Photographing aircraft taking off and landing at Haneda Airport
If you want to enjoy dynamic airplane photography, Haneda Airport is a highly recommended spot. Its runway is close to the sea, making it easy to compose shots that incorporate expansive views of the sky and ocean with aircraft taking off and landing in the background, allowing you to capture photos with a sense of scale. During the day, the aircraft's form and coloring stand out against the blue sky, while at dusk, the orange-tinged sky overlaps with the silhouette of the plane, creating a dramatic image. With multiple vantage points available from the observation deck and surrounding areas, you have plenty of options. The appeal lies in fully enjoying the dynamic subjects—the sheer power of takeoff moments and the tension of landing. It's a rewarding location for photography, capturing both the energy of aircraft and the unique scenery found near the city.
Key points for photography
The key to photography is anticipating takeoff and landing movements while incorporating expansive skies or seas in the background to convey a sense of scale. At Haneda Airport, for takeoffs, set a faster shutter speed to freeze the aircraft's power. For landings, aim for a slightly wider composition to capture the moment that conveys altitude and speed. During the day, use front lighting to emphasize the aircraft's colors and details. In the evening, slightly backlighting creates dramatic silhouettes and highlights the sky's hues. Additionally, since each observation deck offers a different view of the runway, selecting your shooting spot based on the time of day and the runway in use can help you capture a more impressive shot.
Best viewing and photography timing
Best Season
year-round
Recommended times
Morning, noon, and evening
Access & Basic Information (Check Before Shooting)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-3-2 Haneda Airport, Ota City, Tokyo |
| subject | airplane |
| Admission fee | None |
| Admission Time | Yes |
| Parking lot | Available (paid) |
| Restroom | Yes |
