The grand opening of HICity, a fusion of the cutting edge and tradition. Learn the history of Haneda Airport and dream about the future with a trip to Haneda.

See real airliners on this popular JAL factory tour!

The JAL factory tour (SKY MUSEUM) is a must-see for aviation fans. It consists of a museum where visitors can learn about the jobs of the staff making each flight possible and the history of JAL, and a hangar where visitors can see airliners up close.
After stopping by the front desk, we start our tour at the museum. The mock cockpit in the photo is the actual cockpit used in training for the Boeing 737-400. You can sit in the cockpit and take a commemorative photo.

Sky Runway is a museum floor with hands-on experience opportunities for visitors. The cushioned floor resembles a runway and extends to five booths that showcase the jobs of staff, including mechanics, ground staff, and cabin attendants. Each booth has a QR code reader, and visitors can learn trivia through videos when they hold up their entrance pass.

Transform into the pilot & cabin attendant you always dreamed of becoming!

Information boards also feature wire mesh to create the feel of a factory. Let’s check out the Uniform Experience area located behind the mock cockpit.

At the Uniform Experience area, visitors can try on a variety of uniforms, including those worn by pilots, cabin attendants, and ground staff. Velcro fasteners make the uniforms easy to put on and take off.

The Archives Zone exhibits a variety of materials that tell the history of aviation and aviation culture. The most impressive of all is the array of cabin attendant uniforms from past generations! Retro uniforms from the Japan Air System era are also on display.

See airliners undergoing servicing in the enormous M1 hangar

Opening the museum door, we come to the enormous M1 hangar. From this point on, the tour is guided by a staff member. The M1 hangar can hold up to four aircraft, and their servicing can be viewed from the observation deck.

We crossed the moving passage and arrived at the M2 hangar. A wide range of maintenance work is performed here, from minor maintenance such as replacement of parts to engine replacement. Visitors can put on a helmet and go down to the ground floor to get closer to the airliners. Let’s check it out.

They were servicing a J-AIR Embraer 190. You can see the JAL Tsurumaru logo on the huge tail.

Near the M2 hangar is a Haneda Airport runway, where airliners are constantly taking off and landing. If you are lucky, you may witness one of these impressive landings or take-offs right before your eyes.

People tend to think of pilots when they think of airliners. But in reality, these planes are supported by a number of professionals such as mechanics and ground staff. Tour reservations become available on the official website approximately one month in advance. Once you have decided on your travel plans, we recommend you to make a reservation ahead of time.

An enticing stop with a selection of Haneda Airport exclusive goods and JAL original items

Blue Sky shops—airport shops in 70 locations at 24 airports across Japan—were renamed JAL PLAZA in October 2023, complete with a new logo and product lineup!
There are 12 JAL PLAZA stores in Haneda Airport, including the JAL PLAZA FLIGHT SHOP on the 1st floor of Terminal 1, which is a specialty shop based around air travel.

The shop is divided into three categories: souvenirs (souvenirs and food items), Airpro (aviation-related goods), and travel fashion (travel goods). In the JAL original goods section, we recommend the original T-shirts for 4800 yen (tax included) and tote bags for 2750 yen (tax included) commemorating the 70th anniversary of JAL's first international flight.

The shop is so well-stocked with various brands of suitcases, bags, travel goods, and apparel that it is hard to believe that it is an airport shop. The wide aisles also make for a relaxing shopping experience.

You will want to collect all the airport exclusive commemorative stamps!

Original commemorative stamps featuring runways and aircraft motifs are available at 55 airports in JAL's domestic service area. JAL's original commemorative stamp booklet is 2000 yen (tax included, shown on the right) and the commemorative stamp, designed by JAL Group employees with the airport name written in calligraphy, is 350 yen (tax included, shown on the left). The commemorative stamp booklet is available in two colors: dark red and black.

