Hello, there ✈️ Today, I’m sharing a Haneda to Hakodate flight review based on my experience flying JAL585, a morning domestic flight in Japan. It’s an early start, but I chose this flight for one simple reason:I wanted to spend as much time as possible in Hakodate.
JAL585 departs Haneda at 7:30 am and arrives in Hakodate at 8:50 am. And honestly? It was even better than I expected.
Haneda Airport in the Morning: Busier Than Expected
I assumed Haneda Airport would be quiet early in the morning, but that wasn’t the case at all. There were plenty of passengers, and JAL585 was almost completely full.
Because it’s an early departure, many people were already having breakfast inside the terminal. If you like starting the day with a proper meal, Haneda makes it easy.
If it’s your first time navigating Japan, having these services ready before you land at Haneda will make your experience much smoother.
How to Get Through Security Smoothly
Morning flights often feel rushed, but security doesn’t have to be stressful. In Japan, airport security can be quite strict. If you are wearing thick-soled shoes or boots, you may be asked to remove them. Therefore, trainers or easy slip-on shoes are a smart choice. Also, placing your phone and loose coins into your bag beforehand makes a big difference. With just a little preparation, I passed through security surprisingly quickly.
Breeze Through Security To make your security check as smooth as possible (especially when asked to remove your shoes!), I highly recommend these travel essentials:
JAL585: How the Flight Actually Feels
The scheduled flight time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but it honestly feels much shorter. Once the plane reaches cruising altitude, the actual flying time feels closer to 40 minutes. Before you know it, the descent has already begun.
Flying out of Tokyo also means you get to see parts of the Tohoku region from above. For me, this turned simple travel time into a small highlight of the journey. If you’re searching for a Haneda to Hakodate flight review, this view is something worth mentioning.
Cabin Atmosphere: Calm and Very Japanese
The cabin felt calm and relaxed, which is typical for JAL domestic flights. This route usually uses small to medium-sized aircraft, so there are no personal seatback screens. That said, the simple setup makes the flight feel more “local” and travel-focused. Despite being full, the cabin remained quiet throughout the journey. There’s something refreshing about the peaceful mood of an early morning flight.
In-Flight Service: Simple and Quick
Once the plane stabilises, there’s a single drink service. I chose Sky Time, JAL’s signature peach and grape juice, which is very popular in Japan. After finishing the drink and relaxing for a moment, the landing announcement begins. It really is a very short and smooth flight.
Arrival at Hakodate Airport: Small and Stress-Free
We landed at Hakodate Airport at 8:50 am. One of the best things about this airport is its compact size. From leaving the aircraft to exiting the terminal, everything happens quickly. I remember thinking, “Already outside?” This smooth arrival makes a great first impression of Hakodate.
Why a Morning Flight Is Worth It
The biggest advantage of arriving early is obvious:
you get a full day in Hakodate. By just after 9 am, you can already be on your way to places like Goryokaku Fort, the morning market, or your first café stop.
If you enjoy active travel days, this flight gives you a real head start.
Getting from Hakodate Airport to the City
I took the airport bus into the city. It takes around 20 minutes to reach Hakodate city centre (or Hakodate Station). The airport’s close proximity to the city centre is one of the reasons Hakodate is such an easy destination to visit.
Getting to the City: While the bus is easy, if you have heavy luggage, a private transfer is a lifesaver.
Final Thoughts
JAL585 may be an early start, but it’s a great choice if you want to make the most of your trip.
• Book a window seat if you enjoy scenery
• Prepare for security to keep things smooth
• Use the extra time to explore from day one
If you like starting your journey efficiently, this is a flight I’d happily recommend.
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