Nakashibetsu Airport

Welcome to Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB), the easternmost air gateway of Japan! Located in the heart of the vast Hokkaido pastures, this cosy airport is the ideal starting point for exploring the wildlife and unique landscapes of the Nemuro and Shiretoko peninsulas. Its terminal, built using wooden structures, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, distinguishing it from large urban airports. Unforgettable adventures through one of the country's most picturesque and remote regions begin here.

Despite its modest size, Nakashibetsu Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to your journey. The main feature of the terminal is its unique architecture using glued laminated timber, making it one of a kind among airports in Japan and creating a particularly cosy atmosphere. Thanks to its compactness, navigation through the airport is intuitive, allowing for quick completion of all pre-flight formalities. For the convenience of passengers, counters for several car rental companies are located in the arrival hall — the best way to explore this spacious region. The airport plays a key role in the transport system of eastern Hokkaido, ensuring stable connections with major cities such as Tokyo and Sapporo.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB).

• Official Website: As a rule, the most up-to-date information on flight schedules, services, and airport rules can be found on the official website: www.nakashibetsu-airport.jp
• Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call the main airport number: +81-153-73-2101. Please note the international dialing format and possible time difference.
• Airport Address: 16-9 Kita, Nakashibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido 086-1144, Japan.
• Email: A direct email address for general questions is not published. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the official airport website for communication.
• Social Media: Nakashibetsu Airport does not maintain active official pages on popular social networks. The website remains the main source of information.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the airport inquiry service. If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main inquiry service number: +81-153-73-2101.

Getting to Nakashibetsu Airport from the city of Nakashibetsu is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres from the centre. Travellers have access to several convenient transport options suitable for different budgets and plans.

The most popular and economical way is public transport. Buses run regularly from the city centre to the airport. The bus ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes and is an excellent choice for those travelling light and looking to save money. The schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, making this option very reliable. The fare is low, which is typical for regional transport in Japan.

For greater comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family, you can use taxi services or book a transfer. A taxi ride will take just 10-15 minutes, but it will cost significantly more than the bus. You can find a car at special stands in the city or call for one by phone. Pre-booking a transfer can be a convenient solution, especially if you want the driver to meet you at a specific time and place.

If you plan not only to get to the airport but also to explore the picturesque surroundings of Hokkaido, the best choice would be car rental. Offices of several rental companies operate in the city and directly at the airport. This gives you freedom of movement and the opportunity to visit places such as the Akan-Mashu and Shiretoko National Parks. Do not forget that to rent a car in Japan you will need an International Driving Permit, and traffic in the country is on the left.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. As with many regional airports in Japan, parking at Nakashibetsu may be free or offered at very reasonable rates, making this option quite attractive for motorists.

Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB) is a compact and modern regional airport, typical for Japan. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making it very convenient for travellers. There is just one passenger terminal here, which serves both domestic departures and arrivals. Thanks to its small size and thoughtful layout, it is practically impossible to get lost.

The terminal is a three-storey building. On the first floor, you will find airline check-in counters and the arrival zone with a baggage claim belt. After collecting their suitcases, passengers immediately exit into the general hall, where an information desk and the exit to taxis and buses can be found. On the second floor is the departure zone: here passengers pass through security control and enter a small but cosy waiting room with access to boarding. Also on the second floor, you will find a souvenir shop where you can buy local delicacies, and a small cafe.

Since there is only one terminal in the airport, transitions between zones take minimal time. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, and navigation is intuitive thanks to signs in Japanese and English. One of the pleasant features is the observation deck on the third floor, offering a view of the runway and the surrounding Hokkaido landscapes — an excellent place to see off or meet a flight.

Passing through all pre-flight procedures at Nakashibetsu Airport takes a record short time. Check-in for the flight and security screening rarely take more than 15-20 minutes. Even at peak times, there are practically no queues. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport about an hour before departure — this time will be more than enough to check in luggage without rushing, pass through control, and have a cup of coffee before boarding.

The history of Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB) begins in 1965, when an air harbour was opened on the site of a former Imperial Japanese Navy runway. Initially, it was a small airfield with an 800-metre runway designed to serve regional flights. The first flights connected Nakashibetsu with Sapporo and were operated by Nihon Domestic Airlines.

