Amami Airport

Amami Airport (ASJ), also known as the "Gateway to Paradise," is located directly on the oceanfront, welcoming travellers with breathtaking views of turquoise lagoons and coral reefs even before landing. This cosy air terminal on Amami Oshima Island is not just a transport hub, but a place where you instantly switch to the relaxed rhythm of a tropical holiday. From the very first minutes, you can feel the unique atmosphere of the "Galapagos of the East": the warm sea breeze, the aromas of local cuisine, and the sincere hospitality of the islanders create the mood for an unforgettable adventure.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Amami Airport, despite its compact size, offers tourists excellent service and unique opportunities to get acquainted with the culture of the region.

Panoramic Observation Deck: Be sure to go up to the terrace on the terminal roof. It offers a fantastic view of the runway extending into the ocean and the coastal reefs — an ideal spot for your first photographs.

Taste of the Island: In the airport restaurants, you can try the famous local dish Keihan (chicken rice in a rich broth), allowing you to start your gastronomic journey immediately upon arrival.

Convenient Navigation: The terminal is intuitive and easy to navigate, and you can reach the main city of Naze by a comfortable bus in approximately 45–50 minutes.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Amami Airport. Please note that for issues related to flight tickets, flight schedules, or special services on board, you should contact your airline directly.

• Official Website: amami-airport.co.jp (website available in Japanese).
• Information Desk Phone: +81 997-63-2295. This is the main number for the airport administration, where you can clarify information about terminal operations.
• Airport Address: 822 Kasaricho Oaza Sotome, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0503, Japan.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use telephone communication or contact forms on airline websites.
• Social Media: Official social media pages for the airport may not be available. It is best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline at the arrival airport. If you have left personal belongings in the terminal building, contact the general airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to booking, changing flights, check-in, and other services, please contact your airline's support service directly.

Getting to Amami Airport (ASJ), which serves as the main air gateway to the island of the same name in Japan, is quite simple. The island's main transport hubs are well connected to the airport, and travellers can choose the most suitable option depending on their budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to get to the airport from the central part of Amami city (Naze district) is to use the Shima Bus service. Routes connect the airport with key points on the island. The journey from Naze to the airport takes approximately 50-60 minutes, and the fare is about 1100 yen. Buses run according to a schedule that is often coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, but it is recommended to check the time in advance.

Taxi and Transfer
For those who value comfort and are travelling with large luggage, a taxi is an excellent choice. A taxi ride from the Naze district to the airport will take about 40-50 minutes. This is significantly more expensive than the bus — the cost can range from 6000 to 8000 yen and above. Taxis can be found at designated stands or called by phone. Private transfer pre-booking services are also available, which is particularly convenient for groups of tourists.

Car Rental
Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to get around Amami Island, providing complete freedom to explore its numerous beaches and viewpoints. Offices of several major rental companies are located at the airport. It is strongly recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season. To rent a car, most international drivers will require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Airport Parking
If you decide to travel to the airport in your own or a rented car, convenient parking is at your disposal. An important advantage of Amami Airport is that car parking here is completely free. This makes travelling by car even more attractive and eliminates additional expenses.

Amami Airport (ASJ) is a small but modern and convenient transport hub serving the island. Its structure is extremely simple and clear for any traveller.

Structure and Navigation: The airport consists of one terminal, which serves both domestic and international (mainly charter) flights. Due to its compact size, getting lost here is practically impossible. All infrastructure is located in one building, making movement fast and convenient. Consequently, there are no transfers between terminals. The airport layout is logical: the arrivals and check-in areas are on the first floor, while the departure and security screening areas are on the second floor.

Departure and Arrival Zones:

• Departure Zone: Flight check-in counters are located on the first floor. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the second floor, where they undergo pre-flight security screening. Beyond the security zone, there is a small but comfortable waiting hall with several boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone: Passengers arriving in Amami enter the baggage claim area on the first floor. Baggage carousels are located right at the exit of the arrivals area. Immediately after collecting your suitcases, you find yourself in the general hall, from where you can exit to bus stops and the taxi stand.

Processing Times: Like many regional airports in Japan, ASJ is notable for its efficiency. On average, flight check-in and security screening take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before a domestic flight departure to check in luggage and complete all formalities without rushing.

Navigation Recommendations: Use the signs for orientation, which are duplicated in English. The airport staff are very friendly and always ready to help, even if you do not speak Japanese. Thanks to the simple layout, you will easily find everything you need — from check-in counters to cafes and souvenir shops, which are mainly concentrated on the second floor in the departure zone.

