Takeoff with a view (Photo: Asrsgk / CC By SA 4.0)

Shizuoka Airport

The airport with the world's best view? Possibly!

Takeoff with a view (Photo: Asrsgk / CC By SA 4.0)
Kim   - 2 min read

Shizuoka Airport is a relatively new addition to Japan's aviation scene, having only opened in 2009. The airport provides domestic services to Sapporo, Izumo, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kagoshima, and Okinawa, and international services to Korea, Taiwan, and various destinations in China.

The airport has a number of eateries, including both quick and simple food court dining as well as slower paced sit-down restaurant style. The food court options include gyoza, pasta, ramen, and soba, and the slower style restaurant (Shimizukou Kaizan) focuses on seafood dishes sourced from Suruga Bay. On a clear day you'll be able to see Mt. Fuji as you dine.

The shopping options here are quite plentiful, too. There's a dedicated Duty Free Store, along with a Matsumoto Kiyoshi drug store, a branch of Ito en (a Japanese drinks company that specializes in tea), and various other retail stores selling unique Shizuoka-based souvenirs. There are also three separate 7-11 convenience stores if you're needing a drink or snack. For those needing a bit of rest and relaxation before or after a flight, there's a massage center on the third floor.

Given the natural beauty that surrounds the airport, there are two separate observation decks where visitors can appreciate the views and watch the planes as they take off or land.

Getting there

Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport is approximately 40 minutes by car from Shizuoka City, 50 minutes by car from Hamamatsu City, and 10 to 15 minutes from the Sagara-Makinohara Interchange on the Tomei Expressway. There are around 2000 parking spaces at the airport, spread over 5 parking lots. Parking lots 1 and 5 are paid parking, and parking lots 2, 3, and 4 are free.

Buses are available from Shizuoka, Shimada, Kakegawa, Fujieda, Shin-Kanaya, and Kanaya Stations to the airport. Timetable information for the bus routes can be found on the airport's official website.

Kim

Kim @kim.b