Toyama Airport

Toyama Airport, also known as Toyama Kitokito Airport, is not merely an air gateway to Toyama Prefecture, but a unique facility located directly on the banks of the Jinzu River. It serves as a starting point for travelers eager to explore the breathtaking Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the scenic coast of the Sea of Japan. Thanks to its compact size and convenient location, the airport ensures a quick and comfortable start to your journey through one of the most beautiful regions of Japan.

One of the main features of Toyama Airport is its unique location — it is the only airport in Japan built on a riverbed. The terminal is just a few steps away from the runway, making it incredibly convenient for passengers. The airport handles both domestic flights, mainly to Tokyo and Sapporo, and international destinations, including Shanghai and Taipei. Passengers have access to all necessary services: from cosy restaurants serving local cuisine to duty-free shops and car rental desks, making it the ideal gateway for exploring the Hokuriku region.

• Official Website: You can find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and passenger regulations on the official airport website. The site is available in several languages, including English.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries and information, you can call: +81 76-495-3030.
• Airport Address: Akigashima, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, 939-8252, Japan.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address for general inquiries. For communication, it is recommended to use the phone or contact forms on the official website, if available.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active pages on popular social networks. The official website remains the primary source of information.
• Lost and Found: If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport information desk at the main number. In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, you should immediately contact your airline representative.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance directly at the airport, please visit the information counter in the main terminal hall or use the information service phone.

Getting to Toyama Airport (TOY) from the centre of Toyama city is quite simple thanks to its close proximity and well-organised transport links. It is important to note that there is no direct train or metro connection to the airport. Travelers can choose between buses, taxis, or car rentals — the choice depends on your budget and preferences.

Public Transport: Bus
The main, most convenient, and economical way to get to the airport is the Limousine Bus. It runs between the airport and the main JR Toyama railway station. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes, and the ticket costs about 420 yen. To find the stop, exit through the south exit of JR Toyama Station — buses to the airport usually depart from platform No. 1. Tickets can generally be purchased at a machine at the bus terminal. The bus schedule is closely linked to flight arrivals and departures, making this a very reliable option for travelers in Japan.

Taxi and Transfers
If you value comfort, are traveling with a lot of luggage, or are in a group, a taxi is an excellent choice. A trip from the centre of Toyama to the airport will take about 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, amounting to approximately 3,000–4,000 yen. Taxis can easily be found at hotels, designated stands, or booked in advance.

Car Rental and Parking
For those planning to actively explore the prefecture and its surroundings, renting a car is the ideal solution. Toyama Airport hosts offices of several major rental companies, allowing you to pick up or drop off a car right before your flight. For drivers, the airport offers convenient paid parking, providing both short-term and long-term parking options.

Toyama Airport (TOY) is a modern and compact aviation hub serving both domestic and international flights. Its key feature is having one passenger terminal, which makes navigating it intuitively clear and fast. You won't have to worry about long transfers between buildings or searching for the right wing — everything is in one place.

The terminal structure is logically divided into several levels for passenger convenience:

• First Floor — This is the arrival and check-in area. Here you will find airline counters for baggage drop, the baggage claim area for arriving passengers, customs control, and exits to bus stops and taxis.
• Second Floor — The departure zone. After checking in, proceed here to go through security control. This floor also houses the boarding gates, duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, and several restaurants where you can have a meal while waiting for your flight.
• Third Floor — This level often features an observation deck offering an excellent view of the runway. It is a wonderful place to watch planes, especially if you are traveling with children.

Procedures at the airport are organised very efficiently. The departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion. Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take minimal time. After checking in on the first floor, you simply take the escalator or elevator to the second floor to pass through security and board your flight.

Due to the airport's small size, check-in and security checks usually take less time than in major hubs. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 1.5 hours before a domestic flight and 2–2.5 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, enjoy a coffee, and find your gate.

To navigate the terminal, use the numerous signs which are duplicated in English. Airport staff are always ready to assist if you have any questions. The compactness of the airport is its main advantage, making the journey through the air gateway of Toyama Prefecture in Japan as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The history of Toyama Airport (TOY) begins in 1963, when it opened to serve domestic flights. From the very beginning, this airport was distinguished by a unique feature: it became one of the few in the world built directly on a riverbed. The runway and terminal are located on the bank and a drained section of the Jinzu River, which makes it an engineering marvel and a subject of interest for tourists and aviation enthusiasts to this day.

Initially, the airport had a runway length of 1,200 metres. A key stage in its development was 1984, when the runway was extended to 2,000 metres. This allowed it to accommodate jet aircraft and significantly expand its flight network. In the same year, All Nippon Airways (ANA) launched the first regular jet flights to Tokyo, strengthening the connection between Toyama Prefecture and the capital of Japan.

