Destination Tokyo Haneda
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) is situated to the south of the city. It is a main hub for Star Alliance member All Nippon Airways and for Oneworld member Japan Airlines. It is served by numerous Oneworld and Star Alliance airlines connecting within the Far East, to Europe, Australasia and North America.
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) is further from the city centre.
When visiting Tokyo on a Round The World ticket remember to try to depart from the same Tokyo airport that you arrived at. A surface sector between the two airports will use on of your sixteen sectors.
Airport Code – HND
Distance to Central Tokyo – 9 Miles
Tokyo Population – 14,000,000
Language – Japanese
Currency – Japanese Yen (JPY)
Voltage – 100v
Plug – Type A and B.
Credit Cards – Accepted at large outlets.
LGBTQ Friendly – Yes. Some challenges for Lesbian travellers.
Tokyo Haneda Airport to City Transport Options
Train
Car & Pick Up
Bus
There are two train options from Tokyo Haneda to the city.
The first, rather unique, option is the Tokyo Monorail. This connects to the JR Yamanote line in just 13 minutes with a fare of JPY500.
The Keikyu Airport line also connects to the JR Yamanote line, and is both quicker at 11 minites and cheaper at JPY330.
Tickets can also be paid using a Suica card.
Limosine buses operate from all terminals at Tokyo Haneda to most areas of the city.
Taxi
Taxis from Tokyo Haneda to the city can cost upwards of JPY11,000 after tolls are taken into consideration. Journey time is around 30 minutes. Credit cards are accepted.
The usual ride hailing apps are in operation.
Welcome To Tokyo
Tokyo is a city where ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity live side by side, creating a destination that feels both timeless and forward-looking.
Arriving in Tokyo you are greeted by a skyline of glittering towers and neon lights, yet just a few steps away you might find quiet lanes lined with wooden houses and centuries-old temples. Exploring Tokyo begins with understanding its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and atmosphere.
Start in Asakusa, the historic heart of the city, where the grand Sensō-ji Temple welcomes pilgrims and travelers alike. The approach to the temple, known as Nakamise-dori, is lined with stalls selling traditional snacks, paper fans, and handcrafted souvenirs. From here it is easy to walk to the Sumida River, where boats offer gentle cruises that reveal a different perspective of the metropolis.
A short ride on the subway transports you to the youthful energy of Shibuya. The famous crossing outside Shibuya Station is a spectacle of movement, with thousands of people streaming across from every direction when the lights change. Nearby, fashionable streets hide small cafés, record shops, and boutiques that showcase Tokyo’s ever-evolving trends. Neighboring Harajuku, especially the pedestrian Takeshita Street, adds a splash of playful fashion and colorful sweets, while the tranquil Meiji Shrine sits quietly within a vast forested park, offering a moment of calm amid the buzz.
For a taste of Tokyo’s refined side, Ginza offers elegant department stores, luxury brands, and fine dining. Its wide boulevards glow with sophisticated charm, particularly in the evening when the lights reflect on polished shop windows.
Those seeking the avant-garde might drift toward Shinjuku, where soaring skyscrapers house observation decks with sweeping city views. The lively entertainment district of Kabukicho provides a contrast of neon nightlife, while the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden invites peaceful strolls among traditional Japanese landscapes and French-style lawns.
No visit to Tokyo is complete without savoring its food culture. From tiny ramen shops tucked beneath railway arches to Michelin-starred sushi counters, the city is a culinary playground. Tsukiji’s outer market still hums with seafood vendors and street food stalls, while neighborhoods such as Ebisu and Nakameguro offer izakaya pubs and modern eateries that reflect the city’s inventive spirit.
Beyond the urban core, day trips reveal Tokyo’s quieter edges. A train ride brings you to the seaside at Kamakura or the hot springs of Hakone, where views of Mount Fuji reward those who venture out. Yet even within Tokyo’s limits, pockets of green such as Ueno Park and the Imperial Palace gardens give space to breathe and reflect.
Getting Around Tokyo
Navigating Tokyo’s public transport is remarkably straightforward once you get the hang of it. Initially, to western eyes, the design language of the maps can be confusing.
The city’s rail network is the backbone of travel, made up of the Japan Railways (JR) lines, extensive subway routes, and a variety of private railway companies that link the central wards with the outer suburbs. The JR Yamanote Line is the often the easiest starting point. This circular route that loops through major districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ueno, allowing effortless movement between the city’s key neighborhoods without the need to change trains.
Complementing the JR lines are the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks. Stations are clearly marked in English as well as Japanese, and each subway line is color-coded with numbered stations, making it simple to plan journeys even for those unfamiliar with the language.
Fares are calculated by distance, but the easiest way to travel is with a rechargeable Pasmo or Suica card. These cards can be purchased and topped up at machines in any station and are accepted on trains, subways, buses, and even in many convenience stores and vending machines. Simply tap the card at the ticket gates to enter and exit; the system automatically deducts the correct fare. For travelers planning to explore widely in a single day, one-day unlimited passes for the subway or the JR lines can be a cost-effective option.
Tokyo’s buses extend the reach of the rail network, covering areas where train stations are sparse. While they can be slower due to traffic, they offer a more scenic and local perspective. Signs at major stops display English route information, and the same IC cards used for trains work here as well.
Taxis are plentiful, clean and safe. However their higher fares make them best for late-night journeys when trains have stopped running or when traveling with heavy luggage.
Peak travel times in Tokyo, especially weekday mornings and early evenings, can be crowded to the point of surprise for first-time visitors. Trains remain punctual and safe even during these rush hours, but those seeking a more relaxed ride may prefer to travel outside the busiest periods. Stations can be large and bustling, so allow yourself plenty of time.