Asahikawa Airport

Asahikawa Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true "snowy gateway" to the heart of Hokkaido, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Despite the severe winters, this airport is famous for its phenomenal reliability: thanks to a legendary snow removal team, flights here are almost never cancelled due to bad weather, which is a source of pride for the locals. The cozy and modern terminal, filled with light and wooden decor elements, immediately immerses travelers in an atmosphere of Japanese hospitality and the tranquility of northern nature.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Asahikawa Airport is deservedly considered one of the most convenient for tourists planning to visit the center of Hokkaido island. Its main advantage is its unique resilience to snowfalls. Even on the snowiest days, when other airports in the region close, Asahikawa continues to operate thanks to high-class equipment and staff expertise. This makes it a reliable entry point for skiers and snowboarders heading to the Furano and Daisetsuzan resorts.

Inside the terminal, guests are welcomed by the Sora-ichi gastronomic zone, where you can taste the famous Asahikawa ramen and other local delicacies without leaving the building. There is also an excellent selection of souvenir shops, including famous Hokkaido sweets, seafood, and goods from local artisans. Thanks to the airport's compactness, all procedures from check-in to boarding are completed quickly and without unnecessary stress.

• Official Website: www.aapb.co.jp (available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean).
• Information Desk Phone: +81 166-83-2200. Please note the country code for Japan (+81) when calling from abroad.
• Address: Higashi 2-sen 16-go 98-banchi, Higashikagura-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-1562, Japan. The airport is located in the town of Higashikagura, near the city of Asahikawa.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not provided. You can contact the administration via the feedback form on the airport website.
• Social Media: You can find the latest news and view photos on the official airport pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: For items lost within the terminal, please contact the airport information center via the main phone number. If your belongings or luggage were lost on board the aircraft, please contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and answers to questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the information desk.

Getting to Asahikawa Airport from the city center is possible in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The airport is located approximately 16 kilometers southeast of central Asahikawa, making the journey there quick and convenient.

Public Transport: Bus
The most popular and economical way to get to the airport is to use the special express bus (Airport Bus). Buses depart regularly from JR Asahikawa Station and go directly to the airport with several stops in the city. The trip takes approximately 35–45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is not only a budget-friendly but also a very reliable option, ideal for most travelers. The fare is usually fixed and quite affordable.

Taxi and Transfer
For those who value comfort and travel with a lot of luggage, a taxi will be an excellent choice. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport will take about 30 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but you get the convenience of door-to-door travel. You can hail a car on the street or order via an app. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is especially convenient for groups or families.

Car Rental
If you plan to actively travel around the Hokkaido region, renting a car is the ideal option, giving you complete freedom of movement. In Japan, the rental system is well-developed, and you can rent a car both in the city and directly at the airport upon arrival. The road to the airport is simple and well-signposted. Remember that for driving in Japan, most foreign citizens will require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Airport Parking
If you are getting to the airport in your own or a rented car, convenient parking is at your service. Asahikawa Airport has both short-term and long-term parking zones located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. This is a safe and convenient way to leave your car for the duration of your trip.

Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, making it very convenient for travelers. You won't have to worry about complex transitions and long corridors, as there is only one passenger terminal here, serving both domestic and international flights.

The terminal building has three floors, and navigation through it is intuitive:

• First Floor — This is the arrival zone. Passengers from both domestic and international flights arrive here. The check-in counters are also located here, so this is where your journey from Asahikawa begins.
• Second Floor — The departure zone. After checking in on the first floor, you go up here to pass through security control. Here you will find boarding gates, duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, and several restaurants.
• Third Floor — Mainly dedicated to restaurants and an observation deck, offering an excellent view of the runway and the surrounding landscapes. This is a wonderful place to pass the time while waiting for a flight.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. All zones are within one building, which significantly saves time and energy. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion. Signs in the airport are presented in several languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, so orienting yourself here is very easy.

Check-in and screening procedures at Asahikawa Airport usually go quite quickly thanks to its small size. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one, especially during peak seasons. Overall, the airport is famous for its efficiency and lack of long queues, making travel through it as comfortable as possible.

The history of Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) begins on July 1, 1966, when it was officially opened. Initially, it was a small regional airfield with a runway only 1200 meters long, designed to serve local airlines and improve transport accessibility to the central part of Hokkaido island. The first flights connected Asahikawa with Tokyo and other major cities in Japan.

A key stage in the airport's development was the gradual lengthening of the runway. By 1980, its length was increased to 2000 meters, which allowed it to receive jet aircraft such as the DC-9 and Boeing 737. This significantly expanded the flight geography and increased passenger flow. In 1981, a new, more modern and spacious passenger terminal was built, replacing the original building. The final and most significant reconstruction of the runway occurred in 2000, when it was extended to 2500 meters, opening the possibility for receiving wide-body liners and operating long-haul flights.

