Tokachi-Obihiro Airport

Below you will find contact information for Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (OBO), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any questions that may arise.

• Official Website: You can always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website: obihiro-airport.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For general information, you can call: +81 155-64-5320.
• Airport Address: Nishi 9 Sen-13-14 Izumicho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 089-1245, Japan.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Official airport pages on popular social networks are not announced. Please follow the news on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration at +81 155-64-5320. If your items or luggage were lost on board the aircraft, you should contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most passenger support inquiries, you can contact the main information desk phone number or use the feedback form on the airport website.

There are several convenient ways to get to Tokachi-Obihiro Airport from the city centre of Obihiro and back. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences. The airport is located approximately 25 km south of the city centre, and the journey usually takes between 30 to 40 minutes.

Public Transport: Bus
The most popular and budget-friendly way to reach the airport is the limousine bus. Routes connect the airport with JR Obihiro Station and several major hotels in the city. Buses run regularly, and their schedules are often coordinated with flight arrival and departure times. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the ticket price is the most affordable compared to other modes of transport. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those looking to save money.

Taxi and Transfers
For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with family, children, or a large amount of luggage, you can use taxi services. The taxi rank is located right outside the terminal exit. The trip to the city centre will take about 30-35 minutes, but it will cost significantly more than the bus. For a guaranteed car pick-up and a fixed price, you can book a private transfer in advance — this is particularly convenient for night flights.

Car Rental
Renting a car is an ideal option for those planning to actively explore the vast expanses of Hokkaido island. There are representatives of several major rental companies at Tokachi-Obihiro Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Do not forget that to drive in Japan you will need an International Driving Permit, and traffic in the country drives on the left.

Airport Parking
If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rental car, a convenient car park is available for your use, located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available here at reasonable rates, making this option convenient for those leaving their car for the duration of their trip.

It is also worth noting that if there are no direct flights to Obihiro, you can consider flying into one of the neighbouring airports. For example, to Kushiro Airport (about 87 km away) or to Hokkaido's main air hub, New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, from where you can reach Obihiro by train or car.

Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (OBO) is a modern and convenient air terminal consisting of one passenger terminal. Such a compact structure makes it very simple to navigate, even if you are here for the first time. All zones — from check-in to baggage claim — are located in one building, eliminating the need for long walks or using shuttles.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The building has three floors:

• First Floor: Arrival and check-in zone. Here you will find airline counters where you can check in for your flight and drop off luggage, as well as the baggage claim hall for arriving passengers.
• Second Floor: Departure zone. After check-in, passengers proceed to the second floor, where they pass through security screening and wait for their flight in a comfortable lounge with shops and cafes. The boarding gates are also located here.
• Third Floor: Observation deck. This is an excellent place to watch planes taking off and landing against the backdrop of Hokkaido's picturesque landscapes.

Thanks to the airport's small size, completing all formalities usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is usually sufficient to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before departure. This time is enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security screening without rushing.

For ease of navigation, clear signs in Japanese and English are installed throughout the terminal. The airport staff are friendly and always ready to help with any questions. Overall, Tokachi-Obihiro Airport leaves a pleasant impression thanks to its efficiency, cleanliness, and thoughtful spatial organisation.

The history of Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (OBO) is a story of growth and modernisation, closely linked to the development of the entire Tokachi region. The current airport was opened on March 1, 1981, replacing the old, smaller airport which could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic and the demands of modern aviation. The new airport was built in a more remote location, which allowed for a long runway and established potential for future expansion.

A key stage in development was the modernisation in 1985, when the runway was extended from 2000 to 2500 metres. This allowed it to accommodate larger long-haul aircraft and significantly expanded the geography of flights. The passenger terminal was also expanded several times, notably in 1992 and 2001, to meet growing needs and ensure comfort for travellers, including servicing international charter flights.

One of the most important achievements in the airport's history was the installation of an advanced Category IIIa ILS instrument landing system in 2011. This technological innovation is of immense importance for Hokkaido, known for its harsh winters and frequent fogs. The system allows aircraft to land in conditions of practically zero visibility, making Obihiro airport one of the most reliable and all-weather airports in Japan.

