Have you recently booked a trip with a somewhat lengthy layover in Tokyo and are wondering what to do with your time? Lucky for you, there are so many things to do in Tokyo even with a short layover! This article is going to show you what you can do with your layover in Japan and even introduce an amazing layover tour in Tokyo. Keep reading to learn more!
Tokyo Travel Assist offers a Haneda / Narita Layover tour.
Can you leave Haneda Airport during a layover?
As of 2023, there are 70 countries have the right to enter Japan without a visa for short stays.
Passport holders from the United States, Canada, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Australia are allowed to leave the airport during a layover in Japan. Holders of passports from these countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for short-term stays.
Passport holders from India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia are exempt from obtaining a Visa based on specific conditions.
Passport holders from the Philippines, Vietnam, India, China are required to obtain a visa.
For travelers from other countries, please refer to the guidance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
It depends on the status of your Visa in your country whether you can exit the security inspection area of Haneda Airport during a layover. It is important that all visitors to Japan should be aware of the applicable visa regulations.
You would want to go through immigration and customs as smoothly as possible. Therefore, you should prepare by applying for the necessary visa for your visit to Japan.
Things to do in and around Haneda Airport
If you have at least 4 hours, we recommend that you go to more popular districts to enjoy your layover time. We also recommend that you use tour services to make your sightseeing hassle-free in an unfamiliar country with limited time. Take a look at our haneda layover tour.
Starting below, facilities will be introduced for individuals who intend to spend time within or around Haneda Airport.
Haneda Innovation City
Haneda Innovation City is located just one station away from Haneda Airport Terminal 3, connected to Tenkubashi Station on the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail. It partially opened in 2020 and is set for its grand opening on November 16, 2023.
One of the attractions of this facility is a foot bath spot where visitors can relax while watching airplanes take off and land. Moreover, within the AI_SCAPE area, there is a robot restaurant where robots handle everything from cooking to serving.
| Name | Haneda Innovation City |
| Address | Part of 1 Chome and 2 Chome, Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo (Map) |
| Opening Hours | Vary by stores |
| Price | Free |
| Travel Time | 1minute from Terminal 3 and 4 minutes from Terminal 1&2 Take the Keikyu Airport Line (Limited Express) , get off at Tenkubashi Station |
| Website | https://haneda-innovation-city.com/en/ |
Haneda Luxury Flight
Haneda Luxury Flight is located on the 5th floor of The Haneda House in Haneda Airport’s Terminal 1. The facility offers a highly realistic flight simulator experience.
Prices start at 3,300 yen for 15 minutes and increase depending on the duration of use. Aviation-related goods are also available for purchase.
During the simulator sessions, former pilots provide detailed advice. Aviation-related goods are available for purchase. It’s a place enjoyable for both adults and children, even if they’re not aviation enthusiasts.
| Name | Haneda Luxury Flight |
| Address | Terminal 1, Haneda Airport, 3-3-2 Hanedakuko,Ota City, Tokyo, 144-0041 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Price | Entrance : Free Flight Simulator : ¥3,300〜 |
| Travel Time | 0 minute from Terminal 1, 3 minutes from Terminal 2 and 5 minutes from Terminal 3 by shuttle bus |
| Website | https://737flight.com/ |
First Cabin
First Cabin Haneda is located on the 1st floor arrival area of Terminal 1. Unlike typical capsule hotels, this facility offers more spacious accommodations.
Additionally, it features a large communal bath.For short stays, rates start at 2,000 yen for 2 hours.
The amenities are well-stocked, ensuring a comfortable stay. Recommended for those who want to refresh by taking a shower or a short nap.
| Name | First Cabin |
| Address | Terminal 1, Haneda Airport, 3-3-2 Hanedakuko,Ota City, Tokyo, 144-0041 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Price | Vary by accomodation |
| Travel Time | 0 minute from Terminal 1, 3 minutes from Terminal 2 and 5 minutes from Terminal 3 by shuttle bus |
| Website | https://first-cabin.jp/hotels/haneda1/ |
Haneda Airport Garden
Escape the hustle and bustle of Haneda Airport at the hidden oasis, the Haneda Airport Garden. Indulge in a tranquil respite amidst lush greenery, creating an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
With its exquisite Japanese garden design, the space offers serenity and relaxation like no other. Take a leisurely stroll along picturesque pathways, breathe in the refreshing scents of blooming flowers, and unwind in the serene ambiance.
