Overview
When Japan reopened its borders to international tourists late in 2022, it was the news that plenty of travellers had been waiting for, helping us all live out our Tokyo-touring dreams once more. The list of sights to see in both the country and its capital is hefty, especially with a Super Nintendo theme park launching during the pandemic, plus Studio Ghibli's long-awaited park also debuting last November. But the latest must-visit Tokyo spot won't even have you leaving the airport.
That airport: Haneda, one of two servicing Tokyo, and the more central of the pair. On Tuesday, January 31, it's officially opening the new Haneda Airport Garden complex, which features with a few sizeable drawcards — 24-hour hot springs with views of Mount Fuji (on a clear day) chief among them.
Located 12 floors up and spanning over 2000 square metres, rooftop facility Spa Izumi at Haneda is your new go-to for soaking before or after a flight. The onsen overlooks the Tamagawa River, as the entire Haneda Airport Garden does, and operates 24 hours a day. Using privately sourced water, it comes complete with four areas that span openair and indoor baths — a carbonated water bath, ice plunge pool and jet bath included — plus dry, steam and hot-stone saunas, as well as shower, powder and dressing-room facilities.
Even better: while Haneda Airport Garden's official opening date arrives at the end of January, Spa Izumi and the hub's two hotels started welcoming in guests back in December 2022. Looking for a place to stay before or after your travels, too? Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand features a whopping 1557 rooms, while the smaller Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier boasts 160. The former offers guests 12 different types of spaces, while the latter has six varieties.
Crucially, visitors looking to take advantage of the hot springs won't need to be hotel guests. So, if you're only at the airport to head home or on a layover between flights, you can still make time for a dip before hopping on the plane — no overnight stay at one of the Villa Fontaine hotels needed. You will need to pay an admission fee, however.
The full new complex also includes around 60 shops and 30 restaurants — those usual airport staples — and a bus terminal for easy access to Osaka, Yamagata and more. And, there's an event hall and conference rooms. Plus, handily, Haneda Airport Garden connects through to terminal 3, which is where Qantas flies into and out of.
Unsurprisingly, this is now Japan's largest airport hotel — so expect to have ample company while you're there.
Haneda Airport Garden will officially open at Tokyo's Haneda Airport from Tuesday, January 31, with Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand, Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier and Spa Izumi already operating. For more information, head to the Haneda Airport Garden website.
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