Looking for a unique and convenient stay at Haneda Airport? Join me as I check into First Cabin Haneda Terminal 1, a luxury capsule hotel, and explore 10 of the most unique vending machines scattered throughout the airport. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just passing through, this guide will help you discover the best experiences Haneda has to offer.
1. Checking into First Cabin Haneda Terminal 1: A Luxury Capsule Hotel
Located at 144-0041 Tokyo, Ota City, Haneda Airport 3-3-2, 1F of the First Passenger Terminal, First Cabin Haneda is the ultimate luxury capsule hotel that offers a first-class experience without the first-class price tag. With 164 rooms, the hotel provides everything you need for a comfortable stay before or after your flight. The check-in time starts at 7:00 PM, but don’t worry if you’re arriving late—the last check-in time is 4:00 AM.
The rooms are simple yet elegant, equipped with essential amenities like TV, LAN internet connection, safety box, and access to shared refrigerators. If you need extra towels, they’re available for ¥100 ($0.67 USD). The hotel also features laundry facilities, a lounge area, and smoking rooms for your convenience.
2. First-Class Cabin: The Ultimate Capsule Experience
I stayed in the First-Class Cabin, which offers a larger space (4.4 square meters) than the standard business class option. The room comes with a semi-double bed, a side table for working on your laptop, and an easy-to-use lighting control panel. It’s designed for both comfort and functionality. While it’s not a completely private room (the door is a curtain), the hotel is quiet, making it a great place to relax.
3. Hotel Lounge: Work or Relax Before Your Flight
First Cabin Haneda offers a spacious lounge where you can relax, enjoy a meal, or get some work done. The lounge even displays flight schedules, so you won’t miss your departure. You’ll find vending machines with snacks, drinks, and even beer, perfect for late-night cravings. The coffee vending machine brews fresh coffee on the spot, which is a fantastic touch for coffee lovers.
4. Exploring Haneda Airport’s Unique Vending Machines
After settling into my room, I decided to explore the airport. Haneda Airport has three terminals—Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the International Terminal. A free shuttle bus makes it easy to move between them. Terminal 2 is famous for its selection of unique vending machines, so I headed there first.
5. Vending Machine Restaurant: Try Ippudo Ramen from a Machine
At Terminal 2, I found a vending machine restaurant featuring ramen from the popular chain Ippudo. You can pay with a credit card or electronic money, but cash isn’t accepted. In just 90 seconds, I had a hot bowl of Ippudo’s signature tonkotsu ramen, prepared with cutting-edge steam technology. It was surprisingly delicious for vending machine food!
6. Onigiri-Shaped Cake and 100% Orange Juice Vending Machines
Next, I found a vending machine selling onigiri-shaped cakes. I couldn’t resist trying the Sky Blue flavor, a unique offering exclusive to Haneda. The cake was frozen and looked exactly like an onigiri!
For a refreshing drink, I stopped by the 100% Orange Juice vending machine. For ¥500 ($3.30 USD), it squeezes fresh oranges right before your eyes. The taste was rich and full of flavor, a perfect way to start the day.
7. Airline Meals and Curry Bread from Vending Machines
Another fascinating find was the airline meal vending machine. For ¥1,100 ($7.30 USD), you can try meals served on actual flights, like Diable Chicken with Mushroom Risotto. Alongside it was a curry bread vending machine, offering three levels of spiciness: regular, spicy, and extra hot. The curry bread cost ¥970 ($6.40 USD) and was surprisingly crispy when microwaved back at the hotel.
8. Premium Animal Macarons and Evangelion Cakes
If you have a sweet tooth, check out the vending machine that offers premium animal macarons for ¥900 ($6.00 USD). I tried the mocha flavor, which was delicious! Another cool machine sells Evangelion-themed frozen cakes, though the Rei Ayanami cake was sold out when I visited.
9. Regional Vending Machines: Aomori Apples and Pikachu Plushies
Haneda Airport also has vending machines that offer local products from across Japan. I picked up a pack of sliced Aomori apples, which were pre-cut and ready to eat—a healthy and convenient snack for travelers.
There’s also a vending machine that sells Pikachu plushies and other Pokémon items. The adorable Pikachu chopstickscaught my eye, and I had to buy them!
10. Cuud: Haneda’s Famous Curry Udon
Before leaving the airport, I made a stop at Cuud, a highly recommended restaurant known for its curry udon. You can choose from three flavors: regular curry, tomato curry, and sweet curry. I opted for the regular curry udon, which came with a side of rice, pickles, and a savory broth. It’s a must-try if you’re a fan of curry dishes!
Final Thoughts: A Unique Stay at Haneda Airport
Staying at First Cabin Haneda was a fantastic experience, combining convenience and comfort with the added fun of exploring the airport’s unique vending machines. Whether you’re here for a layover or just want to experience something different, this is the perfect place to stay.
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