Hey everyone! I just booked a flight to Hanoi with a stop over in Tokyo (Haneda). We arrive in Haneda around 5pm and leave the next morning at 9 am. Has anyone had experience with such a layover in Tokyo? Is it feasible to actually do a trip into the city or are there things to down near the airport if we stay in an airport hotel? The trip is early December. Appreciate any insight anyone has!!!

If you’re landing at Haneda, then you’re pretty much in town already. You shouldn’t have a problem going into town. Only thing to watch out would be trying to get to/from the airport during rush hour!

Just remember that public transportation ends around 11 or 12 I forget. And taxis are expensive. But yes, you will have no problem seeing some of the city

Agree. You can take the monorail from haneda and you should arrive atTokyo station (one of the main transport hubs in the city) in 25 mins.

Thank you everyone!!!! REALLY appreciate it. Thoughts on the MUST sees in Tokyo with such a short time frame? I'm thinking if I can get into the city for like 7 p.m., and stay in an airport hotel, I can still have 3 or 4 hours and try and make the most of the visit.

Totally depends on what you are into. But I would guess because it's a little late that mostly would just be walking around looking at things. Also can stay in an internet cafe for around $10 and can shower there too. That could extend your time in the city a bit.

Oh good tip! Ya, I'm into walking and looking at things... and food! I'm really hoping to try one of those alley bars if they allow foreigners (I've heard that some are locals only)

Ashleigh yes, some are definitely locals only. Plus the will make you pay for a stool charge lol. It will be night. So I would say go straight to Shinjuku or Shibuya. It will be the most action and visual stimulation for a few hours

Most stores close around 8-9pm, arcades/pachinko close around 11pm-midnight. Food and drink places will be open later.
If you're in Shinjuku then I suggest the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. I believe it is open until 11pm and is a free view of the city.

Thanks guys
really appreciate it! I’ve only been as far as the Narita airport in the past so glad I have time to at least experience Japan in some way or another this time

Shinjuku or Shibuya are your best options. Just walking around these areas will give you a good sense of the energy. I recommend starting at the Hachiko statue at Shibuya station, explore the underground food hall there & get lost wandering around. You could spend a couple hours here & then subway to Shinjuku & do the same type of wandering there.

Honestly - I'd say just eat as much as you can in that time frame! That's the best experience of Tokyo!

Linda you’re speaking my language! Any must-eats???

No restaurants in particular really, we just went in wherever looked good, and I don't think we ever ate anything bad! So of course look for sushi, some kind of noodle, etc. And don't be nervous if it's all in Japanese (which it will be). There's usually pictures or plastic figurines, or you can just make a guess and be surprised!

I would probably sleep in town and come back to the airport in the morning. The Monorail runs between 5am and midnight. I always get the impression that Airport Hotel are a little more expensive... The question I would be asking myself : Leaving town around 11pm to be at the airport in the same evening or wake up and leave hotel around 6h-6h30am to be at the airport around 7h30 or 7am if there are luggage to check in for the next leg of the trip.