Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport

Shizuoka Airport, also referred to by its management office name Jing Gang Kong Gang Guan Li Shi Wu Suo, sits on the western side of Makinohara city in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 27 kilometers from Shizuoka Station. Opened in 2009, it serves as a regional airport connecting central Japan to domestic destinations like Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Naha, with a handful of international charter flights. The terminal is compact and functional, designed for efficiency rather than grand architecture. What sets this airport apart is its proximity to the JR Kanaya Station – a five-minute bus ride – making it one of the more accessible regional airports in Japan for those arriving by rail. The airport is not open 24 hours; its hours align with flight schedules, typically from early morning to late evening. Unusually, the busiest times are consistently Monday through Thursday at 5 pm, likely due to business travelers returning from day trips.

Getting There

Reaching Shizuoka Airport is straightforward if you come via train and bus. The nearest major railway station is Kanaya Station on the JR Tokaido Line, about 2.5 kilometers away. A dedicated shuttle bus runs between the station and the airport terminal, timed to connect with flight arrivals and departures. The journey takes roughly 10 minutes and costs around 300 yen. Buses run every 30 to 60 minutes during operational hours. From Shizuoka Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Kanaya (about 25 minutes), then transfer to the airport bus. Alternatively, from Shimada Station, also on the Tokaido Line, a local bus service operates but less frequently. If driving, the airport is accessible via the Tomei Expressway, taking the Makinohara Interchange and following signs. Parking is available at the terminal for short and long stays, with rates around 500 yen per day in the economy lot. Taxis from Kanaya Station cost approximately 1,500 yen. For those coming from Hamamatsu, the journey by train and bus takes about an hour.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Shizuoka Airport is a single, two-level building. Departures are on the second floor, arrivals on the ground floor. The check-in area has a modest row of counters, with separate desks for All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Fuji Dream Airlines, the main carriers. Security screening is usually efficient, with wait times rarely exceeding 15 minutes. The departure lounge is compact but offers a few essentials: a small café with hot and cold drinks, light snacks, and pre-packed sandwiches. There is no full-service restaurant, so consider eating before arriving or bring your own. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and power outlets are scattered near seating. The airport confirms wheelchair accessibility, with ramps, accessible toilets, and designated parking spaces. The toilet facilities are clean and modern, including a multi-purpose room for assisted use. The atmosphere is calm, with fewer crowds than larger hubs. One quirk: the observation deck on the second floor provides an excellent view of Mount Fuji on clear days – a nice spot to wait. Baggage claim is straightforward, with two carousels. Lockers are available near the arrival exit for short-term storage.

Jing Gang Kong Gang Guan Li Shi Wu Suo and Makinohara

Makinohara, the host city of Shizuoka Airport, is a largely agricultural area on the coast of Suruga Bay. The name Makinohara means ‘spread field’, and true to its name, the landscape is dominated by tea plantations – Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s largest tea-producing region, and Makinohara’s green tea is among the finest. The city itself is not a major tourist destination, but its quiet charm appeals to travelers seeking authentic rural Japan. The airport’s location here is strategic, providing quick access to the tea fields, the nearby Oigawa Railway (a scenic steam train line), and the beaches of the coast. Makinohara also holds cultural interest: the ancient Shitomiya Shrine and the remains of a medieval castle offer historical context. The airport management office, Jing Gang Kong Gang Guan Li Shi Wu Suo, oversees operations that primarily serve business travelers connecting to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (actually, Shizuoka Airport has flights to Haneda? No, but it does connect to Sapporo, etc. Actually, Shizuoka Airport mainly serves domestic routes, and the busiest times at 5 pm suggest a heavy commuter traffic). For leisure travelers, the airport is a gateway to the Suruga Bay coast, known for its seafood, particularly sakura shrimp and shirasu (whitebait). The nearby town of Yaizu is famous for its tuna market. Makinohara also hosts the Makinohara Art Museum, featuring works by local artists. While it lacks the neon buzz of Tokyo, the region offers a slower pace – hiking trails, hot springs, and the iconic view of Mount Fuji across the bay. The airport’s strength – its proximity to Kanaya Station – means that even a short layover can include a quick trip to a tea plantation or a ride on the Oigawa Railway.

Practical Information

Shizuoka Airport is open daily from approximately 6:00 to 21:30, hours that cover all scheduled passenger flights. The management office, Jing Gang Kong Gang Guan Li Shi Wu Suo, can be contacted at +81 548-63-1111. The official website (in Japanese) is http://www.shizuoka-airport.jp. Check-in counters typically open one hour before departure; arrive at least 45 minutes early. The busiest times are late afternoon on weekdays (5 pm), so plan departure around that if possible. For wheelchair users, the airport provides assistance – request it from your airline at booking. Coin lockers are available (large lockers 500 yen, small 300 yen). There is no left luggage counter near the terminal, but the bus stop at Kanaya Station has storage. If you have time, the observation deck is free and offers good photo ops. One concrete piece of advice: if you have a layover of more than two hours, take the shuttle to Kanaya Station and walk to the Oigawa Railway’s Kanaya Station (adjacent) to see the steam locomotives – it’s a five-minute detour that turns a wait into a mini-adventure.