I arrived into Tokyo Haneda (also known as Tokyo International Airport) at 3:30pm and my connection would not leave until 11:00am the following morning. That left me with a nearly 20-hour layover in HND, most of it spent in the airport terminal.
Tokyo Haneda Transit 2021
Currently, U.S. citizens are not allowed into Japan unless they have a visa (or obviously dual citizenship or permanent residence). Tourism is not permitted and even same-day transit across town between Haneda and Narita airports is not allowed.
Passengers are allowed to make same-day connections in Tokyo Narita and can make overnight connections in Tokyo Haneda, but in both cases are not allowed to actually enter Japan. Instead, they must remain on the sterile side of the airport.
My plan was to stay in the Royal Park Hotel, the airside transit hotel at HND. Small problem: it is still closed due to the pandemic (not that its website reflects this).
After landing and confirming the hotel was closed, I proceeded to the ANA lounge…it did not even dawn on me that I would not have access until the day of my flight to Bangkok, which was the following day.
During the pandemic, ANA is only using its Suites Lounge, normally reserved for first class passengers. I proceeded upstairs, presented my boarding pass, and was very apologetically told that I would not have access to the lounge until the following morning.
My heart sank…she was right. Because my flight departed after 5:00am, I did not have lounge access…yet.
The Japanese are like Germans in that they are precise and pay close attention to detail, but are sticklers for the rules.
I probably could have been an ugly American, created a scene, raised my voice, and gained access to the lounge. Sadly, when people act ugly, they often get what they want. I also could have just booked a business class ticket on United, stuck my tongue out, and gained access to the lounge that way. But no…it’s just a lounge.
Maybe she sensed that was going to happen, because the lounge agent breathed a huge sigh of relief and a smile spread across her face when I did not argue and instead just nodded, said “thank you,” and took my boarding pass back.
Back downstairs, it was pushing 5:00pm and this night, I really did spend sleeping on airport bench (some of you questioned my use of the word “night” at Washington Dulles).
The hours passed and I got a whole lot of work done…and also slept well, using the duvet I brought along and turning my sweater into a pillow.
A few things amazed me, in a very good way:
- During the night, my unused gate area was still cleaned every couple hours
- Yes, it did wake me up, but I had to smile…only in Japan
- Then at about 3:00am a police officer or security guard with a badge noticed that one of the ceiling lights was burned out
- I thought he was taking a picture of me, but he was actually taking a picture of the light bulb
- 30 minutes later, a crew showed up to replace the light bulb
- Again, only in Japan…
- A spotlessly-clean bathroom and drinking fountain were just a few paces away as well as plenty of electrical outlets and complimentary high-speed wi-fi
I made it to 5:00am without even buying food or drink, not that there would have been anything open. The airport was deserted…even during the evening rush.
At just after 5:00am, I proceeded to the lounge where I was welcomed as the first guest. I set my things down and walked over to the kitchen area to make myself a cup of coffee. After a couple espressos and a warm shower, I was feeling great.
The last five hours in the lounge flew by and I soon found myself boarding my Boeing 787-9 for Bangkok.
CONCLUSION
I would not call a 20-hour-layover ideal at any airport when you cannot leave and there is no transit hotel available…but Tokyo Haneda is certainly an airport I’d rather be “trapped” in than most.
Next time I hope to return to the Park Hyatt…but for this trip, my quiet bench was about the best I could hope for.
That was a very narrow interpretation of lounge access rules. The airline sold the ticket with an itinerary crossing two calendar days to an individual not allowed to leave the terminal. Customer service is to find a reasonable solution to a problem not created by the client. Fend for yourself isn’t a way to build ethical business practices.
It is probably a function of *A wanting to have rules that are consistent without being overly generous. LX do that all the time. Some of their morning departures are super early too, which means that paying for a room at an airport hotel often isn’t a viable option for a proper night’s sleep. The same fare for the same route gives you a 12-hour lounge visit if it’s a same day connection and barely half an hour to grab a coffee before the early morning flight if it’s an overnight.
That’s how things are done in japan: By The Book.
Rules are rules, no exceptions, period. Asking someone to bend a rule for you (or even worse, make a stink over it) is considered more than just bad manners. It’s way out of line, inappropriate.
In Japan, they play by the rules, and the country benefits tremendously from it. Not a good place for Republicans and other cheats.
Jance,
Yes, a rule-following society is perfect for Democrats. Your enthusiasm should be tempered, though, realizing that in Japan only currently-living citizens can vote, and even then, only once.
“in Japan only currently-living citizens can vote, and even then, only once.”
Perfect for Democrats.
Funny how the only people actually caught and prosecuted for voting multiple times have been Republicans.
I love the poorly educated!!!
Presented by Capital One
Jance, that’s a cheap and unfair shot at Republicans. I say that as someone who has voted Democrat for the past 2 decades.
Jance, I do take offense to your “republican” stereotype! Do we not live in such a divisive world already?
I am a “republican” but will listen to reasonable opposing views so long as we are all respectable to one another.
As a resident of Japan, I would like to commend the writer for putting others before yourself. As staff of an airport lounge especially in the Japanese corporate environment has no discretion to bend the rules or autonomy to make decisions. (I don’t like it, but I do understand it)
Additionally “Jance”, I enjoyed your comment. U strike me as someone who is keenly aware of proper civil discourse and conduct. (No sarcasm intended)
I love the informative and insightful posts from all people on this blog. Hope you all happy travels and may you and your loved ones be safe during the holiday seasons!
I agree with your comments!! Thank You
Don’t spew that here. It’s a travel blog, not Reddit or disqus. I vote Democrat and think this is no place for that.
There has been a lot of thread highjacking here, so let me contribute as well.
