Miho Airport

Welcome to perhaps the most "mystical" airport in Japan! Miho Airport, also known as Yonago Kitaro Airport, is not just a transport hub, but a true portal into the world of Japanese folklore and yokai spirits. The air gateway is named after popular characters from the manga "GeGeGe no Kitaro," created by local native Shigeru Mizuki, immersing travellers in a fairytale atmosphere from the very first moments of arrival. Located on the picturesque Yumigahama Peninsula, the airport serves as the main gateway to the beauties of the San'in region, including the majestic Mount Daisen and the spirit city of Sakaiminato.

Airport Features and Highlights:

The main "highlight" of the airport is its unique theme. The terminal is literally inhabited by bronze statues and images of yokai monsters from the Kitaro universe. Tourists can take fun photos with manga characters in the arrival zone, view themed stained glass windows, and even collect their luggage from a belt decorated with fairytale motifs. This turns waiting for a flight into an engaging mini-excursion.

Beyond the atmosphere, Miho Airport is distinguished by high functionality and compactness. Check-in and security procedures here are quick, without the bustle of the capital or long queues. Direct rail access is available for travellers: a JR station is just a few minutes' walk from the terminal, from where the famous "monster trains" run, connecting the airport with the cities of Yonago and Sakaiminato.

• Official Website: You can find the latest information on flights, services, and regulations on the airport's official website: www.yonago-air.com (the site is available in Japanese; it is recommended to use your browser's built-in translator).
• Information Service Phone: For information by phone, you can call: +81 859-45-6121. Please consider the time difference and potential language barrier.
• Airport Address: 1634 Sainokamicho, Sakaiminato, Tottori 684-0055, Japan.
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the feedback form, which can usually be found in the "Contacts" section of the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must first contact your airline's Lost & Found service at the airport. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the information desk or the general airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the information desk in the terminal or the information service via phone.

Miho-Yonago Airport (YGJ) is conveniently located and offers several transport options to reach the city centre of Yonago and other key points in the region. Regardless of your budget and preferences, you will easily find a suitable way to travel around Japan.

Public Transport: Train and Bus

The most authentic and convenient method is the train. Right at the terminal is the Yonago Kitaro Airport station, which is part of the JR Sakai railway line. This line connects the airport with the main Yonago Station (JR Yonago Station) and the port city of Sakaiminato. The journey to Yonago Station takes about 25-30 minutes and is inexpensive. This is not only a fast but also an entertaining option: trains and stations on this line are decorated in the style of the popular manga "GeGeGe no Kitaro," making the journey a small adventure.

Another popular form of public transport is the limousine bus. Special shuttles run between the airport and key locations, including the Yonago railway station and the neighbouring city of Matsue. The trip to central Yonago takes approximately 30 minutes. Buses are an excellent choice for travellers with large luggage, as they are equipped with special compartments.

Taxi and Transfer

Taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach your hotel or other destination. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. The trip to the city centre will take about 20-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Although this is the most expensive option, it is ideal for those who value time and convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or a small group. You can also book a private transfer in advance so that a driver meets you with a name sign.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively explore Tottori Prefecture and the picturesque San'in region, renting a car will be the best solution. Offices of several major rental companies are located at the airport. Having a car will give you freedom of movement and allow you to visit remote attractions. Important: to rent a car in Japan, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, spacious parking is provided. It is located in immediate proximity to the terminal and offers rates for both short-term and long-term parking.

Miho-Yonago Airport (YGJ) is a compact and modern air terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its well-thought-out structure, navigating here is very easy even for those visiting the airport for the first time.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which is divided into two main zones: for domestic and international flights. Such organization avoids confusion and makes moving through the building as simple as possible. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings—everything is under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The first floor houses the arrival zone. Here, passengers collect luggage, pass through customs and passport control (for international flights), and can also use the services of tourist information centres and car rental counters. The second floor houses the departure zone. Check-in counters, security screening points, and the departure lounge with boarding gates are located here. Also concentrated on the second floor are the main shops, souvenir stalls, and restaurants.

Completing all formalities at Miho Airport usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1–1.5 hours before departure—this time is sufficient for check-in and security screening. For international flights, it is worth allowing more time, about 2–2.5 hours, as passport control is required. Overall, the airport is renowned for its efficiency, and navigation is simplified thanks to clear signage in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese. Follow the signs, and you will easily find the gate or service you need.

The history of Miho-Yonago Airport (YGJ) is closely intertwined with the history of the region and all of Japan. Its path began in 1943, when it was built as an airfield for the Imperial Japanese Army. After the end of World War II, the facility was used by British occupation forces, and in 1958 was transferred to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), retaining its military status to this day.

