Okinoerabu Airport

Okinoerabu Airport is not just a point on a map, but a true aerial gateway to a world of coral reefs and mysterious limestone caves. Located at the very tip of a picturesque cape, it welcomes travellers with stunning views of the turquoise ocean even before landing. This cosy regional airport, imbued with an atmosphere of warm island hospitality, sets a relaxed rhythm for your holiday away from the city bustle from the very first minute, offering arguably some of the most beautiful landing approaches in the region.

Below is the key information about the airport:

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Okinoerabu Airport is its compactness and simplicity. There are no confusing corridors or endless queues typical of megacities here. The entire journey from the terminal entrance to boarding the aircraft takes just a few minutes, allowing you to plan your time most effectively. The staff are known for their friendliness and willingness to help, creating a sense of home-like comfort immediately upon arrival.

Another unique feature is the observation deck on the roof of the terminal. This is a popular spot not only for departing passengers but also for locals. It offers a panoramic view of the runway and the boundless sea. In clear weather, you can take fantastic photos of planes against the backdrop of the ocean or simply enjoy the fresh sea breeze before your flight.

The airport's location makes it a strategically convenient starting point for exploring the island. It is situated just a 10–15 minute drive from the port and the main hotels in the town of Wadomari. Thanks to established, albeit infrequent, bus services and the presence of car rental counters right in the arrival area, logistics for tourists are arranged very conveniently.

Below you will find the main contact information for Okinoerabu Airport (OKE), which may be useful when planning your journey.

• Official Website: www.pref.kagoshima.jp (section on the Kagoshima Prefecture website)
• Inquiry Service Phone: +81-997-92-0072
• Airport Address: 333-3 Kuniya, Wadomari-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima 891-9202, Japan
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address. For urgent communication, it is recommended to use the telephone.
• Social Media: Okinoerabu Airport does not have official accounts on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airline you travelled with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and assistance at the airport, please use the main inquiry service phone number.

Getting to Okinoerabu Airport (OKE), located on the picturesque island of Okinoerabu in Japan, is quite simple thanks to the island's compact size. The main modes of transport are public transport, taxis, and rental cars. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and desire to explore the island.

Public transport on the island is provided by Okinoerabu Bus. This is the most economical way to get to the airport. Buses run between the island's two main settlements, Wadomari and China, making a stop at the airport. The journey from the centre of Wadomari will take approximately 15-25 minutes. The fare is low, costing just a few hundred yen. Key point: buses run according to a schedule which may not be very frequent, so be sure to check the departure time in advance to avoid missing your flight.

Taxi or private transfer is a more convenient, though more expensive option. A taxi is ideal for travellers with a lot of luggage or those who value comfort and speed. Cars can be found at stands in the towns of Wadomari and China or ordered by phone, including via your hotel. The trip to the airport will take about 15-20 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 2,000-4,000 yen depending on the departure point.

Car rental is an extremely popular choice among tourists, as it gives complete freedom of movement around the island. You can explore all the hidden beaches and scenic spots at your own pace. Car rental counters are located both at the airport itself and in the towns. This makes it easy to pick up a car upon arrival and return it right before departure. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. To rent a car, most international drivers will require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Okinoerabu Airport has a car park, which is usually free or costs very little. This is a convenient solution for those travelling around the island in a rental car who want to leave it at the terminal while waiting for a flight, or for the entire duration of a trip if flying off the island for a few days.

Okinoerabu Airport (OKE) is a small and compact regional airport, typical of the smaller islands of Japan. Its layout is maximally simple and functional, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport has just one passenger terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights. The terminal building is single-storey, and all key areas are located within walking distance of each other. The layout is very simple: upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general hall. On one side are the airline check-in counters, and on the other is the arrival area with the baggage claim belt.

The departure area consists of check-in counters and a security screening point leading to a small waiting lounge. Since the airport serves a limited number of flights, there are usually no long queues here. The arrival area is a small hall with a baggage carousel and an exit to the general area where you can meet passengers or take a taxi.

Completing all formalities, including flight 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 check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between zones are required — everything is in one building. Navigation is extremely simple, and getting lost here is practically impossible.

