Nagasaki Airport

Nagasaki Airport is more than just an aerial gateway; it is an engineering marvel and the world's first major airport built on an artificial island. Opened in 1975 in Omura Bay, it welcomes travelers with breathtaking views of the water directly during landing and takeoff. Located on reclaimed land, the airport is connected to the main island of Kyushu by a 970-meter bridge, turning arrival or departure into a scenic event. This unique haven serves as an important transport hub for both domestic and international flights, offering guests of Nagasaki Prefecture an unforgettable first impression.

The main feature of Nagasaki Airport is its location on the water, which not only solved the problem of land scarcity in the mountainous terrain but also minimized noise impact on residential areas. For passengers, this means magnificent panoramic views of the bay and surrounding landscapes. Inside the terminal, travelers will find all necessary infrastructure: from restaurants offering local delicacies to Duty Free shops. Convenient transport connections, including regular buses to the centre of Nagasaki and other cities, make it the starting point for exploring this historically rich region of Japan.

• Official Website: nagasaki-airport.jp
• Inquiry Service Phone: +81 957-52-5555
• Address: 593 Mishimamachi, Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki, 856-0816, Japan
• Email: To contact airport representatives, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website, as a public email address is not provided.
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on social networks (such as Instagram), where it publishes current news, photos, and useful information for passengers.
• Lost and Found: If you have lost luggage or personal items, first contact your airline's baggage tracing service. Additional advice can be obtained via the general airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the information service at the phone number listed above.

Getting from the city centre of Nagasaki to the airport, which is located on a separate island in Omura Bay, can be done in several ways. The choice of a specific option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Public Transport: Limousine Bus

The most popular method, balanced in terms of price and convenience, is the Limousine Bus. They operate on several routes, connecting the airport with key points in the city, such as Nagasaki Railway Station, the Cocowalk terminal, and the Chinatown district.

• Travel Time: The trip from Nagasaki Station takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Cost: The fare will cost approximately 1,200-1,300 Yen. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines at stops or directly from the driver.
• Features: These are comfortable buses with a separate compartment for luggage. The schedule is usually coordinated with flights, but it is always worth checking in advance.

High-Speed Ferry

A unique and scenic way to get to the airport is the high-speed ferry. It offers not just a transfer, but a short sea voyage across the bay. Ferries operate between the airport and several piers, including Togitsu Port and Huis Ten Bosch Park.

• Travel Time: The trip to Togitsu Port takes only about 25-30 minutes.
• Cost: A ticket costs approximately 1,500 Yen.
• Features: This is not only a fast but also a very beautiful route, allowing you to avoid traffic jams on the roads. An excellent choice for those who want to add variety to their journey.

Taxi and Private Transfer

Taking a taxi is the fastest and most comfortable, but also the most expensive option. It is a good choice for families traveling together, those with a large amount of luggage, or those who value personal space and time.

• Travel Time: About 40-50 minutes.
• Cost: A trip from the city centre will cost in the region of 7,000 – 9,000 Yen. The price may vary depending on traffic and the time of day.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to travel around Kyushu Island by car, renting a vehicle can be an excellent solution. Offices of all major rental companies in Japan are represented at the airport, where you can both pick up and return a car. For those driving to the airport in their own vehicle, paid parking is provided with rates for short-term and long-term stays.

Nagasaki Airport (NGS) is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, making it very convenient for travelers. It consists of one main passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, there is no need for transfers between terminals, and all navigation takes place within a single building.

The terminal building has three main floors, and navigating it is quite simple thanks to clear signs in Japanese and English:

• 1st Floor: This is the arrivals and check-in area. Located here are check-in counters for domestic and international flights, the baggage claim area, and customs control for arriving passengers. Information desks, car rental points, and bus ticket counters are also located on this floor.
• 2nd Floor: The departure floor. After checking in on the first floor, passengers proceed here to go through security control. Here you will find the boarding gates, most shops, including souvenir stalls with local delicacies such as the famous "Castella" sponge cake, and various restaurants and cafes.
• 3rd Floor: Located here is a free observation deck, offering a beautiful view of the runway and the surrounding seascape. This is a great place to pass the time while waiting for a flight and to watch the planes.

Registration and screening procedures at Nagasaki Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to its relatively small size and efficient organization. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2-2.5 hours before. This time is generally more than sufficient for calmly completing all formalities and visiting the shops.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the signs. After entering the terminal, you will immediately see a flight information board. Zones for domestic and international flights are clearly separated, which minimizes confusion. Since all key points — from check-in to the boarding gate — are in one building, it is practically impossible to get lost here, making Nagasaki Airport one of the friendliest in Japan.

The history of Nagasaki Airport (NGS) is, above all, a story of a bold engineering solution. Its opening in May 1975 was a real breakthrough in global aviation infrastructure. The fact is that Nagasaki Airport became the first full-scale airport in the world built on an artificial island. It was constructed on reclaimed land in Omura Bay, which solved the problem of land shortages on the mainland and reduced noise pollution for local residents.