The civil chapter in the airport's history opened in the same year, 1958, with the launch of the first scheduled passenger flights. This marked the beginning of its dual purpose, which it successfully combines to this day. With the growth of passenger traffic, the need for modernization arose. A landmark event was the opening of a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal in 1996. This allowed for a significant improvement in the quality of passenger service.

Another important stage of development was the reconstruction in 2009, during which the runway was extended to 2,500 metres. This improvement opened doors for larger aircraft and facilitated the launch of international routes, connecting Yonago with cities such as Seoul and Hong Kong.

Perhaps the most interesting fact in the airport's recent history is its branding. In 2010, it was given the nickname "Yonago Kitaro Airport". This is a tribute to Shigeru Mizuki, the creator of the popular manga "GeGeGe no Kitaro," who was born in the neighbouring city of Sakaiminato. Today, the terminal is decorated with images of characters from this manga, making it not just a transport hub, but a real attraction that immerses guests in the world of Japanese pop culture immediately upon arrival.

Miho-Yonago Airport (YGJ) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed. Here you will find several restaurants where you can experience local cuisine, and cosy cafes for a light snack. The shops feature a wide selection of souvenirs, including famous goods from Tottori Prefecture—one of the unique regions of Japan. This makes the airport an excellent place for last-minute gift shopping.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Zones for charging electronic devices are also provided. If you are looking for greater comfort, take advantage of the paid Lounge DAISEN, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere before your flight while enjoying refreshments.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed in the airport. Currency exchange points are also available, however, it is recommended to check their opening hours in advance, especially if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning. For business travellers, there is an option to rent conference rooms for meetings.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. Families with small children will appreciate the presence of nursing rooms equipped with changing tables and everything necessary for infant care. In case of emergencies, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are installed in the terminal. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Yonago, which is easily accessible by public transport.

Miho-Yonago Airport (YGJ), despite its compact size, offers passengers several cosy options for a snack or a full meal before departure. It is important to note that the main establishments are located on the second floor of the terminal, in the public zone before security control, so it is best to plan your meal in advance.

The main establishment at the airport is the bistro "LA BAR", located on the second floor. This is a versatile place suitable for both a full lunch and a quick bite. Here you can experience the local cuisine of Tottori Prefecture by ordering dishes made from fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan, such as seasonal crab. If you are short on time, you can quickly have a coffee with fresh pastries or grab a light sandwich at the bistro.

For those in a hurry, an excellent option would be to purchase an obento (traditional Japanese lunch box) at the ANA FESTA souvenir shop. These ready-made sets with rice, fish, or meat are convenient to take on board the aircraft, which is a popular choice among travellers in Japan.

Choices for passengers with special dietary needs are limited. Vegetarians should carefully study the menu at the bistro—it may be possible to find dishes with vegetables or noodles without meat broth. Please note that there are no specialized vegan, gluten-free, or Halal establishments at the airport. Prices at Yonago airport are average for the country: the cost of a full lunch is usually between 1,000 and 2,000 yen. Cafe opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule and cover most of the day.

To ensure your journey through Miho Airport in the city of Yonago goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, use these helpful tips. Try to arrive at the airport well in advance: 1.5–2 hours before departure for domestic destinations and 2.5–3 hours for international flights. Airports in Japan are known for their organization, but extra time is never wasted, especially during holiday periods.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. At security control, be ready to present your passport and boarding pass. Liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) should be packed in a single transparent bag, and laptops and tablets should be taken out of your bag in advance. Regarding seat selection, window seats will allow you to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and ease of movement around the cabin.

Carefully study the rules for carry-on luggage. In addition to standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, remember that portable chargers (power banks) are permitted only in carry-on luggage. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check the airline's website for current weight and dimension requirements for bags to avoid extra charges.

Passengers with connections should look for "Transfer" (乗り継ぎ) signs. Miho Airport is relatively small, which makes transit quite quick. Travellers arriving on international flights must complete a customs declaration. Be prepared to answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and declare goods if required. Remember the strict rules regarding the import of certain products, such as meat and fruits.

A few tricks can help save time and money. Book tickets and order transfers in advance. Bring an empty reusable bottle to fill with water at drinking fountains after security screening. Although you can eat delicious food at Japanese airports, bringing your own light snacks will help reduce expenses. For trips to the city and back, consider public transport—it is often more economical than a taxi.

If your flight is delayed, first contact an airline representative for up-to-date information and possible options (rebooking, provision of meals or a hotel). Check the terms of your travel insurance for such situations. In a small airport, there may not be much entertainment, so a book or a charged gadget with movies or music will help pass the time.