A crucial technological breakthrough for the airport, located in a region with severe and snowy winters, was the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) in 1987. This equipment significantly increased the reliability and safety of flights in poor visibility conditions, minimizing cancellations and delays during the winter period. Since the early 2000s, Asahikawa Airport began actively developing international connections, first accepting seasonal charter flights from Asian countries, and then opening regular international routes.

Today, Asahikawa Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the picturesque tourist regions of central Hokkaido, such as Biei and Furano, famous for their flower fields and ski resorts. An interesting fact: thanks to modern snow removal equipment and the ILS system, AKJ is considered one of the most reliable airports in Japan for winter travel, which is its distinctive hallmark and a great achievement.

Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) offers passengers all necessary amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Here you will find a wide range of services meeting the needs of various travelers.

Several restaurants and cafes are located within the terminal, where you can get acquainted with local Hokkaido cuisine, for example, try the famous Asahikawa ramen, or choose European dishes. The shops offer a large selection of souvenirs, local delicacies, and travel goods. There is also a duty-free shop for international flight passengers.

For those who value extra comfort, the airport has a premium lounge (Lounge Taisetsu) where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas so you can always stay connected.

The airport has ATMs and currency exchange points for handling financial matters. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the medical station for first aid. For travelers with small children, special nursing rooms with changing tables are equipped.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, accessible toilets, and elevators. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance with moving around the terminal and boarding the flight. Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity. For business travelers, conference rooms are available for rent to hold meetings and negotiations.

Asahikawa Airport (AKJ), despite its compact size, offers passengers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the famous cuisine of Hokkaido before departure. Most dining establishments are concentrated in the main, public area of the terminal (landside), on the second and third floors, allowing both departing passengers and those seeing them off to have a meal.

The main pride of the airport is its restaurants, where you can try authentic local dishes. Be sure to pay attention to Asahikawa Ramen — a hearty noodle soup based on soy sauce, covered with a layer of aromatic oil. Also popular is "Jingisukan" (Genghis Khan) — a dish of grilled lamb with vegetables, which is a hallmark of Hokkaido culinary culture. For those who prefer something lighter, fresh seafood and, of course, the milk ice cream famous throughout Japan are available.

For a full lunch or dinner, one of the restaurants with a panoramic view of the runway, such as the restaurant Tiffany on the 3rd floor, is perfect. They serve set meals (teishoku), ramen, and other dishes of Japanese and European cuisine. If time is short, you can have a quick snack at a noodle shop or grab coffee with fresh pastries at one of the small cafes. Opening hours usually correspond to the flight schedule and end in the evening after the departure of the last plane.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be limited. Finding certified Halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes can be quite difficult. However, main restaurant menus often feature rice and vegetable dishes that might be suitable. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to clarify ingredients with staff. The average price range is moderate for an airport: the cost of a main dish, for example, a portion of ramen, is about 1200-1800 yen.

To ensure your journey through Asahikawa Airport goes smoothly, use these tips. The Hokkaido airport serving the city of Asahikawa, although not as large as the capital's airports, has its own features, and preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights within Japan, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allow more time — about 3 hours. This will give you a sufficient buffer in case of queues for check-in and security, especially during peak seasons, such as winter when ski holidays are popular.

Check-in and security control. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. At Asahikawa Airport, as everywhere else, you will have to undergo screening. Prepare in advance: remove all metal objects from your pockets, and take laptops, tablets, and liquids in a transparent bag out of your carry-on luggage. This will significantly speed up the process.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If you are flying into or out of Asahikawa on a clear day, a window seat will give you unforgettable views of Hokkaido's mountain landscapes. An aisle seat is more convenient if you need to get up during the flight or want to exit the plane faster upon arrival.

Carry-on luggage. Standard international rules apply here too: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact weight and size limits for carry-on luggage on your airline's website.

Passengers with transfers. Asahikawa Airport is not a major transit hub, but if you have a transfer planned, verify whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Time between flights can be spent in small shops with Hokkaido souvenirs or in one of the restaurants with local cuisine.

Customs control. Upon entering Japan, you will need to fill out a customs declaration. Be ready to present your passport and answer the customs officer's questions. The import of certain products, especially meat, fruits, and vegetables, is strictly restricted. If you are unsure, it is better to declare the item to avoid problems.

Saving time and money. Book a transfer to your hotel or ski resort in advance so as not to waste time looking for transport upon arrival. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security control, you can fill it at drinking fountains.

In case of flight delay. First of all, monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Airline representatives are obliged to provide you with up-to-date information on the flight status. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be offered vouchers for food or drinks. Keep all receipts and boarding passes if you plan to claim compensation.