Tokushima Awaodori Airport

• Official Website: tokushima-airport.co.jp (available in Japanese; using a browser's built-in translator is recommended).
• Information Desk Phone: +81 88-699-2831. You can obtain general information about airport operations, flights, and available services at this number.
• Airport Address: 16-2 Asahinomaru, Toyohisa, Matsushige, Itano District, Tokushima 771-0213, Japan.
• Email: A specific email for general passenger inquiries is not published. It is suggested to use the contact form on the airport's official website for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active pages on international social networks. It is recommended to check the official website for all up-to-date information.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged baggage, please contact your airline's representative office at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultation and assistance directly within the terminal, please approach the information desk or use the information service phone.

Getting to Tokushima Awaodori Airport from the city center of Tokushima is quite simple, with several convenient methods available. The most popular and budget-friendly option is the limousine bus. It runs regularly between the airport and the main JR Tokushima railway station. The trip takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions, and the ticket costs about 450-500 yen. This is an excellent choice for solo travelers and those looking to save money.

If you value comfort or are traveling with a large amount of luggage, the best solution is a taxi. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport will take about 30 minutes, but it will cost significantly more—be prepared to pay approximately 4000–5000 yen. For added convenience, especially if traveling in a group, you can book a private transfer in advance. The driver will meet you at the specified location and assist with your luggage.

For those planning to actively explore Tokushima Prefecture and the picturesque Shikoku Island, renting a car is the ideal option. Offices of several major rental companies are located at Tokushima Awaodori Airport. This provides freedom of movement and allows you to plan your route at your own discretion. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season. It is important to remember that to drive in Japan, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Travelers arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles can use the parking lot on the airport grounds. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available here. This is a convenient option if you plan to leave the car during your absence or have come to pick up or drop off someone. Parking rates are quite standard for regional airports in the country.

Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS) is a modern and compact airport that primarily serves domestic flights. Its structure is very simple, making navigation for passengers quick and intuitive.

The airport has just one passenger terminal, which is a three-story building. All zones—arrivals, departures, check-in, and security—are located in one place, so you will not need to move between different buildings.

The terminal structure is organized by floors:

• First Floor: Here you will find the Arrivals Zone and flight check-in counters. Immediately after entering the terminal, you will see airline counters (mainly JAL and ANA) for baggage drop-off. The arrivals hall contains baggage claim belts, customs control for rare international charters, as well as a tourist information center, car rental counters, and ATMs.
• Second Floor: This is the main Departures Zone. Upon ascending here, you will enter a general hall with shops where you can buy famous local souvenirs and delicacies of Tokushima Prefecture. The pre-flight security checkpoint is also located here; after passing through it, passengers enter the "airside" area with boarding gates. There are a few small cafes in the waiting area.
• Third Floor: The main feature of this floor is the Observation Deck, which offers a beautiful view of the runway. This is a great place to watch airplanes. There is also usually a restaurant operating here where you can have lunch before your flight.

Due to the airport's small size, check-in and security screening usually take minimal time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1–1.5 hours before departure. This time is more than sufficient to go through all formalities without rushing, have a coffee, and purchase souvenirs.

Navigation through the terminal is extremely simple. There are clear signs in Japanese and English everywhere. Thanks to the logical layout and compactness of the building, it is practically impossible to get lost here, even if you are visiting the airport for the first time.

The history of Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS) begins in the war years. It was founded in 1941 as an airbase for the Imperial Japanese Navy. After the end of World War II, the facility was transferred to civilian control, yet it retained its military significance. Today, the airport holds a unique dual status: it simultaneously serves civil flights and serves as a base for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), housing a training aviation squadron.

The first regular commercial flights from Tokushima airport began in 1962, marking the start of its development as an important transport hub for the region. Passenger traffic grew gradually, and modernization was required to meet modern standards. In 1987, the runway was extended to 2,000 meters, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft.