Whether you’re arriving or departing, the Haneda Airport Garden is the perfect escape to rejuvenate your senses. Embrace the harmony of nature, just moments away from the airport’s terminals. Discover this hidden gem and embark on a journey of tranquility.
| Name | Haneda Airport Garden |
| Address | Haneda Airport Garden, 2-7-1 Hanedakuko,Ota City, Tokyo, 144-0041 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | Shopping : 8:00 – 21:00 Restaurant and Cafe : 8:00 – 23:00 |
| Travel Time | 0 minute from Terminal 3, 8 minutes from Terminal 2 and 5 minutes from Terminal 1 by shuttle bus |
| Website | https://www.shopping-sumitomo-rd.com/haneda/shopping |
Izumi Tenku no Yu
この投稿をInstagramで見る
Izumi Tenku no Yu is a 24-hour spa facility located in Haneda Airport Garden, which is directly connected to Haneda Airport Terminal 3. The spa offers a variety of services including hot springs, saunas, stone saunas, and dining options.
The cost for adults is 4,800 yen, while children from 4 years old to elementary school age are charged 2,000 yen.
Guests staying at Hotel Villa Fontaine receive a discount: 2,000 yen off for adults and 1,000 yen off for children. Face towels and bath towels are included, and adults also receive loungewear and access to the stone sauna.
Please note that the bathing area is closed for cleaning from 10 a.m. to midday. Additionally, reclining chairs are available, but their number is limited.
| Name | Izumi Tenku no Yu |
| Address | Haneda Airport Garden, 2-7-1 Hanedakuko,Ota City, Tokyo, 144-0041 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours *Baths are unavailable from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm due to cleaning. |
| Price | Adult : ¥4,800 Child (Age 4 to 12) : ¥2,000 Late night extra fees for Adult : ¥4,000 Special guest rates for Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport guests Adult : ¥2,000 Child : ¥1,000 |
| Travel Time | 0 minute from Terminal 3, 8 minutes from Terminal 2 and 5 minutes from Terminal 1 by shuttle bus |
| Website | https://www.hvf.jp/eng/hanedaairport-grand/spa/ |
Anamori Inari Shrine
The Anaishi Inari Shrine is renowned for its thousands of torii gates. During the Edo period, the area where Haneda Airport now stands was a tidal flat, which was later reclaimed and developed.
However, due to the constant threat of flooding in this area, a shrine was built for protection.
This shrine was named “Anaishi Inari Daimyojin,” symbolizing the deity that protects the fields from the damages caused by tidal waves.
The shrine flourished, and the donation of red torii gates became a trend. In 1911, an astonishing 46,797 torii gates were dedicated. After the war, the shrine was relocated to its current location. The number of torii gates reduced to around 1,000, but the shrine continues to attract numerous visitors and boasts many torii gates.
Today, it’s also known as a shrine for aviation and travel safety. It’s conveniently located just 6 minutes by car and 12 minutes by train from Haneda Airport.
| Name | Anamori Inari Shrine |
| Address | 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Price | Free |
| Travel Time | 6 minutes by car, 12 minutes by train from Haneda Airport Take the Keikyu Airport Line (Limited Express) and get off at Anamori Inari station |
| Website | https://anamori.jp |
Other facilities in Haneda airport
If you have a short layover in Japan, you can still enjoy a taste of Japan with a wide variety of amenities and activities offered at Haneda airport, such as:
- The Ooservation deck on level 5 of the international terminal for observing and photographing airplanes
- Some relaxation spaces for your comfort
- Business lounges and airport lounges available throughout
- Free wifi throughout the airport with a large numbers of internet and charging stations
- PC desks in departure gates and concourses
- Some baby and kids psaces
- There are no shower or nap rooms within the departures, but there is a transit hotel at the airport
Luckily, Haneda Airport is filled with amenities and activities. Haneda Airport has a great spot for taking photos of airplanes with Tokyo’s concrete jungle in the background. The inside of Haneda Airport also features a beautiful area called Nihonbashi Bridge that replicates the old traditional landscape of Japan.