Compact confections that fit in your bag are a sensation

The Panda Airplane Cookie Tin is 1080 yen (tax included) and available only at Haneda Airport. The tin contains six soy milk and coconut rice flour cookies made with gluten-free & plant-based ingredients. Even the inside of the tin features a cute panda design! And it is only available at this store in Haneda Airport Terminal 1 (outside the security checkpoints).

Maison Kayser’s Caramel Sandwich Maple Waffles are 680 yen for six waffles (tax included). Thinly baked waffle batter cookies made with Canadian maple syrup are sandwiched with caramel. This is a Japanese stroopwaffle, an adapted version of the Dutch national pastry, and it features a pleasantly sweet caramel honey flavor. The crunchy, moist, and melty texture goes well with coffee and tea; These waffle cookies won at the Japan Food Selection Grand Prix.

There is also a wide variety of other products such as model planes and famous confections from Tokyo. Located in the general area outside the carry-on baggage inspection checkpoint, anyone can casually enjoy shopping at this shop.

Delightful spaghetti cooked using Chef Okuda's Boiling Theory

On the fourth floor of Haneda Airport Terminal 3, you can find Edo Koji, where modern master artisans have recreated the streets of Edo (present-day Tokyo). At SPAGHETTERIA VAVnova, located in one part of this area, you can enjoy spaghetti with a smooth and slippery texture, prepared using the boiling theory developed by Chef Okuda of the famous restaurant Al ché-cciano in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture.
Pictured in the photo is the 10 Kinds of Seasonal Vegetables for 2200 yen, a spaghetti dish made with plenty of seasonal vegetables.

Yokohama Neapolitan with bacon, bell peppers, and onions is 1980 yen. We recommend paying the extra 110 yen to top it with a soft boiled egg. There were also other items on the menu that incorporated Japanese cuisine, such as the Sukiyaki Spaghetti made with wagyu beef for 2970 yen.

Salads and appetizers to enjoy with wine

This is the Prosciutto and Cheese Platter for 1628 yen. The restaurant also offers appetizers that pair well with wine.

After toasting with a glass of wine, we turned our attention to the freshly made spaghetti before us. The noodles have a popping, bouncy texture, and the vegetables have an enjoyable crunch. The restaurant also says they offer vegetarian and vegan options.

A specialty spaghetti shop located in a part of Edo Koji, an area with a truly Japanese ambiance. Stop by during your trip to taste authentic spaghetti that has been carefully prepared, starting with the very boiling process itself.

Promoting Japan's tea culture with matcha, the pride of this famous tea shop

At Saryo ITO EN in Edo Koji, visitors can enjoy matcha and other teas sold by ITO EN's specialty stores in the form of drinks and sweet treats. Many international tourists had been stopping by the store since morning because of the opportunity to experience Japanese tea culture.

The unsweetened Matcha Latte, showcasing the beautiful contrast of matcha and milk, is 600 yen (shown on left). The Matcha Shiratama Azuki Soft Serve Ice Cream for 800 yen (shown on right) features bittersweet matcha soft serve, shiratama mochi, azuki beans, and puffed rice, offering a range of different flavors and textures to enjoy.

The Mixed Shiratama Azuki Soft Serve Ice Cream is 800 yen (shown on right) and lets you enjoy the flavors of both green tea and hojicha (roasted green tea). The sweetened Hojicha Latte for 600 yen is the perfect combination of fragrant hojicha and milk.

The Japanese-style interior is a standout even within the airport. Drinks and sweet treats are available for take-out and can be enjoyed in the common areas of the airport. If you are tired of the crowds at the airport, take a break and enjoy the aroma of green tea.

A lineup of items to make your trip to Tokyo even more memorable

#Tokyo Tokyo BASE promotes the Tokyo brand and shares the appeals of the city. On display in the shop are Tokyo souvenirs jointly developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and private businesses, and the digital signage showing Tokyo sights enhances the ambiance.
Pictured in the photo are Mini Koban Postcard Fans that double as greeting cards, priced at 550 yen (tax included).

Traditional crafts, stationery, snacks, and other products are divided into four Tokyo categories—Enjoy Tokyo, Wear Tokyo, Eat Tokyo, and Learn with Tokyo—and introduced with illustrated lanterns.