I’ve had business and personal relationships in Japan for 30+ years and agree that it is very rule-based. But in my experience, the rules tend to be most frequently interpreted in a way that best suits the users purpose.
And on more than one occasion, I have had clients (major Japanese firms) at the completion of a project attempt to re-negotiate pricing and payments (on signed contracts). My response, I don’t have the authority on such matters, but I will pass your request to my superiors. That doesn’t seem very rule-based to me.
I also find that the incredible adherence to rules and total lack of initiative and “taking ownership” stands in the way of true innovation and creativity – a problem that often plagues Japanese companies. Japan can be a tough place to live and work.
Japan always follows the rules, regardless of what might be sensical customer service to the recipient.
It works out most of the time, but sucks for edge-cases like this.
Good article! Thanks for not making a scene at the lounge!
Client bought the ticket, knowing there was an overnight. Self-responsibility. Are air carriers to hand-hold and baby every customer? I think not.
Different story if there was a cancellation or diversion. Then it would be up to the air carrier to provide some kind of compensating service for their mess up.
He considers himself a world traveller and Yet was considering to raise his voice in Japan and scream?
I am shocked Matt does not have the basic knowledge that raising your voice in Japan is shameful,,despicable and it will get you nowhere for sure!
Matt, do you think about what you are posting?
Um, there was a reason I didn’t raise my voice…
Hi . Just curious to know which class were u flying in ? I will be facing the same thing in a month at Haneda. I am flying business class on JAL though.. Hope they let me inside the lounge.
I was in business class.
I would have pressed the lounge admittance. These are extenuating circumstances. You were a sissy 🙂
I’m not sure that playing the Karen card as you suggest is the way to go. If you want to clutch your pearls while throwing a fit because you feel that rules shouldn’t apply to you, that’s your call. Insulting Matthew for not being a snowflake comes across as odd.
Hi actually i have 15hour stay in haneda Airport. Can i sleep at Airport? How long Airport open?
Airport is open 24/7. You can sleep there.
I’m doing the exact flight in 12 days… is first cabin open or available (the small pod rooms in airport)?
Thanks
No.
Hello！This feed has been really informative, thank you. I am flying to Taipei with my wife and three year old daughter next Friday had booked the Royal Park Hotel for Friday night. Now the hotel is not letting transiting passengers anymore because of the current Covid spike. I called AA to see if they could get me a different itinerary and the customer service representative told me that we would not be able to overnight in the Haneda airport. Based on your post here and most recent comments it seems that it won’t be a problem, can you help confirm that that’s still the case? I’d still prefer to do that than try to scramble to rebook flights (especially since we have award tickets and don’t want to have to pay for tickets so last minute). Thanks!
Matt – thank you for this detailed article. I have a JAL flight planned for September SFO – Haneda. I booked (last winter) the flight hoping Japan would be open. Which appears very unlikely now.
Question – if I booked a separate new ticket from Haneda to Bangkok(Singapore airlines), do you think I’d be allowed to keep that original sfo-Haneda flight (No checked bags), or would JAL not allow me to board the plane in SFO? Thanks!
This would be a good solution – there should be no problem checking bags or combining the two tickets, even though SQ and JL are different.
bro….are you travelling to canada? If no, then dont bother. If yes, then can you please tell me about the regulations as I was looking to book a flight from delhi to vancouver via haneda?
Amazing isn’t it? Could they be complaining about things they only do and they assume “the other side” does it too?
This trip is getting more and more epic! Thanks so much for sharing this – something we all are unlikely to otherwise learn!
Safe onward travels!
I will have a 12hr layover at HND (5:30AM – 5PM) with JAL. Now I know the airside hotel is still closed, is there an area inside JAL lounge where I can sleep for a few hours?
Yes, the JAL lounge is open from 5:00am to last departure so you’ll have lounge access for your entire journey.
Hey Dave, are you flying Business with JAL or Economy ? Reason being, I am flying economy and want to know if one can pay and get access to the lounge and shower
Matthew, huge respect to you for not losing it.
I deal with clients all the time and know what it’s like to have a nightmare client.
But I would have totally been a nightmare client in that situation. You had a *A itinerary with a long layover and weren’t allowed to leave the airport. Obviously she should let you into the lounge. It’s common sense.
Huge respect for not losing it?
Losing it for what?
That he simply was not entitled to be admitted to
The lounge?
Please think twice before posting this nonsense.
Love the story about the security guard noticing the burnt out light and getting it fixed immediately. I love that level of Japanese conscientiousness. Here in the NY area on the other hand… I just drove out to EWR from the city at 7pm on a Friday and on the interstate about half of the lights were not functioning. As my partner said, “this feels like driving on a freeway in Malaysia”.
Mathew is weak. I’m an employer and I would never hire him. It’s just about every person for themselves in this world. DON’T be a pussy!
Weak? The lounge rules were clearly laid out and I chose the routing. No one forced me to go to Bangkok, let alone route via Tokyo. Trust me, I’d never want to work for you or anyone like you…don’t flatter yourself. The “every person for themselves” mindset may lead to temporal gains, but leaves you empty and depressed as you lie in bed at night.
And lots of tension in the workplace…..
You have my greatest respect! Clearly, in my personal opinion, we will choose to behave “that this is what I deserve to get”. But a great man is someone who takes a step back and admits that clearly the fault doesn’t lie in the other party and just accept & make the best of the situation!
Like anybody in this world cares if Dara from the liveandletsfly.com comment section would hire them.
Dara, actually, what you are is a complete a******.
I would have asked for a supervisor. This is a stupid rule and would not cost them anything to let you in.
Typical of people with your belief system. You always have your hand out but condemn people for helping the less fortunate.
Who knew Santastico was such a Karen at heart?