Haneda Short Layover tour plan (4 to 6 hours)
Haneda Airport is the most convenient for exploring Tokyo on a layover. If you have a layover in Haneda that lasts about 4 to 6 hours, then you have the opportunity to check out the popular spots of Japan. Of course, you will still have limited time and may be able to choose only one or two of the spots below.
If the layover is in the morning…
If you have a layover in Japan starting in the morning, then you are in luck for some good sightseeing in Tokyo. A morning layover often means you will miss the tourist crowds at most sights. If you take a train from the airport to the city, you may even get to experience Japan’s notorious morning train rush. Here are some of the best tourist attractions for those with morning layovers:
Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Fish Market is the most famous market in Japan. Here you can try super fresh fish at great prices. Although the inner market has recently closed, the outer market of Tsukiji is still thriving. A trip to Tsukiji is perfect for a morning layover because many shops close by 2 pm.
| Name | Tsukiji Fish Market |
| Address | 4-13 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | 6:00 – 14:00 •Close : Sunday, Holidays, and some Wednesdays |
| Price | Entrance : Free |
| Travel Time | 45 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and transfer to the Toei Oedo Line at Daimon Station. Get off at Tsukiji Shijo Station and it’s a 7-minute walk thereafter. |
| Website | https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/ |
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is Japan’s most popular Shinto Shrine. The Shrine is named after the Meiji Emperor. Now it is a popular spot for prayer, especially during the New Year’s Holidays. You will enjoy the shrine with a tranquil atmosphere because there are fewer tourists in the morning at Meiji Jingu. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of a traditional Japanese wedding!
| Name | Meiji Jingu |
| Address | 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557, (Map) |
| Opening Hours | Around 6:00 – 17:00 •The gates open at sunrise and close at sunset. |
| Price | Entrance : Free |
| Travel Time | 60 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and transfer to the Yamanote Line at Shinagawa Station. Get off at Yoyogi Station and it’s a 14-minute walk thereafter. |
| Website | https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/ |
If the layover is in the afternoon…
Layovers in the afternoon provide you with more flexibility. You will also be surrounded by more people, which may add to your authentic Tokyo experience. Here are some of the best tourist attractions for those with afternoon layovers:
Shibuya crossing
Shibuya crossing is the highlight of the Shibuya station area. The iconic scramble pedestrian crosswalk is a must-visit for any tourist in Tokyo. Enjoy crossing the road with as many as 1000 other people amongst the towering skyscrapers.
| Name | Shibuya crossing |
| Address | Map |
| Travel Time | 48 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and transfer to the Yamanote Line at Shinagawa Station. Get off at Shibuya Station. |
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the center of metropolitan Tokyo. Here you can find Tocho Observeraty, which is a part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. At Tocho Observatory you can go up to the free observation deck that sits over 200 metres above the ground. The view at night with the city lights is especially magical.
| Name | Shnjuku |
| Address | Map |
| Travel Time | 50 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and transfer to the Yamanote Line at Shinagawa Station. Get off at Shinjuku Station. |
Harajuku and Takeshita-dori
If you are interested in the Kawaii cute fashion of Japan, then Harajuku is a must-visit for you. Harajuku is undoubtedly the fashion capital of Tokyo. A stroll at the famous Takeshita-dori will give you the chance to see the real trendsetters of Tokyo. Numerous shops that line the streets of Harajuku are filled with wacky and unique clothing items.
| Name | Takeshita-dori |
| Address | 1-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001(Map) |
| Travel Time | 45 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and transfer to the Yamanote Line at Shinagawa Station. Get off at Harajuku Station. |
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is an iconic orange-coloured structure with two observatory decks for tourists. Located in central Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a great viewing spot for any visitor to Tokyo. It is also one of the tallest observation decks in Tokyo. Mount Fuji can even be seen from the top observation deck on clear days.
