Haneda, one of the two major international airports in the Tokyo area, consists of three terminals that each have a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes. Although food may not be the main reason why you’re at an airport, it can certainly enhance your travel experience and give you the energy you need for the journey ahead.
Terminal 3 is home to a beautiful dining and shopping complex called the Edo Market. You will find a variety of retro features like tea ceremony structures made with natural wood, black plaster walls, and traditionally-styled woodblock prints, which are meant to capture the architecture of a typical street during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868).
If you’re visiting in wintertime especially, and looking for a comforting meal before your flight, I recommend stopping by Ogura. Located at the far end of the Edo Market, Ogura specializes in oden, which is a hotpot-style dish featuring various ingredients simmered in a soy-based broth.
When we went, my husband ordered an oden set meal. The broth was a lightly-flavored style popular in Kyoto, which contrasted to the ones in Tokyo that are typically bolder in taste.
I, on the other hand, opted for tendon, which is a bowl of rice topped with beautifully golden deep-fried tempura. The shrimp, eggplant, enoki mushroom, and green pepper tempura I had were all perfectly crispy on the outside with a soft texture inside that oozed umami with every bite. I sure love oden but I can never resist it when I see tempura on the menu!
Lastly, for the plant-based eaters out there, you definitely have to try the vegan lasagna at HealthyTOKYO located in Terminal 2. Their jumbo muffins are also great to take with you on your flight.
Haneda Airport: https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/index.html