The moment I stepped into the venue at 6 PM, I was instantly struck by its photogenic space design. The Innovation Corridor, a pedestrian path running through the heart of Haneda Innovation City, felt like the "TOKYO" I’d seen in movies and manga come to life! Rows of traditional Japanese lanterns (chouchin) covered the entire venue, bathing it in a warm crimson glow, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere.

A few steps further, the mood shifted entirely. The central zone came alive with dazzling neon and electric lights, transforming the space into a futuristic, cyber-inspired world that somehow evoked a sense of nostalgia. This striking contrast between the "traditional Japan" of the lanterns and the "futuristic Japan" of the neon lights colored the entire venue, creating an atmosphere where you couldn't help but take a photo everywhere you looked.

Be sure to visit Japan Night Fever on an empty stomach. This is where tastes that symbolize Japan come together in one space.

I headed straight for the booths serving ramen and gyoza dumplings, two dishes that could easily be called Japan’s national comfort food.

Loved around the world, ramen here takes on a special twist: in collaboration with the Japanese restaurant search site Gurunavi, visitors can sample the signature bowls of renowned shops from across the country. Each steaming bowl is a masterpiece of craft and passion, with flavor that satisfies both heart and stomach. Share a few with friends or family, and you’ll discover the incredible diversity of Japanese ramen.

Next to the ramen area stood a lineup of famous gyoza shops, each showcasing Japan’s unique take on this beloved dish. From the thickness of the wrappers to the juiciness of the filling, from the golden sear to creative toppings, every shop had its own character. Pairing piping-hot gyoza with an ice-cold beer? Simply unbeatable.

Speaking of beer, don’t miss the Cyber Yatai, a collaboration with HANEDA SKY BREWING, which operates its own microbrewery within HICity. Enjoying a freshly poured craft beer beneath neon lights at this futuristic stall perfectly embodied Japan Night Fever’s theme of blending tradition with innovation.

Of course, no Japanese night out would be complete without sake. At the dedicated sake booth, visitors could sip and enjoy brews from all over Japan, sampling them right on the spot in the Kaku-uchi Space. You could pick your bottles by their elegant label designs or chat with the staff to find something fruity, crisp, or dry – each variety offering a different take on regional flavors.

Finally, don’t overlook the popular shops from Tokyo's Ota City, home to HICity itself. A diverse range of local favorites was gathered, and I thought it was wonderful that visitors could enjoy both nationwide tastes and delicious regional cuisine. On the day I went, I tried a burger from the locally beloved JUICY BURGER, and it was nothing short of superb.

Be sure to grab the event leaflet while you’re there, as it includes a map of Ota City’s best local restaurants. Exploring those spots after the event might be the perfect way to extend the fun!

At HICity, right to Haneda Airport, visitors can unwind in an open-air footbath at the observation deck while watching planes taking off and land. During the event, this area transforms into something extraordinary: a DJ booth appears beside the steaming footbath, creating the one-of-a-kind Ashiyu DJ experience.

This night’s DJ night mainly featured Japanese City Pop, anime, and game music, genres now attracting global attention. Renowned DJs from across generations spun tracks showcasing Japan’s distinct musical flair. Nostalgic yet new, the sophisticated melodies of City Pop and the grooves of game music that make your body want to move echoed beneath the night sky.

Even more captivating was how the light and sound intertwined. The space glowed in sync with the music, making me feel like I was inside a beautiful light show. Enjoying the coolest Japanese music while soaking your feet and watching planes take off and land on the runway—an experience like this can only be found at Japan Night Fever: Haneda Innovation City.

In one particularly glittering neon corner of Japan Night Fever: Haneda Innovation City, a free arcade zone called E-SPORTS EXPERIENCE FES drew crowds of visitors eager to play. This vibrant area, packed with gaming content that Japan proudly offers to the world, buzzed with excitement, spotlighting everything from the latest fighting titles to nostalgic head-to-head puzzle games.