Interesting fact: the airport plays a vital role not only for tourism but also for the region's economy, which is considered the country's "food basket". Fresh agricultural products of the highest quality are shipped daily through its cargo terminals to Tokyo and other major cities. Thus, the history of Tokachi-Obihiro Airport is not just the history of a transport hub, but the history of a gateway connecting a rich and fertile region with the whole world.

Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (OBO) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal infrastructure is designed to satisfy the needs of various categories of travellers.

Within the airport, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack before departure, enjoying local and Japanese cuisine. The shops present a wide range of goods: from souvenirs and Hokkaido delicacies, for which the Tokachi region is famous, to press and travel essentials. This is an excellent opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or something to remember your trip to Japan.

Comfortable waiting lounges are provided for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices allow you to stay connected. ATMs and currency exchange points operate for financial matters.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on specialised assistance, as well as use ramps and specially equipped restrooms. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical station for first aid.

Although there are no hotels directly in the airport building, there are many accommodation options located in the immediate vicinity and in the city of Obihiro itself. For business travellers, business lounge services or meeting rooms may be available, however, it is recommended to verify this information in advance on the airport's official website.

Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (OBO), despite its compact size, offers passengers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the famous gastronomy of the Hokkaido region. The main catering establishments are concentrated on the second floor of the main terminal, in the area before security control, allowing both departing passengers and those seeing them off to have a snack.

For a full lunch or dinner, the Heartfield restaurant is ideal. This is the main establishment of the airport where you can try authentic local cuisine. The signature dish of the region and an absolute hit on the menu is butadon — a bowl of rice with slices of grilled pork in a sweet soy sauce. They also serve ramen, curry, and other dishes prepared from fresh produce from Tokachi farms. The restaurant usually operates from the morning until the departure of the last flight.

If you are short on time and need a quick snack, cafes are at your service where you can order coffee, pastries, and light bites. Do not miss the chance to try the famous Hokkaido "soft cream" ice cream — its delicate creamy taste will be a wonderful conclusion to your journey through Japan. Additionally, souvenir shops such as Blue Sky or Fujimaru sell a large selection of packaged sweets, cheeses, and ready-made lunch boxes (bento) which are convenient to take on board.

Regarding specialised diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal), the choice at the airport is, unfortunately, very limited. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with staff in advance or, if you have strict dietary restrictions, to bring food with you. The price range in the airport establishments is moderate: the cost of a main course in the restaurant is comparable to average prices in the city of Obihiro.

Travelling through Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, serving the picturesque city of Obihiro and the Tokachi region in Hokkaido, can be easy and pleasant if you know a few nuances. Japan is famous for its efficiency, and this airport is no exception. Here are a few tips to help you orient yourself and make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Tokachi-Obihiro Airport is not as large as capital hubs, so there are rarely huge queues here. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allow 2-2.5 hours to calmly pass all formalities. Always check your airline's recommendations, as they may differ.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Check-in counters and the security screening area usually work very quickly. Prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance. Security staff in Japan are polite but strict, so follow their instructions clearly.

Hand Luggage. Rules for carrying liquids are standard: containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Pay attention to restrictions on carrying lithium-ion batteries (for example, in power banks) — they can only be carried in hand luggage. Sharp objects are, of course, prohibited. It is better to check the full list of prohibited items on your airline's website in advance.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If you are flying during the daytime, choose a window seat to enjoy the stunning views of the Tokachi plains and Hokkaido mountain ranges. An aisle seat is suitable for those who want the freedom to stand up and stretch during the flight without disturbing neighbours.

Passengers with Connections and Customs Control. Although Tokachi-Obihiro mainly serves domestic flights, for international transfers it is important to clarify whether you need to collect luggage and check it in again. When passing customs control, be ready to fill out a declaration. The import and export of certain products (especially agricultural ones) is strictly controlled, so it is better not to take fresh fruit or meat with you.

Saving Time and Money. To avoid spending extra, take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security. Transfers to the city are best planned in advance — buses run according to a schedule coordinated with flights. Time savings are achieved through online check-in and travelling light with only hand luggage.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first of all, contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (vouchers for food or drinks). The airport has several restaurants where you can try local dishes, and shops with souvenirs that will help pass the time while waiting.