Okinoerabu Airport (OKE) is not just a transport hub, but a true lifeline for the island of the same name in Japan. Its history began on 1 May 1969, when the official opening took place. Initially, the runway was 1,200 metres long. The creation of the airport was a key event that significantly reduced travel time to the mainland and contributed to the development of local tourism and the economy, which previously depended exclusively on maritime transport.

Since opening, the airport has undergone several important stages of modernisation. A key moment in its development was the extension of the runway to 1,350 metres, completed in 2006. This reconstruction improved flight safety and the stability of air connections, especially in the difficult weather conditions characteristic of the region. Management of the airport also eventually transferred to Kagoshima Prefecture, ensuring more centralised and efficient maintenance.

Although Okinoerabu Airport cannot boast passenger traffic records on a national scale, its main achievement is the uninterrupted connection of the island with the outside world. For decades, it has served not only as a gateway for tourists but also plays a critically important role in emergency situations, such as medical evacuations. For local residents, it is a symbol of stability and a reliable link to the rest of the country.

An interesting fact: despite its modest size, the airport is a vital piece of infrastructure that helped make the island's unique natural attractions, such as the famous limestone caves and rich underwater world, accessible to travellers. Its history is a vivid example of how even a small regional airport can radically change the life of an entire island, opening it up to new opportunities.

Okinoerabu Airport (OKE) is a compact and functional regional airport serving the island of the same name in Japan. The range of services here corresponds to its size and is focused on ensuring basic comfort for passengers arriving on Okinoerabu or departing from it.

In the terminal building, you will find a small shop where you can purchase souvenirs, local products, as well as beverages and light snacks for the road. There are usually vending machines here as well. The choice of dining establishments is limited, so one should not expect a full-service restaurant.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, allowing you to stay connected while waiting for your flight. There are also areas for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. Waiting lounges are general; there are no special VIP zones or business lounges at this airport.

It is important to note that there are no bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport. All financial matters, including currency exchange, are recommended to be settled in advance in major cities. Medical assistance is limited to a first aid point. For passengers with children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms, and for people with disabilities, basic accessibility is ensured, including ramps and specially equipped toilets.

There are no hotels, conference rooms, or business centres on the territory of Okinoerabu Airport. The nearest accommodation options are located on the island itself, a few minutes' drive from the terminal, which can be reached by taxi or rental car.

Since Okinoerabu Airport (OKE) is a small regional airport serving primarily local flights, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. All available options are located in the single terminal, typically in the public area before security control.

Usually, there is one main café or small restaurant operating in the airport where passengers can have a bite to eat before departure. You can order both light snacks and more substantial meals here. The menu typically includes popular Japanese dishes such as ramen, udon, or Japanese curry. It is a great place to pass the time while waiting for a flight and try simple but delicious local food. For those in a hurry, beverages and packaged snacks can also be bought here.

For a quick snack, the terminal also has vending machines with a wide selection of drinks — from tea and coffee to juices and carbonated water. Please note that finding specialised meals, such as Halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, at Okinoerabu Airport will be extremely difficult. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you.

The opening hours of the sole café are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last plane leaves. Prices for food and drinks here are moderate, comparable to average prices in small cafés across Japan. A full lunch will cost approximately 1,000-1,500 yen.

When planning a trip through the airport of Okinoerabu, remember that this is a small regional airport. Procedures here are much faster than in large international hubs, making the flight more comfortable. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your journey even smoother and more pleasant.

Arrival at the airport and check-in. For domestic flights within Japan, which Okinoerabu Airport mainly operates, it is recommended to arrive 60-90 minutes before departure. This time is more than sufficient to check in for the flight and pass security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option.

Seat selection and carry-on luggage. When flying to or from the island, a window seat will give you unforgettable views of the ocean and coastline. If comfort and the ability to stretch your legs are more important to you, choose an aisle seat. Standard rules for carry-on luggage apply here too: liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Always check the exact baggage allowance on your airline's website.

Connecting passengers and customs. Okinoerabu Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. Most likely, your connection will be at a larger airport, for example, in Kagoshima or Naha. Allow enough time for the connection at the next airport. Since the airport serves domestic flights, there is no customs control for passengers travelling within the country. The screening procedure is limited to standard security checks.

Saving money and flight delays. To save money, book tickets in advance and consider buying food and drinks before arriving at the airport, as the selection on-site may be limited. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible options. Information screens in the departure lounge will also display the current flight status.