There are also modern interpretations of traditional crafts, such as Edo Kimekomi wood and cloth dolls in the form of beckoning cats and kendama skill toys in the official Tokyo brand colors. We also saw 1/2500 scale Tokyo Towers.

Three popular Tokyo souvenirs that also make great little gifts!

Pictured in the photo on the left is the Odaikan-Sama no Konpeito for 410 yen (tax included). This is a modern twist on a classic, with large pieces of konpeito sugar candy in rainbow-colored packaging. Pictured in the photo on the right is the Matcha Pecan Nuts Chocolate for 702 yen (tax included). These chocolates are made with nutritious pecan nuts coated with white chocolate and organic matcha.

Kimono Charms for 495 yen each (tax included). These kimono-shaped charms are made of kimono fabric sandwiched between acrylic. The fabric is made of 100% silk pongee. Each piece is hand-dyed by artisans, meaning each individual item is unique.
Each and every item in the store is from Tokyo, where tradition meets innovation. The carefully selected lineup not only make great souvenirs; you will want to treat yourself to them, too.

Fun airport-inspired details make for an extraordinary space to relax in

In October 2023, Hotel Metropolitan Haneda opened in Haneda Innovation City , Japan's first smart airport city. It is located a one-minute walk from Tenkubashi Station on the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line. With its overarching theme of "Hospitality and comfort on the journey," Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Haneda aims to be a kind of resting perch where guests can rest their wings mid-journey and restore their spirits before setting off on their next destination with a smile on their faces.

The hotel is located on floors 5–10, with self check-in kiosks located at the fifth floor front desk. The floor tiles feature original designs with jet engine turbine, vertical tail fin, cockpit instrument, and runway motifs. Industrial art created from parts made at a local factory in Ota-ku, Tokyo, is also on display.

Getting off the elevator, we were surprised to find the tires of an airliner appear before us! The hallways on the guest floors are designed to resemble runways, and painted on the walls on the sixth floor are nearly life-size renditions of airliner tires.

We walk down the runway-like hallway to our guest room. There is subtle shading on the carpet, which we were told represents the tire marks of airliners.

Thirteen types of guest rooms to choose from to suit your style of travel

There are 13 different types of guest rooms, and the interiors are decorated in a bar-like style with a tranquil color scheme. All rooms feature beds with mattresses from Simmons' top-of-the-line Beautyrest PREMIUM SERIES brand. Other amenities include fluffy Imabari bath towels, bubble bath products, and more. Airliners can be seen up close from the airport-side rooms.

When we opened the curtains the next morning, we were met with a view completely different from the night before. An airport runway stretched out beyond our window, with a number of airliners parked nearby. Enjoy the luxury of a high counter by the window with a cup of coffee.

The breakfast buffet includes international cuisine and favorites from famous restaurants

Breakfast is served at restaurant il CIELO HANEDA on the 5th floor of the hotel. The breakfast menu offers around 50 dishes, including Japanese and Western cuisine, Chinese porridge, and daily noodle specials from various Asian countries. Guests can also enjoy traditional Japanese foods such as Fukagawa-meshi and Hokuto no Mori Japanese yams.

Of the international menu options, the Coconut Chicken Curry made with plenty of spices is a popular choice. Enjoy it with cilantro found in the salad section, which is sent directly from the city of Hokuto in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Create Japanese confections with azuki bean paste from the famous Eitaro Sohonpo

In the Edo confections section, you will also find azuki bean paste from the famous Eitaro Sohonpo in Nihonbashi. Create your very own confection by topping traditional azuki bean paste with shiratama mochi, agar-agar, warabi mochi, and so on.

The dining room has a large window that creates a sense of openness. A wide variety of freshly baked bread is also available. Breakfast drinks included sencha and hojicha teas from Gion Tsujiri. It is nice to be able to relax after a meal with a cup of Japanese tea.