In the USA you’d be absolutely right: quietly ask for a supervisor and plead your case; in a worst case scenario you’ve wasted a few minutes and you tried.
That’s not how things are in Japan. Rules there are sacrosanct and Matthew would have shown himself to be a gigantic POS if he’d pressed when the rules were clearly against him. I have Japanese family and this was impressed on me more than once. You don’t want to look like a snowflake because you don’t like the rules there.
I think Santisco already did. POS part of one.
“When in Rome , do as the Romans do”
As Travelers we need to respect the rules and laws of countries.
It may be of inconvenience to you and me but creating a scene doesn’t help.
That’s why Americans like you give the rest of us Americans a bad name.
Doing that would have embarrassed the desk agent beyond belief. They would have been mortified that they failed in their job.
Also it is highly unlikely a supervisor would have over-ruled the agent. Very Karen behaviour which would make you appear to be an illbred oaf in their eyes!
Were there at least some vending machines for food/drinks available ?
There were a couple places open till midnight, but I do intermittent fasting and did not even get hungry.
Some constructive criticism: maybe some more details about what type of places were open, just for anyone else who might be transiting through the airport at the same time.
Fair point. I’ll add it.
Still no update lol
But what’s wrong with buying a refundable United ticket, then canceling once inside?
I could have, but I determined it wasn’t worth it (also would not want to put my Lifetime MillionMiler status in jeopardy).
You make couch surfing sound more fun than I remember.
It’s crazy how many “stomp your feet” Karens exist in this thread. An almost uniquely American failure is believing the rules don’t apply to me. I wish the agents didn’t cave in the US as well so I didn’t have to frequently witness the overwrought theatrics happening at the front of the line. These entitled snowflakes create 99% of the problems.
I also wonder how she could have made en exception if the whole lounge closes during the overnight?
One exception for you would mean keeping staff there who normally aren’t there.
I don’t get the Karens.
Great article. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
It’s too bad the Royal Park Hotel is still closed. If you haven’t stayed there, it is well worth it. My sister and I got a room for a 9 hour layover in Haneda a few years ago (on the way to Kuala Lumpar) and it was a very clean, well-stocked, quiet room with amenities. Though small, it satisfied the need to freshen up and sleep before our late night flight. (We arrived early afternoon at Haneda and planned on the rest). A hidden gem up a “private” escalator well away from all the noise and hubbub.
Well done Matthew. I’ve seen Japanese service personnel tense up at the prospect of dealing with ‘angry gaijin syndrome’. People need to understand that what may work in the States won’t work elsewhere. Lose your temper in Thailand too and see what happens.
I was in Narita airport for ten hours couple days ago, we were only allowed to go from terminal 1 to terminal 2 (departing), most everything was closed at terminal 2, only one cafe which had four items on the menu, and few duty free shops. One money exhcange and couple of vending machines, not even a 7 eleven store around. But chairs were semi comfortable and no one bothered you, charging outlets and wifi was available so it wasn’t that bad, could have been more ideal if they had convenient store!
Does not ANA have an arrivals lounge for those continuing on to wherever? My understanding is that JAL does or am I wrong?
I was not allowed to enter Japan, so even if ANA did have one, I would not be able to use it.
An interesting article. Thanks. As a US-based Japanese traveler who often uses the Tokyo Haneda Airport, I was curious about the status of the hotel. It is open as of 11/13/2021 and I can book a room, but I could not find any information indicating it is an airside transit terminal hotel. So in order to check in, you need to pass through the custom and passport control, and get to the departure floor.
The hotel was open when I went there in July and September 2021.
The airside hotel is not open, and under the changes to business operations, it is clearly listed that the airside hotel is closed until further notice. The landside part is open, but not going to help here.
@Matthew, I am surprised about the lounge access, is that due to separate tickets? Otherwise I don’t see why this would happen. Anyway, the lounge close over night, so it is not like the night could have been spent much more comfortably….
Same ticket.
Lounge closed from 1am – 5am.
My mistake. The hotel has rooms at the airside (https://www.the-royalpark.jp/the/tokyohaneda/en/transit/).
I was thinking the same thing as Jesper. Even if you could have got inside the lounge, you would be kicked out at night.
I thought the same-day ticket rule to access a lounge is same as United Club’s, but I may be wrong again…
The website indicates availability but it is actually closed.
I have a debit card from vanilla visa japan. I need to get in touch with them. They don’t accept voip, like Skype, and have no email address.
What is the best and cheapest way to call japan from the US?
I waited almost a full year to use it when I returned yo the US. I couldn’t activate it in Thailand.
No fee per month until after 13 months I think
Then you lose $2.50
Is lounge access provided to ALL passengers?
Only business or first class.
Thanks Matthew for this blog. It is really helpful for a family of 3 traveling to SFO via Haneda. If we have 1 business class ticket and 2 economy tickets, can we all 3 take a shower (even if we have to pay for the same) ?
Will really appreciate your response on this
Yes, the ANA Lounge is currently a Priority Pass Lounge as well – can you sign up for a credit card that has Priority Pass lounge access? The Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X both includes access for two guests.
My son who is a university student is planning to purchase a ticket where he will have a layover at Handen airport for either 11 or 15 hours depending on the itinerary he choses. He is not a member of any frequent flyer club etc. and will purchase a basic economy fare. So I am wondering whether he should go via Handen airport at all.
His other options cost more by at least $400 US.
I’d say is it worthwhile to save the $400! There were a few cafes open.
Thank you
Thank you.
