Japanese designs, packaged Japanese sweets, regional products, made-in-Japan cosmetics, and even relax with a massage when you’re tired from all that shopping. You’ll feel just like you’re walking along the streets of old Edo Japan.

Shirotan plushes.

In Tokyo Pop Town you can buy character goods such as Hello Kitty and Shirotan, pick up some cheap souvenirs at Don Quixote, and purchase toys.

Next time you’re planning a trip to Japan, make sure to schedule it through Haneda International airport to check out all the entertainment for yourself!