Oki Airport

Oki Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to a world of ancient legends and the unique nature of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Located on the picturesque Dogo Island, this cosy aviation hub welcomes travellers with a fresh sea breeze and a relaxed atmosphere, so unlike the bustle of Japanese metropolises. Even during the approach, the view from the window reveals a breathtaking panorama of the rugged coastline and the boundless waters of the Sea of Japan, promising the start of an unforgettable adventure immediately after touchdown.

Airport Features and Highlights

Despite its modest size, Oki Airport boasts a number of advantages that make arrival and departure as comfortable as possible. It is a modern complex that has been updated to reflect its status as a gateway to the Geopark, which is even reflected in its official nickname — Oki Global Geopark Airport.

Main advantages of the air harbour:

• Service Speed: Thanks to the small passenger flow, queues here are a rarity. Check-in and security screening are quick and stress-free.
• Observation Deck: An open deck is located on the roof of the terminal, from where you can watch aircraft take off and land against the backdrop of the island's scenic landscapes. Entrance to the deck usually incurs a fee (a nominal amount), but the view is worth it.
• Convenient Navigation: It is impossible to get lost in the building. Car rental counters, the bus stop, and the taxi area are within walking distance from the arrivals exit.
• Information Support: Materials and exhibitions describing the geological features and attractions of the Oki Islands are placed inside the terminal, allowing you to start planning excursions immediately upon arrival.

• Official Airport Website: www.oki-airport.jp
• Inquiry Service Phone: +81 8512-2-3300
• Airport Address: 1889-4 Kori, Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane 685-0024, Japan
• Email: A public email address is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website for communication.
• Airport Social Media: At this moment, the airport does not have active official pages on popular social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the representative office of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For enquiries and assistance, you can contact the general airport inquiry service by phone: +81 8512-2-3300.

Getting to Oki Airport (IATA: OKI), which serves as the main air gateway to the Oki Islands archipelago in Japan, is quite simple thanks to the compact size of Dogo Island, where it is located. Major transport options connect the airport with the main town of Saigo and other key points on the island. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose a bus, taxi, or rental car.

Public Transport: Bus

The most economical way to get to or from the airport is to use the local Oki Ichibata Bus service. The routes and schedules of these buses are specifically coordinated with flight arrival and departure times, making them a convenient option for travellers. The journey from the central Saigo Port to the airport takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The fare is low. It is extremely important to check the current schedule in advance on the bus company's official website or at a tourist information centre, as trips may be infrequent.

Taxi and Car Rental

For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with luggage or family, you can take a taxi. The taxi stand is located right outside the terminal exit. The trip to Saigo town will be quick, though significantly more expensive than the bus. If you plan to actively explore the islands, renting a car is the best choice. Several rental agencies have offices both at the airport and at Saigo Port. This gives you complete freedom of movement and the ability to return the car right before your flight. It is recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the high tourist season.

Airport Parking and General Recommendations

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, free parking is provided, located in immediate proximity to the terminal building. Given the small size of the airport, finding a space and walking to the entrance will not be difficult. Overall, the transport system on the island is well-adapted to the needs of tourists, but it is always worth planning your route with a little extra time to avoid rushing.

Oki Airport (OKI) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and clear for travellers. It consists of one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to its compact size and logical layout, navigating the building poses absolutely no difficulties, even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening zone, which leads to a small but cosy departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrivals area is equally simple: after disembarking, passengers enter the baggage claim hall, which is located next to the main airport exit. Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take mere minutes.

The main feature of the terminal is its functionality and the absence of the hustle and bustle typical of large airports. Everything here is close at hand: a small café, a souvenir shop, and restrooms. Completing all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security screening, usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport about an hour before departure to complete all formalities without haste. Getting lost in Oki Airport is practically impossible — simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English.

The history of Oki Airport is a tale of how modern technology helped connect a remote archipelago with the mainland of Japan. The air gates of the Oki Islands were first opened in 1965. At that time, it was a small airfield with a runway only 1,200 metres long, capable of accepting only small propeller aircraft. Despite its modest size, its appearance was a real breakthrough for local residents, significantly reducing travel time to the mainland.

