Hiroshima Airport

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), located in the city of Mihara, is the largest in the Chugoku region and serves as an air gateway for millions of travellers. It is not merely a transport hub, but a modern and convenient space where journeys to the historical sites and scenic spots of Japan begin. Situated approximately 50 km east of the city centre, the airport plays a key role in connecting Hiroshima Prefecture with major domestic cities as well as international destinations in Asia.

Hiroshima Airport is distinguished by its well-thought-out infrastructure and passenger comfort. Zones for domestic and international flights are conveniently located within a single terminal, which simplifies navigation. Travellers can avail themselves of various services: from shops offering unique local souvenirs and Duty Free, to numerous restaurants and cafes where one can taste Japanese cuisine. One of the highlights is the observation deck with a wooden terrace, offering an impressive view of the runway and the surrounding mountains. Transport connections to the centre of Hiroshima are well established: comfortable Limousine Buses run every 15-20 minutes, delivering passengers to the main railway station in approximately 50 minutes.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Hiroshima Airport (HIJ). If you have any questions, we recommend contacting the channels listed below.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can always be found on the official website: www.hij.co.jp. The site is available in several languages, including English.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +81-848-86-8151. Please consider the time difference when calling from abroad.
• Airport Address: 64-31 Hongocho Zennyuji, Mihara, Hiroshima 729-0416, Japan.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the telephone or feedback forms on the official website, if available.
• Lost and Found Information:
  • If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport lost and found service via the main phone number.
  • For loss or damage to checked baggage, as well as items left on the aircraft, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Social Media: Official airport pages may be available on popular social networks. We recommend checking the links on the official website to avoid fraudulent accounts.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is located approximately 50 kilometres east of the centre of Hiroshima, so it is worth planning your route in advance. The most popular method, balanced in terms of price and convenience, is the Limousine Bus. Specialized buses run from several key points in the city, including the main Hiroshima Station and the Hiroshima Bus Center. The journey takes on average from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the departure point and traffic conditions. The fare is around 1,450 yen. It is important to note that there is no direct train or metro connection to the airport, making the bus the primary mode of public transport.

For those who value maximum comfort and are travelling with a large amount of luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer would be a convenient option. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take about 40-50 minutes via the Sanyo Expressway. However, this is the most expensive method: the fare can easily exceed 15,000 yen. Pre-booking a transfer through online services can sometimes offer a fixed and slightly more favourable price.

If you plan to actively travel around the Chugoku region in Japan, renting a car might be a good solution. Counters for international and local car rental companies are located both at the airport and in the city. This provides freedom of movement, but do not forget that an International Driving Permit is required to drive in Japan, and expressways are subject to tolls. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, a spacious car park with hourly and daily rates is provided. This is a convenient, though not the most budget-friendly option, if you are leaving the car for several days.

To summarise, for most tourists, the ideal choice will be the Limousine Bus — it offers the best balance of price, travel time, and comfort. We recommend checking the bus schedule on the airport's official website in advance, as trips are often coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. Although Hiroshima Airport is the main one for the city, depending on your route, other regional air hubs might be convenient, such as Okayama Airport or Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is distinguished by a structure that is well-designed and convenient for passengers. It consists of one main terminal building, which serves both domestic and international flights. Such a compact organisation significantly simplifies navigation and saves travellers from having to move between different buildings, which is common in larger airports in Japan.

The terminal has a logical vertical layout, making it intuitive to use. The first floor is entirely dedicated to the Arrivals Hall. It is here that passengers pass through border control (for international flights), collect their luggage at the carousels, and go through customs inspection. The second floor is the Departures Hall, where the check-in counters for most airlines and the main security checkpoint are located. On the third floor, there is a food court with restaurants, shops, and the observation deck overlooking the runway, which is popular with visitors.

Since there is only one terminal, the concept of "transferring" between them does not exist. Zones for domestic and international flights are separated within the building, but they are all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Navigation is extremely simple: just follow the clear signs in Japanese and English. Information boards with flight schedules are located at all key points in the terminal.

Passing through check-in and security procedures at Hiroshima Airport generally takes less time than at giant aviation hubs. Nevertheless, it is worth adhering to standard recommendations: arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass through security, and find your boarding gate without rushing.