Many rules are quite arbitrary, particularly in the context of travel rules. I have seen many Germans lose face traveling and make scenes just recently in July in Frankfurt one German berated another German about the rules and the other German was quite mean in return. Instead of stand up for himself, he just stood there and took the abusive behavior. So many Germans act this way and are abusive! Let’s not even get into how Germans cannot handle their 4% ABV alcohol in public haha and become completely violent and disorderly in any major German city square almost every night, particularly the weekend. Unfortunately, it is not just Americans which protest the inequity and unfairness or relative irrationality of the world. It is simply that Germans are more willing to accept a situation which is often times obviously not equitable, fair, just and/or rational. I would not consider this to be a cultural or social benefit and it is why in my opinion many typical Germans are often very unhappy in accepting a poor status quo aside from the very bad weather in Germany almost year round.
Damn, you must really dislike Germans…
Great article, we are doing our first long haul flight since COVID in a couple of weeks. We have 6 hours in Haneda. I’m struggling to work out the testing requirements for Japan. If we’re not entering Japan does that mean we only have to fulfill testing requirements for our final destination?
As long as you stay in the transit area during those six hours (i.e. do not go past immigration and security) then you don’t need to do any testing for Japan. It is as if you are still on board the flight to your destination. You only need to satisfy the destination testing requirements.
Serious question: couldn’t you access the lounge with a Priority Pass? Or purchase access? Granted, you wouldn’t have been able to stay in the lounge from 1-5am, but at least you would’ve had a good 10 hours before closing, and then be banished for “just” 4 hours before it reopened.
Thanks, we will have long layovers there each way and were wondering if we could take outside tours which we would love to do.
Apparently not, so we will pass our time at the airport.
(HNL – PNH), (PHN – HNL)
Entry into Japan has nothing to do with being a “US citizen” or not. Currently, all nonresident foreigners without exceptional circumstances are denied entry to Japan, regardless of their country of origin. I have no idea why so many miles and points bloggers feel the need to make this about their particular citizenship or residency.
As a trans-oceanic commuter between Osaka and the US, I think I can shed some light on this. Although yes, Japan has created a blanket no-entry rule for all non-resident foreign nationals regardless of origin; there are certain occasions where certain countries are placed under heavier scrutiny than others or where certain nationalities are expediciously being awarded visas for entry.
For example, I am easily able to obtain an entry visa into Japan using my MX passport without issue (due to immediate family ties) whereas with my US passport, I would have to jump through several different hoops and sacrifice a virgin. Or as another, technical interns or workers from countries in SE Asia were being granted entry whereas sridents from the US or EU were not.
It also has to do with the visa-free entry agreement Japan and the US have. Generally, Americans can enter Japan without a visa, but due to the pandemic, that scheme has been suspended for American passport holders, right? But instead of Japan saying that there are no entries, period. They are listing suspension of certain schemes and visa processing on a country by country basis. By the time is reaches local media, we see headlines like “Japan to restrict entry for Americans…” or something, which leads people to think it is a nationality-related issue.
I chuckled at the line “the Japanese are like the Germans . . . ” when it comes to adherence to rules. We should get them to team up again in amore better alliance than their WW2 Axis so as to help us with the Chinese and Russians lol.
This is why I gave up having transit flight via Haneda to Seoul. The closure of the transit hotel is announced only on its Japanese website.
I gave up on ANA a couple years ago because of their overcrowded business longes. At Narita, I’d have to hike over to United’s lounge to get a shower. They let all the economy plus pax in. When flying on a first class round trip, ANA will not admit you into their first class Suites lounge if you are traveling on business to countries like Taiwan because that’s the highest class service available on that leg. Finally, I was at Haneda in March 2020, and they had no food in their lounges because it could spread Covid.
This is super helpful and i’m bummed to hear the Park Royal is closed. We had booked the same hotel.
I’m doing the same layover in December on my way to Thailand. Did you have to fill out any extra covid forms or anything for Japan?
I filled out the Japanese arrival form, but was told by ANA staff that was not necessary.
This is so helpful! Thank you! I just booked a flight for next year April with 15 hrs lay over in Haneda- I know rules can change within the next months but just curious if the budget hotel pods in Terminal 1 was not open during your trip?
I believe transit is only allowed within Terminal 3.
I traveled through there on the 5th, and taking the free bus from the domestic terminal 2 to the international terminal 3. After check in at the Delta counter, I made my way up the escalators pre-security to the restaurants section and enjoyed a Mos Burger with fries for about 830 yen. It was a smart move, as there wasn’t much open once you get past security and into the gates.
Sucker for bad planning..
I had a wonderfully productive layover…
Hi Matthew, Thank you for your informative article. Quick question regarding CHASE SAPPHIRE PRESERVED CREDIT CARD you mentioned, can we use this credit card for the ANA lounge Access even if we fly economy class ? After finding out that the transit Hotel is currently closed from your article, we have to find another alternative option for us. We have 15 hours layover in Haneda to BKK.
Yes, you can use your Priority Pass card issued by Chase to access the lounge (plus two guests).
Did you need to do any pre-departure testing to transit through Haneda Airport (Tokyo)?
No testing required.
Thanks for the detailed write up, Matthew.
May I ask, when was your transit experience? October or November 2021?
It was November. Just a week ago.
Thankyou Matthew – This is very helpful. We are in a similar situation (traveling with my family into SFO via Tokyo). Due to flight cancellations and rebookings we are now going to be transiting in Haneda for 32 hours (earlier it was 8). I tried calling the Royal park hotel and as you mentioned they are closed due to covid. Also the First Cabin Haneda, although open is closed to transit passengers. We may have to go through a similar ordeal but your experience is very valuable. Hopefully things change for the better in a months time but not feeling very optimistic at this time.
Hi Matthew,
I found great award space JFK-HND on the new ANA aircraft. However, there is no award space from HND-BKK. Only NRT-BKK. I believe this is prohibited. I found an alternate award from from HND to BKK but it goes via KIX. I don’t think I’m allowed to take a domestic flight within Japan either. Am I understanding the rules right?
