Tokyo Haneda Airport’s Observation Deck is a Must-Visit For Everyone

I frequently fly through Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, whether traveling domestically within Japan or internationally. One feature of this airport is the observation decks at each terminal. They offer fantastic views of airplanes, ramp activity, and runway takeoffs and landings.

Most Japanese airports have these observation decks, but what sets this one apart is Haneda Airport itself. Passengers get a chance to set their eyes on more than 50 airlines servicing hundreds of destinations taking off and landing every other minute.

Let’s go over some of my photos and see what’s like here.

How to Get There

The observation deck is located on the 6th floor in Terminal 1, and the 5th floor in Terminals 2 and 3. I’ll be using Terminal 3, the international terminal, as an example.

From the departure lobby on the 3rd floor, take the escalators to the right of the F check-in desks.

Walk down this path, and you’ll hit another set of escalators next to the red “Torii” gate. Those will take you up to the 5th floor and you’ll see the observation deck right there.

Sweeping Views of Ramp, Runways

This is from my most recent visit last month. I was there during the early evening hours, which is considered rush hour for many international flights leaving East Asia.

The observation deck is huge; it spans much of the terminal, and it’s usually busy. You’ll also find benches to sit and vending machines for drinks and snacks.

This Delta Airbus A350 turned around and headed to Atlanta.

Shanghai Airlines isn’t an airline you often see over in the US. Perhaps a perk of planespotting in East Asia.

I was surprised to see the amount of United aircraft when I was there. They had flights to Chicago, Newark, and Los Angeles, when I was there.

I’ve been praising United’s efforts in international expansion over the Pacific for a while now, and I could definitely feel their operational presence in Tokyo.

Here are some photos from other times I’ve been here.

The observation deck in Terminal 3 is open 24 hours, while the ones in Terminals 1 and 2 are open from 6:30 to 22:00.

I Never Get Bored Here

Whether you’re an avid aviation enthusiast or a passenger with a long layover, these observation decks are a great place to spend and kill time. You see all kinds of people here, from aviation geeks to groups of friends hanging out to parents with their kids.

I’ve been going here for years as I grew up in Tokyo. Even though I don’t live there anymore, it’s always a must-visit for me whenever I have time at Haneda. Long layovers and early arrivals are never a problem for me at this airport!

All photos taken by the author.