A key moment in the airport's development was 2006. Due to growing tourist flow and the need to accommodate larger aircraft, a decision was made to build a new, modern terminal complex. Next to the old airport, a new runway 2,000 metres in length was constructed. This allowed for the reception of jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, which radically changed the transport accessibility of the islands.

With the opening of the new terminal and runway, the airport was renamed Oki Global Geopark Airport to emphasise the unique status of the islands as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This modernisation not only improved infrastructure but also became a powerful stimulus for tourism development. Today, the airport is a vital artery ensuring reliable and fast connection of the islands with the cities of Osaka and Izumo, playing a central role in the economy and daily life of the region.

Oki Airport (OKI), despite its compact dimensions, offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Here you can have a snack, purchase souvenirs, and utilise essential services before departure.

Within the terminal, there is a restaurant where you can experience local cuisine, and a shop offering a wide selection of souvenirs from the Oki Islands. This is an excellent opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or bring back a piece of this unique region. For rest before the flight, a general waiting area is provided, as well as a paid lounge offering increased comfort, which can be used for more private relaxation or a small meeting.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. In the waiting lounge, you can also find outlets for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. Currency exchange services are not provided at the airport, so it is recommended to arrange money exchange in advance. There is an ATM on the premises, but it may not service all types of international cards.

The airport is equipped for the needs of various categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, there is a nursing room where you can feed and change a baby in a calm environment. For passengers with reduced mobility, accessible toilets, ramps, and the option to request a wheelchair for moving around the terminal are provided. In case first aid is required, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available on the premises, and airport staff are ready to assist.

There are no hotels directly on the territory of Oki Airport; however, accommodation options can be found in nearby settlements on the islands. You can reach them by taxi or bus. Specialised conference halls or business centres are also not provided at the airport, but for business travellers, the paid waiting lounge can serve as a temporary solution for working in a quiet atmosphere.

Oki Airport (OKI) is a small regional air terminal, so all catering establishments are conveniently located in one building. Despite the compact size, you can find options here for both a quick snack and a full meal before departure.

In the main area of the airport, accessible to all visitors before security control, a restaurant usually operates. It is located on the second floor, offering a view of the runway. Here you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, savouring traditional Japanese cuisine: ramen, udon, soba, or curry rice. Dishes made from fresh seafood deserve special attention, as the Oki Islands are famous for them — this is a great opportunity to taste local delicacies.

For those short on time, a souvenir shop is located on the first floor in the departure zone, which also offers coffee, beverages, and light snacks. Here you can buy onigiri (rice balls with filling), sandwiches, pastries, and sweets. This is an ideal option to quickly refresh yourself before boarding the flight.

Choices for passengers with specific dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes) may be limited due to the airport's regional status. Vegetarians might find a simple noodle or rice dish suitable, but it is recommended to verify ingredients with the staff. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is safer to bring food with you.

Prices in Oki Airport establishments are quite moderate and comparable to the cost of lunch in city cafés. Opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule: the café and restaurant open some time before the first departure and close after the last aircraft has left.

Oki Airport is a compact and convenient air hub serving the picturesque Oki Islands. To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, here are a few useful tips. In general, rules at airports in Japan are standard, but smaller terminals have their own specifics. We recommend arriving at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time is usually sufficient to complete all procedures calmly.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. The security screening procedure here is standard, but due to the small size of the airport, queues typically move quickly.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that window seats will offer you stunning views of the islands during takeoff and landing. Regarding hand luggage, remember the general rules: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (packed in a transparent bag), and no sharp objects or flammable substances. It is always useful to check baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website in advance.

Oki Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so there is no customs control here. If you are arriving in Japan from another country, you will pass customs at your first airport of arrival (for example, in Tokyo or Osaka). Passengers with transfers in Oki usually find it easy to locate the boarding gate — navigation in the terminal is simple and clear.

To save money, book flight tickets in advance and try to travel with minimum luggage to avoid excess weight charges. In small airports, the choice of food and drinks may be limited and cost more, so you can bring a light snack or an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security.

In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative or the information desk for current information. Monitor updates on the departure boards. Since the waiting area is not large, charge your gadgets in advance and bring a book or magazine to pass the time.