I was able to split the award JFK-HND on NH using UA miles and the next day HND-BKK on JL using AA miles but I’m too old to sit up from 6pm until 11a inside the Haneda Intl Terminal so with the transit hotel closed indefinitely that is a no go. I tried to find an alternative connection city like SIN, TPE or GMP/ICN but it didn’t work out to keep it to/from HND.
Enjoy the column!
Hi Al,
You are correct that you cannot currently transit from HND to NRT or connect in KIX, since you would have to enter Japan for the domestic connection.
I would do the overnight layover and fly JAL the following morning – I can think of few better airports to transit in than HND.
You could think about flying to Singapore and then connecting to Thailand. The transit in Singapore would be permitted.
Hi Matt, thank you for sharing your experience! This is super helpful, especially since so much of the information on transiting in Japan right now is contradictory. I have a flight booked from Vancouver to Malaysia through Narita Airport (17-hour overnight layover) in 3 weeks. However, if I’m reading your article right, it seems that overnight transits in Narita are not allowed? Could you please share where you were able to find that information? Thank you!
Hi Eleasha, currently overnight transits are not allowed in NRT:
https://www.ana.co.jp/asw/topinfo/info_branch_g.jsp?infoID=vn_e20200501133159&info_tool_flag=1
https://www.ana.co.jp/en/jp/topics/coronavirus-travel-information/immigration/
I confirmed this with ANA agents in LHR.
Thanks Matthew! Really appreciate your help. I confirmed this with JAL agents as well (in case this helps anyone as well). I had to rebook my flight through Singapore.
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing your experience. I’m traveling from the US to Taiwan with an overnight connection in Haneda, and AA told me that they can only check my baggage to Haneda, not my final destination Taipei. Does this mean that I will have to go past the security to claim my checked bags? Will I run into any issues? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
AA will need to check bags through. Unless immigration officials bend the rules for you, you will not be able to visit baggage claim because that requires entering Japan. One AA ticket or two separate tickets? Do you have a ROC passport or visa? I ask because maybe Taiwanese citizens are allowed to enter Japan (I don’t think so and I don’t know the answer, just thinking out loud).
Hi Matt, I’m grateful for your reply. AA said that they cannot check my baggage through because I will stay over night at Haneda. My ticket is operated by AA and JAL. I ended up contacting JAL and fortunately they told me that someone will assist with my baggage claim. Thank you again for sharing your experience and your thoughts!
Good to hear. But AA can check it through. It’s such a nonsensical reason not to do so, especially if on one PNR.
Do let us know how it actually turns out.
When I got to LAX before boarding my flight to HND, I went to the gate and talked to JAL staff. I explained my situation and asked them if they can help check my luggage directly to TSA. Easy-peasy. I seriously doubt the training and knowledge of AA personnel now. I’m glad that things turn out well for me.
Hi Matthew,
Thank you very much for the information.
I shall be travelling from Sydney to India in December. I have 16h layover in Tokyo at Haneda airport at terminal 3. Do, I need a transit visa for this stay? I will land on 09 Dec evening at Haneda airport and my connection flight will be on 10Dec morning.
If you have an Australian visa or passport, you will not need a visa to transit Tokyo HND.
Thanks Matt. I am also transiting HND en route with JAL from SYD to LHR. But we have two kids, one is Australian and one is British (don’t ask!). Can they both transit without clearing customs, do you know?
Great article and I’m loving your responses to some of the comments. U r a guru.
Hi Clive, transit will be not issue for the kids. My passport was not checked during the transit.
I’m flying home to Bangkok in a couple of weeks and I will have 15ish hours layover (5:30AM – 8:30PM) at HND on the way back to Honolulu. I’m flying with JAL. Did you say there is a JAL lounge I could spend my time at?
Yes. If you are not traveling in business class, you can buy access.
Thank you so much for your reply. Can I buy access in advance online (if so, is it through their website?) or at the airport?
This was a very helpful read prior to my trip LAX-HND-DEL with an 18 hour layover in HND 5:30 PM to 11:45 AM.
I was initially bummed out that I could not get out to explore the city, but reading your article helped level set my expectations.
I accessed the SKY LOUNGE ( open 8:00 AM to 10:PM on weekdays) got refreshed and had a few coffee’s till closing time – 10:00 PM, it was 1050 Yen ($9.10) not bad at all.
They have a resting area, a private restroom, coffee, water, other non alc. beverages.
Alcohol & Quick bites (ramen) can be purchased for a reasonable price.
So after 10 PM, I am going to take your cue and snooze at the gate seats.
Thank you and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi there, how did you access/buy Sky Lounge? I have a 15 hour layover during the day and would love to have an access to it. Thank you!
I was flying business class so I received access, but you can buy access at the door.
Thank you Matthew for the article I was searching for information about layover restrictions and came across your well written and informative article Aloha
“I probably could have been an ugly American, created a scene, raised my voice, and gained access to the lounge.
…
Maybe she sensed that was going to happen, because the lounge agent breathed a huge sigh of relief and a smile spread across her face when I did not argue and instead just nodded, said “thank you,” and took my boarding pass back.”
We should all be so relieved.
Royal Park is a nice hotel where I stayed once for my next-day Hokkaido connection. Too bad, it’s still closed. They do have a COVID notice on their HP, although not very obvious, linked to the following page with closure info,
https://www.the-royalpark.jp/the/tokyohaneda/information/details.php?mode=view&id=126
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda Transit（Transit Hotel in Departure Area）
Operation is temporarily suspended.
Thank you for this article. I also work for a major airline and was planning on doing this exact route next month! Didn’t know the hotel was closed 🙁 Now rethinking since we a group of 5 with elderly parents.