Luxurious in-house facilities available only to guests

Guests can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Terminal 3, as well as views of Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Sky Tree®︎, and Minato Mirai in Yokohama from THE ROOFTOP observation deck on the top floor of the hotel. The twinkling lights of the runway and passing airliners are a beautiful sight at night.

The gym on the 6th floor is equipped with running machines, recumbent bikes, and other professional machines. All you need are workout clothes and shoes, and you can feel refreshed anytime—the gym is open 24 hours a day.

The walls of the gym are also decorated with airliners and runways; you will feel like you are running down the runway and just about to take off together. A coin-operated laundry is available on the premises, as is a self-cloakroom where you can freely store and take out your luggage to make your stay more comfortable.

The hotel allows guests to feel closer to the airliners and airport and to experience the exhilaration of travel and excitement felt just before flying. Not only is the hotel located close to the airport; it also offers easy access to the Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Yokohama areas, making it a good base for a variety of trips.

Revered by the airline industry, the god of this shrine is said to protect Haneda

Anamori Inari Shrine, also known as Haneda Anamori-san, was built in the late Edo period to pray for the prosperity and stability of the island of Kaname in Haneda (present-day Haneda Airport). In the Taisho era, trainees from the nearby Nippon Flying School visited the temple on the eve of their first solo flights and offered fried tofu, which was said to lead to good results. Since then, it has also been revered as a shrine for aviation safety. Next to the hall of worship is the Thousand Torii Gates, which leads to the Oku-no-miya inner sanctuary.

A suikinkutsu water pot can be found in the precincts of the temple. Measuring 84 cm high and 66 cm in diameter, it is said to be the largest water pot in Tokyo. It is buried underground, and pouring water over the pot creates a cool and gentle sound.

Next to the suikinkutsu water pot is water with flowers arranged on the surface dedicated to the shrine. The shape of a fox’s face found in the center of the brightly colored flowers adds a playful touch.

The enshrined deity is Toyokehime no Mikoto, known as the god of food. The deity is said to bring prosperity in business, fulfill one's wishes, and heal illnesses. It is even referred to in a passage of Haneda-bushi (a traditional song), which goes "If I visit the shrine in the morning, I will be blessed with a good virtue in the evening.”

The shrine used to sit near the south end of the current Runway B. However, it was moved to its current location due to expansion of the airport, and the worship hall was rebuilt in 1964.

Receive blessed sand at the Oku-no-miya inner sanctuary

In the Oku-no-miya inner sanctuary, there is a cave in which a small torii gate and stone statues of foxes are dedicated to the god. In front of the various sized fox statues is sand said to bring good luck, so be sure to visit the shrine before taking some home or to your business.

Using a shovel, this sand can be placed in the small envelopes provided and taken with you. Scatter it at the front door to encourage foot traffic or safety at home, or under your bed to heal illness. Where you scatter the sand will vary depending on the prayer you are making.

You will also find the dedicated Infinity Neon Torii Gates in the cave. In the past, numerous neon lights shone along the Ebitori River near the shrine, and Haneda was known as a neon town. Embracing this history and culture, the shrine's Thousand Torii Gates are represented using modern neon art.

The round water pot fox bell is cute and available for 1,000 yen. The gentle sound—like a suikinkutsu water pot—attracts good match and keeps bad luck and misfortune away. There were also other good luck charms for travel and aviation safety, such as the Safe Travels Charm for 1,000 yen.

Japanese confections that tell the history and culture of Haneda

Isozakiya is a Japanese confectionery shop located on Anamori Fureai Street near Anamori-inari Station. This shop makes and sells confections associated with Haneda and local festivals.

The store's signature confection is their Haneda Daiko. The new Sora confection, priced at 260 yen, comes in a transparent package with an airplane design on it. The name “Haneda” is stamped on the dorayaki pancakes, and sandwiched in the middle is moist mashed sweet bean paste.

There are four types of Haneda Daiko in total. The other varieties available are: Tebo Chestnut, with white kidney bean paste and candied chestnut (303 yen); Torayaki Whole Chestnut, with a large whole chestnut (303 yen); and Kokuto, made with kokuto black sugar in the dough (281 yen).

