How to Spend Your Time at Shonai Airport: A Guide to Killing Time Before Your Flight
Looking for ways to pass the time at Shonai Airport? This guide introduces some great spots within the airport where you can enjoy your wait before your flight.
Shonai Airport is a regional airport located between Sakata City and Tsuruoka City in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. It mainly serves as a domestic airport connecting Yamagata to Haneda Airport. Positioned along the Sea of Japan coastline, it is conveniently located midway between Sakata, Tsuruoka, and Shonai’s city centers, making it a practical airport for travelers heading to Tokyo.
Despite being a small and compact airport, Shonai Airport has several entertainment and relaxation spots, allowing you to comfortably pass the time without leaving the airport. Below, we introduce some of the best ways to kill time at Shonai Airport—check them out and make the most of your waiting time!
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How to Spend Your Time at Shonai Airport: A Guide to Killing Time Before Your Flight
① Kiyokawaya Shonai Airport Store
The first time-killing spot at Shonai Airport is the Kiyokawaya Shonai Airport Store, located on the second floor of the airport.
This shop offers a wide selection of local gourmet products, specialty goods, and fresh local produce from Yamagata and the Shonai region. Many of the specialty items are seasonal, so you might discover new and unique products if you visit at different times of the year.
Aside from being a great way to pass the time, it’s also a convenient place to pick up souvenirs, especially if you forgot to buy any during your trip. Even if you just browse, you might find interesting Shonai-exclusive products.
② ANAFESTA Shonai Airport Lobby Store
The second time-killing spot at Shonai Airport is the ANAFESTA Shonai Airport Lobby Store. ANAFESTA is a well-known souvenir shop chain with branches in airports all over Japan. It carries a wide range of famous regional products, from classic Japanese sweets to exclusive local specialties.
One of the most popular items here is the "Dadacha Mame Langue de Chat", a crispy thin cookie filled with sweet red bean chocolate, made from Dadacha Mame, a specialty soybean of the region.
Other notable items include "Kokyo", a traditional Japanese sweet inspired by the ancient mirror relics excavated from Mount Haguro and "Tsuruhime Red Melon Sand", a cookie sandwich with whipped chocolate made from Shonai’s famous Tsuruhime Red Melon. With so many delicious Shonai-exclusive souvenirs, you might have a hard time choosing which ones to bring home!
If you have time to spare, take a walk through ANAFESTA and explore these unique treats.
③ Hirata Bokujo Shonai Airport Store
If you're looking for a meal before your flight, consider visiting the Hirata Bokujo Shonai Airport Store, the only restaurant and café inside Shonai Airport as of 2022. Located on the third floor, this restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy a high-quality meal while waiting for your flight.
Hirata Bokujo is highly praised by Japan’s top gourmet TV shows and food magazines, making it a must-visit for food lovers. Their menu features premium pork dishes, including "Hirata Bokujo Kinka Pork" and "Hirata Bokujo Sangen Pork" Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet), both of which are highly recommended. Other options include curry, ramen, and other classic dishes, ensuring a satisfying meal before your flight.
The restaurant also offers a great view—you can see the runway and watch planes take off and land. Plus, the majestic mountains of the Shonai region add to the scenic experience. If you’re looking for a delicious meal with a great view, this is the perfect place to pass the time at Shonai Airport.
④ Rooftop & Observation Deck: A Relaxing Spot to Pass the Time at Shonai Airport
For families traveling with children, watching airplanes take off and land can be an exciting way to pass the time at the airport.
The rooftop observation deck at Shonai Airport offers a panoramic view of the entire runway and serves as a great airport observation spot. It features free telescopes, allowing visitors to admire the Sea of Japan, Mount Chokai, and other breathtaking scenery. On a clear day, this deck becomes a hidden gem for scenic views.
There is also a photo spot for children, making it a fun and memorable stop for families.
Access to Shonai Airport
As mentioned earlier, Shonai Airport is conveniently located between Sakata City and Tsuruoka City, making it easily accessible from both areas. Buses connect the airport to the city centers, providing a smooth and convenient transfer.
For those looking for more flexibility in their travel itinerary, rental cars are available at the airport, making it a great option for exploring Yamagata at your own pace.
◎ Summary: Best Spots to Pass the Time at Shonai Airport
This article introduced some of the best ways to pass the time at Shonai Airport.
Despite being a compact regional airport, Shonai Airport continues to serve as an important gateway connecting Yamagata to Tokyo. It is also a great place to shop for souvenirs, especially if you're looking for traditional Japanese sweets and other specialty items from Yamagata.
If you're using Shonai Airport for your Yamagata trip, be sure to refer to this guide and make the most of your time there!
