One of the benefits of world travel is plane spotting in different locations. Although spotting at Paine Field can be highly entertaining, it doesn’t compare to spotting at Tokyo’s Haneda airport which handles most of Tokyo’s domestic traffic. Sure, busy American airports like Atlanta sure see a lot of traffic, but it is mostly smaller aircraft like regional jets, MD-80’s and Boeing 767’s. At Haneda you are seeing much bigger aircraft like domestic Boeing 747-400’s with no winglets and plenty of 777s. Although Japan is only about the size of California, they fly very large aircraft on domestic routes due to demand and slots.

A few Boeing All Nippon Airways aircraft at Haneda Airport.

A few Boeing All Nippon Airways aircraft at Haneda Airport.

Haneda Airport had observation decks on all three terminals. During my recent trip to Haneda to check out the new International Terminal, I spent a good amount of my time enjoying the nice rainy outdoors (what a break from Seattle right?) and of course taking photos of aircraft I can’t always see in the US. I wanted to share some of my favorites and of course you can check out all 115 airline photos at Haneda via my Flickr page. I got onto the deck on Terminal 2 the very first thing in the morning at 6:30am local time when it opened. I had to wait for the guard to open the door and he looked at me oddly when I rushed out in the rain to check out the aircraft.  It was great to see all the large All Nippon Airways and Japan Air Line large aircraft waiting to be pulled to their gates (photo).

All Nippon Airways Boeing 747-400 (JA8956) in Pokemon Livery

All Nippon Airways Boeing 747-400 (JA8956) in Pokemon Livery

I knew that All Nippon Airways flies two Pokemon themed 747-400’s but seeing one in person is quite the scene. It was a little bit too much for me, but quite the interesting sight.

One of two observation decks at Terminal 2. Why can't the US have sweet decks like this?

One of two observation decks at Terminal 2. Why can't the US have sweet decks like this?

Haneda treats spotters with a lot of treats. Almost the entire roof on all three terminals have spotting decks. One side of Terminal 2 had comfortable seating and even a few restaurants. I wish more American airports treated airline spotters with such goodies.

ANA Boeing 747, 777, 737 and Q400 with ships in the background.

ANA Boeing 747, 777, 737 and Q400 with ships in the background.

Check out all the other fun photos.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER - SEATTLE, WA. David has written, consulted, and presented on multiple topics relating to airlines and travel since 2008. He has been quoted and written for a number of news organizations, including BBC, CNN, NBC News, Bloomberg, and others. He is passionate about sharing the complexities, the benefits, and the fun stuff of the airline business. Email me: david@airlinereporter.com

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4 Comments

I love plane spotting. Those chairs look comfortable.

Davide

Hi! Just an information please
Are these spotting decks accessible to everyone or are they in the gates area after passing the metal detectors?

Hey!

It is open to the general public and do not need to go through security to access the spotting decks.

David

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