โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hiroshima-Nishi Airport (HIW), identified by its ICAO code RJBH, is a historic aviation facility located in the Nishi Ward of Hiroshima, Japan. Originally opened in 1961 as the primary airport for the city, it served as a major domestic hub for several decades. Following the opening of the larger and more modern Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) in Mihara, the facility was renamed Hiroshima-Nishi Airport and eventually ceased scheduled commercial airline operations in November 2012. Today, the site has been redeveloped into the Hiroshima Heliport, serving as a vital center for private air charters, emergency medical services, and government aviation.
The facility's transition from a full-scale commercial airport to a specialized heliport has seen a significant change in its layout and purpose. While the original runway system was shortened to accommodate helicopter operations, the site retains several hangars and administrative buildings that once supported regional airline traffic. The former passenger terminal's arrivals hall now houses the offices of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima professional football club, while other parts of the building provide support for heliport management and general aviation pilots. The layout is designed for maximum operational flexibility, allowing for rapid deployment of medical and law enforcement helicopters.
Facilities at the Hiroshima Heliport are tailored to the needs of specialized aviation rather than general passenger traffic. There are no retail shops, public restaurants, or conventional airline lounges within the heliport perimeter. Most visitors are authorized personnel, including pilots for sightseeing tours and official delegations. Despite the lack of commercial amenities, the site remains an important part of Hiroshima's infrastructure, having hosted high-profile international events such as the 2023 G7 Summit. For those requiring commercial air travel, the modern Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is located approximately 50 kilometers to the east and offers a full range of domestic and international services.
๐ Connection Tips
Hiroshima-Nishi Airport (now Hiroshima Heliport) is a specialized aviation facility and does not handle scheduled commercial flights. Standard commercial Minimum Connection Times (MCT) are not applicable here. If your authorized itinerary requires a transfer from a private charter at HIW to a commercial service, you must travel to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), located 50 kilometers east. This journey takes approximately 60 minutes via the Sanyo Expressway; allow at least 3.5 hours for the transfer to account for city traffic and commercial security protocols at HIJ. For private and charter travelers, connections at the heliport usually involve transitioning from aircraft to pre-arranged ground transport.
The facility retains its historic layout but has been optimized for helicopter operations. Since the site lacks a permanent on-site taxi rank or public transit, all ground logistics, including private car hires or shuttles, should be coordinated in advance. This ensures that your baggage and ground transportation are handled seamlessly upon arrival. All transitions within the heliport are subject to rigorous security checks and require valid authorization. The heliport offers limited amenities for authorized personnel only.
If you have an extended wait between duties, the city of Hiroshimaโjust a 15-minute drive awayโprovides numerous dining and lodging options. Notable local attractions include the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the historic Shukkeien Garden. However, always ensure your movements are cleared with the facility management, as the strategic nature of the heliport can lead to sudden changes in accessibility. Self-sufficiency with snacks and water is advised for those waiting at the facility, as commercial retail is not available on-site.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Asahikawa Airport (AKJ/RJEC) operates as central Hokkaido's premier winter aviation facility, renowned for the elite "WAX WINGS" snow removal team comprising 40 local farmers (average age 43, ranging 22-66) who achieve an exceptional 99.5% on-time performance rate despite receiving over 550cm of annual snowfall. Named after the yellow-rumped waxwing (kirenjaku), Asahikawa's city bird that watches over the region during winter months, this specialized team utilizes 25 snow removal vehicles including sweepers, plows, rotary snowplows, and graders to maintain the 2,500-meter runway for safe flight operations.
The three-story terminal building showcases light wooden decor with panoramic Daisetsuzan mountain views, efficiently organizing passenger services across dedicated levels: first floor check-in and arrivals, second floor departures with souvenir shops, duty-free outlets, and LOUNGE Daisetsu card lounge, plus a third floor culinary destination featuring multiple restaurants serving authentic Hokkaido specialties including renowned Asahikawa ramen. Essential amenities include specialized ski/snowboard equipment lockers, currency exchange machines, prayer rooms, nursing facilities with hot water dispensers, and modern accessibility features with multipurpose seating and emergency call systems.
Domestic operations through JAL, ANA, and Air Do connect Asahikawa with Tokyo Haneda, Nagoya, and regional destinations, supporting access to Furano's flower fields and winter sports, Asahiyama Zoo (39-minute bus service every 30 minutes), and Daisetsuzan National Park. The airport's legendary reliability during extreme weather conditions makes it an essential gateway for both summer tourism and winter sports enthusiasts accessing northern Hokkaido's world-class ski resorts and unique wildlife attractions throughout central Japan's snowiest region.
๐ Connection Tips
Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) is the main air gateway for central Hokkaido, and the most reliable way to connect onward is to use the airport bus network that is timed around flight arrivals. The airport bus to Asahikawa city typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, while the direct service to Asahikawa Station is about 35 minutes. That makes the airport practical for travelers heading into the city, but it also means that a missed bus can add a noticeable delay, especially in winter when road conditions are slower than the timetable.
If you are connecting to attractions rather than the city center, the airport taxi desk and pre-booked taxis matter more than rideshare. Official taxi information from the airport lists fixed or estimated fares to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, Furano, Mount Asahi, and other regional destinations, and advance reservations are recommended rather than improvised curbside pickups. That is useful in Hokkaido because visitors often continue straight from the airport to ski areas, winter resorts, or the zoo rather than overnighting in Asahikawa.
Parking and opening hours also shape the connection experience. The airport parking lot is open daily from 7:00 to 21:30, weekend and holiday congestion is common, and the airport warns that sleeping in the terminal or in vehicles on airport grounds is not permitted. Travelers who need a smooth transfer should arrive early, confirm the bus timetable before landing, and leave enough time for weather, parking, and baggage retrieval, because the airport is efficient but not designed for rushed same-day self-connections.
โ Back to Hiroshimanishi Airport