Arriving at Haneda Airport: 5 Smart Things to Do Before Leaving the Terminal

So you’ve just touched down at Haneda Airport (HND), Tokyo’s incredibly convenient gateway to Japan. The excitement is palpable, but before you dash off to explore the neon-lit streets of Shibuya or the serene temples of Asakusa, a little bit of airport admin can go a long way in ensuring a seamless start to your adventure. Haneda is renowned for its efficiency, and with a few smart moves, you can be out of the terminal and on your way with all your essentials sorted.

Most international flights arrive at the modern and spacious Terminal 3. Once you’ve navigated immigration and collected your bags, you’ll emerge into the 2nd-floor arrivals lobby. This is your mission control for the next 30-60 minutes. Here are five smart things to do at Haneda Airport before you head into the heart of Tokyo.

1. Get Your Bearings and Some Yen

First things first, take a moment to orient yourself. The arrivals lobby is well-signposted in English. You’ll see exits for buses and taxis, and clear directions to the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail stations that will whisk you into the city.

Now, for money. While Japan is becoming more card-friendly, it remains a society where cash is king, especially for smaller eateries, local shops, and transportation top-ups. It’s wise to have a good amount of Japanese Yen on you. You’ll find several currency exchange counters, like the 24-hour Japan Airport Terminal Foreign Currency Exchange, directly in the arrivals lobby. For potentially better rates, look for the Seven Bank ATMs dotted around the hall. These are famously friendly to foreign cards and are operational for most of the day. Grabbing at least ¥10,000-¥20,000 per person will comfortably see you through your first day’s expenses.

2. Get Connected: Your Digital Lifeline

In a city as vast and intricate as Tokyo, reliable internet access is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s your key to navigating the sprawling subway system with Google Maps, translating a menu, or sharing that first bowl of authentic ramen on Instagram.

While you can find free Wi-Fi at the airport and in many public spaces in Tokyo, the connection isn’t always guaranteed or fast. A dedicated connection is the smart traveler’s choice. Your two best options are a prepaid SIM card or a pocket WiFi device.

For most visitors, especially those in groups or with multiple gadgets, a pocket WiFi is the most convenient and cost-effective option. This is where a little pre-planning pays off. Numerous companies allow you to reserve a device online and have it waiting for you. One of the most popular choices is to rent a Pocket WiFi Haneda Airport, which can be easily collected from a counter right in the arrivals hall. Look for the brightly lit counters of providers like Japan Wireless, Ninja WiFi, and Global WiFi. You’ll find them centrally located in the lobby, and their multilingual staff will have you connected in minutes. With a pocket WiFi in your bag, you’ll have unlimited, high-speed internet wherever your Japanese adventures take you.

3. Sort Out Your Transport Pass: The Welcome Suica

Japan’s public transportation system is a marvel, and an IC card is your golden ticket. These rechargeable tap-and-go cards, such as Suica or Pasmo, are indispensable for hopping on virtually all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo and across the country.

Due to a past global semiconductor shortage, the standard green Suica cards were temporarily unavailable. The fantastic solution for tourists is the “Welcome Suica.” You can buy this special-edition card, featuring a charming cherry blossom design, from dedicated vending machines located in the arrivals lobby, right near the ticket gates for the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line. These machines have an English interface and are easy to use. The Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days and requires no deposit, but be aware that any remaining balance is non-refundable. Load it up with a few thousand yen to start, and you can easily add more cash at any train station throughout your trip.

4. Consider Forwarding Your Luggage for an Easier Journey

If you’re traveling with large suitcases, navigating Tokyo’s train stations during peak hours can be a real challenge. Japan offers a brilliant solution: luggage delivery services, known as takuhaibin.

In the arrivals lobby, you will find counters for services like Yamato Transport (look for the iconic black cat logo) and JAL ABC. For a very reasonable fee, they will send your bulky bags directly to your hotel or accommodation, typically for next-day arrival. Both have counters with long operating hours, with Yamato open from early morning to late evening and JAL ABC’s delivery counter open almost 24/7. This allows you to breeze into the city with just a light daypack, making that first journey on a crowded train infinitely more pleasant. It’s an affordable luxury you won’t regret.

5. Gather Intel at the Tourist Information Center

Before you tap that new Welcome Suica card and board your train, make one final stop at the Tourist Information Center. Located conveniently in the arrivals hall, this should be your go-to for any lingering questions. The friendly, English-speaking staff are a font of knowledge.

They can provide you with free, detailed maps of Tokyo and its labyrinthine subway system, offer advice on the best route to your hotel, and give you the latest information on city events and attractions. The Keikyu Tourist Information Center, open from 8:00 to 22:00, is another excellent resource near the train gates. This is the perfect opportunity to get some local insight and maybe even discover a hidden gem to add to your itinerary.

By taking care of these five simple tasks upon arriving at Haneda, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, connected, and stress-free start to what is sure to be an unforgettable trip in Japan.