# Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)

> Higashikagura, JP · 15 km (9 mi) south of central Asahikawa

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/akj
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/akj.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: AKJ
- **ICAO**: RJEC
- **Timezone**: Asia/Tokyo
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: .99M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.hokkaido-airports.com/en/asahikawa/

## Overview

## Welcome

Asahikawa Airport feels more like a compact alpine lodge than a bustling transit hub. Situated 15 kilometers south of central Asahikawa, it offers travelers expansive views of the Daisetsuzan mountains through its large windows. Known for its efficient winter operations, flights here are rarely canceled even during heavy snow, a fact that has earned it the nickname "comfort terminal" among frequent visitors to Hokkaido.

## At a glance

Handling just under a million passengers annually, Asahikawa Airport serves as a critical gateway to central Hokkaido's winter attractions like Biei and Furano. The airport boasts one runway and a single passenger terminal, catering mainly to All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Its calm atmosphere consistently appeals to travelers who value reliability and ease over the hustle of larger airports.

## Terminals & layout

The compact T1 terminal is easy to navigate, housing all amenities under one roof. With 18 restaurants, such as Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, and several retail options like ANA FESTA and JAL PLAZA, the single terminal ensures travelers have necessary conveniences close by. The open design emphasizes natural light and panoramic views, making it a uniquely serene space for pre-flight preparations.

## Getting to and from the city

Travelers have multiple options for reaching the city from Asahikawa Airport. Airport buses like the Airport Limousine Bus and local buses to Asahikawa Station take roughly 30-40 minutes and cost around 550 yen. Taxis are available, albeit at a higher cost of approximately 5,500 yen to central Asahikawa, and 5,000 yen for a ride to Asahiyama Zoo. Notably, there is no direct rail link to the airport, making road transport the default option.

## Traveller essentials

For those driving, the airport offers parking lots at 1,000 yen per day, with discounts after six days. Inside, you'll find a Lounge Taisetsu at 1,100 yen per person offering comfort before departure. For business needs, Telecube work booths are available at 330 yen per 15 minutes on weekdays. If you need to stay plugged in, there are numerous charging stations throughout the terminal.

## Dining & shopping highlights

The dining profile of Asahikawa Airport emphasizes local flavor. Notable spots include Uotsune Aketa for fresh seafood and Baikohken for authentic ramen. For a quick snack or travel essentials, the Lawson convenience store rounds out the options in T1. While some locations like Asahiya are temporarily closed, the open eateries provide a reliable taste of Hokkaido cuisine.

## Lounges

Lounge Taisetsu provides a relaxed environment for travelers to unwind, with simpler options available at AKJ Square, an unassuming rest area free of charge. For those needing to work on the go, the Telecube is a smart choice, with pricing adjusted cheaper on weekends and holidays. All lounges are situated within T1, ensuring easy access no matter your departure gate.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** Consider flights via Asahikawa if your plans include Biei or Furano, especially in winter, thanks to impressive snow-management tactics keeping flights on track.

- **Time:** Buy your bus ticket from Lawson at Asahikawa Station before boarding the airport bus; these tickets are easily available and save time.

- **Avoid:** Use the Asahikawa Airport as your fallback when JR trains in central Hokkaido are disrupted by snow for more dependable connectivity.

- **Money:** Rentals for road travel from the airport can be more cost-effective if you're exploring Biei or Furano, given the scattered sightseeing spots and thin bus timetables in winter.

- **Local:** The runway-facing seating areas in T1 offer stunning views of the Daisetsuzan range and an insider look at efficient snow clearing without the crowds.

- **Quiet:** Even in peak seasons, the check-in and boarding areas remain calm, offering a lower-stress start to your journey than busier airports like New Chitose.

- **Time:** Arrive before late afternoon if planning to explore Asahikawa as bus services to attractions can dwindle later in the day.

## Terminals (1)

- **Passenger Terminal** — All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air
  A compact terminal with essential amenities.

