If you’re flying into Tokyo through Haneda Airport, you don’t need to go far to start your adventure. The airport itself is packed with dining, shopping, and relaxation spots perfect for a layover or pre-flight time. Just a short ride away, you’ll find historic temples, hot springs, riverside walks, and even a retro rooftop amusement park. This guide covers the best things to do in and around Haneda, Kamata, Kawasaki, and the Tamagawa River area—easy day-trip options that let you make the most of your time before heading deeper into Tokyo.
Best Things to Do at Haneda Airport Terminals 1 & 2: Food, Shopping & More
Haneda Airport is more than just a gateway to Tokyo—it’s a destination in itself. Terminals 1 and 2 are packed with restaurants, shops, observation decks, and exclusive souvenirs that make your travel experience unforgettable. Here are the highlights every visitor should know.
1. Haneda Airport Observation Decks
- Terminal 1 Observation Deck: Enjoy panoramic views of the runways, watch planes take off, and on clear days, spot Mt. Fuji. This deck is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and is recognized as one of the “100 Scenic Fuji Views in Kanto.”
- Terminal 2 Observation Deck: Best visited at night when the walkways are beautifully lit, creating a romantic and unique atmosphere to watch flights against the Tokyo night sky.
2. Breakfast at Haneda Airport
- Hitoshinaya (Terminal 1): A traditional Japanese breakfast spot offering rice sets, soba, and donburi from 5:30 AM. Perfect for early travelers.
- Komeraku (Terminal 2): Famous for seafood rice bowls like salmon and ikura, which can also be enjoyed as ochazuke. Opens from 7:00 AM.
3. Dining & Haneda Airport Restaurants
- Haneda Sanchokukan (Terminal 1): Showcases local Japanese specialties from across the country.
- Curry Dining Avion (Terminal 1): Serves a classic beef curry loved since Haneda’s early days as an international airport.
- Airport Grill & Bar (Terminal 2): Watch aircraft land while enjoying premium hamburg steak.
- Flyer’s Table (Terminal 2): Located in Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu, perfect for afternoon tea with runway views.
4. Haneda Airport Souvenirs & Shopping
- Exclusive Sweets: Try the Panda Baumkuchen, Gold Castella Cake, and Panda Cookie Tins—all Haneda Airport limited editions.
- Stationery & Gifts: Shosaikan offers elegant Japanese pens and notebooks, while Tokyo’s Tokyo features Snoopy × Haneda collaboration goods that are highly collectible.
5. Relaxation Spots at Haneda
- Footbath Café LUCK (Terminal 1): Soak in a relaxing footbath while sipping herbal tea.
- Tsutaya Bookstore Café (Terminal 2): Combines Starbucks and a bookstore, offering cozy seats with runway views.
6. After Security: Hidden Gems
- Kuraichi Rice Balls (Terminal 1): Handmade with premium Takomai rice, perfect as an in-flight snack.
- Ishiya Café Airport (Terminal 2): Famous for Shiroi Koibito soft-serve and exclusive desserts.
- PIER 63 (Terminal 2): Last-minute shopping for souvenirs like Tokyo Milk Cheese cookies.
7. Haneda Airport Lounges
Each terminal has three Haneda Airport lounges with complimentary drinks, Wi-Fi, and even shower rooms. Many major credit cards provide free access, making them the best way to relax before boarding.
✈️ Haneda Shrine
Just a short hop from Haneda Airport, Haneda Shrine is a historic spot dating back to the Kamakura era. Known today as a popular place to pray for safe travels and aviation safety, it’s especially beloved by travelers before or after a flight. Don’t miss the special Kyoto-style goshuin stamp book created in collaboration with JAL—it’s a perfect keepsake of your journey. A visit here is both a blessing for your trip and a memorable slice of local culture.
🎡 Rooftop Kamataen
Perched on the rooftop of Tokyu Plaza Kamata, Rooftop Kamataen is a charming little amusement park with a big claim to fame—the only rooftop Ferris wheel in Tokyo! Running since 1968, this retro ride offers sweeping views of the city, and on a clear day you can even spot Mt. Fuji. A nostalgic favorite for families and a quirky hidden gem for travelers, it’s a perfect stop to add some old-school fun to your Tokyo adventure.
♨️Heiwajima Natural Hot Springs
For the ultimate relaxation near Haneda, head to Heiwajima Natural Hot Springs inside BIGFUN Heiwajima. Open 24 hours, this spacious spa is perfect for refreshing before or after a flight. Soak in natural salt hot springs or carbonated baths, unwind in a sauna or stone spa, and let the travel stress melt away. With a direct airport shuttle, it’s an easy and soothing detour that makes your journey even more enjoyable.