If youre going NRSA, try going via Narita if possible. Optimal connection times that do not require an overnight stay (for the most part)
I thought there was an international terminal open 24 hours with facilities. Is this correct?
Prior to the pandemic I would commute in and out of Haneda. The International Airline Terminal of Haneda Airport, although open 24-hours, can see a closure of airside shops around midnight or the last departure. Right now, at both Haneda and Narita, only a handfull of duty free shops and convenience store-type shops remain open.
Due to lack of international travel, Japan international airport ameneties are at bare minimums. On the domestic side though, we can pretty much see business as usual.
Hello, I’m planning to have a similar duration layover in Haneda and am wondering if there is anywhere at all that I could stay during this time if I do some preplanning?
I’m most likely flying JAL econ0my and get to Haneda around 7pm.
Nope, just bring a pillow and blanket because you’ll be sleeping in the terminal.
Hi Matthew – thank you for writing about your experience.
I booked a flight from SFO to Haneda in JAL business class for late September. It’s not looking like Japan will be open. (American citizen)
If I try to pivot and keep that ticket and also book a new ticket on Singapore airlines from Haneda to Bangkok, do you think JAL will allow me to board that seat from SFO to Haneda? Assuming Singapore airlines is also in terminal 3. Thanks
What is an acceptable transit duration under these circumstances, I wonder.
How annoying that they don’t consider the pandemic restrictions in stupid rules like that.
I have two business class reward flight tickets from Australia to Europe for the same day with different airlines (one got cancelled, reinstated later after I booked with a different frequent flyer alliance), one of them on JAL with a 16 hour transit in Haneda arriving in Haneda at 7pm. I am keeping both bookings until a day before departure, in case one gets cancelled (both bookings had multiple cancellations so far – it’s a great way to spend your (extensive) free time on chasing call centres, in case you’re wondering…)
Thank you for your report, Matthew! I now know which booking I will cancel.
Yikes! I have a connection just like you in HND (JFK-HND-BKK in my case, mid February) . Until I read your article, I was still under impression that Royal Park Transit is open for transit guests. Now I know what is waiting for me. Thank you!
(There, perhaps, is still hope of three week the transit hotel will re-open. Please, please, please.)
It won’t be so bad! Safe travels.
Any idea about F > J connection. Were you denied access because you were arriving in Business?
I have a JAL overnight layover in Narita (17 hours+) and was totally planning on using the lounge until I read this 🙁
Thanks for sharing, will have to figure something else out…
You also mentioned HND allows overnight transit but not Narita… is that still the case? But also… why would the airline sell me this ticket with this overnight transit if it was not allowed? Flight is for April– does that mean the rules will be changing then?
Wondering about a few things regarding Haneda: If you have checked bags, is baggage claim on the airside as well? I believe in Narita you need to pass through Border Control to collect your bags. Also, can you be traveling to another international destination on a separate ticket or does it need to be the same record locator. Asking because I believe Narita requires that the onward journey be part of the same ticket. Thank you for any help.
Narita does not require a single ticket – I just transited on two tickets.
Baggage claim is not airside – your bags must be checked through.
Matthew:
Nice report. We have a 18 hour layover at Haneda coming up in May, arriving at 445PM and departing at 1130AM the next morning. We’re on JAL economy, but we have Priority Pass through a Citi credit card. The ANA Lounge is now part of Priority Pass. The PP website doesn’t mention any restrictions. Any idea if we’d be allowed in from 445PM until they close around midnight?
Also, it’s been a while, but I seem to recall seeing loungers at Haneda going toward the higher numbered gates. Any idea if they’re still there.
We had an option of flying throughNarita, but the connection time was only70 minutes and the departing flight was the only one to our destination. Since we’re flying in from the US, we were a little concerned that a 70 minute connection time left no room for error, which is why we’re took the Haneda route.
PS. I think you did the right thing when you didn’t make a fuss at the lounge.
thank you for this thread. hopefully you are still responsive after all this time! I purposely booked a 24 hour layover in Japan, not realizing that it was closed to tourism. so I’m in this same predicament. I have priority pass and assumed I would spend the day in the lounge, but it looks like that’s not an option. I arrive at 1 PM and leave around noon the next day.
my question is if we could purchase a pass to the lounge, or if that wasn’t an option at all? I’m assuming if it was an option you would’ve purchased one, but not sure. please advise!
I don’t think you’ll be able to get in until the day of travel, sadly. Any way you can change your flight?
I just had another thought if I could not purchase entry to an A&A lounge. I looked for the cheapest flight out of Haneda, and there was one to another city in Japan for $35, leaving at 8pm. wondering if I should buy my husband and I one of those flights just to have A ticket to enter the lounge?? Please let me know if this is OK. I feel like it would be cheaper to do that then spend an entire day eating and drinking in the hotel
I don’t think that will work – you can try (and I’d be curious) but not sure you can access the lounge if you have a domestic connection (i.e., they will make you exit to the domestic terminal)
I’m just curious how would layover between haneda and Narita would work, given the foreighners restrictions still in place. Would they transfer me to Narita or would I have to arrange myself since I’m still not allowed to enter the country still. Otherwise I’ll simply settle for other tickets to save myself the trouble.
You would not be allowed to transit or travel on the ticket until Japan re-opens.
I have a 20 hour layover in Japan. It is an overnight stay. Would I be able to book a room in a transit hotel? Alternatively, would I have be allowed to stay in the airport waiting area for the 20 hours?
Is your layover at Tokyo Haneda?
The transit hotel is still closed.
My layover is at Narita international airport. How will it work. Will I be allowed to stay in the airport? Will I be allowed to use the ticket at all? It’s non refundable unfortunately.