What thrilled me most was the full-scale racing simulator, complete with an authentic cockpit. The steering wheel vibrated in my hands as I sped down Tokyo's Metropolitan Expressway projected across a massive screen. It was e-sports at its finest. I fully enjoyed the excitement of stepping into the game world with my whole body. There was a wealth of options that people of all ages could enjoy, like the rhythm games featuring Japanese taiko drums, here players beat along with Japanese festival music, making the area a joyful showcase of Japan’s game culture.

Beyond the high-energy arcade area, a cluster of booths offered a broader look at Japan’s creative scene. Guests could test their aim at shooting galleries themed around beloved manga, or browse and purchase anime merch. Contemporary artisans from Kyoto presented bamboo chopsticks, and there were elegant aizome (indigo-dyed) goods, hand-roasted coffee, and even dashi (soup stock) convenient for cooking.

I felt that blend of experiences – to buy, see, and experience – captured what makes Japan Night Fever: Haneda Innovation City so special. From cutting-edge e-sports and pop culture to refined traditional crafts, it’s a vivid showcase of Japan’s endless creativity.

The first thing that stopped me in my tracks at Japan Night Fever: Haneda Innovation City was the majestic HICity Giant Lantern. Towering and radiant under the night sky, this enormous lantern, crafted with traditional Japanese technique, stood as a proud symbol of HICity. Its soft, ethereal glow drew crowds eager to snap photos. The coexistence of this traditional giant lantern with the cyber neon lights is, I felt, one of the real thrills of this event.

Beyond the lantern, the walkway came alive with street performances inspired by Japan’s cultural heritage. On the day I went, I encountered a samurai-clad performer captivating onlookers with impressive tricks, and a graceful maiko dancing in kimono to a lively pop beat; a seamless blend of old Japan and the contemporary city. The performers change with each event date, so checking the official Japan Night Fever website is recommended to see who’s appearing next.

There’s more to look forward to, too. On Friday, October 31, visitors can enjoy a special night cruising experience accompanied by an English interpreter. Shops and workshops also change for each event date—another reason to check the official site for the latest details.

Getting to the venue couldn’t be easier. Haneda Innovation City (HICity) is directly connected to Tenkubashi Station, just one stop (about one minute) from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, where international flights arrive and depart. The complex is directly connected to Tenkubashi Station, making access quick and seamless.

Getting to the venue couldn’t be easier. Haneda Innovation City (HICity) is directly connected to Tenkubashi Station, just one stop (about one minute) from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, where international flights arrive and depart. The complex is directly connected to Tenkubashi Station, making access quick and seamless.

From central Tokyo, it’s also convenient: only about 21 minutes from Tokyo Station and 13 minutes from Shinagawa Station via the Keikyu Line.

Japan Night Fever: Haneda Innovation City was a one-of-a-kind experience where Japanese tradition and cutting-edge innovation intersected. More than just an event, it was a living space where you could feel the pulse of "Cool Japan" firsthand.

The richness of the food, the diversity of the music, and the depth of Japanese traditional culture and craftsmanship. Anyone who experiences this vibrant night will surely come away with a renewed appreciation for the country’s allure. Why not take this opportunity to step into Japan Night Fever: Haneda Innovation City and see it for yourself?

・Name: Japan Night Fever: Haneda Innovation City
・Dates: October 11, 18, 25, 31, November 1–2, 2025
・Time: 4 PM–10 PM (may vary depending on content)
・Location: HICity, 1-1-4 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo
・Admission: Free (some content may require a fee)
・Access: Directly connected to Tenkubashi Station on the Keikyu Airport Line and Tokyo Monorail
・Organizer: Haneda Mirai Development Co., Ltd.
・Co-organizer: SECAI Inc.
・Supported by: Ota Ward

This project is supported by a grant from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau for the promotion of nighttime tourism.