The next important milestone was entering the international level. In 1993, the first international flight to Seoul was launched, opening direct connections for the region with other countries. To meet the growing passenger traffic, the airport underwent major modernisation: in 1999, a new terminal for domestic flights was opened, and in 2000 — a modern international terminal. An interesting fact: the boarding bridge for international flights at Toyama Airport passes directly over a busy public road, which is a rare architectural solution.

Today, Toyama Airport is also known by the unofficial name "Toyama Kitokito Airport". The word "kitokito" in the local dialect means "fresh" or "full of life", symbolising the freshness of seafood from Toyama Bay and the dynamism of the region. Over its more than half-century history, the airport has transformed from a small regional node into an important air gateway playing a key role in the economy and tourism of the prefecture.

Toyama Airport (TOY) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can taste local Japanese cuisine or simply have a cup of coffee. For those wishing to shop, there are stores including Duty Free for international passengers, as well as souvenir stalls offering unique goods and regional delicacies. This is a great opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or a keepsake from your trip to Japan.

For the convenience of travelers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas. In addition to general areas, passengers can use the services of a paid Lounge for increased comfort, to spend time before departure in a calmer and more private setting. ATMs and currency exchange counters are located in the terminal building, allowing you to settle financial matters right upon arrival or before departure.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travelers with children, nursing rooms are equipped where you can feed and change a baby in peace. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with a barrier-free environment: ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. Assistance services can be requested in advance if needed.

There is no hotel within the airport grounds, but in the immediate vicinity and in Toyama city itself, there are many hotels to suit any taste and budget, easily accessible by taxi or public transport. For business travelers, meeting rooms or business corners may be available for work or meetings. For urgent assistance, a medical aid station operates at the airport.

Toyama Airport (TOY) offers passengers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the unique flavours of the region before departure. Despite its compact size, the airport features several establishments where you can have a quick snack or a full meal. The main restaurants and cafes are concentrated on the third floor of the main terminal, in the public area before security control.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, Toyama Airport is a real find. Be sure to try the prefecture's famous dishes. At "Sushitama" restaurant, you will be offered the freshest sushi and sashimi, including delicacies made from shiro-ebi white shrimp and hotaru-ika firefly squid. Another iconic dish is masuzushi, pressed trout sushi in a cedar box, which can also be bought as a souvenir. At "Air Port Kitchen", you can order the famous "Toyama Black" Ramen — a hearty soup with a dark soy broth.

If you are looking for a quick bite, check out the cafes located on the same third floor. Here you can have a cup of coffee or tea with fresh pastries and desserts. This is an ideal choice if there isn't much time left before departure. Prices in the airport establishments are generally moderate, comparable to mid-range city restaurants.

It is important to remember that all main restaurants and cafes are located landside, meaning before passport control and security screening. Once you pass into the sterile area (airside), the selection will be extremely limited, so it is better to plan lunch or dinner in advance. Opening hours usually align with the flight schedule but may change. Regarding special dietary needs, specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus are rare, although Japanese cuisine always offers dishes based on rice and vegetables. It is recommended to clarify the ingredients of dishes with the staff, especially regarding halal requirements.

To ensure your journey through Toyama city airport goes as smoothly as possible, follow our tips. Toyama Airport (TOY) is a small and convenient regional hub serving both domestic and some international flights. Despite its compact size, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2-2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5 hours. Check-in and security procedures here are quite fast. To save time, check in for your flight online if your airline provides this option. When choosing a seat on the plane, ask for a window seat — weather permitting, you will see breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.

Hand Luggage and Customs. Rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage are standard: containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Always keep power banks and other lithium-ion batteries in your hand luggage. When entering Japan, be prepared for thorough customs control. The import of many products, especially meat, fruits, and vegetables, is strictly prohibited or restricted. Be sure to declare all goods subject to control to avoid fines.

Transfers and Savings. Toyama Airport is not a major transit hub, so transfers here are rare. If you have a connecting flight, especially from international to domestic, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check in again. To save money, use public transport (buses) for the trip to the city — it is significantly cheaper than a taxi. It is also more economical to eat before leaving for the airport, as the choice of establishments here is limited, and prices are higher than in the city.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your departure is delayed, monitor information on the screens and in the airline's app. Contact the carrier's representative for current information and possibly vouchers for food or drinks. The airport has an observation deck where you can watch planes, as well as several souvenir shops. This will help pass the time while waiting for the flight.