Overnight layovers are not allowed currently. But Japan is planning to reopen on June 1st. If so, you can go out and get a hotel and enjoy the night in Tokyo.
ANA does allow lounge access for international overnight connection at HND:
https://www.ana.co.jp/en/es/travel-information/lounges/connection/
Only if the flight departs before 5:00am the next morning.
Hi thank you for your post very helpful. I will be having a 14 hr layover in haneda terminal 3 aswell this coming weeks with 2 teens and a child. May i ask if there are vending machine in the airport for food and drink . Are there hot water? And is there any access to any outdoor areas where you can just remove mask ? Is there a viewing deck access? are there convenience store. I do have same case with you lounge access only the day after so i need sleep in the benches as well. Thanks
Hi Jeremey,
There are both vending machines and hot water, but no convenience store that I ran across or outdoor area. I suppose you could go to one of the smoking areas (indoor) to remove your mask. Enjoy your stay. The country is set to reopen next month, so sleeping on a bench may not be necessary.
Thanks! Btw is the wifi 24 hours? Too bad my flight is end of may. Thanks again!
Yes, wifi is free and can be renewed every couple of hours.
Hi Matt
Just wanted to say thanks for your extremely helpful article. We’re a family travelling in late June with a 15 hour lay-over at Haneda. Was hoping the Transit hotel would be open by then but it’s not looking good.
Anyway, thanks again, really appreciate the info and the positive take on your experience.
Cheers
Lucille
Hi Matthew,
This post is really helpful. I have an upcoming trip this June to Bangkok with a 20 hour layover in Haneda as well. I am flying delta to Japan and then ANA to Bangkok the next day. Single ticket. I wanted to ask if you have any information or know if they would transfer the baggage from delta to ana? Thank you!
Delta should be able to check the bag through all the way without any issue. Have a safe trip!
My son and his friend are currently stuck in Haneda in a holding area with several tens of other transit travellers, who came off international flights, and facing another 16 hours before departure. Everybody sounds bewildered. They are not allowed to go anywhere that has shops or services [at 7pm now, so it will be a long night], locked into an area with nothing except toilets. He did not know about this and has no food – he did not mention vending machines either. The reason he is unprepared is that this is a first solo trip, and started from Australia but the JAL phone number in Australia has been disconnected, we don’t know Japan,. There is nothing online that foresaw this, your blog excepted. I know it is a week before normal-ish services resume at the airports, but for a first solo trip, really poor. Literally no access to lounges, food, shops!
Why a holding area? Isn’t the problem just that the lounges and shops and restaurants are shut down? I’ve never heard of being placed in a holding area versus simply the (largely deserted) gate area.
is it true that normal-ish services resume soon?? I have a 20 hour layover at HND in late June and would love to be able to leave the airport if possible. Fingers crossed!
Greetings Matthew,
As much as I would like to be comfortable and well-rested (17 hours layover @Haneda), reading this blog has helped me revise my own expectations. Instead of setting myself up for disappointment, I will instead re-channel my innate habit to bitch and complain and truly be grateful. Grateful for making a life transition to Thailand, where a condo and pool await, where I am stepping into a vision I have had for a decade. Leaving it literally, “all behind” and refraining from having to continually explain myself to “friends and associates” who ask “Why are you doing that?”
I’ve probably given 4 to 5 different reasons, all of which are true, but having the option to fly to the other side of the planet and e-invent oneself is a beautiful thing. If Marco Polo were alive today, could you imagine his response to our options and speed of travel? 17 hours in Haneda? No problem!
Cheers! Keep up the good work!
Hope your dreams are coming true!
Maybe long shot but flying through Haneda ( from
Jfk) to Bangkok and land 6pm and ont fly out the next day till 10aM.
From what I am gather “overnight transit” is nothing allowed but I am reading here that clearly managed to get through an overnight transit. Any insights on that? Super unclear to me
Wished airlines caution such things while booking
Well that was filled with an horrific amount of typos…
In short., I am reading overnight transits are not allowed on sherpa (joinsherpa.com) but from what I am reading here, you managed to survive an overnight layover.
Any insights on this greatly appreciated
Overnight transit in Haneda is allowed. Not allowed at Narita.
Do you suppose that the “overnight transit is not allowed” that Owen mentioned is a typo or were they referring to Narita airport?
Not sure, but overnight transit is not a problem at HND. That I know for certain.
Sherpa still says that so this this morning I used their “See an error? Report inaccuracy” link and provided them with this: https://www.ana.co.jp/asw/topinfo/info_branch_g.jsp?infoID=vn_e20200501133159&info_tool_flag=1.
Hopefully, they’ll update it because I read about an AA agent that referred to Sherpa’s website and (wrongfully) denied a passenger boarding to HND stating that Japan does not allow overnight transits.
Overnight transit in Haneda is allowed – it is only at Narita where that is currently prohibited.
Is the transit hotel in Haneda now open or when will it open? Our layover is on July 6.
I still believe it is closed.
Hey Matthew,
I am looking into flying from NYC to HND/NRT flying Japan Airlines on 1 ticket and then transiting through HND/NRT to get to Seoul on a different airline on a separate ticket on the same day. Under this scenario, could you foresee me having trouble boarding my initial Japan Airlines flight? I know you said in an earlier comment that you flew on 2 separate tickets but I assume they were both ANA flights.
This article and your responses to the comments have been best information on transiting through Japan that I could find on the web, so thank you!
Ricky
Hi Ricky, unfortunately that is not allowed. You still cannot enter Japan for transit, which would be required for a HND/NRT connection, even if same-day.
Hi Matthew, we are flying out of Bangkok on July 6 at night, arriving at Haneda early morning on July 7, and have a 9 hour layover in Haneda. We were hoping to leave the airport and see a bit of Tokyo before our 3:45 pm flight. Sounds like that is not happening? Any idea if entry restrictions will be lifted by July 7? I am a U.S. citizen but my wife is Brazilian, which may add to the complexity.
