Yakushima Airport

Welcome to Yakushima Airport (KUM) — an air gateway that serves as the first step into an amazing world of ancient forests and millennial cedars. This small but atmospheric airport is located on a picturesque coast, and even during the descent, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains covered in lush greenery and the shimmering ocean. There is no hustle and bustle of megacities here; instead, the atmosphere sets the mood for calmness and unity with nature, for which travelers from all over the world strive to visit this unique island.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Yakushima Airport is distinguished by its compactness and coziness, making all arrival and departure procedures maximally fast and stress-free. Its main feature is its location: stepping out of the terminal, you almost immediately find yourself surrounded by subtropical nature. Inside the terminal, despite its modest size, there is everything necessary, including a souvenir shop where you can purchase items made from the famous "Yakusugi" cedar, and a restaurant with a view of the runway. The staff here is known for their sincere hospitality and readiness to assist every guest of this island, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below you will find contact information for Yakushima Airport (KUM), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential questions.

• Official Website: Basic information about the airport is available on the Kagoshima Prefecture website: www.pref.kagoshima.jp.
• Information Desk Phone: +81 997-42-1200. Please consider the time difference when calling from another country.
• Airport Address: 531 Koseda, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4207, Japan.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passengers is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official social media accounts. News and flight updates are best tracked on airline websites.
• Lost and Found Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should immediately contact your airline's baggage tracing service. For items left within the terminal building, please contact the airport information desk.
• Customer Support Contacts: For all general questions related to airport operations, you can contact the main information desk phone: +81 997-42-1200.

Yakushima Airport (KUM) is the main air gateway to the picturesque island of the same name, which is part of Kumage in Japan. You can reach it from major settlements, such as Miyanoura and Anbo ports, in several ways, each having its own features.

Public transport on the island is represented by the Yakushima Kotsu bus network. This is the most budget-friendly way to travel. Buses run along the island's main roads, connecting the airport with ports, towns, and entrances to popular hiking trails. The trip from the main port of Miyanoura to the airport takes approximately 30 minutes, and from Anbo port — about 15 minutes. The fare depends on the distance and is paid upon exiting the bus. It is worth checking the schedule in advance, as intervals between buses can be long.

A more comfortable, albeit more expensive option, is a taxi or private transfer. Taxis can be found at the stand outside the terminal exit or ordered by phone from your hotel. This is an excellent choice if you are traveling with bulky luggage or a small group. Prices are fixed by the meter, but the trip will cost significantly more than the bus. To guarantee a car, especially for an early or late flight, it is recommended to book a transfer in advance.

Car rental is the most popular and convenient method for those who wish to explore the island independently. Several rental companies have offices directly at the airport or nearby. Having a car gives you complete freedom of movement and allows you to reach remote corners of Yakushima where public transport does not go. It is strongly recommended to book a car well in advance, especially during the high tourist season (spring and summer). For rental, most international citizens will require an International Driving Permit.

Next to the Yakushima Airport terminal, there is a paid parking lot for those arriving by private or rented transport. The number of spaces is limited, so during peak periods, it is worth arriving with time to spare. The choice of how to get to the airport ultimately depends on your budget, travel style, and plans for exploring the island.

Yakushima Airport (KUM) is a small and cozy regional airport serving the island. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making it very convenient for travelers arriving on the island for the first time.

The airport consists of one two-story terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to its compact size, navigating the building will not cause any difficulties. All key areas are within walking distance of each other, and you will not have to worry about long walks or searching for the right gate.

On the first floor, you will find airline check-in counters and the arrivals area with a baggage claim belt. Here you will also find an information desk, small shops where you can buy famous local souvenirs, and a cafe. The departure area is located on the second floor. After passing through security control, passengers enter a small waiting hall with a view of the runway. Also on the second floor, there is an observation deck offering a beautiful view of the planes and surrounding mountains.

Check-in and screening procedures at Yakushima Airport are very fast. Typically, this takes no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 45-60 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight to check in luggage without haste, pass through control, and perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee before boarding. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all signs are clearly visible, and the staff is always ready to help.

The history of Yakushima Airport (KUM) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism on the island of the same name, a gem of Japan. The air gateway was opened in 1963, initially representing a rather modest airfield with a short runway. Its main task was to establish stable communication with the remote island, which until then was accessible primarily by sea.

A key stage in the airport's development was the extension of the runway. In 1974, it was increased to 1,200 meters, and already in 1976 — to 1,500 meters. This allowed for the accommodation of larger turboprop aircraft, such as the YS-11, which significantly increased passenger flow and made travel to Yakushima more comfortable and faster. This step was a real breakthrough for the local tourism industry.

