What are the best places to kill time at Miyako Shimojishima Airport? | Introducing souvenirs and access information

The perfect spots for killing time at Miyako Shimojishima Airport terminal! We’ll introduce information about the airport’s facilities and souvenirs.

Located near Miyako Island, “Miyako Shimojishima Airport” offers various spots for passing time when you have a bit of a wait before your flight. Where should you spend your time inside the airport when you have some free time?

For those struggling with their wait, be sure to check out this article for time-killing spots.

What is Miyako Shimojishima Airport?

Miyako Island is a popular remote island for Okinawa tourism! Along with Ishigaki Island, it’s a tropical resort bustling with tourists. To the northwest of Miyako Island lies another island, Shimoji Island, and the “Miyako Shimojishima Airport” introduced in this article is located on this island.

The airport features a compact, single-story terminal that gives you the feeling of being in a garden, which is one of its unique characteristics.

By the way, when it comes to airports on Miyako Island, the well-known “Miyako Airport,” located in the center of the island, is famous, and since it’s closer to the urban area, Shimoji Airport tends to be overlooked. Without knowing, it may seem like a mysterious airport near Miyako Island, but in fact, airlines like Skymark and Jetstar have many flights operating there, connecting to major airports like Haneda, Kansai, and Naha.

Although it’s considered a secondary airport for Miyako Island tourism, it’s surprising that it’s connected to major airports in Japan!

Originally a pilot training facility!?

Miyako Shimojishima Airport was originally established for the purpose of training airplane pilots. Touch-and-go and other flight training exercises were conducted, so it wasn’t a typical airport for passenger planes. This sheds light on why Miyako Airport was the common choice for travelers to the island.

Regular flights began on March 30, 2019. With the opening of the airport terminal, it marked a new start as a passenger airport.

What are the benefits of using Miyako Shimojishima Airport?

Many people who use Miyako Shimojishima Airport do so for the purpose of sightseeing on Miyako Island. However, Miyako Airport is closer to the island’s center, whereas Shimoji Island Airport is more distant.

At first glance, it might seem there’s no benefit, but the airlines operating at Shimoji Island Airport are “Skymark” and “Jetstar.” Compared to full-service carriers like ANA and JAL that operate at Miyako Airport, you can get flight tickets at a lower cost. This airport is especially worth considering for those looking to reduce travel expenses.

Additionally, the neighboring “Irabu Island” is a popular area for Miyako Island sightseeing. If you’re planning to visit there, Shimoji Island Airport is actually the best choice! The increased options for airports make planning your itinerary easier.

Places to kill time at Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Let’s take a closer look at the time-killing spots at Miyako Shimojishima Airport!

Although it’s a compact airport, it has a good number of flights from large airports, with many users. In fact, the airport is equipped with enough facilities to make passing time enjoyable.

The shops are all named “coral port,” with each one catering to different purposes, such as cafes and kitchens. There are also classic stores and amenities, like souvenir shops and ATMs. It seems there’s no need to worry about inconvenience.

Before boarding, you can relax at the water lounge, which is one option. If you find yourself with an entire day to spare, you can rent a bicycle at the airport’s tourist information center and explore the area around Miyako Shimojishima Airport (2 hours starting at 1500 yen).

・Coral Port Grab&Go

At Coral Port Grab&Go, original sandwiches, ice cream, Basque cheesecakes, desserts, drinks, and more are available. The sandwiches use local island ingredients and are popular as a light snack.

Since it is located before the airport security checkpoint, it can be used by those not flying, which is a great point.

・Coral Port LOUNGE Cafe&Bar (Cafe)

“Cafe&Bar” is located in the area after passing through security. Orion beer, craft beer, cocktails made with local Miyako Island sake, coffee, and other drinks are also available.

The interior of the store uses "Terihaboku," a luxury wood found in Okinawa. It’s a recommended place to relax and enjoy a leisurely time before departure at Miyako Shimojishima Airport.

・Coral Port LOUNGE the Kitchen (Airport Restaurant)

When it comes to restaurants at Miyako Shimojishima Airport, this is the place! “the Kitchen” is a restaurant located in the area after passing through security.

They offer local specialties like “Miyako soba,” “Okinawan tan-tan noodles,” and premium one-plate dishes using Okinawan beef. All the ingredients are locally sourced, so you can enjoy the taste of Miyako Island up until right before your departure.

・Coral Port the Shop (Souvenir Shop)

What’s an airport without souvenir shops! “the Shop” has two stores in the airport, selling a wide range of products from standard souvenirs to exclusive items, food, and miscellaneous goods.

One of the featured products is “Island Honey,” which is said to have anti-aging benefits, and is available in a Miyako Shimojishima Airport-exclusive package! This is definitely something you’ll want to pick up.

There are two stores inside the terminal building. The “Landside” store is located before the airport security checkpoint, so it can be used by people not flying. On the other hand, the “Airside” store is after security, where you can enjoy shopping before departure.

・Coral Port Duty Free Shop (Miyako Shimojishima Airport Duty-Free Shop)

This store is for international travelers, but there is a “Duty-Free Shop” in the lounge area. While international flights are not frequent, you can still purchase Japanese souvenirs, alcohol, and more before departure.

Since August 2023, you can also receive duty-free items from DFS Galleria at both Miyako Airport and Shimoji Island Airport. By ordering online 30 days to 12:00 PM the day before your flight, you can get duty-free products such as cosmetics at discounted prices, even for domestic trips.

How to get to Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Shimoji Island, where Miyako Shimojishima Airport is located, is situated to the northwest of Miyako Island. The distance is not too far.

However, you cannot directly access this remote island, as you must go through Irabu Island and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. If you’re heading to Miyako Island, renting a car is essential.

Irabu Ohashi is known as one of the best scenic spots on Miyako Island, and if you’re flying into Shimoji Island Airport, it’s a place you’ll want to visit first. When heading from Miyako Island to Shimoji Island, you’ll first aim for this bridge. From Miyako Airport, it takes about 15 minutes by car via Prefectural Road 252 and National Route 390 to reach the bridge. Shimoji Island Airport and Irabu Ohashi are connected by Prefectural Road 252 near the airport, about 15 minutes by car.

Although you can take a bus from Shimoji Island Airport, it may take too long, so renting a car is recommended.

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What are the best places to kill time at Miyako Shimojishima Airport? | Introducing souvenirs and access information