Highly unlikely the current framework, which only allows group tours, will be changed. I’d expect to remain at HND. Safe travels!
Hi Matthew , thank you for this great article . I have booked the ticket from Canada to india round ticket
) with 15 hours overnight layover in HND(Tokyo). So after reading all the threads , I am aware overnight transit is available . So I want to know if I have to collect the checked in baggage at HND or I would be able to get in directly in India. I am travelling through ANA and I have a same question about flight from Delhi to Canada 2months after – same schedule and same airline and same layover . Hoping to get a response. Thank you
Hi Husan, your bag will be checked through. No need (or opportunity) to collect in HND during your extended transit.
Thank you so much for the quick response
Hi Matthew:
First have to say thank you soooo much fore such detailed information. I see that you mostly stay at 3rd floor terminal 3. When I am checking the available restaurants I see most of them are on 4th floor. So can we get access to 4th floor when transiting at haneda? Thanks!
That’s a great question. To be honest, I saw no escalator or elevator to go up, except to the lounges. Maybe I missed it? If on the secure side past the immigration/passport control, you should have access.
Did you need to do a PCR test for your overnight layover?
No test necessary.
Thank you for your quick reply Matthew! I really enjoyed your article and I am looking forward to my 19-hour layover at Haneda!
Hello, this is really helpful! I am flying from La guardia into Haneda and have a 18 hour layover (going to Jakarta). Both flights are going in and out of terminal 3. Is it true that there is no customs? I am a US citizen and worried about needing a visa in japan– my final destination isn’t japan, I am not planning on leaving the terminal! What does the arrival process look like when transitting?
Thanks so much
I am flying United entirely, but the second flight is operated by ANA. Thus, I will have separate tickets… Will this change things? (see above comment!)
No customs – but you won’t be able to leave terminal. Enjoy your stay!
do the allow you to go to terminal 1 or 2 the have those sleeping pods there. You can’t raise your voice buts what more ashaming is the airline planning flights that you are left at the airport for so many hours. I would never book any flight trough japan but being forced because need to use my AA Credit otherwise it will expire. Otherwise I don’t understand someone paying for business class ticket knowing you have to wait 15 hours for your next flight ! For that business class price you had probably 100 other options then suffering by airlines bad management. Did anybody read the reviews about JAL on TripAdvisor ???
Hey Matthew! Very late comment, but thanks for all the info!!! I have some terrible questions that I hope you could help me with 🙂
I am looking to buy a ticket that is MEX-IST-HND in Turkish Business in November to celebrate my bday in Japan. Let’s suppose that Japan still does not open by then: Question A) do you think I can purchase a ticket from HND to somewhere else in Asia (Perhaps Kora) and go to the next gate checking in online, or at the gate itself, maybe? No luggage of course. Unless maybe if it’s an ANA ticket Turkish will let me check them through at origin?
Question B) do you think it is safer or more sound to buy MEX-IST-ICN and then buy ICN-NRT/HND if Japan finally opens? They cost roughly the same.
I like your first idea better. You want to make sure, for ease of transit and because the rules about terminal changes are nebulous, that if your connecting flight in HND, should it become necessary, departs from the same terminal as your Turkish flight. Turkish departs from T3, as do other Star Alliance flights including ANA. Stick to a Star Alliance connection, if possible.
Second option is not bad, but hopefully unnecessary.
Thank you so much Matthew.
So you think there will be no problem if I try to check in at the gate or online for that second Star Alliance flight? I have never done an international connection between different airlines without going out to the check-in counter.
Thanks again, I really appreciate you taking your time to reply and help me (us)!!!
Hi Matthew! Thank you for the detailed info. I’m going to Chicago and will have 12 hours layover in Haneda. Last I checked the transit hotel is still closed. I won’t have your overnight transit issue as my flight to Chicago will leave on the same day I get to Japan. My question is are the lounges worth it? I am flying ANA economy and I’m thinking of buying access to one of the lounges so I can take a shower before a long flight.
Did you fly Business Class from USA to Haneda? If you did, should’s you be allowed to use Business lounge upon arrival of you previous flight?
Nope, not in Japan.
Matthew,
Great info here. I have a VISA approved for a Tokyo visit October 25-27. I leave Tokyo to go to Australia until November 6. My return return trip is MEL-NRT-BOS and I have a 10 hour layover in NRT. It says VISA is valid for 3 months. Will that allow me to get out of the airport and maybe go to a hotel to relax? Thanks
Interesting question – I actually don’t know because I thought tourists are only allowed in as part of guided tours, but I would think so. Please let us know what happens.
Matthew, do you think this Japan entry laws for US Citizens will make this long stay easier?
Also, good to know — Transiting through Japan: Currently we are not issuing any transit visas, and travelers cannot go through the immigration & customs area at an airport in Japan without a valid visa. Please contact your airlines to confirm that you will NOT go through the immigration & customs area in Japan. If you need to go through the immigration & customs area at the airport in Japan, which is currently prohibited, then you must reschedule your flights. If you do not need to go through the immigration & customs area, which means that you are not entering Japan, then you do not need a visa and do not need to submit a COVID-19 test result.
https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/travel_and_visa.html
Nope. The lack of transit visas means you are still stuck a year later, just like I was in 2021.
Thank you for this. We have some long layovers coming up on our trip to Thailand and were wondering what we could do for those 13 hours in the Haneda Airport. Good stuff!
My friend is going home on June 2023 and he has a lay over of 20 hours in Japan. Is it okay to go outside the airport and tour around nearby tourist spots?
Yes, the country has now reopened to foreign visitors.