Shirahama Airport

Nanki-Shirahama Airport is the gateway to one of Japan's most famous resort regions. Located on the picturesque Kii Peninsula, it serves as a starting point for travellers seeking white sandy beaches, hot springs (onsens), and peaceful landscapes. This compact airport eliminates the long journey from major metropolises, allowing you to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere almost immediately. The landing here becomes part of the adventure itself, offering breathtaking bird's-eye views of the Pacific coastline.

The main advantage of Shirahama Airport is its incredible convenience. Thanks to its modest size, there are no long queues or the hustle and bustle typical of major aviation hubs, and all procedures are completed quickly and comfortably. The airport is located just a couple of kilometres from the resort centre, allowing you to reach your hotel, the beach, or an onsen in literally 5-10 minutes by taxi or bus. Despite its compactness, the terminal offers everything necessary for travellers: small cafes, souvenir shops with local delicacies and handicrafts, as well as car rental counters. It is the ideal choice for those who value their time and want to start their holiday without unnecessary delays.

• Official airport website: shirahama-airport.jp
• Help desk phone: +81 739-42-2348 (Airport administration and general inquiries)
• Airport address: 2926 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama-ken 649-2211, Japan
• Email: There is no direct e-mail for public inquiries; it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website
• Airport social media: Instagram (official account with news and photos)
• Lost luggage information: In case of lost luggage during a flight, please contact the airline (main carrier JAL: 0570-025-022). If items are lost within the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger support contacts: The information desk is located on the first floor of the terminal (in the arrivals area) and operates during flight hours.

Shirahama Airport (SHM) is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the centre of the resort town of Shirahama, making the journey to your hotel or attractions quick and simple. Regardless of your budget and travel style, you will find a suitable way to get to your destination. There are several ways to travel between the airport and the city, each with its own advantages.

Public Transport: Buses

The most economical and popular method of transport is the local Meiko Bus service. Routes connect the airport with key points in the city: JR Shirahama railway station, major hotels, beaches, and the onsen (hot spring) district. The bus stop is located directly outside the terminal exit. The trip to the city centre takes about 15-20 minutes. This is an excellent choice for budget travellers and those who want to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere immediately.

Taxi and Transfer

For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can use a taxi. The taxi stand is located at the arrivals hall exit. A trip to the city centre will take just 10-15 minutes, though it will cost significantly more than the bus. Alternatively, you can consider booking a private transfer in advance — a driver will meet you with a sign right at the airport, which is particularly convenient after a long flight.

Car Rental

If you plan to actively explore not only Shirahama but also the picturesque surroundings of the Kii Peninsula, renting a car is the ideal solution. Offices of several rental companies are located in or near the airport. A car gives you complete freedom of movement and allows you to reach secluded beaches and observation decks. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season. The airport provides convenient parking for both short-term and long-term stays.

How to get there from other cities in Japan

Although Shirahama Airport mainly serves domestic flights, many travellers arrive in the region via larger international hubs. The nearest major airports are Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka and Itami Airport (ITM), which also serves Osaka. From these airports, Shirahama can be reached by express trains (transferring at JR Shirahama station) or intercity buses. Other airports in relative proximity include Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS) and Kobe Airport (UKB).

Shirahama Airport (SHM) is a small and cosy regional airport serving domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making your stay here comfortable even if you are travelling for the first time.

The key feature of the airport is its single passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. The terminal building has two floors, and navigation is limited to moving between these two levels. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it is practically impossible to get lost here, and all necessary zones are within walking distance of each other.

On the first floor, you will find airline check-in counters and the arrivals area with a baggage claim belt. Immediately after collecting luggage, passengers exit into the general hall, where tourist information, car rental counters, and exits to bus stops and taxis can be found. The floor plan is linear and simple, allowing for quick orientation.

The second floor is entirely dedicated to the departures zone. After going up, passengers pass through pre-flight security and enter the waiting lounge. Here you will also find several souvenir shops where you can buy local delicacies and goods related to the region's main symbols — pandas and hot spring onsens. Additionally, the second floor features a small cafe and an observation deck offering a view of the runway.

Since the airport has only one terminal, there is no need to worry about transfers between buildings. All procedures take place within a single building. Check-in and security times are usually minimal — on average, the entire process takes no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport about an hour before departure to check in your luggage without haste and enjoy the atmosphere before your flight.

Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM), located in the resort town of Shirahama, is a prime example of how an infrastructure project can transform an entire region. Its history is closely tied to the development of tourism on the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula in Japan. The airport opened in April 1968 with the primary goal of making the picturesque beaches and famous hot springs (onsens) of Shirahama more accessible to residents of Tokyo and Osaka.

Initially, the airport had a runway length of only 1,200 metres, which limited the types of aircraft it could accommodate. However, tourist traffic grew steadily, creating a need for modernisation. A key stage of development was the runway extension. In 1996, it was lengthened to 1,800 metres, and in 2000 to its current 2,000 metres. This modernisation allowed for the accommodation of larger jet liners, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A300, which significantly increased passenger flow and opened a new chapter in the airport's history.

An important event in the airport's recent history was its privatisation in 2019. Management was transferred to a private company, a move aimed at further increasing efficiency, improving service quality, and attracting new carriers, including international ones. This step highlighted the airport's status as a key economic asset for the entire Nanki region.

Among interesting facts, the airport's unique location stands out. It is within walking distance of one of Japan's largest theme parks, "Adventure World", and in immediate proximity to the famous white beaches. Due to its location, Nanki-Shirahama Airport is often called the "gateway to the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes", which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, making it a starting point for many cultural and natural journeys.

Shirahama Airport (SHM), despite its compact size, offers passengers a range of services for a comfortable journey. Before your flight, you can have a snack at one of the cafes serving local cuisine or enjoy a coffee. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs, including famous regional delicacies, which serve as a great reminder of your trip to Japan.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, along with charging stations for mobile devices. Although there are no specialised VIP lounges at the airport, there are comfortable and bright waiting areas where you can relax in a peaceful environment before boarding your flight.

ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. However, please note that currency exchange services may be limited, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in major cities beforehand. In case of emergency, there is a first aid station at the airport.

The airport is well-adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, specially equipped toilets, and staff assistance are available upon request. For travellers with small children, there are nursing rooms where you can take care of your baby in comfort.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many hotels and ryokans (traditional inns) are located in the resort town of Shirahama itself, just a few minutes away by bus or taxi. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are not available at the airport, so it is better to use hotel facilities for business needs.

Shirahama Airport (SHM), being a compact regional airport, offers several cosy options for a snack or a full meal. Most establishments are located in the main terminal building before the security checkpoint, making them accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

For those who wish to have a substantial meal, a restaurant operates on the second floor of the terminal. Here you can not only enjoy views of the runway but also try local cuisine. Be sure to look for Wakayama ramen or dishes featuring fresh tuna, for which the region is famous. This is an excellent place for a leisurely lunch before departure. The price range here is moderate, which is typical for regional airports in Japan.

If you are short on time, there is a cafe on the first floor where you can quickly grab a coffee with fresh pastries, a sandwich, or a light dessert. This is an ideal option for a quick snack. The terminal also has souvenir shops selling not only gifts but also packaged local delicacies and ready-made lunch boxes (bento), which are convenient to take with you on the plane.

Regarding special dietary requirements, choices may be limited. Muslim travellers and vegetarians should verify ingredients with staff, as even vegetable soups often use a fish-based stock (dashi). Finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be challenging, so passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to carry necessary snacks with them.

The opening hours of catering establishments at Shirahama Airport are tied to the flight schedule and usually do not operate 24 hours a day. Restaurants and cafes open in the morning and close after the departure of the last evening flight.

Travelling through Shirahama Airport generally proceeds calmly and without the fuss typical of large international hubs. To make your experience as comfortable as possible, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Japan, which form the basis of the airport's schedule, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This allows enough time to pass through check-in and security without haste. Procedures here usually go faster than in metropolises, but it is better to have a time buffer. Try to check in for your flight online to save time.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat — beautiful views of the coast open up during take-off and landing. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Laptops, power banks, and other electronics must be removed from bags at security. Do not pack sharp objects in your hand luggage.

Transfer Passengers and Customs: Most flights from Shirahama head to Tokyo (Haneda Airport). If you have a further connection to an international flight from Tokyo, ensure you have enough time between flights — allow at least 3 hours. Customs control at Shirahama Airport is mainly relevant for rare international charters. You do not need to pass it for domestic flights.

Saving Time and Money: The simplest way to save time is online check-in. To avoid extra spending, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security. Prices for food and souvenirs in small regional airports can be higher, so it is better to bring a light snack with you.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline's counter for the latest information. Keep all receipts for food and drinks if the delay is significant — you may be eligible for compensation. The terminal has shops with local souvenirs and several cafes where you can wait comfortably for your flight.