There are also cute monaka confections associated with the Anamori Inari Shrine.

The Anamori Monaka for 238 yen (left) and the Anamori Bell for 324 yen (right) are both associated with the Anamori Inari Shrine. The Anamori Bell is made up of three bell-shaped monaka wafer and bean paste confections tied together with red and white string. They are a popular choice as souvenirs for those on their way home after visiting the shrine.

The shop’s showcase is lined with freshly made dango and daifuku confections, and seasonal treats such as sakura mochi in spring and mizuyokan in summer are also available. Don’t miss these Japanese confections that tell the history and culture of Haneda!

Traditional simmered tsukudani dishes that highlight the textures and flavors of the natural ingredients

Otani Masakichi Shoten is located near the Daishi Bridge, which crosses the Tama River. Since the shop’s establishment in 1887, they have continued to produce healthy, lightly seasoned simmered tsukudani dishes that making full use of the skills and experience of their artisans.
The three products pictured are Special Cooked Short Necked Clams (left), Walnut & Whitebait (back), and Special Cooked Cod-Roe & Seaweed (right), which were selected for the 100 Best Souvenirs of Ota-ku.

The shop is about 20 minutes on foot from Keikyu Otorii Station. It is located away from the city in an open area with a view of the Tama riverbank and park greenery.

A wide variety of simmered tsukudani dishes are available at the store. The Tsukudani in Washi Bags, which come in single serving sizes, are very reasonably priced at 359 yen per bag. There is also a lineup of prepared side dishes such as Sweetened Red Kidney Beans and Sweetened Green Peas for 398 yen each.

Offering the best of the best, one product also won the Monde Selection Gold Award for 13 consecutive years

These three products were selected for the Monde Selection.
The Special Cooked Short Necked Clams (160 g, 885 yen) won the Gold Award for 13 consecutive years from 2009 to 2021! Other products have also gained international recognition, such as the Special Cooked Cod-Roe & Seaweed (150 g 885 yen), which won the Silver Award for 14 consecutive years, and Scallops Boiled in Soy Sauce with Sugar (95 g, 918 yen), which won the Silver Award for three consecutive years.

Special Cooked Short Necked Clams are made by simmering large clams until they are soft. Each clam is cooked to be plump and shiny. The ginger flavor and light seasoning make the dish a perfect match with rice! The clams might also work with pasta and salads.

Thick Herring and Seaweed Rolls, available for 981 yen, was also selected for the 100 Best Souvenirs of Ota-ku. Thick herring is wrapped with thick Japanese seaweed. The tenderness of the seaweed and the flavor of the herring are exquisite. This dish makes a luxurious addition to any breakfast or lunch.

Otani Masakichi Shoten's simmered tsukudani dishes are sold at Haneda Airport and major department stores. These traditional Japanese foods are a popular souvenir. Stop by to pick up some simmered tsukudani dishes. Not only do they go perfectly with rice; they also make a great snack with beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Robots in action at this dream restaurant of the near future!

The second half of our second day will be spent sightseeing in Haneda Innovation City.
The AI_SCAPE restaurant in Future Lab HANEDA, a complex of offices and labs conducting robotics research, is conducting a demonstration experiment with a futuristic restaurant where the roles of both cooks and wait staff are performed by robots in order to help solve social issues such as food loss and labor shortages.

When you get to your table, scan the QR code and order your food using your smartphone. Once an order is placed, the robots begin their work in the kitchen. You can watch the meticulous work that goes into it through the glass as the robotic arms move to boil water, place food on dishes, and so on.

The robot Nyokkey brought our food to our table. "Here is the food you ordered,” it says with a smile. It’s very cute to see the robots’ expressions change while they are serving your food.

The menu offers three types of dishes that can be enjoyed with peace of mind

The menu offers pasta, curry, and soup. The Bolognese Meat Sauce Set for 1500 yen is prepared by a robot and comes with slow-cooked meat sauce, four kinds of short pasta, a salad, and a drink.

