Fancy a look at the stars while waiting for your flight? How about a slot-car race, strolling through an old-time Japanese street, or shopping at a Hello Kitty store?
 

All will be on offer at Tokyo ’s Haneda Airport from Oct. 31 as the airport resumes full-fledged international service for the first time in 32 years, when its role was usurped by the opening of Narita International Airport.

The high-ceilinged, brand new international terminal – built to complement the completion of the airport ’s fourth runway, which will eventually increase capacity by more than 30 percent – replaces a small utilitarian building with minimal facilities.

Haneda lost its crown as Tokyo ’s international airport in 1978, when Narita opened, though a few international flights still operated.

But with Japan’s government eager to promote Tokyo as a 24-hour international air hub to rival South Korea ’s Incheon, Haneda was expanded and international flihgts relaunched.

Narita ’s operating hours are limited a part of d deal hammered out with local landowners in order to build the airport, which faced stiff opposition.