Arrival at the Terminal

I arrived at Haneda Airport Terminal 2.

This area had previously only been used for domestic flights, but a section was newly designated for international flights. That international section officially reopened on July 19, 2023, after being closed for 3 years and 3 months.

It originally opened in late March 2020 to coincide with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but had to shut down just 13 days later due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it has finally reopened after a long closure.

Boundary with Domestic Area

This is the domestic departure lobby. In the back, you can see the sign reading “INTERNATIONAL.” That marks the international area, which was entirely shuttered and inaccessible for 3 years and 3 months.

Information Desk

An information desk has been newly installed at the boundary between the international and domestic sections. It supports transfers between international and domestic flights and is clearly designed with the convenience of international visitors in mind—great to see.

International Arrival and Departure Levels

Beyond the sign reading “INTERNATIONAL,” the second floor serves as the international arrival lobby, while the third floor—accessible via escalator—serves as the departure lobby.

Up the Escalator to the Departure Lobby

I took the escalator up to the international departure lobby on the third floor.

Welcome Center

I found the Welcome Center—positioned right where international arrivals emerge after clearing immigration and quarantine. It’s a well-thought-out placement. Just ahead of this center is an information desk, and further down on the same level is the domestic departure lobby. The layout is very convenient for travelers continuing on to domestic destinations.

3rd Floor International Departure Area

This is the international departure area on the 3rd floor after going up the escalator.

The design is very spacious and relaxed.

Service Facilities

Service facilities available in the 3rd floor departure lobby include:

Check-in Counters

Check-in counters on the 3rd floor.

Automated self baggage drop machines (SELF BAGGAGE DROP) are lined up in the front.

Automated Machines

Automated machines located in the 3rd floor departure lobby:

View of Departure Lobby

Here’s a view of the 3rd floor check-in counters as seen from the 4th floor. Automated systems like facial recognition registration and self baggage drop are aligned—clearly demonstrating that this is a state-of-the-art airport.

The runway side is fully glazed, offering great views of parked aircraft and letting in plenty of natural light for a bright and open atmosphere.

Security Checkpoint Entrance

The entrance to the security checkpoint on the 3rd floor, as seen from the 4th floor.

Beyond the security check area is the immigration zone.

Security Checkpoint

The entrance to the security screening area on the 3rd floor.

Dedicated Check-in Counter Entrance

This is the entrance to ANA’s dedicated check-in counters for Diamond Service members and First Class passengers.

Reopening Day Commemorative Gift

While checking in at the Diamond Service counter, I received a commemorative gift celebrating the reopening of the international area at Terminal 2.

It’s a keychain made from origami, and I was told that each one was handmade by ANA staff. Such a thoughtful touch.

Back of Self Baggage Drop

This is the rear view of the self baggage drop machines on the 3rd floor, seen from the baggage input side. These machines support multiple languages.

Aircraft Viewing Area

Behind the self baggage drop machines is a spacious seating area. The area features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering clear views of the parked planes and flooding the space with natural light—creating a bright, open environment.

View from the Seaside

This is a view of the 3rd floor departure lobby as seen from the seaside area. You can see the back sides of the self baggage drop machines lined up neatly.

Restaurant Area (1)

This is the 4th floor. The shuttered areas will likely be occupied by restaurants and cafes in the future. For now, this space is being used for seating—where travelers can relax or wait for their flights.

Restaurant Area (2)

A view of the 4th floor area.

Restaurant Area (3)

Another section of the 4th floor. Along the side facing the 3rd-floor departure lobby, there are tables where people can use laptops or relax with a drink.

Escalator to the 3rd Floor

This is the escalator going down from the 4th floor to the 3rd floor.

Flight Information Board

This is the flight information board located just past immigration. On the right is a floor guide, and on either side, there are signs indicating the directions to lounges and boarding gates.

Departure Board

This board shows flight departures. For now, it only displays flights departing from Terminal 3. It does not list departures from Terminal 2 yet.

Boarding Gate for Another Flight (1)

A boarding gate for a flight departing to Shanghai from Haneda.

Boarding Gate for Another Flight (2)

Another view of the boarding gate for the Shanghai-bound flight.

Aircraft Bound for London

This is likely the aircraft heading to London.

Waiting Area

This is the waiting area within the post-immigration restricted zone. It’s designed for passengers to relax and wait comfortably before their flights.

Restricted Area Waiting Room

Another view of the waiting area within the restricted zone. Since there are currently few flights, there’s plenty of seating, allowing passengers to wait at ease.

Wall Artwork

This is a wall in the waiting area. It appears to depict Mount Fuji and an airplane in flight.

Food Court

The food court within the restricted area features a variety of eateries including sushi, udon, sausages, and cafes.

