Hakodate Airport

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Hakodate Airport is renowned for its incredibly convenient location. It is one of the few airports in Japan situated so close to the city centre and the resort area — a trip to the Yunokawa hot springs takes only about 5 minutes by taxi. This is an ideal option for those who wish to save time on transfers and start their holiday immediately.

A particular pride of the terminal is the spacious observation deck on the third floor. It offers a panoramic view not only of the runway but also of the maritime expanse of the Tsugaru Strait, and in clear weather, you can even see the outlines of the neighbouring island of Honshu.

The airport's gastronomic zone deserves special attention. In local restaurants, such as Pollux, travellers can taste the freshest seafood and the famous local ramen without leaving the terminal building. There are also numerous souvenir shops offering Hokkaido sweets and delicacies, which make for excellent gifts from your trip.

• Official Website: https://www.airport.ne.jp/hakodate/
• Information Desk Phone: +81 138-57-8881 (for calls from outside Japan) or 0138-57-8881 (for calls within the country).
• Address: 511 Takamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-0952, Japan.
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active official pages on international social networks. Current information should be checked on the official website.
• Lost and Found Information: For items left in the terminal building, please contact the information desk or the inquiry service by phone. If luggage or personal items were lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with general questions related to your stay at the airport, flight schedules, and available services, please contact the information desk in the terminal or the inquiry service by phone.

Getting to Hakodate Airport (HKD) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just 10 kilometres from the main railway station. Travellers can choose the most convenient method for themselves — from budget-friendly public transport to a comfortable taxi. The journey usually does not take much time, allowing you to easily plan your route.

Public Transport: Shuttle Bus

The most popular and economical way to reach the airport is to use the dedicated shuttle bus. It departs from JR Hakodate Station and goes directly to the airport, making several stops along the way. The trip takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The fare is about 450-500 yen. This is the ideal choice for most tourists, combining convenience with an affordable price.

Taxi and Private Transfer

For those who value comfort, travel with a lot of luggage, or are in a group, a taxi is an excellent option. A trip from the centre of Hakodate to the airport will take about 15-20 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus — approximately 2500-3500 yen. Taxis can easily be found at the station or ordered via an app. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a car at the required time.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively travel around the island of Hokkaido, renting a car might be the most convenient solution. Many major rental companies have counters right in the airport building. Do not forget that to drive in Japan, you will need an International Driving Permit. The airport provides paid parking where you can leave your car for both short and long periods.

When planning your journey through the north of the country, it is useful to know about other air hubs in the region. For example, from here you can reach New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, which is a major international hub, or Aomori Airport on the neighbouring island of Honshu, opening up additional opportunities for exploring the country.

Hakodate Airport (HKD) is a modern and compact airport characterised by easy navigation. You won't have to worry about complicated transfers and long corridors, as all operations are concentrated in a single passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights.

The terminal building is divided into two main zones: for domestic and international lines. The airport structure is organised by floors:

• 1st Floor: Here you will find the check-in counters and the arrival area. Upon arrival, you enter here to collect your luggage and pass through customs control (for international flights). Check-in counters for domestic and international flights are located in different parts of the hall, but they are easy to find thanks to clear signage.
• 2nd Floor: This is the departure zone. After checking in on the first floor, passengers proceed here to pass through security control. This floor also houses boarding gates, duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, and various restaurants where you can taste local delicacies.
• 3rd Floor: Located on this floor is a food court with additional cafes and restaurants, as well as the main highlight — a free observation deck offering a magnificent view of the runway and surrounding landscapes.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between zones are done on foot and take minimal time. Navigation is intuitive, and all signs are duplicated in English. The time required for pre-flight procedures at Hakodate Airport is usually short. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1-1.5 hours in advance, and for international flights — 2 hours before departure. Even during peak times, queues here move significantly faster than in major airports in Japan.

The history of Hakodate Airport (HKD) begins in 1961, when it was opened with a single runway 1,200 metres long. Initially, it served as an important transport hub for the southern part of Hokkaido, providing connections with other major cities in Japan. Its opening significantly reduced travel time to Hakodate and contributed to the development of tourism and the region's economy.

The airport has undergone several key stages of expansion. By 1971, the runway was extended to 2,000 metres, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft. However, the most famous event in the airport's history occurred on September 6, 1976. On this day, Soviet defector pilot Viktor Belenko made an unauthorised landing in a MiG-25 fighter jet. This event caused an international resonance and drew the world's attention to the small Japanese airport. The aircraft was thoroughly studied by American and Japanese specialists and then returned to the Soviet Union.