| Name | Tokyo Tower |
| Address | 4-2-8 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | Main Deck : 9:00 – 22:30 Top Deck tour : 9:00 – 22:15 |
| Price | The fare varies depending on whether you choose the Main Deck or Top Deck tour, as well as the age group. |
| Travel Time | 60 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and get off at Daimon Station. It’s a 12-minute walk from there. |
| Website | https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en/ |
Roppongi Hills
If you ever wondered where all of the posh Tokyoites go to hang out, then look no further than Roppongi Hills. Known as “The Hills”, this area features shopping facilities, a major business and residential building, plus a beautiful open-air observatory deck.
| Name | Roppongi Hills |
| Address | 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6108 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | Shops : 11:00 – 20:00 Restaurants : 11:00 – 23:00 Observatory deck : 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Travel Time | 60 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and transfer to the Hibiya Line at Higashi-Ginza Station. Get off at Roppongi Station and it’s a 2-minute walk from there. |
| Website | https://www.roppongihills.com/ |
Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace in the middle of Tokyo is home to the Emperor of Japan and his family. Japan’s Imperial Family is one of the longest-reigning empires in the world. Here you can enjoy the beautiful greenery of the Imperial property which used to be the site of Edo Castle, home to the Tokugawa Shogunate. There are beautiful gardens open year-round to the public on Palace grounds.
| Name | Imperial Palace |
| Address | 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8111 (Map) |
| Opening Hours | Numbered tickets for tours will be distributed at 9:00am and 12:30 pm |
| Price | Free |
| Travel Time | 60 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and transfer to the Hibiya Line at Higashi-Ginza Station. Get off at Roppongi Station and it’s a 2-minute walk from there. |
| Website | https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/multilingual/lang/en/koukyo/index.html |
Ginza
Ginza is the chicest part of Tokyo filled with upscale shopping, food, and entertainment. Ginza used to be the site of a silver mint and transformed into its current upscale form during the post-World War Two era. Now, one square foot of land in Ginza is worth over 10 million yen, making it one of the most expensive areas for real estate in Japan!
| Name | Ginza |
| Address | Map |
| Travel Time | 37 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and get off at Higashi-Ginza Station. |
Asakusa
Asakusa is home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, called Sensoji. In Asakusa you can visit the stands selling traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs that lead up to the main temple. The architecture at Asakusa is amazing and provides an interesting contrast to the urban sprawl of Tokyo.
| Name | Asakusa |
| Address | Map |
| Travel Time | 51 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, and get off at Asakusa Station. |
Akihabara
If you know anything about Japanese otaku culture than you must have heard of Akihabara, Japan’s paradise for anime-lovers. Parts of the town are dedicated to electronic goods while other areas are surrounded in everything anime. Maybe a visit to one of Akihabara’s famous maid cafes would become the highlight of your trip!
| Name | Akihabara |
| Address | Map |
| Travel Time | 50 minutes by train Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Station, or Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, get off at Mita Station, walk to the Yamanote Line at Tamachi Station, and transfer and get off at Akihabara Station. |
Odaiba
Odaiba is a famed entertainment and shopping area located on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. The island was originally built during the Edo period to protect Japan from foreign invaders. Now in Odaiba you can see the famous Gundam towering over you while looking at mainland Tokyo from the sea. The train ride to Odaiba is quite scenic too.
| Name | Odaiba |
| Address | Map |
| Travel Time | 50 minutes by train Take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or Terminal 3 Station, transfer to the Rinkai Line at Tennozu Isle Station, and get off at Tokyo Teleport Station. It’s a 13-minute walk from there. |
Easy with Tokyo 1-Day Ticket
Haneda airport is directly connected with keikyu line. You can get a ticket called “Tokyo 1-Day Ticket” at haneda station. It is surly powerful and quite good for value.
Haneda long layover tour plan
In a Haneda long layover plan, you can visit two or three sites mentioned in the list above, maybe more, depending on the length of your layover. Luckily there is more flexibility when you have more time in Tokyo. Of course, what your layover tour will look like depends on your personal preferences and travel style. For those who can’t decide what to do, we recommend that you enjoy Japanese gourmet foods at a good restaurant. If you want to fully enjoy your long layover at Haneda Airport, you should consider joining a haneda layover tour.
