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Singapore Changi Airport – Spotting Guide
June 1, 2014
London Heathrow Airport – Spotting Guide
June 24, 2014Singapore Changi Airport – Spotting Guide
June 1, 2014London Heathrow Airport – Spotting Guide
June 24, 2014Tokyo Haneda Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on April 23, 2024
Tokyo International Airport (RJTT / HND), commonly known as Haneda, is Japans biggest airport. After the construction of Narita Airport, HND has handled mainly domestic operations for several decades. International services were re-introduced some years ago. To increase capacity, HND received its International Terminal (now Terminal 3) plus a fourth runway in 2010.
As it is located within Tokyo, the airport is much easier accessible and therefore more attractive for airlines as well as travellers than Narita. Keikyu Railway and Tokyo Monorail link HND with several stations in Central Tokyo. ANA and JAL both use HND as a transfer hub for domestic and international operations, while several smaller Japanese operators link the airport with selected domestic destinations, either at own risk or on behalf of ANA/JAL. These operators include Air Do to Hokkaido island, Solaseed to Kyushu island and other cities in southern Japan, Starflyer and Skymark. International operators are the major airlines of China, Korea and southeast Asia as well as some European and American carriers. Good weather is common at this airport, but during the hot summer months you sometimes have to face misty conditions or heat distortion.
Using scanners should be legal, almost all locals are using them (without hiding the devices).
Written by David Will, Hiroaki Tanaka, Martin Rogosz, Travair, Jan Seba, Jeremy Denton & Maximilian Ono. Last visite and update: August 2023
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 04/22 | 2.500 m |
| 05/23 | 2.500 m |
| 16L/34R | 3.360 m |
| 16R/34L | 3.000 m |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | JAL Group, Skymark, Starflyer (operates from both domestic terminals). |
| Terminal 2 | ANA Group, Air Do, Solaseed, Starflyer (Starflyer operates from both domestic terminals) and a few international services. |
| Terminal 3 | Most international traffic |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required |
| Car/Public Transport | Car us not required. If using public transport there is a free shuttle bus between terminals, and if visiting on a weekend a day pass for the monorail (700 yen) taking you to near spot 5 is also available. This ticket will also get you back to downtown Tokyo. |
| Restrooms | Inside terminal buildings. |
| Drinks/Food | Inside terminal buildings. |
| Hotels | There are various hotels around the airport. |
| Season | Spotting is possible all year long. |
| Runway Usage | |
| Wind from the north |
|
| Wind from the south | From 06:00 to 23:00 (excluding 15:00 to 19:00)
From 15:00 to 19:00
|
Terminal 1 Oberservation Deck – 16R departures or 34L arrivals, movements on Terminal 1 apron
| WHERE | Landside on the rooftop of Domestic Terminal 1. Just follow the signs. There is some kind of horizontal mesh where your camera lense easily fit trough. |
| WHAT | You can see and spot movements on the apron in front of Terminal 1. Movements on the Terminal 3 ramp are visible in the distance. During northern wind you can spot RWY 34L arrivals. During southern wind you can spot RWY 16R departures. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are in the early morning. Later (around 10a.m.), movements on the runway are in backlight. |
| MISC. | The Obersavtion deck opens in the summer at 06:30 a.m. Shops and restrooms inside the terminal, shops possibly also on the terrace itself. Terrace is open from 06:30 till 22:00 and free of charge. Check the official website for the latest infos. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Below 50mm for planes on the Terminal 1 apron. Longer lenses are required for planes on taxiways, on the runway and on the Terminal 3 apron. |
Terminal 2 Observation deck – 16L/34R arrivals and departures, movements on Terminal 2 apron
| WHERE | Landside on the rooftop of Domestic Terminal 2. Just follow the signs. There is some kind of horizontal mesh where your camera lense easily fit trough. |
| WHAT | You can see and spot all movements on Runway 16L/34R from here as well as movements on the apron in front of Terminal 2. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are in the afternoon. In the morning, movements on the runway are in backlight. The spot becomes useful by around 11 o’clock. |
