Your Complete Guide to Haneda Airport (HND): Stay Connected in Tokyo

(Updated on 2023-09-21)

Haneda Airport, once the main airport in Tokyo, mainly takes care of domestic flights, while its cousin, Narita Airport, deals with the International ones.
It doesn’t mean you have no chance to land in Haneda, though!
Haneda, being closer to the center of Tokyo, is a more desirable arrival point for visitors than Narita.
If it’s your first time in Japan, we’re sure you’re overcome with excitement to finally arrive in the country you’ve dreamed about for so long — but your excitement quickly turns to confusion as soon as you step off the airplane at Haneda Airport.

Your mind is flooded with questions such as:

How can I get around Japan without speaking Japanese?
Can I easily travel alone in Japan?
How can I make my short time in Japan amazing?
Can I use my phone in Japan? What about the internet?

Don’t panic! We have these answers and more to help put your mind at ease. Keep reading to learn what you need to start your journey on the right foot with this complete guide to Haneda Airport.

This article is for all travelers landing in Haneda airport.

For those who want to know more about Narita or Kansai Airport, you can check out our Complete guide to Narita Airport and Complete guide to Kansai Airport.

Available Haneda Airport Services

Please note that the information in this article is about Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport, where international flights arrive and depart.

Skip to what you need to know:

Haneda Airport WiFi
@TIAT Station – Recharging spots and PC Desks
Chilling in Haneda – Places to see
TOKYO POP TOWN
Observation Deck
Edo Koji & Nihonbashi bridge
Portable WiFi / Compatible SIM Cards
Information Counters
Transportation Between Haneda Terminals
Train Transportation out of Haneda

Haneda Airport WiFi

Likely, one of the first things you will want to do after landing at Haneda Airport is to let your family and friends know you have arrived safely and post a selfie! If you want to get online, simply connect to the airport’s official WiFi ID: “HANEDA-FREE-WIFI”

Wireless internet access is available throughout the airport.

How to Connect to Haneda Airport Free WiFi

From your device’s “Settings” menu, set “WiFi” to ON and select “HANEDA-FREE-WIFI.”
Open your web browser.
There is no password, and the steps for WiFi access are explained on the web browser.

Recharging spots and PC Desks

At terminal 3 of Haneda Airport, many spots have PC Desks. At a PC Desk, there are outlets where you can charge your computer. Furthermore, you can borrow a computer with an internet connection for just 100 yen.

Locations:

Floor
Floor	1F	General Area (2 locations) Airside Area (1 location)	MAP MAP
2F	General Area (2 locations) Airside Area (6 location)	MAP MAP
3F	General Area (2 locations) Airside Area (10 location)	MAP MAP
5F	General Area (1 location)	MAP

Chilling in Haneda – places to see:

Haneda is ranked #2 among the best airports in the world, which is easily explained by its impeccable customer service and a gold medal as the cleanest airport in the world.

A lot of care has been taken to make your Haneda stay as comfortable and interesting as possible, and we will discuss a few must-see places like the modern Tokyo Pop Town, the cool observation deck, and the traditional-looking Edo area!

TOKYO POP TOWN

Located on the 5th floor, this area is designed around Japanese Pop Culture (hence the name). Visitors of all ages can enjoy this area and discover or rediscover Japanese manga characters. You can also participate in toy car races or even chill in the first cafe planetarium ever created inside an airport!

Shop Information:

As of September 2023, although most shops and restaurants have recently opened up again, due to the previous COVID-19 situation, some shops in Tokyo Pop Town have closed (Mono, Hello Kitty Japan, etc. You can check the latest information about reopenings here.

Observation Deck

On the observation deck, you can access a panoramic view of the airport and experience the real feel of planes landing and taking off from 4 different runways!

It is open 24 hours a day and is also accessible by wheelchair, so you don’t have to hesitate to take all of your family out for a nice view!

Edo Koji & Nihonbashi Bridge

Modeled after the Edo period (17th century), Edo Koji will take you back in time and let you explore a bit of old Japan with its wooden structure and emblematic red pillars.

One of the central pieces of Edo Koji is the Nihonbashi bridge and its porcelain panel murals, which are a must-see.

Shop Information:

As of September 2023, although most shops and restaurants have recently opened up again, due to the previous COVID-19 situation, some shops in Edo Koji and Nihonbashi Bridge are closed. You can check the latest information about reopenings here.

Portable WiFi / Compatible SIM Cards

Various companies offer portable WiFi and SIM card services inside Haneda Airport. Savvy travelers will rent either of the two before leaving the airport because staying connected is essential for any visitor to Japan.

We will cover this service later in this guide, but you can jump ahead here.

Information Counters

Information counters are scattered throughout the airport terminals. The staff generally speak English and will help you with your needs while letting you experience Japan’s world-famous hospitality.

Information counters can provide you with a variety of information, such as:

Transportation to and from Japan’s main domestic and international airports
Trains
Subways
Taxis
Buses
Flight arrival and departure
Hotels near airports
Terminals

Transportation Between Haneda Airport Terminals

There are many ways to get from one terminal to another. While you can walk or take a taxi, the most convenient way is to catch a free shuttle bus. They are easy to recognize with their turquoise colors.

Haneda Shuttle Bus Timetable

Hours of Operation	about 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Frequency of Operation	Buses run every 6 minutes
Route	Terminal No. 3 → Terminal No. 1 → Terminal No. 2

Important: Be sure to allow plenty of time when using the shuttle service, as buses may be delayed or canceled due to traffic congestion. Also, compensation is unavailable for missed connections to other means of transport (aircraft or rail, etc.) resulting from delayed or canceled bus services.

