Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal

  • Published
  • Author daiku
  • Categories English
  • Categories Featured

A resort-like airport where you can relax, shop for souvenirs, dine, and enjoy activities—making it feel like your vacation has already begun.

Miyako Shimojishima Airport was originally established as a training airfield for domestic pilot education in Japan. On March 30, 2019, a brand-new passenger terminal opened, transforming it into a tourist-friendly gateway. The airport is connected by bridge to neighboring Irabu Island, which is also linked to Miyako Island, making it a highly convenient access point for traveling around the Miyako Island region.

A Resort-Like Airport Atmosphere

This airport offers a spacious and open atmosphere that makes you forget you’re even at an airport. From dining and shopping to a variety of leisure activities, travelers can enjoy a relaxing and pleasant time before departure or after arrival.

Key Features of the Airport

  • Runway: The airport features a 3,000-meter runway—the same length as Tokyo Haneda Airport’s main runway—allowing large aircraft to take off and land.
  • Tourism-Focused Terminal: Formerly Japan’s only civilian jet pilot training airport, the facility was repurposed for tourism with the concept “Your resort starts at the airport” when the terminal opened in 2019.
  • Second Gateway to the Region: In addition to its training functions, it now serves as the second gateway to the Miyako region, with both domestic and international flights in service.

Scenic Highlights

To the north of the airport, a road runs along the perimeter of the runway, offering a stunning contrast between airplanes and the emerald-green sea. It’s a popular spot for scenic drives and photography.

Eat, Shop & Play All in One

At the terminal, visitors can enjoy local Okinawan dishes and delicacies at restaurants and cafes. Souvenir shops offer a wide selection of Miyako Island-exclusive products, while activity spaces both inside and outside the terminal provide fun for all ages.

Facility Information

  • Address: 1727 Irabu Sawada, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
  • Phone: +81-980-78-6606

In Summary

Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal blends functionality with a relaxing resort ambiance, making travel to and from the island a pleasant part of the journey. While maintaining its history as a pilot training base, it now plays a key role in promoting tourism.
With convenient access to Miyako’s surrounding islands and a well-rounded offering of food, shopping, and leisure, it’s a destination worth experiencing on its own.