Memanbetsu Airport

Memanbetsu Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true northern gateway to the wild nature of Hokkaido, opening the path to the famous Shiretoko National Park and the drifting ice of the Okhotsk Sea. Situated amidst picturesque fields that transform into a carpet of sunflowers in summer, this airport immerses travellers in the atmosphere of tranquillity and grandeur of northern Japan from the very first minutes. Thanks to its location, it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the cities of Abashiri and Kitami, offering tourists the cosiness and convenience of a small yet modern air harbour.

Memanbetsu Airport is renowned for its compactness and well-thought-out infrastructure, making waiting for a flight a pleasant part of the journey. The main highlight of the terminal is the observation deck on the roof, offering a breathtaking view not only of taking-off aircraft but also of the surrounding flower fields, which change colour depending on the season. Inside the building, travellers will find restaurants where they can taste the freshest sushi made from local seafood or the famous "buta-don" (pork rice bowl), as well as shops featuring unique souvenirs from the Okhotsk region, including sweets and glassware.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Memanbetsu Airport (MMB). We recommend using official channels to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date data.

• Official Website: The most reliable source of information regarding flight schedules, services, and airport news is mmb-airport.co.jp. The site is available in Japanese.
• Information Desk Phone: For enquiries regarding general questions about terminal operations, please call: +81 152-74-3111.
• Airport Address: Bihoro, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-2371, Japan.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: Memanbetsu Airport does not maintain active official pages on social networks. All information should be verified on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly. If you have left personal belongings within the terminal building, please contact the information desk via the main airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: If your question concerns tickets, flight check-in, or airline regulations, you must contact the support service of your air carrier.

Getting to Memanbetsu Airport, the aerial gateway to the Okhotsk region on the island of Hokkaido in Japan, is quite simple, especially from the nearest major cities — Abashiri and Kitami. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further travel through this picturesque region.

Public Transport primarily consists of convenient express buses. This is the most popular option, offering a balance between price and comfort. Shuttle buses run between the airport and key points in the cities of Abashiri and Kitami. The schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrivals and departures.

• The journey from the Abashiri bus terminal takes approximately 35-40 minutes, and the fare is around 1,000 yen.
• From the centre of Kitami, you can reach the airport in 40-45 minutes, paying about 1,100 yen.

Taxi and Private Transfer is the most comfortable, albeit the most expensive method. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals hall. This is an excellent choice if you are travelling in a group, with small children, or with a large amount of luggage. A trip to Abashiri or Kitami will cost several thousand yen. Alternatively, you can consider booking a private transfer in advance through online services, which may be slightly more cost-effective and convenient.

Car Rental is the ideal option for those planning to actively explore eastern Hokkaido with its national parks and natural beauties. Counters for several major rental companies are located right inside the Memanbetsu Airport building. By booking a car in advance, you can set off on your journey immediately after arrival. This provides maximum freedom of movement in a region where public transport does not run very frequently.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, a spacious car park is provided. It is located in immediate proximity to the terminal, which is very convenient. In many regional airports in Japan, including Memanbetsu, parking may be free or cost a nominal fee, making it an attractive option for short-term and long-term vehicle storage.

Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) is a compact and modern regional airport distinguished by a simple structure that is easy for passengers to understand. You will not have to worry about complex navigation, as there is only one passenger terminal here, serving both domestic and seasonal international flights.

The terminal building has three floors, and its layout is very logical:

• First Floor is the arrival and check-in zone. Here, you will find airline check-in counters, the baggage claim area, and an information centre. Immediately after collecting your suitcases, you enter the general hall, from where you can exit to the bus stops and taxi rank.
• Second Floor is entirely dedicated to departures. After checking in on the first floor, you proceed here to go through security screening. This floor also houses boarding gates, several souvenir shops where you can buy famous Hokkaido delicacies, and small cafes.
• Third Floor is the highlight of the airport. Here lies a free observation deck offering a beautiful view of the runway and surrounding landscapes. It is an excellent place to pass the time while waiting for a flight.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings — all services and zones are under one roof within walking distance. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. Due to the small passenger flow, queues for check-in and security are typically minimal. For domestic flights, it is sufficient to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before departure. Navigation through the terminal is intuitive, with signs in Japanese and English everywhere, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

The history of Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) is a tale of strategic development and modernisation aimed at improving accessibility to the Okhotsk region on Hokkaido island in Japan. Although the first airfield with this name was established back in 1935 for military needs, the modern airport known to tourists was built at a new location and opened in 1985. The relocation was driven by practical considerations: the old site frequently suffered from fog, and the short runway limited the types of aircraft that could be accommodated.

A major stage of development was the expansion of infrastructure to handle a larger number of flights. Initially, the runway was 2,000 metres long. However, in 1997, it was extended to 2,500 metres, which became a key moment in the airport's history. This allowed for the reception of larger long-haul aircraft and international charter flights, opening the region to tourists from all over the world.

Modernisation also touched the passenger terminal. In 2000, a new, modern building was constructed, offering passengers a higher level of comfort and service. In 2011, the terminal was expanded and renovated again to meet growing requirements and passenger traffic. These improvements transformed the airport into an efficient and convenient transport hub.

