Haneda International Airport
Located to the south of Central Tokyo, Haneda Airport (HND) handles less international traffic than Tokyo’s Narita Airport, but due to its large number of domestic flights, it is the busiest airport in Japan. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Services to / from Haneda Airport
— Activating & Exchanging a Japan Rail (JR) Pass
— ‘Flat Rate’ Taxis to / from Haneda Airport
— Getting to Nagano from the Airport: Train, Bus or Charter?
— Accommodation In & Around the Airport
Haneda has three terminals: Terminal 1 is primarily used by Japan Airlines (JAL) for domestic flights, Terminal 2 is mainly used by All Nippon Airways (ANA) for its domestic traffic while Terminal 3 handles the majority of international flights by all other airlines. Free shuttle buses run between the terminals making movement around the airport easy. The following information is intended for travelers heading from Haneda Airport to Nagano and Central Japan.
The following information is intended for travelers heading from Haneda Airport to Nagano and Central Japan. Let’s start with how to get to and from the airport – for information about which transport option will suit you best, see our ‘Best Way to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo – Train, Bus or Private Transport?’ page.
ENTERING & EXITING JAPAN
Haneda Airport is one of Japan’s four major international airports. As such, it is the entry and departure point for many international visitors. Our ‘Entering & Exiting Japan’ page has useful information including visa requirements, clearing immigration and customs and things to take care of while at the airport. For further essential travel information, see our ‘Plan Your Visit’ main page.
TRAIN SERVICES TO / FROM HANEDA AIRPORT
Two train lines connect Haneda Airport to Tokyo: 1. the Tokyo Monorail and 2. Keikyu Railways:
TOKYO MONORAIL
The Tokyo Monorail runs from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station. Located in central-southern Tokyo, Hamamatsucho is a convenient station with multiple lines running to Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, nearby Shinagawa Station and beyond. The Tokyo Monorail is covered by several Japan Rail (JR) Passes but just remember, you will need to exchange/activate your pass before using the monorail – see below for details. Haneda Airport has three terminals each of which has a monorail station/platform. Services typically depart around every 4-minutes and usually operate from around 05:00 to 23:30 every day. From the airport to Hamamatshucho Station take as little as 13-minutes, or 15 to 25-minutes depending on which terminal and service you are using. To reach Tokyo Station takes around 30-minutes and to Shinjuku Station takes around 45-minutes (requiring visitors to transfer lines at Hamamatsucho).
It is easy to access the monorail platforms at each of the airport’s three terminals (from the airport the order of the terminals runs Terminal 2, 1 and 3: Terminal 2: proceed down to level B1F where you will find ticketing and access gates to the platform on level B2F – arrivals are on 1F and departures on 2F; Terminal 1: proceed down to level B1F where you will find ticketing and access gates to the platform on level B2F – arrivals are on 1F and departures on 2F; and Terminal 3: the lay-out is different to the other two terminals. The monorail platform is located on 3F and can be accessed from both level 2F and 3F, with ticketing available on both levels – arrivals are on 2F and departures on 3F. At one-way journey from the airport to Hamamtsucho Station costs JPY500 and a total of between JPY660 to JPY700 to each stations including Tokyo, Ueno or Shinjuku – see our ‘Tokyo Monorail’ page for full details.
KEIKYU RAILWAY LINE
The Keikyu Line connects Haneda to Shinagawa Station and from there, popular districts including Tokyo/Marunouchi, Ueno, Odaiba Shibuya, Shinjuku and beyond. The Keikyu Line is not covered by any JR Pass. There are two stations at the airport located at Terminal 1/2 and Terminal 3. Services run regularly throughout the day, approximately every 10 minutes between the hours of 05:00 and 24:00/midnight. The earliest service departs Haneda around 05:30 (bound for Shinagawa) or departs Shinagawa around 05:00 (bound for Haneda). The latest services depart both Haneda and Shinagawa around midnight. The journey from the airport to Shinagawa takes as little as 13-minutes but more likely around 20-minutes.
There are two Keikyu stations/platforms at the airport – at Terminal 1/2 and Terminal 3. The station referred to Terminal 1/2 is located underground between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and can be accessed by descending from the upper floors of the terminals – departures are on 2F and arrivals on 1F – to the underground floor of B1F at which point tickets can be purchased and the platform accessed. There is a moving walkway in B1F to make the journey easy and comfortable. For passengers using the station at Terminal 3, it couldn’t be easier. At arrivals – 2F – walk straight you will see a sign on your right for ‘Keikyu Railways’. A one-way journey from the airport to Shinagawa Station costs JPY300 and takes as little as 11-minutes (but more likely 15 to 20-minutes). From Shinagawa, it’s an easy onward journey to areas including: Tokyo Station/Marunouchi – a total journey of 30 minutes / JPY470; Ueno – a total journey of 35 to 40-minutes / JPY500; Shibuya – a total journey of 35-minutes / JPY500; and Shinjuku – a total journey of 35-minutes / JPY500.
ACTIVATING & EXCHANGING A JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Holders of any Japan Rail (JR) Pass will need to exchange/activate that pass before using it. You do so by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. This can be done a numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices found at any major train station or airport including Haneda Airport. You can do so at:
Terminal 3 / JR East Travel Service Center: 06:45 to 20:00 / the office is located in the arrival lobby/ticket gate on the second-floor of the Tokyo Monorail.
Tokyo Station is another popular place to exchange/obtain your pass at either of these offices: JR East Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00 or JR Central Ticket Office (Yaesu North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00.
Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.
For full details regarding each pass covering travel to and from Nagano, please refer to our relevant page: Japan Rail (JR) Pass / JR East Nagano & Niigata Pass / JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.
‘FLAT-RATE’ TAXIS TO/FROM HANEDA AIRPORT
Given Haneda’s proximity to central Tokyo, using a taxi is a good option for many visitors wanting to avoid navigating public transport with their luggage and getting themselves to their accommodation. Operating from 1F/outside the ground floor of Terminal 3 at Haneda, ‘flat-rate’ taxis operate 24-hours a day and offer a convenient service to any ward in Tokyo.
Rates vary depending on which area in Tokyo you are headed but as a guide: to Tokyo Station/Marunouchi costs JPY6100, to Shibuya costs JPY6800, to Shinjuku costs JPY7300, and to Ueno costs JPY7300. Surcharges apply for late night/early morning taxis between 22:00 to 05:00. Both sedan and wagon-type taxis are available, capable of carrying 4 passengers. See the following page for a complete list of rates to the different areas of Tokyo. Payment can be made in cash or using credit card. There are plenty of taxis available at the stand.
GETTING TO NAGANO FROM HANEDA AIRPORT: TRAIN, BUS OR CHARTER?
When traveling to Nagano including its ski resorts, from Haneda Airport, you have the option of: 1. Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station; 2. an express bus to some ski resorts – winter only; and 3. a private charter from/to Haneda Airport to your choice of destination. We hope the following information helps with planning your transport:
1 / HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN FROM TOKYO STATION
The Hokuriku Shinkansen Line runs from the southern terminus of Tokyo Station to the northern terminus of Kanazawa Station. The following stations are on the line including Nagano Station:
Tokyo / Ueno / Omiya / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Annaka-Haruna / Karuizawa / Sakudaira / Ueda / Nagano / Iiyama / Joetsu-Myoko / Itoigawa / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Toyama / Shin-Takaoka / Kanazawa*
To reach Nagano from Haneda, head to Tokyo Station and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. For the train schedule, please refer to our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page. Visitors heading to these popular ski resorts should head to the following stations: 1. Nagano Station for Shiga Kogen, Hakuba and Myoko Kogen; and 2. Iiyama Station for Nozoawa Onsen and Madarao.
*Please note, while not all stops are included on each shinkansen service, every service from Tokyo stops at Nagano Station.
2 / EXPRESS BUS TO SKI RESORTS – WINTER ONLY
In winter, some ski resorts including the most popular resorts of Hakuba Valley operate direct shuttle buses to and from Haneda Airport. From Haneda pickup is available at airport’s International Terminal with drop-off available at Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba Station and the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. A one-way journey costs: JPY9300 per adult (12+), JPY7300 per child (6-11) and children under 6 are free of charge. While the bus is a convenient way to reach Hakuba directly from the airport, it is only available once per day and only during winter. For full details, please refer to Alpico’s timetables and fares page.
3 / PRIVATE CHARTER FROM / TO HANEDA AIRPORT
For visitors arriving at Haneda Airport but wanting to head to a location other than central Tokyo, arranging private transport from the airport can be a convenient and economical option, especially when traveling as a group or family. Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we can arrange private transport from the airport directly to your preferred destination in Central Japan including any of the region’s fantastic ski resorts.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety. A great option for families and groups of friends wanting to travel together in comfort, we can arrange transport for individuals, couple, families and groups of up to 44 passengers per vehicle.
As a registered travel agent, we can package your transport with accommodation, tours, restaurants and more! We take the hassle out of arranging your travel to Nagano and Central Japan, so you can relax, sit back and discover everything the region has to offer!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan from Haneda? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND HANEDA AIRPORT
For passengers flying in and out of Haneda Airport, its close proximity to Tokyo allows the choice of staying in or nearby the airport, or a little further afield in areas including Shinagawa. If you flight is departing or arriving early, staying in or nearby the airport is your best bet with hotels in each terminal and other options around nearby stations. Expect stand business hotels with small but clean, comfortable and quiet rooms. For accommodation listings in and around the airport, see our ‘Haneda Airport Area’ hotel page.
Alternatively, only 20-minutes by train from Haneda Airport, the Shinagawa Station Area is a convenient option for visitors wanting to stay within easy reach of the airport. While the area around the station doesn’t have much in terms of sight-seeing, it offers a good range of restaurants and some excellent hotels including The Strings by InterContinental and Conrad Tokyo, along with a good range of mid-range and budget options. If you need to be at Haneda Airport early or are arriving a little late and don’t fancy staying in and around the airport, the Shinagawa Station area is a good option. For accommodation listings in Shinagawa, see our ‘Shinagawa Station Area’ hotel page.
WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO?
Not just the largest city in Japan but also the largest city in the world, Tokyo is a sprawling giant that must be experienced at least once. Knowing where to stay when visiting Tokyo can make a huge difference when it comes to getting around the city and ultimately, getting the most out of your time there. Our ‘Where To Stay In Tokyo?’ page breakdowns the best areas to stay including accommodation listings.
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our top recommendations on things to do in Tokyo as well. Why not check out our 25 Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you information on the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region.
30 THINGS TO DO NEAR TOKYO: BEST DAY-TRIPS & OVERNIGHT GETAWAYS
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. We hope it tempts you to visit!
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
For many visitors, Haneda Airport will be their point of entry when arriving in Japan but as we all know, your trip begins long before your get here as you plan your adventure in this wonderful country. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
