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
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 Hiroshimanishi Airport