โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is the primary aviation gateway to the Chugoku region of western Japan, serving the city of Hiroshima and its surrounding prefectures. Located approximately 50 kilometers east of the city center in Mihara, the airport was opened in 1993 to replace the older, coastal Hiroshima-Nishi Airport. It is a major hub for both domestic flights to Tokyo, Sapporo, and Okinawa, as well as international services to regional Asian hubs like Seoul, Taipei, and Shanghai. The airport is situated on a high plateau, providing a stable operational environment away from the city's dense urban sprawl while offering travelers a modern and efficient entry point to the historic city.
The airport operates from a single, expansive terminal building that is efficiently divided into domestic and international wings. The terminal layout is organized across three main levels to optimize passenger flow. The first floor is dedicated to arrivals and baggage claim, while the second floor serves as the main departures area, housing check-in counters, security screening, and boarding gates. The third floor is a popular destination for visitors, featuring a variety of restaurants, cafรฉs, and a spacious outdoor observation deck. This wooden-decked area offers breathtaking views of the runway and the surrounding mountains, making it a favorite spot for plane spotting and relaxation.
Facilities at Hiroshima Airport are world-class, reflecting Japan's high standards of hospitality and efficiency. The terminal features a variety of premium spaces, including the JAL Sakura Lounge and the newly renovated "YAMANAMI VILLA" card lounge, which offers an open terrace with runway views. Dining options are extensive, ranging from local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and fresh oysters to international fast food. For shopping, travelers can explore duty-free shops or browse souvenir stores like JAL PLAZA and ANA FESTA for local delicacies and crafts. Essential services such as currency exchange, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a dedicated cycle hub ensure a comprehensive and welcoming experience for all travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Hiroshima Airport is exceptionally efficient thanks to its modern, single-terminal layout. For domestic transfers, the process typically takes under 20 minutes; since all services are integrated within the same building, navigating between gates is seamless. If you are on a single ticket, your baggage will usually be through-checked, but verify this with JAL or ANA at check-in. The airport's compact scale is a major benefit for regional travelers, offering a much faster transition than larger Japanese hubs like Tokyo-Haneda.
International connections require more time for mandatory formalities. Arriving international passengers must clear immigration and customs at HIJ before proceeding to domestic gates. It is recommended to allow a minimum of 2 hours for these transfers, although queues are generally shorter than at Narita or Haneda. If you are self-transferring between separate bookings, ensure a 3-hour window to reclaim baggage and re-check in. Arriving 60 minutes early for domestic and 2 hours for international departures is standard, as security screening is efficient but thorough.
Ground transport to Hiroshima city center is primarily via the Airport Limousine Bus, which takes about 50 minutes to reach JR Hiroshima Station. There is no direct rail link, though a bus to nearby JR Shiraichi Station is an alternative. For layovers of 6 hours or more, a trip to the Peace Memorial Park or the central shopping districts is possible. Within the airport, the third-floor observation deck and local okonomiyaki restaurants offer excellent ways to wait. The terminal provides free Wi-Fi and several premium lounges like the Sakura Lounge for those seeking a quiet space. Always check for potential expressway traffic delays during peak periods.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Amami Airport (ASJ) serves as the primary aviation hub for Amami Oshima Island in Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture. The airport features a modern, compact terminal building that efficiently handles both domestic scheduled flights and occasional international charters. The layout is designed for ease of use, with the first floor dedicated to arrivals and airline check-in counters, while the second floor houses the departure gates and security screening facilities.
Inside the terminal, travelers can enjoy a range of amenities that showcase the unique culture of the Amami Islands. Several restaurants and cafes serve local delicacies such as 'Keihan' (chicken rice), providing a final taste of the island's culinary heritage before departure. Multiple souvenir shops offer traditional Oshima Tsumugi silk products, local sweets, and handmade crafts. For those seeking relaxation, a paid passenger lounge is available on the second floor, offering a quiet environment with complimentary soft drinks.
One of the most notable features of the Amami terminal is the panoramic observation deck located on the roof. This open-air space provides visitors with stunning views of the aircraft on the apron against the backdrop of the emerald-green East China Sea and the island's lush, mountainous terrain. The airport is fully accessible, offering free rental wheelchairs and strollers at the information desk, along with multi-purpose restrooms and tactile paving for visually impaired passengers.
๐ Connection Tips
Amami Airport (ASJ) is the main gateway for visitors exploring the natural beauty of Amami Oshima. For travelers, 'connecting' at ASJ is straightforward as all flight operations are consolidated within a single terminal. If you are arriving on a domestic flight from Tokyo or Osaka and connecting to a regional flight to Kagoshima, you move between the arrival area on the first floor and the departure gates on the second. It is recommended to allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for a domestic transfer, as security lines can fluctuate during peak afternoon hours.\n\nGround transportation is well-integrated. The 'Shima Bus' service operates regular routes from the terminal front to the central Naze district, a 60-minute journey costing around 1,100 yen. Taxis are readily available for a faster, 45-minute trip typically costing between 6,000 and 8,000 yen. For those planning an extended stay, multiple car rental agencies have counters in the arrival hall. It is highly advisable to book a rental car in advance, especially during the busy summer months and around the New Year holidays.\n\nTravelers should be mindful of operational hours, as the terminal typically closes shortly after the final scheduled flight. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there are several charging stations near the departure gates. Third-floor observation deck is a perfect place to wait while enjoying the coastal breeze. Ensure you have Japanese Yen in cash for local bus fares, as while major airport shops accept credit cards, many local services are still cash-based. For missed connections, airline service desks are centrally located in the first-floor lobby.
โ Back to Hiroshima Airport