โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kerama Airport (KJP) is a unique regional aviation facility located on Fukaji Island within the Kerama archipelago of Okinawa, Japan. As a 'Type-3' public airport, it primarily serves as a vital infrastructure link for the surrounding islands of Zamami, Aka, and Geruma. While regular scheduled commercial services were suspended in recent years, the airport remains an active hub for private charters, emergency medical evacuations, and specialized seasonal sightseeing flights, providing passengers with breathtaking aerial views of the world-famous 'Kerama Blue' coral reefs.
The facility features a compact, two-story terminal building designed for functional efficiency in a remote island setting. The ground floor houses the main passenger hall, featuring basic check-in counters (typically active only for pre-arranged charters) and a functional waiting lounge. The second floor and rooftop area feature an admission-free observation deck, which is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the airfield apron and the neighboring islands. This simple design ensures exceptionally short walking distances from the terminal entrance directly to the 800-meter (2,625 ft) asphalt runway (04/22).
Amenities within the Kerama terminal are minimalist and reflect its role as a specialized out-station. There are no formal restaurants, retail shops, or convenience stores on-site, so travelers are strongly advised to bring their own refreshments and water from the main settlements on Aka or Zamami. The terminal provides clean public restrooms and basic seating, but modern services like public Wi-Fi are generally not available. The airfield infrastructure is well-maintained to support STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and helicopters, which are the mainstays of regional inter-island aviation in Okinawa.
Ground transportation at KJP is highly specialized due to its location on the southernmost of three bridge-connected islands. Fukaji Island is linked by road to Geruma and Aka Islands, allowing for quick 10-to-15 minute taxi or pre-arranged shuttle transfers to Aka Port. From there, the 'Mitsushima' village ferry provides frequent connections to Zamami Island, while a separate reserved route links to Aharen Port on Tokashiki Island. The airport typically operates during daylight hours (08:00 to 18:00), and travelers are generally advised to coordinate all transport logistics well in advance, as ferry schedules are highly synchronized with regional maritime conditions.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Kerama Airport (KJP) is a unique experience that requires careful coordination between air and sea-based transport. A 'connection' here typically involves a transition from a private charter flightโoften from Naha (OKA)โto a local ground transfer and subsequent inter-island boat ride. Since arrivals and departures are housed in a single building, moving from your flight to your ground transport outside can be completed in under 5 minutes. However, it is advisable to allow at least 60-90 minutes for any onward connection to account for the travel time to Aka Port and the 'Mitsushima' ferry schedules. Water-based transportation is the most critical link for any traveler transiting through Kerama. Since there are no large-scale public buses, you must pre-arrange a shuttle or taxi from the airport to Aka Port if you are heading to Zamami or Tokashiki. The 'Mitsushima' inter-island ferry is the most reliable way to move between islands, but note that the route to Tokashiki (Aharen Port) requires a reservation made at least one day in advance. Digital information displays at the terminal provide basic airfield status, but direct communication with the Zamami Village office or your tour operator is the most reliable source of boat information. Practical preparation for a KJP connection includes utilizing the airport's rooftop observation deck during any wait. While the terminal provides shelter, there are no ATMs or currency exchange offices on-site, so having sufficient Japanese Yen (JPY) in cash for boat fares and local transport is a wise precaution, as many inter-island services do not accept cards. Mobile reception at the airfield is generally stable, allowing you to stay connected and confirm onward boat bookings.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) is a modern and exceptionally reliable aviation facility located in Higashikagura, serving the city of Asahikawa and the central Hokkaido region. Situated in an area that receives over 550cm of snow annually, the airport is famous for its "WAX WINGS" snow removal team, composed of local farmers who maintain a 99% on-time performance rate even in severe subarctic conditions. The facility features a single, three-story terminal building characterized by its light, wooden decor and panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, serving as the primary gateway for winter sports enthusiasts heading to Furano and visitors to the popular Asahiyama Zoo.
The terminal experience at Asahikawa is highly regarded for its comfort and range of amenities. The first floor manages check-in and arrivals, while the second floor serves as the main departures zone, featuring a variety of souvenir shops, duty-free outlets for seasonal international flights, and the 'LOUNGE Daisetsu' card lounge. The third floor is a culinary destination in its own right, offering several restaurants where passengers can sample local Hokkaido specialties such as Asahikawa ramen. The airport also provides practical services including currency exchange machines, a prayer room, nursing facilities with hot water dispensers, and specialized coin lockers designed to accommodate bulky ski and snowboarding equipment.
Operational efficiency is a hallmark of the AKJ terminal, with the airport serving as a regular hub for carriers like JAL, ANA, and Air Do. The layout is designed for intuitive navigation, with boarding gates and security checkpoints situated within short walking distance of the central dining and shopping areas. The terminal is equipped with modern accessibility features, including multipurpose seating and emergency call systems for passengers with reduced mobility. For travelers, the airport represents more than just a transit point; it is a professional and welcoming entry point to the natural wonders of central Hokkaido, offering a reliable bridge to the region's world-class ski resorts and unique wildlife attractions.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) is a straightforward process due to its intuitive single-terminal design. Most domestic passengers reach AKJ via direct flights from Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Nagoya (NGO). If you are planning an onward international connection, you will typically transit through one of these major hubs or New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo. It is highly advisable to allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for these transfers to account for potential winter weather delays and the transition between terminals at the larger metropolitan airports. For those arriving at AKJ to connect with local transport, the facility is exceptionally well-integrated with the regional bus and taxi networks.\n\nGround transportation from the Asahikawa terminal provides several reliable options for reaching central Hokkaidoโs top attractions. Direct bus services connect the airport to Asahiyama Zoo every 30 minutes (39-minute journey) and to Furano Station every four hours (60-minute journey). Taxis are readily available at the arrivals forecourt, and several major car rental agencies have desks located on the first floor, offering vehicles equipped with winter tires and 4WD. If you are heading to the Asahikawa city center, the airport shuttle bus takes approximately 40 minutes. Travelers should be aware that while major services at the airport accept international credit cards and digital payments, some regional buses and smaller vendors in central Hokkaido may still prefer cash in Japanese Yen (JPY). Additionally, always utilize the airport's real-time flight monitors and mobile app for updates, as the dedicated snow removal team ensures that AKJ remains operational even when other regional fields may be closed.
โ Back to Kerama Airport