Train Transportation out of Haneda

If you are leaving Haneda Airport by train, you have two basic options to get to Tokyo by train: the monorail or the Keikyu line.

Don’t hesitate to ask an information counter about how to pay for your transportation fare.

Name	Destination	Time	1 adult (est.)
Tokyo Monorail	Hamamatsucho	15 mins	¥490 (~$5)
Keikyu Line	Shinagawa	13 mins	¥410 ($4)

Notes:

-Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa are both on the Yamanote line, the main line that goes through most landmark areas of central Tokyo.

-Be careful, as the Keikyu Line goes 2 ways (Shinagawa & Yokohama). Yokohama is a very beautiful place, it’s a bit of a trip from central Tokyo. Double-check what train you board before the doors close on you.

-The Keikyu Express train (every 15 minutes) goes to Asakusa, a traditional tourist spot and a must-see in Tokyo. If your hotel isn’t far or you have no other plans, you might want to stay on the train after Shinagawa and get off at Asakusa. (cost: ¥620 and takes 40 mins)

Get a Rechargeable Train Card (IC Card)

※As of September 21, 2023, the sales of certain Suica and Pasmo IC cards have been temporarily suspended due to a shortage of IC chips. Specialized PASMO (PASMO Passport) IC cards and JR’s (Welcome Suica) cards are still available for sale.

Japan is often regarded as the king of convenience, and this is clearly evident in its public transportation system. Have you ever heard of an IC card? If you haven’t, you need to get one for your trip, as it will save you a lot of time and headaches. IC cards look like credit cards and act as rechargeable train tickets that can be recharged at train stations throughout Japan.

It doesn’t matter which card you get because Suica and PASMO can be recharged at each other’s ticket terminals and used at train stations in Japan.

Where can you use an IC card?

Public transportation
Vending machines
Some shops and convenience stores
Some restaurants

The card costs around $5 USD plus the amount you decide to add. You can return the $5 and any remaining credit by returning the card to a train station clerk (go to a JR station for Suica and any other station for PASMO).

Earlier, we mentioned Portable WiFi and SIM Card rental services at Haneda Airport. Having internet on the go is lifesaving and can offer you a side of Japan you might never have experienced without it. Let’s dig in a bit more on how the internet can make your trip to Japan easy and stress-free.

Are you staying in Japan for less than 28 days?

If so, you’re the perfect candidate for “Welcome Suica,” an IC card, especially for tourists.
This IC card is deposit-free and available in different values: 1,000 JPY, 2,000 JPY, 3,000 JPY, 4,000 JPY, and 5,000 JPY.
Please note that the amount is not refundable.

https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html

Free WiFi in Japan

Free WiFi exists in Japan, but its reliability and accessibility for international travelers on a tight schedule is another story. Here is a short list of places that usually offer free WiFi hotspots in Japan (though you may need to buy something to sit down):

Starbucks
Seven Eleven
Lawson
McDonald’s
Some train stations

Useful Apps for Navigating Japan

A lot can get lost in translation, but the digital age makes it easy to travel to countries without knowing the language. Here’s our list of apps that can help you communicate, save time, and save money during your travels in Japan.

Google Translate

Translate whatever you want to say or understand on the go
Take a picture of Japanese words on menus, road signs, and hotel documents, and Google Translate will tell you what they mean
Speak into your smartphone’s microphone for voice translation, especially when typing takes too long

Google Maps

Get directions from your location to any landmark or address
Choose your transportation, from trains to subways, buses, bullet trains, and more
Fares and travel time are displayed for easy management of your travel budget (if you aren’t using a JR Pass)

TripAdvisor

Find the nearest restaurants for your favorite food
Access thousands of customer reviews
Post your reviews for fellow international travelers

Gurunavi

Japan’s answer to Yelp, Gurunavi offers thousands of restaurant options
Access to English reservation support

Tabimori

A great multi-function tool for traveling
Currency converter, speech translator, weather forecast, and more
Some features are even accessible without internet access

Get a Pocket WiFi / SIM Card at Haneda Airport & Free Yourself from Stress

Using any or all of our recommended apps will likely make your trip to Japan much more enjoyable and relaxing, but trying to find a free hotspot to use those apps won’t! This is why there are some great deals at Haneda Airport on Pocket WiFi and compatible SIM Cards that international travelers can take advantage of right after they land.

The easiest way to rent a Pocket WiFi or SIM Card is to order online before traveling to Japan. That way, you can easily compare plans from the comfort of your home, fly to Japan with peace of mind knowing that you will be able to get connected once you land, and then head straight to the designated counter at Haneda Airport to pick it up — no contracts, no long lines!

Operating hours: Operating every day. The counter is closed from 1 AM – 4 AM.

Location: Haneda Airport (Terminal No. 3) Arrival Lobby (2F), JALABC Counter

The Sakura Mobile Difference

You have places to go and all of Japan to experience! Don’t waste your time getting lost in confusion.

At Sakura Mobile, we understand that international travelers and long-term residents need to make their stay in Japan stress-free, which is why we have simplified the process of getting a short- and long-term Pocket WiFi or SIM Card.

With our rental devices, you can travel across Japan — from Tokyo to Osaka and beyond — without worrying about losing a connection. We’ve made it even simpler for you with our easy Haneda Airport pickup option that gives you both the Freedom and Quality of Service you deserve!