Recommended tour services
There are so many tour services in Tokyo, so it can be hard to filter through all of them to find specific layover tours that accommodate your flight times. While there are only a few, there is still a wide variety of layover tours that service Tokyo’s airports. Pick up the popular tours for you at Haneda.
Haneda layover tours
- Tokyo Travel Assist: Tokyo Travel Assist is a service that provides a variety of tours throughout the Tokyo area. Tokyo Travel Assist’s services are also completely personalizable as they can adjust the itineraries to your schedule and travel needs. You can tell them where you want to go, whether it is a well-known sightseeing spot or a hidden gem. Tokyo Travel Assist is one of the best choices for those who want personal yet professional service. Plus, they have a number of knowledgable English guides who can guide you in a private vehicle or with Tokyo’s public transportation network. Check out Tokyo Travel Assist’s information on the Haneda Layover Tour page.
- Outech’s Haneda Layover Tour: This tour is perfect for those transiting through Haneda Airport. Their tours of Tokyo last 3 hours and bring you to all of Tokyo’s best tourist spots including the famous Tokyo Tower and Ginza. The times for the tours are flexible and you will get your own personal English-speaking guide! Find out more about the Outech’s amazing Haneda Layover Tour.
- Tokyo Private Tour’s Haneda Layover Tour: If you have a layover of 6 or more hours at Haneda, then look no further than Tokyo Private Tour’s Haneda Layover Tour. This completely personal tour will pair you with an English guide who will bring you to some famous Tokyo sights including Tsukiji and Tokyo Tower. You will be driven around in a private vehicle of your choice. For those looking for a completely individualized yet quality experience, then this is the tour for you. Check out Tokyo Private’s Haneda Layover Tour!
Baggage delivery and storage
Now that you know you want to explore Japan’s top spots, there is a question of what to do with all of your luggage! Luckily, there are a variety of baggage storage services at Haneda Airport.
A piece of small-sized luggage is 300 yen to store, while a medium-sized one is 600 yen and a large-sized one 900 yen to store. Check out the website of Haneda Airport to learn more.
Hotels at Haneda Airport
Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu
Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu is a hotel directly connected to Terminal 2. The hotel features rooms designed to resemble a cockpit, and from rooms on the runway side, you can watch airplanes take off and land. It’s a hotel perfect for aviation fans and families. Additionally, breakfast is offered in the hotel’s restaurant.
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda is located on the 3rd floor departure lobby of the International Terminal. Being directly connected to the International Terminal makes it extremely convenient for stays related to early morning or late-night flights.
Villa Fontaine at Haneda Airport(Premier and Grand)
Villa Fontaine Haneda Airport is a hotel located in Haneda Airport Garden, adjacent to Terminal 3. The complex features two types of affiliated hotels: the high-end “Premier” and the “Grand,” which focuses on convenience and functionality. They have just opened in December 2022.
Depending on the room, guests can enjoy views of airplanes taking off and landing, or the nearby river estuary. Additionally, guests can take advantage of discounted rates at the on-site spa facility, Izumi Tenku no Yu.
From Haneda to Narita and vice versa
If you have one of the harder layovers starting in Haneda and departing from Narita and vice versa, then you are in luck. Tokyo Travel Assistant provides layover tours specifically for those with somewhat confusing and anxiety-inducing layovers that may make travelers skip out on exploring Tokyo.
Tokyo Travel Assistant is an amazing service with knowledgable locals providing tours and assistance to tourists coming to Tokyo. Their service can cater to layovers that start in both Haneda and Narita Airport. Also, the tours are private and completely individualized, so you are guaranteed to get the best customer experience. If you want a hassle-free yet fulfilling layover experience in Tokyo, take a look at the haneda layover tour.
Summary
After reading this article, you definitely have the tools to create your own memorable layover experience in Japan. Remember that local tour guides can help make your experience smooth and enjoyable! Let us know how long your layover in Tokyo is and how you plan to spend it below.
