International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansai International Airport | Osaka | RJBB | KIX |
| Narita International Airport | Narita | RJAA | NRT |
| Chubu Centrair International Airport | Nagoya (Tokoname) | RJGG | NGO |
| Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) | Tokyo (Ōta) | RJTT | HND |
| Osaka International Airport (Itami) | Osaka (Toyonaka) | RJOO | ITM |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akita Airport | Akita | RJSK | AXT |
| Asahikawa Airport | Asahikawa | RJEC | AKJ |
| New Chitose Airport | Chitose | RJCC | CTS |
| Fukuoka Airport | Fukuoka | RJFF | FUK |
| Hakodate Airport | Hakodate | RJCH | HKD |
| Yamagata Airport | Yamagata | RJSC | GAJ |
| Kitakyushu Airport | Kitakyushu | RJFR | KKJ |
| Takamatsu Airport | Takamatsu | RJOT | TAK |
| Kushiro Airport | Kushiro | RJCK | KMJ |
| Kumamoto Airport | Kumamoto | RJFT | KMJ |
| Matsuyama Airport | Matsuyama | RJOM | MYJ |
| Hiroshima Airport | Hiroshima | RJOA | HIJ |
| Miyazaki Airport | Miyazaki | RJFM | KOJ |
| Kagoshima Airport | Kagoshima | RJFK | KOJ |
| Oita Airport | Oita | RJFO | OIT |
| Naha Airport | Naha | ROAH | OKA |
| Kochi Ryoma Airport | Kochi | RJOK | KCZ |
| Sendai Airport | Sendai | RJSS | SDJ |
| Niigata Airport | Niigata | RJSN | OBO |
| Tokachi-Obihiro Airport | Obihiro | RJCB | OBO |
| Nagasaki Airport | Nagasaki | RJFU | NGS |
| Yamaguchi Ube Airport | Ube | RJDC | UBJ |
| Wakkanai Airport | Wakkanai | RJCW | WKJ |
Note: The above lists include major international and domestic airports in Japan. There are additional airports serving both international and domestic flights, as well as smaller regional airports.
Japan Airports: Modernisation Plans for 2025 and Beyond
Japan has a well-developed airport system that serves millions of travellers each year. The country boasts 98 airports, including major international hubs and smaller regional facilities. These airports play a crucial role in connecting Japan to the world and facilitating domestic travel within the island nation.
For international travellers, the main gateways to Japan are Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports. Other key international airports include Kansai near Osaka and Chubu Centrair serving Nagoya. These airports offer extensive facilities and services, making the arrival process smooth for visitors.
Japan’s two largest airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, operate from these major airports. They provide both domestic and international flights, connecting travellers to cities across Japan and around the globe. For those planning a trip to Japan, understanding the airport options can help in choosing the best entry point based on their itinerary and travel plans.
Overview of Key Airports in Japan
Japan has several major airports that serve as gateways for international and domestic travel. These airports offer modern facilities and convenient transport links to key cities.
Major International Hubs
Tokyo International Airport, commonly known as Haneda Airport, is Japan’s busiest airport. It handled 87 million passengers in 2018, making it the fifth busiest airport globally. Despite its high traffic, Haneda rarely feels crowded thanks to clever design.
Narita International Airport, also serving Tokyo, is another crucial entry point. Though farther from the city centre, it offers extensive international connections.
Kansai International Airport near Osaka is built on an artificial island. It’s a major hub for western Japan, providing links to numerous Asian destinations.
Important Domestic Airports
New Chitose Airport serves Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. It’s a vital link to Japan’s northernmost main island and handles significant domestic traffic.
Fukuoka Airport, located in Kyushu, is notable for its proximity to the city centre. It’s one of the busiest domestic airports in Japan, connecting the southern island to other major cities.
These domestic airports play a crucial role in Japan’s air network, offering quick and convenient travel options between regions.
Central Japan International Airport (Centrair)
Central Japan International Airport, also known as Centrair, serves the Nagoya region. Built on an artificial island in Ise Bay, it opened in 2005.
Centrair is a hub for both international and domestic flights. It’s known for its efficient design and passenger-friendly facilities.
The airport offers direct access to Nagoya and other central Japan destinations. It’s particularly useful for travellers visiting the industrial heartland of Japan.
Travel Connections and Accessibility
Japan’s airports offer excellent travel connections and accessibility options. Travellers can easily reach major cities and tourist destinations using various transportation methods.
Ground Transport and Interconnectivity
Airports in Japan are well-connected to city centres and surrounding regions. The Shinkansen (bullet train) network links many airports to major cities, providing fast and efficient travel.
Tokyo’s airports are particularly well-connected. From Narita Airport, travellers can use the Tokyo Monorail or express trains to reach the city centre quickly.
For budget-conscious travellers, the Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen. This pass is an excellent option for exploring multiple cities.
Car rental services are available at most airports, providing flexibility for those who prefer to drive. However, public transport is often more convenient in urban areas.
Airline Services and Routes
Japanese airports offer extensive domestic and international flight options. Major hubs like Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda serve numerous international destinations.
For domestic travel, airlines like Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways operate frequent flights between major cities. These flights connect Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Sapporo.
The Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, is served by Kansai International Airport. This airport offers good connectivity to other parts of Japan and international destinations.
Many airports provide accessibility services for travellers with disabilities. These include wheelchair assistance, barrier-free facilities, and specialised support staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan’s airports serve millions of travellers each year. These key questions cover the main international gateways, airport codes, and factors to consider when flying to Japan.
How many international airports are there in Japan?
Japan has 7 major international airports. These handle the bulk of overseas arrivals and departures. Several smaller regional airports also offer some international flights to nearby Asian countries.
What are the major international airports in Japan?
The main international airports in Japan are:
- Narita International Airport (Tokyo)
- Haneda Airport (Tokyo)
- Kansai International Airport (Osaka)
- Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya)
- New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)
- Fukuoka Airport
- Naha Airport (Okinawa)
Which is the main airport in Japan for international flights?
Narita International Airport handles the most international traffic. It serves as the primary international hub for the Greater Tokyo Area. Haneda Airport has increased its international flights in recent years but still serves more domestic routes.
What are the airport codes for Japan’s leading international airports?
The airport codes for Japan’s busiest international airports are:
- NRT: Narita International Airport
- HND: Haneda Airport
- KIX: Kansai International Airport
- NGO: Chubu Centrair International Airport
- CTS: New Chitose Airport
Is Narita or Haneda airport preferable for arrival in Tokyo?
Both airports have pros and cons. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, making it more convenient for many travellers. Narita offers more international flight options. Flight schedules and prices often influence which airport passengers choose.
Which airport in Japan typically offers the most economical flight options?
Narita International Airport often has the most budget-friendly international flights. Its distance from central Tokyo allows for lower landing fees. Many low-cost carriers use Narita as their Japanese hub.