## Dining (18)

- **Airport Lilas** — T1 · Local · General Souvenirs
- **ANA FESTA** — T1 · Local · General Souvenirs
- **ASAHIKAWA AIRPORT DUTY FREE** — T1 · Local · General Souvenirs
- **Asahikawa Bussan** — T1 · Local · General Souvenirs
- **Asahiya (Currently closed)** — T1 · Local · Japanese Cuisine
- **Azalea** — T1 · Local · General Souvenirs
- **Baikohken** — T1 · Local · Ramen · $$
- **Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Asahikawa Airport Store** — T1 · Local · Ramen · $$
- **Ichikyu Daifukudo** — T1 · Local · Dessert
- **JAL PLAZA** — T1 · Local · General Souvenirs
- **Kaburagi (Currently closed)** — T1 · Local · Japanese Cuisine
- **Lawson S Asahikawa Airport** — T1 · Local · Convenience Stores / Books · $
- **MILK STAND esperio** — T1 · Local · Dessert
- **Nijotei (currently closed)** — T1 · Local · Fresh Seafood
- **no-ca-ya × VABU BURGER** — T1 · Local · Western Food / Chinese Food / Korean Food
- **Point7** — T1 · Local · General Souvenirs
- **Teppan Asato** — T1 · Local · Japanese Cuisine
- **Uotsune Aketa** — T1 · Local · Seafood / Farm Produce

## Lounges (3)

- **AKJ Square (rest area)** — T1
- **Lounge Taisetsu** — T1 · Gold card members of eligible credit card companies, Companion fee · 1,100 yen (tax included) per person
- **Private smart work booth "Telecube"** — T1 · 330 yen/15 minutes (tax included) on weekdays; 220 yen/15 minutes (tax included) on weekends and holidays

## Shops (5)

- **Asahiya (Currently Closed)** — T1 · Japanese Cuisine
- **Azalea** — T1 · Duty Free Shop
- **Lawson S Asahikawa Airport** — T1 · Convenience Store / Books
- **Point 7** — T1 · Duty Free Shop
- **Uotsune Aketa** — T1 · Seafood / Farm Produce

## Parking (4)

- **Accessible Parking** — Accessible · 500 yen (450 yen from 6th day)/day, Free for 1 hour, 100 yen for 1.5 hours, 150 yen for 2 hours, 75 yen/hour thereafter/hr · next to terminal
- **Parking Lot 1** — Long stay · 1,000 yen (900 yen from 6th day)/day, Free for 1 hour, 200 yen for 1.5 hours, 300 yen for 2 hours, 150 yen/hour thereafter/hr · next to terminal
- **Parking Lot 2** — Long stay · 1,000 yen (900 yen from 6th day)/day, Free for 1 hour, 200 yen for 1.5 hours, 300 yen for 2 hours, 150 yen/hour thereafter/hr · 0.3 mi
- **Valet Parking** — Valet

## Ground transport (9)

- **Airport Bus to Asahikawa City** — Bus · 30-40 min · .null
  Operates in conjunction with flight times.
- **Local Bus to Asahikawa Station** — Bus · 35 min · .null
  Direct service available.
- **Asahikawa Airport Limousine Bus** — Bus · around 30-40 min into Asahikawa city · .null · .null
- **Parking at Asahikawa Airport** — Other · .null · .null · .null
  Arrive early due to potential crowding.
- **Rental Cars at Asahikawa Airport** — Other · .null · .null · .null
  Reception counter located in Domestic Arrivals Lobby.
- **Taxi to Asahikawa Station** — Taxi · .null · 5,500 yen · .null
  Advance reservations recommended.
- **Taxi to Asahiyama Zoo** — Taxi · .null · 5,000 yen · .null
  Fixed fare available with reservation.
- **Asahikawa Denki Kido highway bus** — Bus · .null · .null · .null
- **Taxi rank** — Taxi · .null · .null · .null

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Consider flights via Asahikawa if your plans include Biei or Furano, especially in winter, thanks to impressive snow-management tactics keeping flights on track.
- _Time_: Buy your bus ticket from Lawson at Asahikawa Station before boarding the airport bus; these tickets are easily available and save time.
- _Avoid_: Use the Asahikawa Airport as your fallback when JR trains in central Hokkaido are disrupted by snow for more dependable connectivity.
- _Money_: Rentals for road travel from the airport can be more cost-effective if you're exploring Biei or Furano, given the scattered sightseeing spots and thin bus timetables in winter.
- _Local_: The runway-facing seating areas in T1 offer stunning views of the Daisetsuzan range and an insider look at efficient snow clearing without the crowds.
- _Quiet_: Even in peak seasons, the check-in and boarding areas remain calm, offering a lower-stress start to your journey than busier airports like New Chitose.
- _Time_: Arrive before late afternoon if planning to explore Asahikawa as bus services to attractions can dwindle later in the day.