Hiroshima

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Airports

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1. Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) Overview

  • Location: Hiroshima Airport is located in Mihara City, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Hiroshima City. It is the largest airport in the Chugoku region and primarily handles domestic flights, with a few international routes to destinations such as Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei.
  • Airport Code: HIJ
  • Type: Medium-sized international airport with a focus on domestic travel.

2. Transportation to and from Hiroshima Airport

Hiroshima Airport is well-connected to Hiroshima City and other nearby areas through various transportation options:

a. Limousine Bus

  • Service: Limousine buses are the most convenient way to travel between Hiroshima Airport and Hiroshima City.
  • Routes:
    • Hiroshima Bus Center (downtown Hiroshima) via Hiroshima Station.
    • Other destinations include Fukuyama, Kure, and Onomichi.
  • Travel Time:
    • To Hiroshima City: Approximately 45โ€“60 minutes.
  • Cost:
    • To Hiroshima City: ยฅ1,500 (one-way for adults) and ยฅ750 (for children).
  • Frequency: Buses depart every 20โ€“30 minutes.

b. Taxi

  • Service: Taxis are available at the airport, but they are significantly more expensive than buses.
  • Travel Time: Around 50 minutes to Hiroshima City.
  • Cost: Approximately ยฅ13,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 to Hiroshima City.

c. Rental Cars

  • Availability: Major car rental companies, such as Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and Times Car Rental, have counters at the airport.
  • Cost: Rental prices start at around ยฅ6,000 per day, depending on the vehicle type.
  • Driving Considerations: Driving in Japan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) for most foreign visitors.

d. Train (Indirect Access)

  • Hiroshima Airport does not have a direct train connection. However, you can take a bus to the nearest train station:
    • Shiraichi Station (JR Sanyo Line): 15 minutes by bus from the airport.
    • From Shiraichi Station, you can take a train to Hiroshima Station (about 40 minutes).

e. Parking

  • Facilities: Hiroshima Airport has ample parking space with both short-term and long-term options.
  • Cost:
    • Short-term: ยฅ100 per 30 minutes.
    • Long-term: ยฅ500 per day (after the first 24 hours).
  • Capacity: Over 2,000 parking spaces are available.

3. Facilities and Services at Hiroshima Airport

Hiroshima Airport is a modern facility with a range of services to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers. Hereโ€™s what you can expect:

a. Terminal Layout

  • The airport has a single terminal building with three floors:
    • 1st Floor: Arrivals, baggage claim, and transportation access.
    • 2nd Floor: Departures, check-in counters, and security.
    • 3rd Floor: Restaurants, shops, and observation deck.

b. Dining Options

  • A variety of restaurants and cafes are available, offering both Japanese and international cuisine. Popular options include:
    • Local specialties like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
    • Cafes serving coffee, tea, and light snacks.

c. Shopping

  • Duty-free shops for international travelers.
  • Souvenir shops selling local products such as Hiroshima lemons, momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped sweets), and sake.

d. Other Services

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
  • Currency exchange counters and ATMs.
  • Luggage storage and delivery services.
  • Baby care rooms and nursing facilities.
  • Observation deck on the 3rd floor for plane spotting.

e. Accessibility

  • The airport is fully accessible for travelers with disabilities, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

4. Nearby Attractions

If you have time before or after your flight, consider exploring some nearby attractions:

a. Takehara

  • Known as "Little Kyoto," Takehara is a historic town with well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
  • Distance: About 30 minutes by car from the airport.

b. Onomichi

  • A charming coastal town famous for its temples, cycling routes (Shimanami Kaido), and scenic views.
  • Distance: About 40 minutes by car from the airport.

c. Hiroshima City

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle are must-visit attractions.
  • Distance: About 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of the airport.

5. Costs and Fees

Hereโ€™s a summary of average costs associated with using Hiroshima Airport:

| Service | Cost | |------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Limousine Bus (to Hiroshima) | ยฅ1,500 (one-way) | | Taxi (to Hiroshima) | ยฅ13,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 | | Parking (short-term) | ยฅ100 per 30 minutes | | Parking (long-term) | ยฅ500 per day | | Rental Car | From ยฅ6,000 per day | | Dining | ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000 per meal | | Souvenirs | ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ3,000 |

6. Tips for Using Hiroshima Airport

  • Arrive Early: For domestic flights, arrive at least 1 hour before departure. For international flights, arrive 2โ€“3 hours early.
  • Language: Most signs and announcements are in Japanese and English. Staff at the airport are generally helpful and can assist in English.
  • Transportation Tickets: Purchase limousine bus tickets at the ticket counter or vending machines near the bus stop.
  • Weather Considerations: Hiroshima experiences seasonal weather changes. Plan your travel accordingly, especially during typhoon season (Augustโ€“September).

7. Alternative Airports

If Hiroshima Airport does not meet your travel needs, consider these nearby alternatives:

  • Okayama Airport (OKJ): Located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Hiroshima, offering additional domestic and international flights.
  • Fukuoka Airport (FUK): A larger airport with more international connections, located about 280 kilometers (174 miles) west of Hiroshima.

By understanding the transportation options, facilities, and costs associated with Hiroshima Airport, you can plan your travel efficiently and enjoy a smooth experience. Let me know if you need further assistance!