Today, Memanbetsu Airport serves as the vital aerial gateway to eastern Hokkaido. Its history is an example of how competent planning and timely investments can turn a regional airfield into a key facility for tourism development. The airport successfully serves travellers eager to see unique natural phenomena, such as drift ice, and visit the famous Shiretoko National Park.

Memanbetsu Airport (MMB), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait. The airport's infrastructure is designed to ensure convenience for both tourists and business travellers setting out to explore the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido.

In the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can taste local and Japanese cuisine, as well as enjoy a cup of coffee before departure. Shops offer a wide selection of souvenirs, Hokkaido products, and daily necessities. It is an excellent place to buy last-minute gifts. For those who wish to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting areas.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport features a paid lounge, available to all passengers regardless of ticket class. Here, you can relax in a quiet environment while enjoying beverages. The airport is also well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Facilities for people with disabilities are provided, including accessible toilets and wheelchair rental. Families with small children can utilise the nursing rooms.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed in the airport building. Currency exchange points may be limited, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. In case of need, there is a first aid station in the terminal. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several accommodation options are located in nearby cities such as Kitami and Abashiri, easily accessible by bus or taxi. For business travellers and events, the airport offers a multipurpose hall for rent.

At Memanbetsu Airport (MMB), the selection of dining establishments is not vast, which is typical for regional airports in Japan; however, you can find options for both a quick snack and a full meal featuring local cuisine.

All main food outlets are located on the second floor of the main terminal, in the public area (before security control). This is convenient, as both departing passengers and those seeing them off can dine there.

For a full lunch or dinner: The main establishment is Restaurant Pirika. It features a menu with Japanese and European dishes. The top recommendation is to try local specialities. Pay attention to the "Okhotsk Shio Ramen" (salt-broth ramen with seafood) or dishes featuring local scallops, for which the Okhotsk Sea region is famous. Prices here are moderate: a main dish costs approximately 1,000–2,000 yen. The restaurant usually operates during the day, aligning with the flight schedule.

For a quick snack and coffee: Next to the restaurant is Cafe Rimse, where you can drink coffee or tea and order light snacks or dessert. If time is very short, pop into souvenir shops such as ANA FESTA or Blue Sky. They often sell ready-made lunch boxes (bento), onigiri (rice balls with filling), and sandwiches, which are convenient to take on board.

Special Dietary Needs: Passengers with special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal) may find it difficult to find suitable dishes at Memanbetsu Airport. You can try to clarify ingredients at the restaurant, but a specialised menu is generally absent. The most reliable option is to bring food with you or purchase simple snacks, such as fruits or nuts, if they are available in the shops.

Travelling through Memanbetsu Airport usually proceeds smoothly and comfortably thanks to Japanese organisation, yet knowing a few nuances will help make your trip even more pleasant. Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights and is located in a region with distinct seasonality, the following recommendations are worth considering.

Recommendations on Arrival Time and Check-in

Although the airport is small and navigation within it is intuitive, it is recommended to arrive 60–90 minutes before departure. Passenger traffic increases during the flower blooming season or winter festivals. Most airlines offer kiosks for self-check-in and baggage drop (Self Bag Drop), which saves significant time. Security queues usually move quickly, but it is better to have a buffer of time to visit the souvenir stalls.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

A flight to Hokkaido is always an aerial excursion. When checking in, it is highly recommended to choose a window seat. In clear weather, you can enjoy views of mountain ranges and crater lakes, and during the winter period, you can see the mesmerising drift ice in the Okhotsk Sea. This spectacle is worth planning your seat selection in advance.

Security Rules and Hand Luggage

Japan has strict but reasonable security rules:

• Power banks and lithium batteries are permitted only in hand luggage; checking them into hold luggage is prohibited.
• On domestic flights in Japan, rules for carrying liquids are more lenient than on international ones: you may bring an open bottle of tea or water, but you will be asked to place it on a special analyser during screening.
• Sharp and cutting objects (even nail scissors) must be checked into hold luggage.

Tips for Transit Passengers and Customs

Since Memanbetsu holds the status of a domestic airport (except for rare charters), there are no customs or passport control procedures here for regular flights. If you are flying with a connection to an international flight (for example, via Tokyo-Haneda), clarify at the check-in desk whether your luggage can be checked through to your final destination. This will save you from having to collect and re-check suitcases at the transfer point.

Transport and Economy

The most economical and convenient way to get to the city is to use the shuttle bus, the schedule of which is synchronised with aircraft arrivals and departures. This is significantly cheaper than a taxi. To save on food, instead of visiting a restaurant, you can purchase a soraben (special airport bento box) at the terminal shops. This is not only cost-effective but also delicious, as it often includes local delicacies.

In Case of Flight Delay

Hokkaido is a snowy region, and in winter (from January to March), flight delays or cancellations due to blizzards are not uncommon. If your flight is delayed:

• Monitor airline announcements and the electronic display board.
• While waiting for departure, you can visit the free observation deck or use the massage chairs in the waiting area.
• Have hotel contacts or an alternative travel plan (such as JR rail services) at hand, although trains may also be suspended during severe weather.