The idea of building an airport on water arose due to the region's complex mountainous terrain, which left no suitable sites for constructing a modern runway. To implement the project, the small island of Mishima was chosen and significantly expanded through reclamation works. The Mishima Ohashi Bridge connects the airport complex with the mainland of Japan. This innovative approach to construction subsequently served as a model for other famous offshore airports, such as Kansai in Osaka and Chubu in Nagoya.

Since its opening, the airport has constantly evolved to meet the growing needs of the region. Over the years of its existence, planned modernizations of the terminal have been carried out, navigation equipment has been updated, and infrastructure for passengers has been improved. Today, NGS is an important transport hub serving both domestic and international flights, remaining a living monument to Japanese engineering thought that changed the perception of where airports could be built nearly half a century ago.

Nagasaki Airport (NGS) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can try both local cuisine and familiar international snacks. Shops offer a wide selection of goods: from souvenirs and delicacies of Nagasaki Prefecture to products of famous brands in the Duty Free zone.

Comfortable waiting areas are provided for relaxation. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of the business lounge, which offers a more secluded atmosphere, beverages, and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected.

The airport has bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where necessary financial transactions can be made. In case of feeling unwell, a medical station is available to provide first aid. Travelers with children will appreciate the presence of mother and child rooms equipped with everything necessary for baby care.

The airport is fully adapted to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special elevators, and restrooms. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, which can be quickly reached by shuttle or taxi. For business travelers, conference rooms or business services may be available, allowing for meetings or work in a quiet environment.

Nagasaki Airport (NGS) offers passengers an excellent opportunity to experience unique local cuisine right before departure. Most dining establishments are concentrated in the main, public area of the terminal (landside), so it is better to enjoy a full lunch or dinner before passing through security control.

The main restaurant zone is located on the 3rd floor of the passenger terminal. Here you will find several establishments where you can dine leisurely with a view of the runway. The main highlight is local cuisine dishes. Be sure to try:

• Nagasaki Champon — a hearty soup with thick egg noodles, pork, seafood, and vegetables. This is the city's signature dish.
• Sara Udon — a dish of crispy fried noodles covered in a thick sauce with meat, seafood, and cabbage.
• Toruko Rice (Turkish Rice) — an unusual dish combining pilaf rice, Neapolitan spaghetti, and a pork tonkatsu cutlet with demi-glace sauce.

These dishes can be found on the menus of restaurants such as "Restaurant Azalea". Prices for a main course here range on average from 1,000 to 2,000 Yen. Most restaurants on the 3rd floor are open from approximately 10:00-11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, but hours may vary depending on the flight schedule.

For a quicker snack or a cup of coffee with dessert, there are several cafes on the 2nd floor. Here you can try the famous Castella sponge cake — another symbol of Nagasaki. After passing security control (airside), the selection is significantly more modest. In the departure zone, shops of the "Blue Sky" and "ANA FESTA" chains operate, where you can buy packed lunch boxes (bento), onigiri, sandwiches, beverages, and souvenirs to take on board.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding suitable options can be challenging. There are no specialized vegetarian, vegan, or Halal establishments at the airport. Many Japanese dishes, even vegetable ones, are prepared using dashi fish broth. Passengers on a gluten-free diet should also be cautious due to the widespread use of soy sauce. The best option would be to clarify the ingredients of dishes with staff in advance or choose the simplest options, such as salads or fruits in shops.

To ensure your journey through Nagasaki city airport goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure and 3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing security control without unnecessary haste.

Flight check-in and screening at airports in Japan are generally characterized by high organization. To speed up the process, check in for your flight online if your airline provides this option. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. The screening procedure is standard but can be quite thorough, so prepare electronic devices and liquid containers for inspection in advance.

When packing hand luggage, remember the general rules: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and other potentially dangerous items are prohibited. Rules may differ slightly between different airlines, so it is always useful to check information on their official website before departure.

A small tip when choosing a seat: if you are flying out of Nagasaki in clear weather, try to take a window seat. The airport is built on an artificial island in Omura Bay, and during takeoff or landing, stunning views of the water surface and surrounding hills may open up to you.

For passengers with transfers: Nagasaki Airport is sufficiently compact and easy to navigate. Carefully study the information on the departure boards and follow the signs. If you are flying on an international flight with a transfer to a domestic one, clarify whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Upon entering the country, be prepared for customs control — fill out the declaration honestly and accurately.

To save money, consider getting to or from the airport by bus — it is significantly cheaper than a taxi. You can also take an empty reusable water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing control. This will help save on beverages in the departure zone.

If your flight is delayed, remain calm. First, check the information on the board and contact a representative of your airline for clarification on the flight status and your rights (for example, for food or beverage vouchers). There are several cafes and shops at Nagasaki Airport where you can comfortably spend time waiting for departure.