🌸 Basic Information & Overview
Line name: Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line (commonly known as Tokyo Monorail)
Operator: Tokyo Monorail Co., Ltd. (JR East Group)
Opened: 1964 (in time for the Tokyo Olympics)
Route length: approx. 17.8 km
Number of stations: 11
Terminals: Hamamatsuchō Station ⇄ Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station (including Terminals 1, 2, and 3)
Connections: JR Yamanote Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line (Hamamatsuchō)・Rinkai Line (Tennozu Isle)
Travel time: Hamamatsuchō → Haneda Airport Terminal 3: as fast as 13 minutes (Airport Rapid)
📜 History & Background
・Opened in 1964 as Japan’s first passenger monorail, offering fast airport access for the Tokyo Olympics.
・Gradually extended as Haneda Airport expanded with new terminals.
・A pioneering transportation system that symbolized Japan’s modernization.
・Now established as the most reliable and iconic route between central Tokyo and Haneda Airport.
🌟 Highlights (Advantages)
✅ 1. Fast & Comfortable Access to Haneda Airport
Just 13 minutes from Hamamatsuchō to Terminal 3! Spacious interior and luggage-friendly design make travel smooth.
✅ 2. Stunning Aerial Views
Running high above ground, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, Odaiba, and the coastal skyline 🌊.
✅ 3. Highly Reliable & Punctual
As it operates on a dedicated elevated track, delays are rare — even during heavy rain or peak hours.
✅ 4. Clean, Modern Facilities
Stations and trains are well-maintained under JR standards, ensuring comfort and cleanliness.
⚠️ Drawbacks (Disadvantages)
❌ 1. Slightly Expensive Fare
Hamamatsuchō → Haneda Airport: approx. ￥500 (a bit higher than the Keikyu Line).
❌ 2. Limited as a Residential Route
Most of the line runs through industrial and airport-related areas — daily commuting use is limited.
❌ 3. Transfers Required for City Access
No direct through-service. Transfers needed at Hamamatsuchō (JR) or Tennozu Isle (Rinkai Line).
🧺 Livability (Ease of Living Along the Line)
Transportation: ★★★★☆ – Excellent for airport access, transfers needed for central Tokyo
Shops & Facilities: ★★★★☆ – Tennozu Isle, Oi Racecourse, and Haneda Airport have large shopping zones
Nature & Scenery: ★★★★★ – Beautiful bay views and relaxing waterfront atmosphere
Child-raising Environment: ★★★☆☆ – Some residential spots, but limited schools and possible noise near runways
Safety: ★★★★★ – Calm, clean, and secure areas with low crime rates
🏠 Real Estate Perspective (as of 2025)
💴 Average Rent (1K / 2LDK–)
Hamamatsuchō: ￥110,000–￥140,000 / ￥200,000–￥280,000 – Central business area, high-end pricing
Tennozu Isle: ￥90,000–￥110,000 / ￥160,000–￥220,000 – Redeveloped waterfront, luxury towers increasing
Oi Racecourse-mae: ￥70,000–￥85,000 / ￥130,000–￥160,000 – More affordable, practical residential options
Showajima: ￥60,000–￥75,000 / ￥100,000–￥130,000 – Quieter and industrial, with low rent levels
Haneda Airport: Residential properties are virtually none (mainly airport facilities)
🏘 Housing Trends
・The line passes through coastal industrial zones and airport areas; residential options are limited.
・Apartments and public housing can be found around Oi Racecourse-mae and Showajima.
・Tennozu Isle and Shibaura have seen major redevelopment, featuring new high-rise condominiums with premium waterfront views.
🚉 Access Information
Main connections: Hamamatsuchō (JR Yamanote / Keihin-Tohoku)・Tennozu Isle (Rinkai Line)
Travel time: Hamamatsuchō → Terminal 3 ≈ 13 min・→ Terminal 1 ≈ 16–17 min・→ Terminal 2 ≈ 18–19 min
Fare range: Around ￥500 one-way (IC cards slightly cheaper than paper tickets)
🎯 Recommended For
✅ Frequent travelers and business people who prioritize direct Haneda access ✈️
✅ Residents seeking modern city life in the Tennozu Isle or Shibaura redevelopment zones 🏙
✅ Families or tourists who enjoy scenic train rides 🌅
✅ Airport and logistics professionals commuting to the Haneda area 🛠
📌 Summary
The Tokyo Monorail is the most efficient, punctual, and scenic way to reach Haneda Airport.
Though not ideal for daily commuting, it’s unbeatable for travelers and residents who value speed, cleanliness, and comfort.
With ongoing redevelopment around Tennozu Isle and Shibaura, it offers a modern, waterfront lifestyle — combining urban convenience with stunning bay views ✨