The history of Amami Airport is a story of development and the desire to make remote islands more accessible. The first airport on Amami Oshima Island, known as the "Old Amami Airport," was opened on July 10, 1961. It was located on the eastern coast of the island and had a runway only 1240 metres long. This was a landmark event that provided stable air connections with mainland Japan and neighbouring islands for the first time.

With the growth of tourist traffic and the development of aviation, the old airport could no longer cope with the load. Its short runway and difficult location, subject to strong crosswinds, imposed serious restrictions on the types of aircraft it could accept. Consequently, a decision was made to build a new, more modern airport. On December 10, 1988, the grand opening of the new Amami Airport took place at its current location. This was a key stage in the island's history: a new 2000-metre runway allowed for larger jet aircraft, drastically changing the region's transport accessibility.

The relocation and modernisation of the airport became a powerful impetus for the economic and social development of the Amami Islands. Improved air connectivity contributed to significant growth in tourism, which is one of the key sectors of the economy today. The airport has become not just a transport hub, but also a gateway to the unique world of subtropical nature and the distinctive culture of the islands, recognised as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Interesting fact: Amami Airport is famous for its picturesque location right on the ocean shore. Landing and taking off here offer passengers unforgettable views of turquoise waters and green hills, which in itself becomes part of the journey. Today, the airport continues to play a vital role, ensuring the connection of Amami residents with the rest of the world and welcoming guests from all corners of the planet.

Amami Airport (ASJ), despite its compact dimensions, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable start or end to a journey through the picturesque islands. Conditions here are designed to ensure that waiting for a flight is pleasant and hassle-free.

In the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local and Japanese cuisine, as well as have a cup of coffee. Additionally, souvenir shops are open, offering unique goods from Amami Island — from traditional sweets to handmade items. For those who value enhanced comfort, a paid lounge is available where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or attend to work matters. For passenger convenience, charging stations for mobile devices are equipped in the waiting halls. Financial services are represented by ATMs from several major banks.

The airport is well-suited for families with children: there are special nursing rooms with changing tables. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can request staff assistance for escorting through the terminal. In case of feeling unwell, a first aid post is available.

There are no hotels directly within the airport grounds, but many accommodation options are located in Amami city and its surroundings, which can be easily reached by taxi or bus. Dedicated conference rooms or business centres are absent in the airport, but basic amenities such as Wi-Fi and seating areas allow for comfortable work while waiting for departure.

Amami Airport (ASJ) offers several excellent options for a snack or a full meal, allowing passengers to experience unique local cuisine right before departure. Most establishments are located in the main terminal before the security check (landside), so they are accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

The main gastronomic attraction of the airport is the opportunity to try the famous dish of the Amami Islands — "Keihan" (鶏飯). This is a hearty and aromatic dish consisting of rice topped with shredded chicken, shiitake mushrooms, omelette, pickled papaya, and other ingredients, after which everything is poured over with hot chicken broth. You can try it at the "Kikori" restaurant, located on the second floor of the terminal. Other Japanese dishes are also served here.

For those in a hurry, on the first floor in the souvenir shops, you can find an excellent selection of ready-made bento lunches, onigiri rice balls, and other snacks. This is a great way to have a quick and inexpensive bite without sacrificing authenticity. There is also a cafe in the airport where you can have coffee with fresh pastries or dessert.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians can find dishes based on rice and vegetables, but it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Options for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, are extremely difficult to find in a small regional airport in Japan, so passengers with specific dietary requirements are advised to arrange food in advance. The price range in establishments is average; a full lunch will cost approximately 1000–2000 yen. Opening hours of restaurants and cafes are usually tied to the flight schedule and operate from the morning until the departure of the last evening flight.

Travelling through Amami Airport, the gateway to a picturesque subtropical island in Japan, usually proceeds calmly and in an organised manner. To ensure your trip begins and ends without unnecessary hassle, make use of our tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Amami Airport is relatively small, so long queues are rare here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at least 1-1.5 hours before domestic flights and 2-2.5 hours before international ones. Check-in counters usually close 30-40 minutes before departure. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option.

Security Control and Seat Selection. Screening procedures are standard, but the staff work very efficiently. To speed up the process, prepare your boarding pass and passport in advance, and remove electronics and liquids from your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. The views of the emerald islands and turquoise ocean during takeoff and landing are truly unforgettable.

Hand Luggage. Standard safety rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects. If you are bringing local specialty beverages or other liquid souvenirs, ensure they are properly packed in your checked luggage. Food items allowed in hand luggage are best kept in a separate bag for ease of inspection.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. For international travellers: customs control in Japan is thorough. Fill out the declaration in advance and be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your trip and the contents of your luggage.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, use public transport (bus) for the trip from or to the airport — it is significantly cheaper than a taxi. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative or the information desk. Keep all receipts for food and drinks purchased during the wait — you may be able to receive compensation.