Plane spotting at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 2 is a great experience, and I had the opportunity to shoot my first article there in March 2023. For the most part, it was a fantastic day.
The sky looked promising when I left home that morning. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, it had become overcast and grey. While the conditions were good enough to photograph, the results looked pretty dull. Oh well, you can’t have a winner every time! At that point, it was too late to find another location, especially since I was carrying a heavy 100-400mm lens best suited for this exact spot.
I took all my photos from the observation deck of Haneda Airport Terminal 2. The deck features a covered area in the middle with open-air sections on the sides, which gives it an advantage over the observation deck at Terminal 3, which is fully exposed and only has a fence.
I love this spot because the background is uniquely picturesque. On a clear day, your shots can include landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Gate Bridge, along with passing ships on the bay.
How was the March 12, 2023 photography?
For photographers, the main obstacle is the fence, as you aren’t allowed to physically put your camera through the gaps or widen them. However, the good news is that the gaps are wide enough to shoot through cleanly with your lens.
The terminal was bustling with people, and the skies were busy with flights. Planes were landing at an incredible pace—I’d guess about one every three minutes. It was an encouraging sign that Japan’s tourism industry is recovering.
There were two aircraft that were new to me:
There are two ways:
I’d recommend the Keikyū line as it is generally cheaper. For detailed train and bus timetables, the airport’s official transportation guide is the most reliable resource. Just be sure to check the schedule and destination before you board, as this line branches and you could accidentally end up in Kanagawa Prefecture!
The train station is located in the basement on floor B1.
Finding the 5th-floor observation deck
The observation deck is on Level 5. Be aware that there is no direct elevator from the basement to the deck; you will need to use a combination of elevators and escalators.
Putting the grey weather aside, I had a great time shooting at Terminal 2. While the original photographs were dull, I was able to brighten them up using Adobe Lightroom. I will definitely go again on a sunny day to get better shots!
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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