A key stage in the airport's development was its expansion in 1974, when the runway was extended to 1,200 metres. This allowed for the accommodation of larger turboprop aircraft such as the YS-11, which significantly improved the region's transport accessibility. A real breakthrough was the launch of flights to Tokyo (Haneda Airport) in 1980, turning Nakashibetsu into an important transport hub for eastern Hokkaido.

In the 1990s, the jet aviation era began for the airport. To accommodate modern liners, the runway was extended again — first to 1,800 metres, and in 2000 to the current 2,000 metres. In parallel, in 1996, a new, more modern and spacious passenger terminal was built and opened, which continues to serve passengers today. These modernisations allowed the airport to receive aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, securing its status as a key gateway to the region.

One of the interesting facts about Nakashibetsu Airport is that it is the easternmost airport in Japan receiving regular jet flights. Its strategic location plays a huge role in the development of tourism and the economy of the remote areas of the Nemuro district and the Shiretoko Peninsula, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The airport is often called "The Gateway to the Untouched Nature of Hokkaido".

Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB), despite its modest size, provides passengers with key amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. You can relax before your flight in clean and bright waiting areas. For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as power outlets for charging gadgets, allowing you to stay connected and work.

If you are hungry, a cosy restaurant operates in the airport, offering local cuisine dishes as well as light snacks and beverages. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the gastronomy of Hokkaido. Additionally, in the souvenir shop, you can purchase gifts and memorabilia related to your journey through Japan.

The airport cares about the comfort of all categories of passengers. A mother and child room is provided for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on a barrier-free environment, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. It is worth noting that due to the airport's compactness, separate VIP lounges, conference rooms, or business centres are absent here.

Regarding practical services, ATMs are located in the terminal building. However, currency exchange services are not provided, so it is recommended to ensure you have local currency in advance. In case first aid is needed, please contact the information desk. If you need to spend the night, the nearest hotels are located in the city of Nakashibetsu, which can be easily reached from the airport by public transport or taxi.

Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB) is a compact regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Nevertheless, passengers can find convenient options for both a full lunch and a quick snack. All food outlets are located in the public zone (landside), before security control, so it is better to eat in advance.

The main place for a meal is the "Peperu" restaurant, located on the second floor of the terminal. Here you can not only have a delicious meal but also watch aircraft takeoffs and landings. The menu features a good selection of Japanese and adapted European cuisine. Given that the airport is located in Hokkaido, famous for its farm products, it is worth paying attention to dishes with local ingredients. We recommend trying miso ramen, Japanese curry, or steaks. This is an ideal place for a leisurely lunch before departure. The restaurant's opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule.

For those short on time, an excellent solution would be the souvenir shop located on the second floor. In addition to gifts and local delicacies, ready-made snacks are sold here: sandwiches, onigiri (rice balls), and bento (lunch boxes). This is a great opportunity to have a quick bite or take food with you on the plane. Food prices at the airport are average for Japan.

Passengers with strict dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or Halal dishes) should note that finding specialized options at Nakashibetsu Airport will be quite difficult. There is no specialized menu in local establishments. In this case, the most reliable option would be to bring food with you.

When planning a departure from Nakashibetsu Airport, a small and cosy aviation hub in Hokkaido, use our tips to make your journey go as smoothly as possible. Despite the compact size of the airport, it is better to arrive in advance — approximately 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security control without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. The screening procedure at regional airports in Japan usually goes faster than at large hubs, but still keep your boarding pass and ID ready. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that the windows offer picturesque views of Hokkaido's nature, so a window seat can be an excellent choice for landscape lovers.

When packing hand luggage, remember the standard rules: liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the current luggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website, as they may differ.

Nakashibetsu Airport serves mainly domestic flights, so international passengers go through customs and passport control at the first airport of arrival in the country (for example, in Tokyo or Osaka). If you have a transfer planned, ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if the next departure is from a different, larger airport.

To make the trip more economical, book tickets in advance and consider travelling with hand luggage only. There may be vending machines with drinks and small shops in the airport building, but to save money, you can bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing through security.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Keep an eye on the information boards for updates. As this is a small airport, opportunities for a long wait may be limited, so it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded movies with you to pass the time.