🎨 WHAT CAFE
Along the canals of Tennoz Isle, WHAT CAFE is a modern art café where creativity meets coffee. Inside its spacious 800㎡ gallery-style setting, you’ll find ever-changing exhibitions showcasing contemporary works, making every visit a fresh experience. Grab a drink, relax, and soak in the vibrant art scene—this stylish spot is perfect for travelers who want a taste of Tokyo’s creative side.
🌊 Airplane viewing spots
For a unique Tokyo experience, head to the airplane viewing spots around Haneda Airport. At parks like Jonanjima Seaside Park, Keihinjima Tsubasa Park, and Omori Furusato-no-Hamabe Park, you can watch planes take off and land so close it feels like they’re flying right over you! With grassy fields, seaside views, and even BBQ or camping areas at Jonanjima, these parks are great for families, outdoor lovers, and anyone fascinated by planes and ships. It’s the perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and airport thrills.
A Riverside Walk to Remember: Tamagawa Sky Bridge
For a unique sightseeing experience near Haneda Airport, take a stroll across the Tamagawa Sky Bridge. Opened in March 2022, this 675-meter bridge links Kawasaki City with Haneda and welcomes not only cars, but also cyclists and pedestrians. From the walkway, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Tamagawa River while planes take off and land right before your eyes—an unforgettable spot for aviation fans and casual visitors alike.
【Getting There】
The bridge is easy to reach: about 20 minutes on foot from Kojima-Shinden Station (Keikyu Daishi Line) or 15 minutes from Tenkubashi Station (Tokyo Monorail). Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station is also within a 20-minute walk. Buses serve the area as well, with stops just a short walk away.
【What to See Along the Way】
Starting from the Kawasaki side, a riverside path offers a pleasant walk through natural surroundings. The tidal flats are home to crabs and water birds, while nearby King Skyfront hosts research facilities, cafés, and green spaces. Crossing the bridge itself takes around 10 minutes, with stunning views of both the airport and the river below.
On the Haneda side, head to Haneda Innovation City. The highlight is the Footbath Sky Deck, where you can soak your feet in warm water while watching planes pass overhead. The complex also features restaurants, craft beer, and casual dining options—perfect for a post-walk treat.
🤖 AI_SCAPE in Haneda Innovation City
At AI_SCAPE in Haneda Innovation City, dining feels like stepping into the future. Just order from your smartphone, and robots will whip up your meal and bring it right to your table! You can even watch the cooking action live on big screens—it’s part show, part dinner, and totally unforgettable. Perfect for travelers looking to experience Japan’s love of innovation in a fun (and tasty) way.
Kawasaki Daishi: A Temple of Protection and Peace
Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple, commonly known as Kawasaki Daishi, is one of the most revered temples of the Shingon Buddhist Chisan sect. Founded in 1128, it has long been cherished as the “Temple of Protection from Misfortune,” attracting worshippers from across Japan. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations for New Year’s prayers (Hatsumode), welcoming over three million visitors each year.
【Legends and Spiritual Power】
The temple’s origins trace back to Hirama Kanenori, a fisherman who, during his 42nd year (considered an unlucky age in Japan), received a divine dream. Following the vision, he cast his net into the sea and drew up a wooden statue of Kobo Daishi (the great Buddhist monk Kukai). When he enshrined and worshipped the statue, his misfortunes were lifted, and his innocence was restored. This story established Kawasaki Daishi’s reputation as a place where prayers for protection, safety, and prosperity are answered. Even today, daily goma fire rituals are performed in the Main Hall to grant blessings for good fortune.
【Exploring the Temple Grounds】
The temple complex is home to several halls and structures, including the impressive Main Hall, the Inari Shrine that miraculously survived wartime fires, and various monuments that tell the story of the temple’s deep history. Visitors can stroll through the spacious grounds, enjoy seasonal flowers, and experience a serene yet powerful spiritual atmosphere. Many regard the temple as a spiritual “power spot” in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
【Prayers, Rituals, and Traditions】
Beyond warding off misfortune, Kawasaki Daishi offers prayers for safe travels, traffic safety, childbirth, and family milestones such as Shichi-Go-San (children’s growth celebrations). Visitors can also receive protective charms, amulets, and temple seals (goshuin), all deeply connected to the temple’s spiritual heritage.
【More Than a Pilgrimage】
A visit to Kawasaki Daishi is not only a spiritual journey but also a cultural experience. The approach to the temple is lined with shops offering local specialties such as Kuzumochi (fermented rice cakes) and the lively candy-cutting demonstrations, both popular treats among visitors. Combining history, faith, and local flavors, Kawasaki Daishi offers an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
Kawasaki Marien
Looking for a hidden gem with amazing views? Kawasaki Marien is a tower on Higashi-Ogishima that’s actually free to visit! From the 10th-floor observation deck, 52 meters above ground, you can see across Kawasaki Port, the industrial waterfront, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days. At night, the glittering factory lights create a magical scene. With interactive touch panels and free telescopes, it’s a perfect spot for travelers to enjoy sweeping views without spending a yen.
