Yamaguchi Ube Airport

Yamaguchi Ube Airport is the westernmost air gateway to Honshu Island, serving as a convenient starting point for travels throughout Yamaguchi Prefecture. Located on a picturesque coast, it combines the functionality of a modern transport hub with a cosy atmosphere. Thanks to its compact size and well-thought-out infrastructure, the airport offers passengers fast and comfortable service. Its strategic location makes it a popular alternative for flights to Tokyo and other regions of the country.

The main advantage of Yamaguchi Ube Airport is its exceptional transport accessibility. It is located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, as well as within walking distance of Kusae railway station, allowing easy access to major transport hubs such as Shin-Yamaguchi. Inside the terminal, travellers will find all necessary amenities: comfortable waiting lounges, shops featuring local souvenirs and products from Yamaguchi Prefecture, as well as restaurants where you can taste Japanese cuisine. One of the unique features of the airport is the well-tended rose garden, which delights passengers during the warmer months and adds a special charm to this place.

• Official website: www.yamaguchiube-airport.jp
• Inquiry service phone: +81-836-31-2231
• Airport address: 625 Okiube, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-0001, Japan
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social media: The airport does not maintain active official pages on popular social networks. The most up-to-date information is published on the website.
• Lost luggage information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline representative directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, contact the airport information service at the phone number listed above.
• Passenger support contacts: For any assistance or consultation, please contact the airport inquiry service at +81-836-31-2231.

Getting to Yamaguchi Ube Airport from the city of Ube and its surroundings is quite simple thanks to well-organised transport connections. The most popular and budget-friendly method is the bus. Shuttles run regularly from key transport hubs, including Shin-Yamaguchi Station (where Shinkansen bullet trains arrive) and Ube-Shinkawa Station. The trip from the city centre takes 30-40 minutes, and the ticket cost is approximately 700-900 JPY. An alternative option is the JR train. The nearest station to the airport, Kusae, is just a 10-minute walk from the terminal, which is convenient for those travelling via the Japan railway network.

If comfort and speed are your priorities, a taxi is the ideal choice. The ride from the centre of Ube to the airport takes only 15-20 minutes. This is the fastest way to reach the check-in counters, especially if you are travelling with bulky luggage or small children. The cost of the trip is significantly higher than public transport, amounting to approximately 3500–4500 JPY, but it is fully justified by the convenience. For additional peace of mind, you can book a transfer in advance.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental is an excellent solution. Counters for several major rental companies are located within the airport terminal. By renting a car, you can not only reach your accommodation in comfort but also explore the picturesque corners of Yamaguchi Prefecture at your own pace. If you are driving to the airport in your personal vehicle, a spacious car park with zones for short-term and long-term parking is at your disposal.

When planning your route, note that there are other air hubs in the region. Depending on the final destination of your trip, the nearby Kitakyushu Airport (25 km away) or the major international Fukuoka Airport, which serves significantly more flights, might be convenient for you. Ultimately, the choice of transport to Yamaguchi Ube Airport will depend on your personal preferences: budget, speed, or route flexibility.

Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ) is a compact and modern terminal complex that is very convenient for passengers. It consists of one three-story terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to the thoughtful layout and small size, navigation through the airport is intuitive and presents no difficulties even for first-time visitors.

The structure of the terminal is organised very logically. The First Floor (1F) is dedicated to the arrival zone and airline check-in counters. Here, passengers claim their baggage, pass through customs control (for international flights), and can access car rental services or the tourist information centre. The Second Floor (2F) is the departure zone. After checking in on the first floor, passengers proceed here to go through pre-flight security and head to the boarding gates. The main shops, souvenir stalls, and restaurants are also concentrated here. On the Third Floor (3F), there is an observation deck offering an excellent view of the runway — a wonderful place to pass the time before departure.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, there is no need for transfers between buildings. The entire journey from the airport entrance to the boarding gate can easily be covered on foot in a few minutes. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion. Information boards and signs are available in Japanese and English, which significantly facilitates orientation.

Check-in and security procedures at Ube airport usually proceed very quickly thanks to its small size and efficient staff. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1–1.5 hours before departure, and for international flights, approximately 2 hours. During peak seasons or holidays, waiting times may increase slightly, so it is worth allowing a small buffer. Overall, Yamaguchi Ube Airport leaves a pleasant impression with its organisation and comfort.

The history of Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ), located in the city of Ube, begins on July 1, 1966. It was initially opened under the name Ube Airport with a runway length of 1200 metres. From the very beginning, its mission was to provide air connectivity for Yamaguchi Prefecture, contributing to the development of the local economy and tourism in this part of Japan.

