Do you know the charms of Japan’s major airports? Major airports are Japan’s representative airports, and are the airports in Japan that have by far the largest number of flights and passengers.
In addition, as airports are being expanded to accommodate inbound tourists, it is no longer possible to simply use them as transit points. This time, we will introduce the charms of 5 major airports located on the west side of Japan and the surrounding sightseeing spots that you should visit at night.
■The charms of Japan’s major airports 【Western Japan】
Japan’s major airports are located in various locations such as on the sea and in urban areas, and their appeal is that they are easily accessible to various regions. Each airport is highly convenient, and we place importance on public transportation connections and easy-to-understand travel routes to your destination.
Although the number of foreign tourists at each airport varies, it is a spot where you can enjoy the charm of Japan that takes advantage of the local characteristics. There are also plenty of services and facilities to relieve the fatigue of your trip, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Another attractive feature is its proximity to popular tourist destinations throughout Japan.
■It’s a loss if you don’t know! Tourist spots around major airports
There are tourist attractions near the main airport that can be enjoyed throughout the day. This is a place where you can discover Japan’s hidden charms that are not found in popular tourist attractions. There are many spots you can enjoy at low cost, so it is also recommended for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money. It might be a good idea to stop by during your free time before boarding.
The surrounding tourist spots range from night spots to popular sightseeing spots during the day. Each spot is a symbol of the region. Distances from the airport vary, but they are relatively easy to get to.
■Introducing the charms of 5 major airports
Major airports are the gateways to Japan used by many people. The number of foreign tourists is increasing year by year, and the place is becoming easier to use and enjoy. Next, we will introduce the charms of five major airports in the western part of Japan.
No. 1 LCC in Japan! Kansai International Airport【Osaka】
Kansai International Airport opened in 1994 as the world’s first maritime airport. The main terminal building has a “sandwich structure”, which means that you can only move up and down. We boast the largest number of LCC services in Japan, and our unique strength is our LCC-dedicated terminal. As a central hub in western Japan, there are plenty of transportation options to various locations.
Inside the airport, there is a “walk-through duty free store” with the concept of exciting shopping, and you can also use the mobile payment service “Alipay”. Popular stores include a food court where you can enjoy Osaka gourmet food such as takoyaki, and a cafe lounge where you can take a break.
The observation hall “Sky View” offers a 360-degree panoramic view, and you can enjoy the airport’s illumination at night and the sunset that was selected as one of the “100 Best Sunsets in Japan.” There are shopping malls nearby that you can enjoy all day long, and hot spring facilities where you can relax until the evening.
Enjoy the hidden Japanese taste! Itami Airport【Osaka】
Itami Airport, also known as Osaka Airport, is an urban airport with great access to Osaka and Kyoto. Currently, it is an airport exclusively for domestic flights, and is world-famous for its efficient and on-time departures.
Inside the airport, art by artists with ties to the local Kansai region and murals created in collaboration with local residents are on display. The display of Komodaru, a Japanese World Heritage Site, and pottery from the five regions of Hyogo are both very tasteful and offer a hidden sense of Japan.
Kansai is known as the comedy town of Kansai, and there are many shops selling goods from popular comedians, as well as Japanese restaurants that have been in business for over 250 years. At night, the warm illumination of the runway will be a sight to behold. Nearby are Expo’70 Commemorative Park, which holds many events both day and night, and Itami Sky Park, where you can enjoy the night view.
Close to Asian countries! Fukuoka Airport【Fukuoka】
Fukuoka Airport, the busiest airport in Japan, is located in the center of the city. Hakata Station in the city center can be reached in about 6 minutes by train. Due to its proximity to Asian countries, the airport is expected to serve as a gateway to Asia.
After the renovation in 2020, you can now enjoy a panoramic view of the runway from the observation deck. It is a famous spot for posting on social media, and at Beer Marche SORAGAMIAIR you can enjoy drinks and food while watching live footage of the runway. One of the attractions of this city is that you can fully enjoy the gourmet food of this gourmet city, and “Ramen Runway”, which brings together ramen restaurants from all over Japan, is also popular.
In fact, Fukuoka Prefecture is a popular tourist destination for foreign tourists as well. There are also many attractive nightlife spots around the airport, including the food stalls in the Nakasu area, a town known for its food stall culture, and the “Open Top Bus Tour” that tours the city at night.
A very popular island country! Naha Airport【Okinawa】
When you arrive at Naha Airport in Okinawa, you will be greeted by an open and open welcome hall. The interior of the hotel has the atmosphere of a popular tourist destination, giving you a tropical feel. Naha city center can be accessed in about 10 minutes by monorail or bus. Naha Airport is the second largest airport in Japan for the number of domestic flights taking off and landing, making it an easy airport to travel to all over Japan.
Inside the building, there are plenty of shops selling Okinawan cuisine such as local gourmet soki soba, as well as specialty products such as awamori and Kaito goods. There is also a restaurant and lounge, so you can enjoy the resort feeling while enjoying a meal while admiring the view.
There is also a shopping spot called “Senagajima Umikaji Terrace” in the surrounding area, as well as restaurants such as “Amanga”, which serves Okinawan cuisine and hosts live island songs every night.
Extra edition! Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport 【Tottori】
Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport, located in the Tottori Sand Dunes, is an airport full of local charm. The name comes from the famous tourist spot “Tottori Sand Dunes” and the masterpiece “Detective Conan” by a manga artist from Tottori Prefecture. The runway built parallel to the coastline of the Sea of Japan is also worth seeing.
The corridors inside the airport are decorated with Conan art that looks like a museum. In the central Conan Hall, the highlight is Conan’s giant trick art. There is also a store that sells Conan goods limited to the airport, and a corner that recreates the Cafe Poirot depicted in the work. There are many spots where you can take photos with Conan, making it a must-see for fans.
There is also a cafe at the airport where you can enjoy coffee and sweets roasted in the sand of the dunes. There are shops selling classic Tottori souvenirs and restaurants that make use of local ingredients, so you can spend a relaxing time here. The surrounding area is also attractive for the illuminated ruins of Tottori Castle, one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles, as well as stargazing tours that you can experience on the sand dunes at night.
■Major airports are the closest spots to enjoy the charm of Japan
Major airports are the closest spots with direct connections to enjoy the charms of Japan. Don’t just use it as a gateway, you can experience Japanese culture that can only be experienced at the airport. There are also many low-budget night spots and daytime sightseeing spots around the airport. It will be an opportunity to discover the charms of Japan that you may have overlooked.
【Q&A】
Q: Are Japan’s major airports easy to use?
A: Each airport has different structures and convenience features, but the ease of getting to your destination and providing guidance tends to improve year by year. Renovation of each airport is also progressing.
Q: What is the most attractive feature of Japan’s major airports?
A: It’s more than just an airplane terminal; it’s a “nearby entertainment facility.” It continues to evolve as a fun place every day.