The history of the modern Hiroshima Airport begins relatively recently. It was opened on October 29, 1993, to replace the old Hiroshima-Nishi Airport, which was closer to the city centre but had significant runway size limitations and caused noise pollution for residents.

Moving the airport to its current location in the city of Mihara, approximately 50 kilometres east of Hiroshima, became a key stage in the development of the region's transport infrastructure. The new location allowed for the construction of a longer runway and the creation of a modern terminal capable of handling both domestic and international flights. This decision opened new tourism and economic opportunities for Japan and, in particular, for the Chugoku region.

One of the most important events in the history of the new airport was the expansion of its runway. In 2001, its length was increased from 2,500 to 3,000 metres. This modernisation allowed it to accommodate larger long-haul aircraft, which facilitated the launch of direct flights to Europe and North America. Since then, Hiroshima Airport has established itself as the main international aviation hub for the entire western part of Honshu Island.

An interesting fact: due to its location in a mountainous area, the airport sometimes faces difficult weather conditions, especially fog. To combat this, it was equipped with one of the most advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) in Japan, which significantly increased its reliability and safety. Today, Hiroshima Airport is a modern and efficient transport complex playing an important role in the life of the entire region.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) offers travellers a full range of modern services, making their stay here convenient and pleasant. Within the terminal, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can try both traditional cuisine of Japan and more familiar international dishes. For shopping enthusiasts, there are various stores, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, local delicacies, and goods from famous brands.

For a comfortable wait before a flight, passengers can make use of premium lounges, accessible to airline cardholders or for a separate fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport building, and numerous power outlets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices. This allows you to stay connected and handle work matters directly in the terminal.

Practical tasks are easily solved at the airport: ATMs, currency exchange bureaus, and a post office are at the travellers' disposal. Families with children will appreciate the presence of nursing rooms and small play areas. In case of feeling unwell, there is a medical station at the airport where first aid can be provided.

The airport is fully equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, specially equipped toilets, and an escort service is available. If you need overnight accommodation, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres may be available for holding meetings and working in a quiet environment.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) offers passengers a good selection of dining establishments. It is important to note that the vast majority of restaurants and cafes are located in the public area of the terminal, before passing through security control. Therefore, it is better to plan a full lunch or dinner before you proceed to the departure zone.

The main gastronomic points are concentrated on the 2nd floor (departure level) and 3rd floor of the terminal building. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience local cuisine without leaving the airport. Be sure to try the region's famous dish — Okonomiyaki, a hearty layered pancake-pizza with noodles, cabbage, and various toppings. Also, on the menus of many establishments, you can find fresh oysters, ramen, udon, and other classic dishes of Japan.

For those short on time, cafes offering coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, or kiosks with ready-made Bento meals are ideal. If you have time to spare, you can dine leisurely in one of the full-service restaurants. The price range is mostly mid-range, which is typical for airports in the country. Most establishments are open from early morning until the departure of the last evening flights.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes can be challenging. However, some vegetarian options, such as vegetable tempura or salads, are available. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the restaurant staff. Please remember that after passing through inspection (in the airside zone), the selection will be extremely limited; typically, there is only a small cafe and vending machines.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Hiroshima city goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these proven tips. Airports in Japan are famous for their efficiency, but proper preparation is never amiss.

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 — no less than 3 hours. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, check in online if your carrier provides such an option. Baggage drop-off counters usually operate faster than full-service check-in counters.

Passing Security Control. Be prepared in advance: pack all liquids over 100 ml in your checked luggage. Those you take in your carry-on baggage (up to 100 ml each) must be in a transparent resealable bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags. Strictly following these rules will significantly speed up the screening process.

Seat Selection and Carry-on Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Do not put sharp objects or flammable substances in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for carry-on luggage with your airline, as they may differ.

Passengers with Connections. Hiroshima Airport is quite compact, making transfers convenient. Clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage for the connecting flight. If you have enough time between flights, you can visit the shops and restaurants located in the terminal.

Customs Control upon Arrival. All passengers arriving in Japan must complete a customs declaration. Forms are usually distributed on the plane. Remember the strict restrictions on importing animal and plant products (meat, fruit, vegetables). To avoid problems, it is better not to bring such food with you.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save on drinks, bring an empty bottle and fill it with water at drinking fountains after passing security control. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. They will provide information on further actions and, depending on the length of the delay, may offer vouchers for meals or hotel accommodation.