Hagi-Iwami Airport

Hagi-Iwami Airport, also known as Iwami Airport, serves as the aerial gateway to the western part of Shimane Prefecture and the northern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Located in the city of Masuda, this compact and welcoming airport is the perfect starting point for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage, including historic towns and World Heritage sites. Despite its modest size, the airport offers travelers unique experiences, ranging from flights over the scenic coast of the Sea of Japan to the opportunity to purchase honey harvested right on its premises. Daily flights connect this region with Tokyo, making it accessible to tourists from all over the world.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Hagi-Iwami Airport is valued by travelers for its compactness and convenience. It is easy to navigate here, and all necessary procedures are completed quickly and without unnecessary fuss. On the second floor of the terminal, there is a souvenir shop and a café-restaurant offering a beautiful view of the runway. It is the ideal place to relax before your flight while enjoying a cup of coffee.

The airport is a key transport hub for accessing famous tourist destinations such as the historic town of Tsuwano and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the airport is unique in that it hosts unusual events on its grounds: an annual marathon and a cycling race, where participants run and ride directly on the runway. As an exclusive souvenir, you can purchase "Airport Honey" here, which is collected from beehives installed within the airport grounds.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Hagi-Iwami Airport (IWJ).

• Official Website: hagi-iwami.jp — here you will find flight schedules, news, and general information about services.
• Information Desk Phone: +81 856-24-0010 (for calls from outside Japan) or 0856-24-0010 (for calls within the country).
• Airport Address: 597 Uchida-cho, Masuda-shi, Shimane 698-0041, Japan.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact the representative of the airline you flew with immediately. Additional information can be obtained by calling the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the main information desk phone number.

Getting to Hagi-Iwami Airport (IWJ), which serves the city of Masuda and its surroundings, is quite simple. The airport is located close to the city centre, making transfers quick and convenient. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several transport options.

Public Transport is the most economical method. Special shuttle buses (Airport Limousine Bus) connect the airport with key points, including JR Masuda Station and Hagi City. The journey from Masuda Station to the airport takes approximately 20-25 minutes. The bus schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrival and departure times, but it is always worth checking in advance. There is no direct rail connection to the airport, so the train can only be considered as part of the route to Masuda Station, from where a transfer to a bus or taxi will be required.

Taxi or Private Transfer offers maximum comfort and speed. A taxi ride from the centre of Masuda to the airport will take about 15-20 minutes. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or at an inconvenient time. The cost of the trip will be higher than the bus, but you receive a "door-to-door" service. For greater convenience, you can book a transfer in advance via online services.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to actively explore the region. Offices of several rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. Having a car will give you the freedom to move around the picturesque surroundings of Shimane Prefecture. It is important to remember that to rent a car in Japan, most foreign drivers will require an International Driving Permit. A pleasant bonus for motorists: parking at Hagi-Iwami Airport is free, making this option even more attractive.

If you are looking for alternative routes, it is worth considering other airports in the region, although they are located at a significant distance. These include Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport (IWK), Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ), and Hiroshima Airport (HIJ). These air hubs are larger and offer a greater number of flights, but the transfer from them to Masuda will take several hours by train or car. Also within a 130 km radius are Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ) and Matsuyama Airport (MYJ).

Hagi-Iwami Airport (IWJ) is a small regional airport serving Shimane Prefecture. Its structure is extremely simple and passenger-friendly, making the travel process quick and comfortable.

The key feature of the airport is its single compact terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transferring between buildings or complex navigation. All infrastructure is located under one roof, making orientation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The terminal layout is logical and simple. On the first floor, you will find the check-in counters and the arrival zone with the baggage claim belt. Essential services are also located here: an information desk, ticket counters, and a small shop. Going up to the second floor, passengers enter the security screening area and the departure lounge. The second floor also features a souvenir shop, a small café where you can have a snack before your flight, and an observation deck overlooking the runway.

Check-in and security procedures at Hagi-Iwami Airport are completed very quickly due to the low passenger volume. Long queues are practically non-existent here. Typically, arriving at the airport 45–60 minutes before a domestic flight is sufficient. This provides enough time to calmly check in luggage, pass through security control, and reach the boarding gate. For navigation, simply follow the signs — getting lost in such a compact terminal is practically impossible.

Hagi-Iwami Airport, located in the city of Masuda, has a relatively short but significant history for the region. Its official opening took place in July 1993. Initially, the air hub bore the name "Iwami Airport," reflecting the name of the historical province in which it is situated. Its main task was and remains ensuring transport accessibility for the western part of Shimane Prefecture and the northern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

A key moment in the airport's development was its renaming in 2004 to Hagi-Iwami. This strategic step was taken to attract more tourists to the famous historic castle town of Hagi, located nearby. The decision highlighted the airport's orientation not only towards business travel but also towards unlocking the tourism potential of the entire region.