A key stage in the airport's development was 1980. During this time, not only was its name changed to the more formal Yamaguchi Ube Airport to emphasise its regional importance, but the first major modernisation was also carried out. The runway was extended to 2000 metres, allowing for larger aircraft and expanding the flight network.

Further development followed swiftly. In 1990, a new, modern passenger terminal was built, significantly increasing comfort for travellers. And in 2001, another large-scale reconstruction was completed: the runway was extended to 2500 metres. This modernisation paved the way for regular flights over longer distances and launched international charter programmes, primarily to neighbouring Asian countries.

Today, Yamaguchi Ube Airport is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the region's infrastructure. It is renowned for its cleanliness, convenience, and high level of service, which has been repeatedly recognised with various awards. Fun fact: the airport actively participates in the life of the local community, organising events and supporting cultural initiatives, making it more than just a place for departures and arrivals.

Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport is well-equipped to meet the needs of both tourists and business travellers arriving in Japan.

Within the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine or simply have a cup of coffee. The shops offer a wide selection of local souvenirs, delicacies from Yamaguchi Prefecture, and essential goods. A duty-free shop is also available for passengers on international flights.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, the airport features the paid "Kirara" lounge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special zones with sockets and USB ports are provided for charging gadgets. This allows you to stay connected at all times.

Ube Airport pays great attention to accessibility. Ramps, accessible toilets, and free wheelchair rentals are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. Families with small children can use the nursing rooms, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. ATMs are installed in the airport building, and medical assistance can be sought at the first aid station.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, many accommodation options can be found in nearby cities, primarily in Ube. For business travellers, conference rooms are available for rent to hold meetings and events, making the airport a convenient venue for business.

Yamaguchi Ube Airport offers several cosy dining options, located mainly in the public area of the main terminal, before security control. Here you can grab a quick snack before your flight or enjoy a leisurely lunch savouring local cuisine.

For a full lunch or dinner, we recommend visiting one of the restaurants on the second floor of the terminal. Here, the menu typically combines Japanese and European cuisine. Special attention should be paid to local delicacies. Be sure to try Kawara Soba — a unique dish of Yamaguchi Prefecture, consisting of fried buckwheat noodles with meat and vegetables, served on a hot clay roof tile. It is not only delicious but also very authentic.

If you are short on time, cafes and small snack bars are at your service. Here you can order coffee, pastries, sandwiches, or light snacks. This is an ideal option for those who want to refresh themselves quickly before boarding. Also, in the souvenir shops, you can find local sweets and packed lunch boxes (bento), which are convenient to take with you on the plane.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be limited. Vegetarians and those seeking Halal options should verify the composition of dishes, as many Japanese soups and sauces are prepared with a fish broth called dashi. It is best to contact the restaurant staff directly to inquire about the availability of gluten-free, vegan, or Halal-friendly options. In shops, you can find simple options such as onigiri rice balls with vegetable fillings or fresh salads.

The price range at the airport is quite moderate. A cup of coffee will cost approximately 400-600 JPY, and a full set meal (for example, with Kawara Soba or another hot dish) will cost between 1200-2000 JPY. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last evening flight, however, opening hours may vary, so it is recommended to check them on-site.

To ensure your journey through Yamaguchi Ube Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle, take advantage of our tips. These simple recommendations will help you save time, nerves, and even money.

Arrival time at the airport: For domestic flights, which make up the majority of traffic from Ube, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security. It is always useful to check your airline's recommendations in advance, as more time may be required during peak seasons.

Check-in and Security: Procedures at Yamaguchi Ube Airport, like in most airports in Japan, are highly organised. To speed up the process, have your passport (or other ID for domestic flights) and boarding pass ready. During security screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets, as well as containers with liquids, from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection: If the airline provides the option to select a seat, consider your priorities. A window seat will allow you to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours.

Hand Luggage: Be sure to pack all valuables and essentials in your hand luggage: documents, money, medication, portable chargers. Remember the standard restriction on liquids: they must all be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the final destination. At the airport, follow the "Transfer" signs (乗り継ぎ / Noritsugi). Ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if a repeat security check is required.

Customs Control: Upon arrival in Japan from abroad, you will need to pass through customs control. Fill out the customs declaration, usually distributed on the plane, and honestly list all goods subject to declaration. Customs clearance is not required for passengers on domestic flights.

Saving Time and Money: The best way to save time is to complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such a service. To avoid spending extra on beverages, bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it with water at drinking fountains after the security zone.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Yamaguchi Ube Airport is compact, but there are cafes and shops here where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your departure.