Tsushima Airport

Tsushima Yamaneko Airport sits on the southern tip of Tsushima Island, a narrow slice of land straddling the Korea Strait halfway between Japan and South Korea. It handles domestic flights from Fukuoka and Nagoya, serving as the primary air gateway for an island of roughly 30,000 residents. The airport's compact terminal processes a modest flow of passengers – about 300,000 annually – with a calm efficiency that larger hubs cannot match. Run by the Tsushima Airport Terminal Company, it opened in 1975 and underwent a major renovation in 2010. The name 'Yamaneko' refers to the Tsushima leopard cat, an endangered wildcat found only on this island. The runway runs almost parallel to the coastline, and on clear days passengers arriving can see the sea on both sides during approach. The terminal building is small but contains all necessary functions: check-in, security, a waiting area, and basic concessions. For an island so dependent on air travel, the airport is reliable, though weather can occasionally cause disruptions.

Getting There

The airport is located in the town of Mitsushima, about 15 kilometers south of Tsushima's main city, Izuhara. A taxi journey from Izuhara to the airport takes roughly 20–25 minutes and costs around ¥3,000–¥4,000. Alternatively, a bus service runs between Izuhara bus terminal and the airport, timed to connect with flights. The bus journey takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥600. For those staying in the northern part of the island, the drive from Waniura or Kamiagata can take over an hour. Rental cars are available at the airport – essential for exploring the island, as public transport is limited. There is no train or ferry directly linking to the airport; the main ferry port (Izuhara Port) is about 15 minutes away by taxi.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-story building with a straightforward layout. On arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac and enter through a glass door into the baggage claim area, which doubles as the arrival lobby. Departures are upstairs via a staircase or elevator. The departures area has a small waiting room with seats, a vending machine corner, and a shop selling local specialties and souvenirs. Facilities confirmed include wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, baggage storage (lockers near the entrance), wheelchair-accessible toilet, and standard toilets. The airport terminal opens one hour before the first scheduled departure and closes after the last arrival. There are no overnight facilities. Security is efficient – from entering the terminal to reaching the gate takes about 10–15 minutes at quiet times. The busiest times are Monday and Tuesday at 2 pm, and Wednesday and Thursday at 2–3 pm, corresponding to peak flight arrivals from Fukuoka.

Tsushima Yamaneko Airport and Tsushima

Tsushima Island is one of Japan's most historically and culturally significant border regions. It lies just 50 kilometers from the Korean Peninsula, and for centuries it served as a diplomatic and trade bridge between Japan and Korea. The So clan ruled the island from the 13th to 19th centuries, leaving behind castles, shrines, and a distinct local culture. The island's geography is striking: two main landmasses – Kamijima (upper island) and Shimojima (lower island) – connected by a narrow isthmus nearly bisected by Aso Bay. The total land area is about 700 square kilometers, much of it mountainous and forested.

The airport's name comes from the Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus), locally called yamaneko, which is a national natural monument. Only about 100 individuals remain in the wild, found in the island's dense forests. Conservation efforts are a point of pride.

Visitors come to Tsushima for hiking, historical sites like the ruins of Kaneda Castle and Watatsumi Shrine, and for unique natural experiences such as watching the cherry blossoms at Nita Pass or exploring the sea caves of the Shimojima coast. The island also has a strong connection to the Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century; the battlefield at Komoda Beach is a sobering site.

The airport is the main point of entry for most tourists. There are daily flights from Fukuoka (about 35 minutes) and several weekly from Nagoya (1 hour 15 minutes). Without the airport, reaching Tsushima requires an overnight ferry from Fukuoka – a scenic but lengthy alternative.

The island's culture is distinct from mainland Japan. Local dialect, cuisine, and festivals reflect centuries of interaction with Korea. Tsushima soba, a type of buckwheat noodle served with grated daikon, is a must-try. The airport's small shop sells local products such as yamaneko-themed souvenirs, dried fish, and soba noodles.

The airport itself is a point of connection for the island's diaspora. Many residents work on the mainland and fly home on weekends. The terminal often sees emotional reunions. It is also a lifeline for medical emergencies: patients requiring specialist care are flown to Fukuoka.

In recent years, Tsushima has gained attention from fans of the video game 'Ghost of Tsushima', which, while fictional, has brought increased tourism. The airport occasionally sees cosplayers or history enthusiasts arriving to explore the island that inspired the setting.

Despite its size, Tsushima Yamaneko Airport is well-maintained and functional. The staff are notably helpful, often assisting confused first-time visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed – no long queues, no crowded gates. It serves its purpose without fuss.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24/7; terminal hours are generally 7:00 to 20:00, but check the specific flight schedule on the day of travel. Contact: +81 920-54-3396. Website: http://tsushima-airport.co.jp/. Baggage storage is available in lockers near the entrance (sizes vary, ¥300–¥500). There is no ATM inside the terminal; the nearest bank is in Izuhara. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Tip: If you land in the afternoon, the bus to Izuhara may be timed to the flight. Check the bus schedule at the information counter inside. Taxis are available but can be scarce during busy periods – it's worth booking ahead if you have a tight connection to the ferry.

One concrete piece of advice: Rent a car at the airport – the island's public transport is infrequent, and the best sights (such as the Kaneda Castle ruins or the northern tip of Kamijima) require a vehicle. The rental car office is in the terminal.