| MISC. | The Obersavtion deck opens in the summer at 06:30 a.m. Shops and restrooms inside the terminal, shops possibly also on the terrace itself. Terrace is open from 06:30 till 22:00 and free of charge. Check the official website for the latest infos. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Below 50mm for planes on the Terminal 2 apron. Longer lenses are required for planes on taxiways and the runway. |
Terminal 3 Observation deck – 16R departures or 34L arrivals, movements on Terminal 3 apron
| WHERE | Landside of the rooftop of Terminal 3. Just follow the signs. There is some kind of horizontal mesh where your camera lense easily fit trough. |
| WHAT | You can see and spot movements on the apron in front of Terminal 3. Movements on the domestic Terminal 1 ramp are visible in the distance. During northern wind you can spot RWY 34L arrivals. During southern wind you can spot RWY 16R departures. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are in the afternoon and during the night. In the morning, movements on the runway are backlit. The spot becomes useful by around 11 o’clock. |
| MISC. | The observation deck is open 24hrs during the summer. Shops and restrooms inside the terminal. Terrace is open 24h and free of charge. Check the official website for the latest infos. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Below 50mm for planes on the Terminal 3 apron. Longer lenses are required for planes on taxiways, on the runway and on the Terminal 1 ramp. |
Jonanjima Beach Park
| WHERE | There you can go by bus from JR Omori Station, Keikyu railway Heiwajima Station or Tokyo Monorail Ryutsu-Center Station. Take the bus line 森32 for “Jounanjima Circulation”(城南島循環) from each station and get off at “Jonanjima 4-Chome”(城南島四丁目). This bus is not running frequent (1 service per hour). |
| WHAT | There you can get 34R departures and 22 arrivals. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are in the early morning for 34R departures. When 22 arrivals best time is from afternoon to sunset. |
| MISC. | There are vending machine and toilets. But no store near here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Focal length is 200-500mm for 34R departures, 100-300mm at 22 arrivals. |
Keihinjima Tsubasa park
| WHERE | There can get there by bus from JR Omori Station, Keikyu railway Heiwajima Station or Tokyo Monorail Ryutsu-Center Station. Take bus line 森24, 森36 or 森46 to “Keihinjima Circulation”(京浜島循環) from each stations and get off at “Keihinjima”(京浜島三番地) or “Keihinjima Kaijo Kouen”(京浜島海上公園). This bus is not frequent too. |
| WHAT | You can see 34R depatures or 22 arrivals. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from afternoon to sunset. |
| MISC. | There are vending machine and toilets. But no store near here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Focal length is 200-500mm for 34R departures, 150-400mm at 22 arrivals. |
Kawasaki Ukishima-Cho Park.
| WHERE | The park reopened after it had been destroyed by a typhoon back in 2019. You can go there by bus from Kawasaki Station (the bus stop is next to both JR and Keikyu Kawasaki stations). Take the bus for “Ukishima bus terminal”(浮島バスターミナル) and get off at Ukishimachōkoen” (浮島町公園). The park entrance on the bus stop side is closed so use the front entrance. |
| WHAT | There you can see taxing to runway 05 and 34L arrivals. A fence is blocking the sight for the 05-runway pics as you can see on the samples. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are afternoon to sunset. |
| MISC. | There is a toilet but no store and vending machine. If you want something to eat or drink, you should buy it near Kawasaki station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 737/A320 around 450mm 777-300 around 250mm |
ANA Terminal Car Park 3
| WHERE | It is on the ANA Terminal Car Park 3 (north side car park), Level 6. You can reach this location by walking from the ANA terminal (terminal 2) to terminal 2 car park 3 (the more northerly of the two car parks at terminal 2). There is a connecting bridge from the terminal to the car park on level 3. From car park level 3 take the elevator to the 6th floor (not the roof as it is surrounded by a 2m wall) and turn right out of the elevator and walk to the north end of the car park. |
| WHAT | From this location you can see and photograph any visiting dignitaries aircraft on the ramp. Its not the best spot and only worth for a quick stop. Depending on the actual parking bay used by aircraft, unfortunately apron lighting poles can be an unwanted part of the photo so its better if you catch the aircraft while it is moving into its stand. The first gate of the terminal should be also not occupied by an aircraft as it will block the sight if the aircraft is moving to and from the ramp in.
