FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Advice on Haneda Airport Garden

Mar 22, 2023 | 3:39 pm

#12

gambda

Join Date: Mar 2019

Programs: Air NZ Elite (*G)

Posts: 304

As promised here’s my report on the Onsen experience at HND on 12 March:

Checked out of my hotel in Shinagawa early Sunday morning
Took the Keikyu train to HND and proceeded to the arrivals area. My flight wasn’t open for check in as it was still 4.5 hours before departure so had to lug my bags with me.
The access to the Haneda Airport Garden are well sign posted and had no trouble finding my way to the Omotenashi centre to store my bags.
The problem was the person behind the counter said my only option to store my luggage was in the coin lockers right around the corner (¥500) which was fine by me but I thought they could actually store my bags while I was at the Onsen.
Anyway went down to the lockers only to realise that it only accepts ¥1000 bills or IC card. So I went to the Lawsons store and kindly asked the person behind the counter if he could break my ¥5000 bill into smaller denominations which he did…Phew !
Then back to the lockers, stored my bags (i took my toiletries bag with me though) and up I went to level 12 of the hotel.
You first enter an area where you remove your shoes and put them in the lockers
Then go through the gates and you will be in the reception area of the onsen where they explain the different suits you are required to wear but to be honest I was a bit groggy from the previous night I didn’t really pay attention to all of that !
You then go to the men’s changing room which has lockers for your clothes. Undressed and made my way to the outdoor onsen pools
The temperature was 40 celsius, so I could only soak in it for about 10 minutes or so. The best part was the “lie down baths” outdoor which has tepid water and it was absolute bliss to just lie down for 20 minutes
There are showers inside and they provide body wash and shampoo. In the changing rooms there are shaving kits, hair dryer, comb etc.
It was getting close to 10 am and they were announcing that the onsen will shut soon for cleaning.
Payment made by credit card at the machines just before the onsite restaurant (not reception). I would have liked to try the restaurant but it didn’t have anything that catered to my dietary needs. Once payment is made the machine spits out 3 receipts. Just make sure you wait for all 3 of them as you will need them at the gates to exit the onsen.
Anyho, it was a great experience albeit a tad expensive but I was enroute to Europe on holiday so wasn’t worried about a few dollars.
The took the elevator down to departures and checked in for my flight. I must admit the soak in the onsen left me rejuvenated and made my 14 hour flight a little less painful !

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