5 Largest Airports in Japan

Japan is known as one of the most unique and beautiful travel destinations in the world. The country offers scenic landscapes, delicious food, a captivating culture, and historical landmarks. From cherry blossoms to sandy beaches to sacred shrines and temples to the ultramodern city of Tokyo, Japan has been captivating tourists for centuries. Most people flying to Japan head to one of Tokyo’s two international airports first. However, those aren’t the only large airports in the country. Read on to discover the top five largest airports in Japan.

#1 Haneda Airport — Tokyo

At 3,761 acres (1,522 hectares,) Japan’s largest airport is smaller than any of the top ten largest airports in the United States. For comparison, the largest airport by land area in the U.S. is the Denver International Airport, at 33,531 acres. This is nearly nine times the size of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Although Haneda may not have the physical size of other mega airports, it’s the fifth busiest airport in the world, and it somehow manages to be one of the most punctual mega airports in the world.

Travelers say Haneda Airport doesn’t feel rushed or crowded, despite the high amount of passenger traffic due to its design and efficiency. Dining is another highlight at the Haneda Airport. Some of Tokyo’s most popular ramen bars can be found here. For other traditional Japanese foods, the Edo Market in Terminal 3 offers a variety of dishes such as hot pots, sushi, breads, and rice balls.

If you need fresh air while you’re waiting on your flight, head to the large open-air observation deck where travelers can watch planes take off and land. There is even a hotel within the airport where you can spend the night, or just take a break during the day.

#2 Narita International Airport — Tokyo

Japan’s second largest airport by land area is the other major airport in Tokyo, the Narita International Airport. It’s slightly smaller than Haneda at 2,960 acres (1,198 hectares.) Narita Airport is also located a bit further outside of Tokyo than Haneda. However, there are plenty of public transportation options to get travelers into Tokyo.

The Narita Airport offers dining options from popular Tokyo restaurants serving traditional Japanese foods such as sushi, sashimi, udon, and ramen. However, there is also Western-style dining to choose from including cafes, sandwich shops, and pasta. Another highlight of the airport is the showers and nap rooms.

#3 Kansai International Airport — Osaka

Kansai International Airport in Osaka is the third largest airport in Japan at 2,607 acres (1,055 hectares). Opening in 1994, the Kansai Airport is said to be an architectural and engineering marvel, built over two artificial islands in Osaka Bay. However, the airport is sinking at a frightening pace and has already sunk 38 feet since it was built.

The process of building the airport over water was extensive. Engineers had to drain water, construct a seawall, and transform the wet, spongy land into a dry foundation before construction could even begin. The overall cost was $20 billion, and today, experts are worried one day the airport will end up completely submerged in Osaka Bay.

#4 Chubu Centrair International Airport — Nagoya

Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya connects travelers to the Chubu region of Japan. Opened in 2005, the airport is the fourth largest by land area in Japan at 1,161 acres (470 hectares). Built on an artificial island, Centrair Airport is not experiencing the current troubles that the Kansai Airport is.

Centrair Airport offers shopping, dining, an observation deck, and even a public bath with views of the airplanes taking off and landing. Travelers can also take a break with a capsule hotel, which offers flexible check-in and check-out times.

#5 Fukuoka Airport — Fukuoka

Last on our list, the Fukuoka Airport has an area of 877 acres (355 hectares). Located in the seaport city of Fukuoka, it’s situated on Kyushu, one of Japan’s main islands. The airport offers a food court with plenty of traditional Japanese dishes. There is even a “ramen runway” offering many options from various popular Japanese ramen restaurants. Additionally, there are curry restaurants, sweet shops, and plenty of coffee shops.

Summary of the 5 Largest Airports in Japan

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