OCT 2020 VIP aircraft no longer parked here and use the apron at runway 22 |
| TIME | Best light is late morning to early afternoon. |
| MISC. | There are no problems with security at this location. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | For narrow body class 250mm+; for wide body 150mm. Often dignitaries show up with more than one aircraft – to photograph two or more aircraft together 100mm will be handy. |
Jonanjima Futou Park 16L arrivals
| WHERE | There you can go by bus from JR Omori Station, Keikyu railway Heiwajima Station or Tokyo Monorail Ryutsu-Center Station. Take the bus line 森32 for “Jounanjima Circulation”(城南島循環) from each station and get off at “Kenzai Futou”(建材埠頭). This bus is not running frequent (1 service per hour). |
| WHAT | You can see 16L arrivals. Only South wind and from 15:00 to 19:00. |
| TIME | 16L Operation time is 15:00 to 19:00.This time are best light conditions in summer. Winter season is sunset around 17:00. |
| MISC. | Restrooms are available in the park. Convenience shop is near the park. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-180mm for B777s 180-200mm for B787s and B767s 250-300mm for B737s and A320s |
Showajima Industrial Area - 16R Arrivals
| WHERE | There you can go by Tokyo Monorail “SHOWAJIMA”(昭和島)” Station. Get off East-exit, you are through a narrow passage and about 5 min from stataion. Then you literally just stand by the roadside close to the water at the edge of the Showajima industrial area, which can be found northwest of the airport itsself on the island of Showajima. |
| WHAT | You can see 16R arrivals. Only South wind and from 15:00 to 19:00. |
| TIME | 16R Operation time is 15:00 to 19:00.This time are best light conditions in summer. Also winter season is good. But sunset around 17:00. |
| MISC. | There are vending machine. Restrooms are available in station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 250mm for B777s 300mm for B787s and B767s 400mm for B737s and A320s |
Tenku Bridge - 22 Departures
| WHERE | There you can go by Keikyu line and Tokyo Monorail and exit at “TENKUBASHI(天空橋)” station. Station is under ground, you get off A2 Exit and bridge is right side crossing the Ebitori river. |
| WHAT | You can see 22 departures. Only South wind and from 15:00 to 19:00.(But Primary departures are 16L/R) |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from afternoon to sunset in summer. Also, Winter season is good. but sunset around 17:00. |
| MISC. | There are vending machine and toilets in the station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B737s/A320s around 400mm B767s/B787s around 300mm B777s around 250mm |
Footbath Sky Deck - Taxiway and Ramp
| WHERE | There is a wonderful viewing deck in a industrial zone, next to the treshold of runway 04. To get there you can go by Keikyu line and Tokyo Monorail and exit at “TENKUBASHI(天空橋)” station. Leave the station and walk eastword to the office complex until Zone E. The deck is on the roof of this building and can be accessed from the outside via the stairs. |
| WHAT | Sadly there is not much happening here as runway 04 is not active. But it is a good opportunity to photograph the movements to the ramps which are located on the western side of the airport. |
| TIME | Best time is from noon until sunset. |
| MISC. | There are shops and restrooms nearby in the office complex. You can even take a footbath if you want. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | XXX |
Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel at Ariake, Odaiba, Tokyo is an excellent hotel for plane-spotting. During summer, the hotel is exceptional for its sky views as aircraft can be seen with telephoto lens departing from Haneda, flying in the sky above or near Tokyo Big Sight and parking at the faraway Haneda Airport. Rooms on and above the sixth floor onwards are popular.
As we already wrote you, please use this form https://www.spotterguide.net/guide-update/ and not the comment section for new spots.
Thanks, Julian
I have done plane-spotting on the rooftop of Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Haneda. Focal length is 200mm for a clear picture of the airport at night. In the morning, it can be foggy. So I went to the rooftop foot bath area of Haneda Innovation City after 9 am for plane-spotting. I am able to see ITA Airways and Japanese aircraft flying towards Haneda clearly with Canon focal length of 300mm.
Is Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu suitable for plane-spotting?
Where exactly should I shoot pictures of ITA Airways A350-900XWB departing from Haneda and flying in the air? Is the plane visible from the rooftop at Hotel Metropolitan Haneda Airport? Last year, I could not see ITA Airways departing from Haneda on the observation deck of Haneda Terminal 3. Please advise.
Most planes heading to Europe use 16L or 34R.(I’ve seen planes use 16R, but it’s rare.)
If you’re looking for the plane that’s taxiing, Terminal 1 is the place to go.
The best place to photograph planes flying overhead is spot 5(Keihinjima Tsubasa Park) when north wind.
Below are the photos I took from spot 5.
https://flyteam.jp/photo/3612846
Sorry, I wrote it wrong.
If you’re looking for the plane taxiing and taking off, Terminal 2 is the place to go.
Ok thank you. What about Hotel Metropolitan Haneda Airport rooftop?
You may be able to take a photo when landing with north wind, but the aiming point is quite far away.
