Haneda T2

Haneda Airport’s Terminal 2 is the domestic terminal primarily serving ANA (All Nippon Airways) and its affiliated carriers. Opened in 2004, it was designed with efficiency and flow in mind, catering to Japan’s meticulous domestic air travel system. The architecture is clean and purposeful, with expansive glass façades allowing in swathes of natural light, especially impressive at dawn or dusk when the light plays off the polished surfaces and gives the terminal an almost sterile clarity—an underrated opportunity for architectural photography.

From an engineering perspective, the terminal handles a high volume of traffic with impressive logistical coordination. Its layout funnels passengers smoothly from ticketing to security to gate, with minimal friction, thanks to advanced signage systems, consistent lighting and wide walkways. There’s even a rooftop observation deck, ideal for spotting ANA’s 787s and A380s during takeoff and landing. The deck has markings for identifying aircraft types and routes—handy for aviation nerds and spotters, especially on clear days when Mt Fuji looms in the background.

T2 also houses an annex that supports some international flights, a relatively recent addition. It integrates with the original design with understated transitions, sticking to a neutral palette of grey aluminium and glass. Inside, there’s an ANA lounge with floor-to-ceiling views of the apron and taxiways—prime material for telephoto lens work through triple-glazed panels, although reflections can be a pain unless you bring a lens hood or position strategically.

For anyone obsessed with systems, symmetry and motion—T2 offers plenty to observe and document. The way baggage carts zigzag in synchrony on the tarmac, the robotic efficiency of boarding calls, and even the vending machines stocked with regional drinks across different gates—every part of it feels engineered to an inch of its life.