Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport

Overview

Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (IATA: FSZ) is a regional airport serving central Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture. It opened in 2009 to relieve congestion at Tokyo’s major airports and to boost tourism to the Mount Fuji area. The single terminal handles domestic flights to cities like Tokyo (Haneda), Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Naha (Okinawa), as well as seasonal international charters from destinations such as Seoul, Taipei, and Shanghai. The airport is used primarily by leisure travellers heading to Shizuoka’s famous tea plantations, hot springs, and the iconic mountain itself. Despite its modest size, the facility is modern, accessible, and designed for efficient passenger flow.

Location & Access

The airport sits in Makinohara City, approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Shizuoka City and 15 kilometres (9 miles) east of the Pacific coast. Its location on the Makinohara Plateau offers sweeping views of Suruga Bay and, on clear days, the southern face of Mount Fuji.

By Car: The Tōmei Expressway (Shimizu Interchange) and Shin-Tōmei Expressway (Shizuoka Interchange) connect to the airport via local roads. Parking is available at the terminal, including reserved spaces for wheelchair users. Rental car desks are located in the arrivals area.

By Train and Bus: The nearest Shinkansen station is Shizuoka Station (about 50 minutes by bus) or Kakegawa Station (35 minutes). Direct airport limousine buses run from Shizuoka Station (45 minutes), Hamamatsu Station (70 minutes), and other major cities in the prefecture. A local bus service also links the airport to the Shizunami Beach area.

By Taxi: Taxis are available at the rank outside arrivals. Fares to Shizuoka City centre are around ¥10,000–12,000.

Facilities

Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport offers a range of passenger amenities, all confirmed on site:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: Designated accessible parking bays in the car park, automatic doors at the entrance, and accessible toilets with grab bars. The terminal is single-level, making navigation straightforward.
• Baggage Storage: Coin lockers and a baggage counter are available near the arrivals hall for short-term or same-day storage.
• Toilets: Clean restrooms throughout the terminal, including a changing table in the accessible toilet for families with infants.
• Other Services: A small café and shop selling local souvenirs, tea, and snacks operate in the departures lounge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. At the check-in area, there is a viewing deck (open during daylight hours) where visitors can watch aircraft and take photos of Mount Fuji.

Note that the airport does not have a 24-hour timetable – peak hours are around midday and early afternoon, when flights to Tokyo and Sapporo depart. The terminal closes overnight, so passengers should plan connections accordingly.

About the Region

Shizuoka Prefecture is a coastal region between Tokyo and Nagoya, famous for three things: Mount Fuji, green tea, and fresh seafood. The airport sits in the heart of Japan’s largest tea-growing area, the Makinohara Plateau, where endless rows of tea bushes create a patchwork of green. Visitors can tour tea factories, sample matcha, and enjoy shincha (new tea) in spring.

Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominates the landscape to the north. The Fujinomiya and Gotemba trails start about 90 minutes from the airport, making it a convenient base for climbers during the July–September season. For non-climbers, the Fuji Five Lakes region, Shiraito Falls, and the Chureito Pagoda offer stunning views without the ascent.

The prefecture’s coastline along Suruga Bay yields fresh sushi, sakura shrimp, and the prized toro (fatty tuna). Hot spring towns like Shimoda and Atami are within an hour and a half by car or train, perfect for a post-flight soak.

Culturally, Shizuoka is home to Sunpu Castle Park in Shizuoka City, the former shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu’s retirement residence, and the Miho no Matsubara pine grove, another World Heritage site. The region’s temperate climate and proximity to Tokyo make it a year-round destination for nature lovers, cyclists, and foodies.

Practical Information

• Terminal Hours: The airport building is generally open from 2 hours before the first flight until after the last arrival. Exact hours vary by flight schedule; the information desk (open 7:00–20:00) can confirm. Check the website for daily opening times.
• Website: http://www.mtfuji-shizuokaairport.jp/facility/ (Japanese, with English information)
• Phone: +81 548-29-2000 (Japanese-speaking staff; English assistance may be limited)
• Peak Hours: 12:00–13:00, when most domestic departures are scheduled. Arrive at least 90 minutes before for domestic flights.
• Accessibility: The entire terminal is wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs are permitted. For special assistance, contact the airport in advance.
• Currency: There are no banks or ATMs inside the terminal. The nearest convenience store with an ATM is a 5-minute walk from the airport. It’s advisable to bring cash before arriving.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available near the entrance.

The airport’s small size means quick check-in and security – most passengers clear security in under 15 minutes. However, the limited food and shopping options mean that longer waits are best spent at the viewing deck or browsing the gift shop. Overall, Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport provides a calm, efficient gateway to one of Japan’s most scenic prefectures.