So even if you get a nice photo, the plane is taxiing.
I think you can take pictures while the plane is taxiing upon departure, but not during takeoff.
Where to take pictures of ITA Airways A350 taking off, not overhead shots?
Terminal 2 is better, but depending on the timing of takeoff you may take a photo of the back of the plane.
Thank you for your advice. I will go to Terminal 2 Sky Deck if there is no rain.
According to Tokyo Monorail, Shin Seibijo Station allows spotters to see aircraft moving along the tarmac near the train station. Is it worth spotting there?
There is a double fence near the station. The only way to take a photo is to use a telephoto lens and open the aperture to blur the fence.
This is a Youtube of the area around Shinseibijo Station.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj8vQhCiCaM
Thank you
i see.
What is the focal length required for shooting pictures of ITA Airways A350 taxiing and taking off from the observation deck of Haneda Terminal 2?
I used 180mm by APS-C.
Below are the photos I took from T2.
https://flyteam.jp/photo/3745033
Marvellous
What is the focal length required at Haneda Terminal 2? Is it 300mm or 200mm or 400mm?
On the runway, 300-600mm(Full-frame)
How to go to Keihinjima Tsubasa Park? How near is it from Terminal 2?
Keihinjima Tsubasa Park is inconvenient. You can’t walk there from the airport, and there is no direct bus, so the most convenient way is by taxi. It takes about 15 minutes.
However, be careful as it may be difficult to catch a taxi on the way back.
Ok, thank you for your advice. Stay put at Terminal 2.
Due to terminal expansion construction, #7 is no longer possible to take.
Hi Gan! I researched.
1.HOTEL METOROPLITAN TOKYO HANEDA
You can take photos from the rooftop.
But tripods cannot be used.
2.Keikyu EX Inn Haneda Innovation City
You can take phots from the Footbath Sky Deck of HANEDA INNOVATION CITY(No.11 spot),
which in directory connected to the hotel.
There are some hotels directly connected to the terminal, so you can take photos from the observation deck.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Haneda has replied to me that in case of windy, sunny weather, its rooftop will also be closed, not only rainy weather. Do you know whether Keikyu EX Inn Haneda Innovation City has the same policy?
Keikyu EX and Metropolitan are both hotels located in Innovation City. The Skydeck is located outside the hotel and is easily accessible. The sky deck is open even on windy days, and you can photograph airplanes from around Innovation City.
The time to take pictures of planes taking off and landing on the sky deck is from about 3pm to 7pm when south wind.
What about taking pictures of ITA Airways A350 taking off and landing between 9.25 am and 1 pm? Are they more visible on the Sky Deck than on the rooftop of Hotel Metropolitan Haneda Airport?
How to go to the open Sky Deck of Haneda Innovation City?
Do you know whether Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Haneda restricts the type of camera used since tripods cannot be used? The hotel says the rooftop will be closed even if the weather is sunny and windy.
Which airport hotel near Haneda allows guests to carry out plane-spotting through the room windows or on the roof?
what time do the terraces open? Thank you!
Here’s a link: https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/service/facilities/observation_deck.html
I have updated the descriptions. Thanks for the useful link.
-Julian
Some additional information on South Wind Operation from 1500-1900:
04/22: departures on RWY 22 (mainly destinations to the South)
05/23: not in use
16L/34R: departures (mainly destinations to the South; Will have destinations to the North as well if 16R/34L is busy) and arrivals (mainly coming to the North) on RWY 16L
16R/34L: departures and arrivals (mainly coming from the South) on RWY 16R, while busy time will only use for landing
Amend:
04/22: departures on RWY 22 (mainly destinations to the South) 05/23: not in use 16L/34R: departures and arrivals (mainly coming from the South) on RWY 16R, while busy time will only use for landing. Flight to North America prefer this runway
16R/34L: departures (mainly destinations to the South; Will have destinations to the North as well if 16L/34R is busy) and arrivals (mainly coming to the North) on RWY 16R
Sorry for mixing up with 16/34
Thank you, Kelvin! I updated the runway operations during southern wind in the afternoon.
Visited HND last week and the observation deck on Terminal 3 (International) no longer opens 24 hours. It closes at 10pm – same as the decks on Terminals 1 and 2.
Thank you, Dennis. I update the opening hours.
Another update. I visited last week (June 2023) and T3 observation deck is now open 24 hours again. T1 and T2 decks close at 22:00