Two Airports on Miyako Island? Thorough explanation of the differences between Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport!

Hello everyone!

 

Did you know that there are two airports on Miyako Island?

 

Miyako Island is located approximately 300 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. There are no sea routes such as ferries, and the only means of access is by air.

 

Such is Miyako Island.The airport is the gateway to the city,Actually, there are two.

 

Therefore, in this column, our local staff will explain the differences and features of the two airports on Miyako Island in an easy-to-understand manner!

 

Miyako Island has two airports!

Miyako Island is home to the Miyako Islands' ".Miyako Airportand Shimoji Island.Shimojishima AirportThere are two of them.

 

I was wondering, "Once I arrive at Shimojishima Airport, do I have to take a ferry to the Miyako Islands?" Many people often misunderstand this question,It is connected to the Irabu Bridge, a bridge that can be crossed for free, so it is possible to drive there.

 

Other islands around the Miyako archipelago include Ikema, Kurima, and Irabu, all of which are connected by bridges and can basically be reached by car.

 

Miyako Airport Features and Access

Of the two airports on Miyako Island,Miyako Airport is used as the main airport.

 

Miyako Airport has a long history. It was constructed during the war, and the facility was built as a naval airfield for the former Japanese army.

 

The airport has been used as a private airport since June 1956, and the number of tourists to Miyako Island has increased, with a record number of more than 1.8 million passengers visiting Miyako Airport in 2019.

 

Despite being an old airport, it is still a frontline airport.

 

Miyako Airport Access

Miyako Airport is located in the center of the island, making it relatively easy to access both tourist attractions and the city center.

• 10 minutes to the "city center
• Approx. 15 minutes to Irabu Island
• Approx. 15 minutes to "Kurema Island
• 30 minutes to Ikema Island

Approximate time required to travel by car

 

Since it is basically impractical to get around Miyako Island on foot, renting a car around the airport is recommended.

Check out the car rental service with free pick-up and drop-off from Miyako Airport!

 

Rental cars are already full!

In such cases, it is convenient to take a cab or the Miyakojima Kururin Bus, which runs between the airport and the city center.

 

In addition, many hotels and inns on Miyako Island offer shuttle bus service, so it is advisable to check in advance.

 

Airlines using Miyako Airport

Airlines that serve Miyako Airport areANA, JAL, and RAC.

 

There are two round-trip flights a day from Tokyo's Haneda Airport and one round-trip flight a day from Osaka's Kansai Airport and Nagoya's Chubu International Airport. Within Okinawa Prefecture, there are flights to and from Naha, Ishigaki, and Tarama.

 

Since flights to and from Honshu are infrequent and time is not flexible, extreme care must be taken not to miss a flight when traveling.

 

Miyako Airport Facilities

As many people visit the airport for sightseeing purposes, the facilities inside are very well equipped.

 

There are three restaurants in the airport, as well as a souvenir shop where visitors can buy Miyako's limited-edition sweets, alcohol, and mangoes.

 

The observation deck on the third floor overlooks the runway and planes, and several car rental agencies are located in the arrival lobby, so there will be no shortage of transportation options.

 

What is the location and features of Shimojishima Airport?

Another airport on Miyako Island, Shimojijima Airport, was newly renovated in March 2019.It is a beautiful airport with a tropical resort atmosphere.

 

Shimojishima Airport was originally a training airfield for commercial aircraft pilots, but since its renovation, it has been operating regular flights for the first time in 24 years.

 

Access to Shimojishima Airport

Shimojishima Airport, as its name suggests, is located on "Shimojishima Island," and a large bridge called the Irabu Ohashi Bridge must be crossed to reach the city center.

• Approximately 25 minutes to the "city center
• 5 minutes to Irabu Island
• Approx. 35 minutes to "Kurema Island
• About 45 minutes to "Ikema Island

Approximate time required to travel by car

 

Although the overall accessibility is not as good as Miyako Airport, there are many sightseeing spots near Shimoji Airport, so it is recommended for those who wish to go sightseeing immediately upon arrival!

 

As with Miyako Airport, renting a car around the airport is an efficient way to enjoy sightseeing.

Check out the car rental service with free pick-up from Shimojishima Airport!

 

If you cannot rent a car, we recommend taking a cab or the Miyako Kyoei Bus and Chuo Kotsu Bus, which leave from Shimojijima Airport.

 

Airlines using Miyako Airport

Airlines currently serving Shimojishima Airport areSkymark and Jetstar Japan.

 

Four airports are connected to the route: Tokyo International Airport, Kobe Airport, Naha Airport, and Narita International Airport.

 

There was also a route to and from Kansai International Airport, but it was operated only during the summer season.

 

Facilities at Shimojishima Airport

The interior of Shimojishima Airport is decorated with a resort hotel feel.

 

A fashionable café using local ingredients and souvenirs such as Miyako Island-specific sweets and mangoes are also available for purchase.

 

In particular, the souvenir shops feature many original products of high-end lines, which will be helpful when you want to choose a different kind of souvenir.

 

In addition, as a unique facility, a post box named "Island Time Post Office" and various picture postcards are available.

 

It might be fun to post a picture postcard as a memory of a tourist attraction and experience island time in a leisurely manner!

 

summary

We have introduced two airports on Miyako Island.

 

If you want to save time and focus on access to the city center, we would recommend Miyako Airport, and if you want to enjoy sightseeing on Irabu Island and take your time at the airport, we would recommend Shimojishima Airport!

 

Currently, Miyako Airport has considerably more passengers than Shimojijima Airport, but the number of passengers using Shimojijima Airport is increasing, depending on the intended clientele and price range, as well as the purpose of the trip.

 

It is unusual to have two airports, but we hope you have been able to grasp the characteristics of each.

 

If you visit Miyako Island in the future, it would be interesting to visit the other airport that you did not use for your flight to compare.