The most significant stage in the airport's history was a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2010. As part of this project, a new, modern passenger terminal was built, and the runway was extended again—this time to 2,500 meters. It was then that the airport received its current full name—Tokushima Awaodori. This name was chosen for a reason: it pays tribute to the famous Awa Odori dance festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city annually and is the hallmark of Tokushima Prefecture.

Today, Tokushima Awaodori Airport is a modern air harbor playing a key role in the transport system of Shikoku Island. It effectively combines civil and military functions, and its name serves as a constant reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the region, which it proudly presents to arriving travelers.

Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS), despite its compact size, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait. In the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can try local cuisine, such as the famous Tokushima ramen, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. For those looking for gifts, there are shops offering unique products and delicacies from Tokushima Prefecture.

For a more comfortable rest, you can use the services of the paid lounge, Air Lounge VORTIS, where guests are offered drinks and fresh press in a quiet atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas, so you will always remain connected.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are located in the terminal building. A currency exchange counter is also available, but it is recommended to check its operating hours in advance. There is a medical station at the airport for first aid. Travelers with small children can use the specially equipped nursing rooms, which have everything necessary for infant care.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, and special restrooms. There are no hotels on the airport grounds themselves, but several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, a few minutes' drive away. For business travelers, paid conference rooms are available for rent to hold meetings or negotiations, making the airport a convenient point for business trips to this region of Japan.

Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS), despite its compact size, offers travelers a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal before your flight. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal building, in the public area (before security control), which is convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

The main gastronomic attraction of the airport is undoubtedly the opportunity to try the famous Tokushima Ramen. This local dish is renowned for its rich pork and soy sauce broth, sweet stewed pork ribs, and a raw egg added on top. Several restaurants, located mainly on the third floor of the terminal, offer their version of this iconic dish. This is an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy the authentic taste of the region before leaving. (Note for Muslim travelers: This dish typically contains pork and non-halal ingredients.)

Besides ramen, other dining options can be found at the airport. For a full lunch, restaurants offering traditional Japanese set meals (teishoku), rice bowls (donburi), and udon noodles are suitable. If time is short, drop by the cafe on the second floor, where you can have coffee with fresh pastries or a light dessert. For the quickest snack, the shops on the first and second floors are ideal, selling packed bento lunch boxes, onigiri (rice balls), and various snacks.

Prices in Tokushima Airport establishments can be described as moderate, standard for Japanese regional airports. A full lunch will cost approximately 1,500–2,500 yen. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule—opening in the morning and closing after the departure of the last evening flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be limited. Finding certified vegetarian, vegan, or Halal dishes in restaurants can be difficult. It is recommended to carefully study the menu or check ingredients with staff; however, the easiest option is to buy ready-made food in convenience stores where you can check the ingredients on the packaging, or bring snacks with you.

To ensure your journey through Tokushima Awaodori Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. The airport serves mainly domestic flights, so processes here generally move quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours before an international (charter) flight to go through all formalities without rushing.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. Security services at airports in Japan work efficiently but thoroughly. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices for screening. When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Tokushima, prefer a window seat—in clear weather, you may see picturesque views of the mountains of Shikoku Island or the Seto Inland Sea.

Carry-on luggage rules are standard: sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are prohibited. Customs control upon arrival by international flight in Japan is strict, especially regarding the import of food products (meat, fruits, vegetables). We recommend filling out immigration and customs declarations online in advance via the Visit Japan Web service—this will significantly speed up control upon arrival.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be checked through to the final destination. Passengers flying from Tokushima should allow enough time for connections in larger hubs such as Tokyo or Osaka. In case of a flight delay, monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. There are several restaurants and souvenir shops at the airport where you can pass the time. Be sure to contact an airline representative to learn about your rights to compensation or service provision.

To save money, use the shuttle bus to the city instead of a taxi. You can also bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it after passing security. Souvenirs and snacks are often cheaper in the city than in airport shops. By planning your actions in advance, you will make your trip more comfortable and cost-effective.