What can travelers expect in Tokyo's latest terminal?

The new international terminal at Haneda Airport will revolutionize shopping and eating as well as travel for Tokyo's travelers, if recent reports are anything to go by.

The terminal, which is set to begin international operations on October 31, will mark a new dawn for Haneda, long in the shadow of Tokyo's primary Narita Airport.

The 159,000 square meter structure is set to be an altogether more impressive arrival and departing point for international passengers than the aging Narita, as well as being considerably closer to Tokyo.

The six-storey terminal will use the world's first flat boarding bridges, increasing accessibility for disabled passengers, and will be a shoppers' paradise, containing outlets from several major retailers.

Among the retail highlights is the Edo Komichi, a life-size recreation of a street from the Edo period (1603-1867) which is designed to convey Japan's beauty, as well as providing a selection of restaurants and shops.

There will also be a "Sky Garden," a planetarium, an anime-themed "fantasy zone" and a theater.

American, Delta, Hawaiian, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Singapore and Air France are among the airlines that will eventually be operating some of the 60,000 international services expected every year to and from Haneda.

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