After this incident, the development of the airport continued. In 1978, the runway was extended again, this time to 2,500 metres, and in 1999 it reached its current length of 3,000 metres, allowing it to receive long-haul flights. A new international terminal was opened in 2002, followed by a modern domestic terminal in 2005. These modernisations transformed Hakodate Airport into a contemporary aerial gateway, ready to serve the growing flow of tourists.

One interesting fact is that due to its proximity to the sea, Hakodate Airport is equipped with an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS), ensuring high flight reliability even in the frequent foggy conditions characteristic of this region. Today, the airport continues to play a key role in Hokkaido's transport system, linking Hakodate with dozens of cities within the country and abroad.

Hakodate Airport (HKD) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary for a pleasant stay here.

On the third floor of the terminal, there is a restaurant court where you can taste famous dishes of Japan and the Hokkaido region, including fresh seafood and aromatic ramen. Additionally, there are many shops in the airport where you can buy souvenirs, local delicacies, and travel essentials. A Duty-Free shop operates for international passengers.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Special zones with power outlets for charging electronic devices are also provided. The airport features a paid lounge, A Spring, where you can relax in silence, have a drink, and work in a calm environment.

All essential services are available at the airport: there are ATMs and currency exchange points. A first aid station is provided for emergencies. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, specially equipped toilets, and wheelchairs are available upon request.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Hakodate itself, which is easily accessible by bus or taxi. For business travellers, the paid lounge can serve as a convenient place to work, though specialised business centres or large conference halls are not provided in the airport.

Hakodate Airport (HKD) offers passengers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the famous cuisine of Hokkaido before departure. Most dining establishments are concentrated on the 3rd floor of the domestic terminal, in the public area (before security control). This allows both departing passengers and those seeing them off to dine or have a snack comfortably.

The main pride of the airport is its restaurants, where you can taste local delicacies. Be sure to pay attention to:

• Hakodate Ramen: Try the famous Shio-ramen (salt broth ramen), which is considered the city's calling card. The airport has specialised establishments serving authentic noodle soup.
• Fresh Seafood: Order Kaisen-don — a bowl of rice topped with the freshest seafood, such as salmon roe, sea urchins, and scallops. It is the perfect way to say goodbye to the gastronomic treasures of Hokkaido.
• Dairy Products: Do not miss the chance to try ice cream or a milkshake made from fresh Hokkaido milk — a simple yet unforgettable dessert.

For those in a hurry, a quick snack at one of the cafes serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches is an excellent option. If you have time for a full meal, choose one of the full-service restaurants. Prices in airport establishments are moderate: the average bill for a full meal, such as ramen or donburi, is about 1000-2000 yen. Most restaurants and cafes operate according to the flight schedule, usually from early morning until the departure of the last evening flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding options can be challenging. Vegetarians should check the ingredients directly with the staff, as many soups and sauces in Japan are prepared with fish or meat broth. Specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes are rare, so passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them or eat before arriving at the airport.

Travelling through Hakodate Airport is generally a calm and organised process, typical of most air hubs in Japan. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2-3 hours in advance. Hakodate Airport is not very large, so queues are rare, but extra time will give you peace of mind. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and, if travelling without luggage, head straight to security.

Pre-flight Security and Customs. Security rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and other dangerous items are prohibited. Upon entering the country, be prepared for customs control. We recommend filling out the electronic declaration on the Visit Japan Web site in advance — this will significantly speed up the formalities.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If you want to enjoy the views during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. Depending on the aircraft's course, you may be treated to panoramas of Mount Hakodate or the Tsugaru Strait. In your hand luggage, besides valuables and documents, pack a portable charger and a light snack, although there are cafes and shops in the airport.

For Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, check with your airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Ensure you have enough time between flights to complete all formalities, especially if you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic one.

Savings and Useful Tricks. The most budget-friendly way to get to the city or back is the shuttle bus, which runs between the airport and major points in Hakodate. To save on water, bring an empty bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

In Case of Flight Delay. First, contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation. While waiting for your flight, you can visit souvenir shops, have lunch at one of the restaurants serving local cuisine, or go up to the observation deck on the roof to watch the planes.