The Javanese Beef Curry Set for 1,500 yen is prepared a robot. This beef curry is made with pineapple, coconut milk powder, and fruit paste. It is served with Japanese rice, a salad, and a drink. The curry and rice are warm and the salads are fresh. The cleanliness provides peace of mind.

Drinks are served at a special bar stand where customers hold up a QR code. A robot then pours your drink. Payment was also smooth as it was made via smartphone.
This is a rare spot where visitors can see and experience cutting-edge robot technology up close and personal. Children and adults alike can enjoy their meals while being thrilled by the robots' movements.

A relaxing spot with a great view; you can see airliners just over there on the runway.

Located on the roof of Haneda Innovation City Zone E, Footbath Skydeck is a space to relax in that anyone can use free of charge. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area, and visitors can relax in the footbath while watching the airliners come and go.

There are two sunken, recessed footbaths in the wooden deck. These footbaths are filled with slightly hot water. Original footbath towels can be purchased for 500 yen each at the vending machine, so no need to worry if you come unprepared.

Looking in the direction of the ocean, we could see Terminal 3. As Runway B is located just a short distance away, visitors can sometimes see an airliner pass overhead and land on the runway, which is quite the spectacle. It is no wonder that many aviation enthusiasts visit the Footbath Skydeck with a camera in hand.

An information sign depicting a footbath and an airplane. Open until 23:30, we also recommend checking this spot out for a romantic view at night.

Become the hero from Top Gun in this dream fighter plane simulator!

LUXURY FLIGHT is equipped with full-fledged flight simulators to provide realistic pilot experiences. Of the three stores (Haneda Airport Head Store, Centrair Store, and HICity Fighter Store), only the HICity Fighter Store is equipped with fighter plane simulators. You can experience the thrill of flight not possible in an airliner. The photo shows the F/A-18 cockpit.

Mr. Sasaki, a former Air Self-Defense Force pilot, welcomed us to the store. First, he explained the courses and packages to us.
There are 10 types of experience packages available, including Basic Instrument Flight, which covers basic operations such as level flight and turning, and the Navigation Package for traveling between bases. As you progress, you can take on full-scale missions such as Basic Combat Maneuvers to shoot down drones and Dogfight to try your hand at aerial combat.

The interior is designed to look like a US military base or aircraft carrier. The hotel staff were somewhat nervous in front of the full-fledged simulators.

Pilot a fighter plane and take to the skies!

On our visit, we tried the Trial 15-Minute Course for 3,580 yen, which is a quick and easy experience. There are three types of flight simulators: F/A-18, F-35, and F-16. Sit in the cockpit of the F-16 and you are ready to go.

In the Trial 15-Minute Course, you take off from Yokota Air Base, climb to 3,000 feet, circle over the Kanto region, and return to Yokota Air Base. With all the gauges and switches spread out in front of you, you may worry about what to press, but stay calm; Mr. Sasaki will be there next to you to give you advice. Increasing the throttle while controlling the aircraft with the joystick, we were suddenly in the air.

When flying a fighter plane, the radar and instruments also react.

The huge panoramic screen offers an exhilarating view of the sky and the ground. The aircraft will bank right and circle over the Kanto region, passing over Haneda Airport and Naval Air Facility Atsugi on its way to Yokota Air Base. We managed to return to Yokota Air Base, although we ran into a number of problems along the way, such as losing altitude and the aircraft becoming unstable.

Check out the fighter plane merchandise in the store.

The store also sells merchandise such as flight jackets and T-shirts. There is also a Top Gun: Maverick section, and you can see Tom Cruise's autograph there.

A fighter plane flight suit was also on display.

Blue Impulse tour and other patches are available starting at 1,650 yen per patch.

If you are hooked after trying it once, we recommend becoming a member (with an annual fee) and visiting regularly at a discounted rate. A kids plan for ages 10–15 is also available. We recommend adding realistic fighter plane experience—going beyond just a game—to your Haneda itinerary.