Passengers departing from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport will soon get a truly cinematic send-off. Starting in December 2025, a massive nine-meter-tall and 40-meter-wide statue of Godzilla will dominate the departure hall, giving travelers a farewell that’s as unforgettable as the creature itself. The installation will remain on display for one year, until December 2026.
The sculpture shows the legendary monster smashing through the airport wall, a design meant to blend Japan’s love for creativity and spectacle. Located on the third floor of the departure terminal, the display is expected to become a must-see attraction for tourists and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Where to find Godzilla
Arriving passengers can also join the fun. On the second floor, a smaller statue inspired by the 2023 film Godzilla Minus One will greet newcomers. The arrivals hall will also feature images of the city-crushing reptile and other monsters from the franchise, displayed above the information counter.
Since the first movie premiered in 1954, Godzilla has appeared in more than 30 films, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in global cinema. Yet this may be the first time the creature has taken over an airport.
Japan’s new pop-culture gateway
The project is a collaboration between Toho Co., the studio behind the Godzilla films, and Haneda Airport’s management, designed to showcase Japan’s entertainment culture and design innovation.
The installation arrives at a time when Japan’s tourism industry is booming. More than 31 million international visitors arrived in the country in the first nine months of 2025 — a record-breaking number.
Officials hope Godzilla’s appearance will offer travelers one more reason to smile (and take selfies) before departure.
Meanwhile, the growing trend of film-inspired tourism continues to attract visitors seeking to experience scenes from anime, blockbusters, and Japanese daily life — from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the snowy villages of Gifu and Hokuriku.
Godzilla’s debut at Haneda Airport may not be Japan’s top tourist draw, but it’s a perfect reminder that the country’s spirit of imagination thrives everywhere — even in a departure hall.