Even though this airport has long been known for offering cheap fares, whether cheap airplane tickets or discount travel packages, its tired terminals were used mostly for domestic flights within Japan and select charter flights within Asia after the Narita International Airport opened in 1978.
Things are changing now as a result of Tokyos Haneda Airports, also referred to as Tokyo International Airport, new runway and new International terminal which opened last October.
Its opening launched a series of new international flights to North America, Europe and Asia. Travelers can now fly to Tokyo International Airport from Detroit, Los Angeles, Honolulu, New York, London, Paris, Seoul and Singapore.
Tokyo International Airport is gaining popularity at Narita Airports expense in part because of convenience. It can take over an hour to get to Tokyo from Narita vs. Haneda Airport which is much closer to Tokyo and has new monorail and train connections. Haneda passengers can arrive downtown within 30 minutes.
Hanedas new International Terminal offers free wireless Internet service, deluxe lounges, smoking cubicles, as well as a medical clinic, and an upscale childrens play area.
Before passengers pass through security they will find two distinct dining and shopping areas appealing to the old and the new.
There is a shopping street decorated with Japanese lanterns and antique facades designed to look like a traditional Japanese Edo village. Restaurants offer traditional Japanese dishes, conveyor belt delivered sushi, pizza and French bistro dishes. Made in Japan clothing, elaborate floral arrangements, stylishly boxed gourmet and regional foods as well as organic cosmetics can be found at the Edo Marketplace.
One floor above the Edo Marketplace is the Tokyo Pop Zone, with a strong 21st century vibe. Dining options include a caf with a built in planetarium and a branch of R Burger, a fast food dining establishment that offers Japanese sauce topped burgers (made of pork, chicken, tofu, veggie, or salmon). It also offers entertaining and unusual shopping including a massive Hello Kitty marketplace and a showcase for artist made clothing and accessories. www.cheapfares.com