The airport's history is notable for a unique model of support from the local community. During periods when there was a risk of flight reductions due to insufficient passenger numbers, local authorities, companies, and residents combined efforts to subsidise flights. This allowed the preservation of vital air connections with key cities in Japan, primarily Tokyo. Such a model became a shining example of successful regional infrastructure functioning thanks to community cohesion.

Since its opening, Hagi-Iwami Airport has been equipped with a 2,000-metre runway capable of accommodating modern medium-haul aircraft. Throughout its history, it has not undergone massive reconstructions, but its infrastructure is constantly maintained in excellent condition. Perhaps one of the most interesting events associated with the airport is the annual Runway Marathon (Hagi-Iwami Airport Marathon). This unique event attracts runners from all over the country, offering them the rare opportunity to run along an active runway, making it a hallmark of the airport.

Despite its compact size, Hagi-Iwami Airport (IWJ) offers passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait. A restaurant is located on the second floor of the terminal, where you can enjoy local cuisine while overlooking the runway. Nearby operates a shop selling souvenirs, delicacies from Shimane and Yamaguchi prefectures, as well as travel essentials.

The airport does not have the usual business or VIP lounges; however, general waiting areas are equipped for all passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Special stations are provided for charging gadgets. The observation deck on the roof serves as an excellent place to relax, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings.

It is important to note that there are no bank branches or currency exchange bureaux at the airport. It is recommended to exchange money in advance in major cities or at international airports. For emergencies, a first aid room is available in the terminal building, and Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are installed.

For passengers travelling with small children, a nursing room equipped with changing tables and a space for feeding is available. The airport is also adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are accessible toilets, elevators, and ramps. You can request a wheelchair for moving around the terminal free of charge at the information desk.

There are no hotels directly on the premises of Hagi-Iwami Airport; the nearest hotels are located in neighbouring cities such as Masuda. Specialized conference halls and business centres are absent, but a multipurpose room can be rented for business meetings or private events.

Hagi-Iwami Airport (IWJ) is a compact regional airport serving the city of Masuda and its surroundings. The choice of dining establishments here is limited, but the available options allow for a comfortable snack or a full meal before departure. It is important to note that all of them are located in the main terminal building, in the public zone (landside), before passing through security control.

The main dining spot at the airport is the restaurant Kitchen Sora La, located on the second floor of the terminal. Here, travellers can enjoy Japanese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with a panoramic view of the runway. The restaurant opens in the morning and operates until the departure of the last flight, serving passengers of all departures. Prices here are moderate for an airport: a full lunch or set menu will cost approximately 1,500–2,500 yen.

What to Try:

• For a full lunch: The restaurant prides itself on using local ingredients. Be sure to look out for dishes featuring Iwami-kurobuta (a local premium meat specialty) or fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, which washes the shores of Japan. The menu also always includes classic Japanese dishes such as curry, udon, and ramen.
• For a quick snack: On the first floor, there is a souvenir shop. In addition to gifts, they sell packaged snacks, sandwiches, and bento (lunch boxes). This is an excellent option if you are short on time or prefer to take food with you on board the aircraft.

Regarding specialized diets (Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), choices at the airport are extremely limited. At the restaurant, you might be able to arrange for a meat-free dish, for example, by ordering vegetable sides or plain rice, but finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free options is practically impossible. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are strongly recommended to bring food with them or eat before arriving at the airport.

To ensure your journey through Hagi-Iwami Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these helpful tips. This small regional airport in Masuda, Japan, is distinguished by a calm atmosphere, but preparation is never amiss.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Hagi-Iwami Airport mainly handles domestic flights, so there are no large crowds here like in major international hubs. It is recommended to arrive 1–1.5 hours before your flight departure. This time will be quite sufficient to check in and pass through security control without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. Procedures at this airport are quite fast. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. Security checkpoints work efficiently, but be prepared to present the standard set: liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and remove electronics from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection. If you want to enjoy views of the picturesque coast of the Sea of Japan or the mountain landscapes of the Chugoku region, choose a window seat. For those who value comfort and the ability to stand up freely during the flight, the best choice would be an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules apply here as well: sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are prohibited. Ensure that the dimensions and weight of your hand luggage comply with the airline's requirements, as low-cost carriers may have strict restrictions.

Passengers with Transfers. Hagi-Iwami Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. Most often, people fly from here to major cities, such as Tokyo, for further connections. If you have such a route planned, allow sufficient time at the next airport for baggage claim, re-check-in, and passing through control.

Customs Control. Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights, most passengers do not encounter customs control. It is conducted only for rare international charter flights. In this case, standard rules for importing goods into Japan apply.

Saving Time and Money. Book tickets in advance to get the best price. Travel light with only hand luggage to avoid spending time checking in and collecting bags. Dining options at the airport are limited, so you can have a snack beforehand or bring permitted snacks with you.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for the latest information. In the small terminal, there is a café and a souvenir shop where you can pass the time. It is recommended to have a charged power bank, a book, or movies downloaded to your device to make the wait more comfortable.