Waiting Area in Restricted Zone

Since it’s the reopening day of the international area, many ANA staff and related personnel were present. The box-like structure in the center is interesting—it has glass walls and an open ceiling, with sofas inside.

Large Table (1)

This very large table was located near the food court in the restricted area. The base has a design that resembles something made out of giant origami.

Large Table (2)

This was on top of the large table mentioned earlier. It indeed seems to be themed around origami.

Duty-Free Shops

This is the duty-free shopping area.

Lounge Entrance

This is the entrance to the lounge. On the left is the Power Lounge, which can be accessed with certain credit cards.

The escalator in the back leads to the entrance of the ANA Lounge.

ANA Lounge Directory

This is the directory for the ANA lounges.

ANA Suite Lounge Entrance

The entrance to the ANA Suite Lounge and ANA Lounge.

Macaron Tower

A macaron tower displayed at the entrance to commemorate the grand reopening. Macarons are stuck all around the structure.

ANA Suite Lounge Entrance

This is the entrance to the ANA Suite Lounge. The design features a bamboo grove motif, likely representing a traditional Japanese landscape.

Reception Desk

This is the desk located at the lounge entrance. It was closed at the time, but will likely open when more guests arrive.

Three-Story Lounge Layout

The lounge is a three-story structure. The entrance is on the third floor, which serves as the seating area. The second floor is the dining area, and the first floor has the shower rooms.

The third floor offers light meals, a bar counter, and mainly seating spaces.

Third-Floor Seating Area

This is the seating area on the third floor.

Light Snacks Corner

While full meals are available on the second floor, the third floor offers light snacks such as:

Grand Reopening Commemorative Cake

A special cake on the third floor to commemorate the grand reopening. It’s themed after the sky and the sea.

Sweets

A corner with specially prepared reopening-themed sweets:

Light Snacks

Sandwiches, small dishes, and salads offered in the third-floor snack corner:

Private Booth Seating

The lounge also features private booth-style seating areas.

Open Seating Area

There are also relaxing open seating spaces.

Nap Room

This is the nap room inside the lounge.

Reclining Seats

The nap room has reclining chairs where you can lie down and relax.

Second-Floor Dining Area

The second floor is the dining area, with a buffet corner offering:

Snacks and Alcohol Counter

Second-floor dining area with international alcohol and snacks:

Alcohol Corner

Alcohol chilled on ice includes:

Other options include whisky, scotch, and shochu.

Second-Floor Dining Area

This is a general view of the second-floor dining area. You can place orders directly with the chef in the back.

Meals Ordered

These are the meals I ordered:

Government Aircraft

From the dining area, I happened to see the Japanese government aircraft. This was Prime Minister Kishida’s return flight from his Middle East tour on July 19. In the foreground, ANA’s special "Demon Slayer 3rd Aircraft" livery was also visible.

Bread and Rice Balls

This is the buffet corner in the second-floor dining area:

Exiting the Lounge

Leaving the lounge after a very pleasant and comfortable stay.

Flight

This is my boarding pass.

Aircraft

This is the aircraft heading to Taipei that I boarded that day.

Food Vending Machine

A vending machine located near the boarding gate. Very convenient for passengers not using the lounge.

Boarding Gate to Taipei

This is the boarding gate for the Taipei-bound flight.

Front of the Plane

The nose of the aircraft bound for Taipei, seen just before boarding.

My Seat

My business class seat for this flight.

View from My Seat

A view of a moving aircraft from my seat window.

Taxiing to the Runway

Scenery while taxiing to the runway.

Just After Takeoff

The view just after taking off from Haneda Airport.

‘Kaze no Tō’ (Tower of the Winds)

This is Tokyo Bay shortly after takeoff. The structure visible in the water is the “Kaze no Tō,” the ventilation shaft for the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line.

View from the Window

The “Umihotaru” rest area on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and the expressway leading to Kisarazu are visible.

Pre-Meal Drink and Snack

I had champagne as a pre-meal drink. The snack was arare (Japanese rice crackers).

In-Flight Meal

A Western-style meal was served.

Commemorative Dorayaki

As this was the first Taipei-bound flight after the international terminal's reopening, I received a commemorative dorayaki.

Approaching Arrival

Before I knew it, we were approaching Taipei Songshan Airport. The screen displayed a map showing the Taipei city area.

Taipei Songshan Airport

We arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport.

I happened to see flight attendants from Taiwan’s EVA Air walking through the airport.

Airport Entrance (1)

This is the entrance to Songshan Airport as I exited and walked around. The monument here reads “Taipei Songshan Airport.”

The city is so close that a 10-15 minute walk will take you right into the downtown area—very convenient.

Airport Entrance (2)

Near the airport entrance, there was a sign reading “Welcome to Taipei.”