The Nanki-Shirahama Airport Survival Guide

Nanki-Shirahama Airport is Wakayama’s only airport, located in Shirahama — a resort town known for its white-sand beach, hot springs, and status as one of Japan’s most popular summer getaways. Here’s how to make the most of this small domestic airport.

Pro tip: Need a ride to your Shirahama accommodation? Book a NearMe taxi in advance for a smooth journey.

Nanki-Shirahama Airport: The basics

Also known as Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport (a nickname adopted in 2024), the airport originally opened in 1968 but was reopened in 1996 with the layout it has today. It operates only domestic JAL flights to and from Haneda Airport in Tokyo — just three arrivals and three departures daily, one each in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

There is one main terminal building, which has two floors. The first floor is where you’ll find the ticket lobby, JAL counter, and arrivals lobby. The second floor is for departures.

Nanki-Shirahama Airport opening hours

The airport’s operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. That said, the JAL counter and restaurant close at 6 p.m., and the terminal building closes at 6:45 p.m. — so in reality, the airport starts to sleep around 7 p.m.

24-hour amenities at Nanki-Shirahama Airport

As mentioned above, this airport is not open 24 hours, and there are no 24-hour facilities.

Tips for arriving at Nanki-Shirahama Airport

Since it’s a domestic airport, all you need to do is walk through to luggage collection and then head out of the airport. In arrivals, there’s a vending machine, toilets, and a police box.

You might spot a leftover panda motif or two as well. The area’s famous giant pandas, longtime residents of nearby Adventure World, returned to China in June 2025.

Just make your way out of the terminal building to get to the bus and taxi stand.

Pro tip: Some hotels within Shirahama Town offer luggage delivery, costing ¥1,500 per piece. Ask the staff at the information desk for details, if you need this service.

Tips for departing from Nanki-Shirahama Airport

Departing from this airport is a relatively stress-free experience. Since there’s only one check-in counter — the JAL one — you can check in at the machine or at the counter. If you have luggage to check, drop it off and you’re good to go.

We recommend arriving at the airport no earlier than two hours before your flight. You need to have passed security at least 20 minutes prior to boarding. Note that there is only one security lane, and most people start heading over right at the 20-minute mark — so go a little earlier to beat the (small) crowd. You need to be at the departure gate at least 10 minutes before boarding.

The departures lounge is very basic. There’s a toilet, a vending machine, and charging ports — some at a standing desk next to the vending machine, and others at the end near some sofa-style seating.

Pro tip: Before dropping off your bags, check the new rules for bringing power banks on flights.

Nanki-Shirahama Airport services and facilities

This airport has basic but functional facilities. These include:

• Toilets (including accessible toilets) and a baby-changing space
• Free Wi-Fi and charging outlets
• Restaurant
• Gift shop
• Smoking rooms
• Postbox
• Information Center, located in a separate building next to the main terminal

Notably, the airport doesn’t have any ATMs or currency exchange. We recommend bringing some cash with you, since many places in the area only accept cash — even in 2026, we learned. Alternatively, a few convenience stores in town have international ATMs.

There aren’t really any dedicated facilities for children, so if you’re traveling with young ones, we recommend bringing something to keep them entertained.

If you need any assistance during your time at the airport, ask the JAL staff, or the staff at the information desk in the Information Center. That’s also where you’ll find the only onsite coin lockers.

Should you be feeling hungry before you fly, you can head to the one restaurant on site. It has a casual diner vibe, serving Wakayama ramen and other Japanese comfort food for as little as ¥1,000. Many travelers also like to sip on a pint before boarding.

Given the area’s historical connection to pandas, you’ll find some adorable panda-themed food items, such as panda-shaped kamaboko (fish cakes) for ¥400. On a warm day — or even a cold one — you can also enjoy a soft serve.

Forgot to buy souvenirs? There’s a small shop on the second floor of the terminal that is full of regional foods, drinks, and other goods.

Getting to and from Nanki-Shirahama Airport

There are three main ways to get to and from the airport: by bus, taxi, or car.

Bus

Local route bus (Shirahama Town)

The Route 102 loop bus is the one you’ll use if you are staying in Shirahama Town. It only departs from the airport five to six times a day, with timings that tend to align with flight arrivals.

You can use your Suica (or any other travel IC card), or pay with cash onboard.

Other bus services

• Shirahama Airport Limousine Bus: A direct bus service from Nanki-Shirahama Airport to Kushimoto, Nachikatsuura, and Shingū. Prices range from ¥1,800 to ¥3,200, depending on the destination. It departs twice a day, at 9:30 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. You can pay onboard, or with cash at the information desk.
• Meiko Bus “Rapid Kumano Kodō”: Takes you to the Kumano Kodō Nakahechi area and Kumano Hongū Taisha (via Kii-Tanabe Station). It departs once a day, at 9:43 a.m. Note that it only runs all the way to Hongū from April through November.
• Highway bus to Osaka/Tokyo: You can travel straight to Tokyo, Yokohama, Shinjuku, and Ōmiya on an overnight bus from ¥9,600. Tickets can be booked in advance.

Note: At the time of writing, there was a partial suspension on the Osaka route — check the service status page for more info.

Taxi

The way to the taxi stand is clearly signposted in the arrivals lobby. If you are unable to get one on the spot, we recommend going into the Information Center and asking the staff to help you call one.

Fares range from about ¥1,250 to ¥2,350 for most destinations within Shirahama Town (a few far-flung spots, like the golf course, run higher). Here’s the full fare list — note that these are estimates.

Car

There are both paid and free parking lots on site. If you want to rent a car, the counter is located inside the Information Center.

Things to do at Nanki-Shirahama Airport

Given that it’s such a small airport, you won’t find much in terms of entertainment. There is a small observation deck; however, it’s unlikely you’ll spot a plane, given the limited arrivals and departures — you can just admire the views.

There is also a spacious lounge-type space with tables, sofas, and work desks with charging ports. This is where waiting travelers spend most of their time, whether that’s getting some last-minute work done, sipping on some beer from the gift shop, or just putting their feet up and relaxing. There is also a public piano, if you feel like providing some background music for your fellow travelers.

Note: There is free Wi-Fi available in the airport.

Nanki-Shirahama Airport FAQs

Does Wakayama have an airport?

Yes — Nanki-Shirahama Airport is Wakayama’s only airport. It is located in Shirahama Town, around 1 hour 20 minutes from Wakayama City by limited-express train. We wouldn’t recommend flying to this airport if you want to visit the city itself — Kansai International Airport is the better option in that case.

What airlines fly to Nanki-Shirahama Airport?

Only JAL flies to Nanki-Shirahama Airport. One-way flights start from around ¥12,370 for an economy seat, and fares vary by season. The flight departs from Haneda’s Terminal 1.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.