A turning point in the history of the airport, as well as the entire island, was the inclusion of Yakushima's unique forests in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. Global recognition caused a sharp increase in interest in the island, and the old infrastructure could no longer cope with the influx of travelers. In response to this, a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal was built and opened in 1996, which serves the island's guests today.

Among interesting facts, one can note the unique location of the airport — it is wedged between mountains and the ocean, so landing and takeoff here offer passengers breathtaking views. Although Yakushima Airport cannot boast records for size or passenger traffic, its main achievement is that it has become a reliable and modern air gateway to the amazing world of ancient cedars and pristine nature, making this treasure accessible to the whole world.

Yakushima Airport (KUM) is a compact and cozy air terminal serving the island of the same name, a gem of Japan. Despite its small size, it offers passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before departure. Inside the terminal building, there is a restaurant where you can experience local cuisine, and several shops offering unique souvenirs, including items made from the millennial "Yakusugi" cedar and local delicacies.

A general waiting hall is equipped for travelers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or plan the final details of your trip around the island. Charging stations for mobile devices are also provided. It is important to note that there are no currency exchange points or bank branches at the airport, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance in larger cities. However, ATMs for cash withdrawals are usually available.

Yakushima Airport is well-adapted for various categories of passengers. For families with small children, there is a nursing room where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. The terminal is equipped considering the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and accessible toilets, and staff are always ready to assist with boarding and moving around the airport. In case of necessity, there is a first aid station in the building.

There are no specialized VIP lounges, business centers, or conference halls at the airport, which corresponds to its regional status. There are also no hotels directly on the airport premises; however, many accommodation options, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels, are located in the towns of Miyanoura and Anbo, which can be easily reached by bus or taxi in 15-30 minutes.

Yakushima Airport (KUM) is a small and cozy airport serving the beautiful island of Yakushima. Dining options here correspond to its compact size: the selection is small but allows you to get acquainted with local cuisine and spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight. All establishments are located in the single terminal, in the public area (landside), before passing security control.

For a full lunch or dinner, the restaurant "Airport Yakushima" is located on the second floor of the terminal. This is the main and, in fact, the only place in the airport where you can have a substantial meal. The menu offers classic Japanese dishes such as ramen, udon, and curry. The main highlight is dishes using local ingredients. Be sure to try something with tobiuo (flying fish), which is the island's calling card. The restaurant's operating hours are usually synchronized with the flight schedule, so it is open during the day when there are flights.

If you are short on time and need a quick snack, visit the souvenir shop on the first floor. Here you can find packaged snacks, sandwiches, sweets, and, of course, famous local delicacies as edible souvenirs (omiyage). This is an excellent option to take something with you on the plane or simply have a snack on the go.

Regarding prices, they are average for Japanese regional airports. It is worth noting that specialized dietary menus (vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal) are likely not provided here due to the limited selection. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring their own food for peace of mind.

Planning a trip through Yakushima Airport (KUM) in the city of Kumage is an important part of your adventure on this amazing island. To ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips to save time, money, and reduce stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Yakushima Airport is small and serves mainly domestic flights. Processes here are quite fast. We recommend arriving at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure. This time will be enough to check in luggage, complete registration, and pass security control without haste. During peak seasons (for example, in summer), it is better to allow a little more time.

Seat Selection: Yakushima is famous for its breathtaking landscapes. To enjoy them to the fullest, try to select a window seat during online check-in. Views of the coast, mountains, and dense forests of the island during takeoff and landing will be an excellent start or finish to your trip.

Hand Luggage and Security Control: Rules for carrying hand luggage in Japan are standard. Liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects are prohibited. Please note that portable batteries (power banks) must be kept only in carry-on luggage. Security control usually proceeds quickly and politely, but be prepared to present all necessary gadgets for inspection.

Passengers with Transfers and Customs: Yakushima Airport serves direct flights from several major Japanese cities. If you are flying to the island with an international transfer, you will pass customs and passport control at the first airport of arrival in the country (for example, in Tokyo or Osaka). The flight to Yakushima will be considered domestic, so there will be no additional customs check.

Saving Time and Money:

• Book in advance: Air tickets to Yakushima, especially in high season, are best purchased several months in advance.
• Online Check-in: Save time by checking in for your flight online.
• Transport: The most budget-friendly way to get from the airport to other parts of the island is by bus. A taxi will cost significantly more.

Flight Delays: The weather on Yakushima can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season or typhoons, which sometimes leads to flight delays or cancellations. In case of a delay, stay in touch with your airline via their app or website. There is a small souvenir shop and a cafe in the terminal where you can have a snack. It is recommended to have a portable charger for your phone and travel insurance covering such cases.