The Most Popular Airport in Japan: Revealing the Top Choice for Travelers

Choose the airport you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 8, 2023 06:53)
Welcome to StrawPoll, your ultimate destination for discovering the most popular airports in the Land of the Rising Sun! Japan is home to a plethora of world-class airports, each offering a unique blend of efficiency, convenience, and cutting-edge amenities. But which one truly stands out in the eyes of travelers? That's where you come in! Join thousands of other aviation enthusiasts in voting for your favorite Japanese airport or suggest one that's missing from our list. Your opinion matters, and together we'll determine the crème de la crème of Japanese air travel. So buckle up, prepare for takeoff, and help us rank the best of Japan's airports! Let the voting begin!

What Is the Most Popular Airport in Japan?

  1. 1
    93
    votes
    Tokyo Haneda Airport
    MaedaAkihiko · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Tokyo Haneda Airport is located in the heart of Tokyo, Haneda airport is the busiest airport in Japan, serving over 85 million passengers in 2019. It has been consistently ranked as one of the world's best airports for its cleanliness, efficiency, and convenience.
    Description
    Tokyo Haneda Airport is a modern and stunning airport located in Tokyo, Japan. It is known for its exceptional design and functionality, offering a seamless travel experience to its passengers. The airport has a sleek and contemporary architectural style, incorporating traditional Japanese elements for a unique and captivating atmosphere.
    • Location: Ōta, Tokyo, Japan
    • Terminals: Three terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal IAT)
    • Annual Passengers: Over 87 million (as of 2019)
    • Runways: Four runways
    • International Flights: Direct flights to numerous cities worldwide
    Tokyo Haneda Airport in other rankings
  2. 2
    31
    votes
    Tokyo Narita Airport
    momokkey · Public domain
    Tokyo Narita Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, Narita airport is the second-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 40 million passengers in 2019. It is the main international gateway to Japan, connecting travelers to over 100 destinations worldwide.
    Description
    Tokyo Narita Airport is one of the busiest and most important airports in Japan, serving the Greater Tokyo Area. It is located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, approximately 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo. The airport serves as a major international gateway for Japan, accommodating a large number of domestic and international flights.
    • IATA Code: NRT
    • ICAO Code: RJAA
    • Year Opened: 1978
    • Terminal Count: 3
    • Runways: 2
  3. 3
    22
    votes

    Kansai International Airport

    The Kansai Airports company
    Kansai International Airport is located in Osaka Bay, Kansai airport is the third-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 28 million passengers in 2019. It is known for its unique design and engineering, as it was built on an artificial island in the middle of the bay.
    Description
    Kansai International Airport is a major international airport located on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay, near Osaka, Japan. It is often referred to as KIX. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines and handles a large volume of domestic and international flights. It is known for its iconic terminal building and efficient operations.
    • Location: Osaka Bay, Japan
    • Artificial Island: Yes
    • Terminal: 1
    • Annual Passengers: 25 million
    • Runways: 2
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    Chubu Centrair International Airport - located in Aichi Prefecture, Centrair airport is the fourth-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 12 million passengers in 2019. It is known for its modern architecture and facilities, as well as its location on an artificial island in Ise Bay.
    Description
    Chubu Centrair International Airport is a major international airport in Japan located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, near Nagoya city. It is one of the busiest airports in the country and serves as a gateway to the Chubu region of Japan. The airport is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations, providing a pleasant travel experience for passengers.
    • Location: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
    • Opened: February 17, 2005
    • Size: Approximately 1,180 hectares
    • Terminal Buildings: Two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
    • Runways: Two parallel runways: 3,500 meters and 3,000 meters in length
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    Fukuoka Airport
    Muyo · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Fukuoka Airport is located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka airport is the fifth-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 23 million passengers in 2019. It is known for its proximity to downtown Fukuoka and its easy access to other parts of Kyushu.
    Description
    Fukuoka Airport is an international airport located in Fukuoka, Japan. It serves as one of the busiest airports in the country, connecting Fukuoka City and the Kyushu region to domestic and international destinations.
    • Location: Fukuoka, Japan
    • Runways: 2
    • Passenger Terminals: 2
    • Annual Passengers: over 23 million
    • Airlines Served: over 30
  6. 6
    12
    votes

    Osaka International Airport

    Japanese Ministry of Transport
    Osaka International Airport is also known as Itami airport, Osaka airport is the sixth-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 17 million passengers in 2019. It is primarily a domestic airport, serving flights to and from other parts of Japan.
    Description
    Osaka International Airport, also known as Itami Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Japan. It serves as a major transportation hub for the Kansai region, which includes the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. The airport primarily handles domestic flights within Japan, with limited international service. It has a strong focus on efficiency, convenience, and passenger comfort.
    • Location: Itami, Hyogo, Japan
    • IATA code: ITM
    • ICAO code: RJOO
    • Opened: 1939
    • Terminal buildings: 2
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    New Chitose Airport
    663highland · CC BY 2.5
    New Chitose Airport - located in Hokkaido, New Chitose airport is the seventh-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 23 million passengers in 2019. It is the main airport in Hokkaido, connecting travelers to other parts of Japan and international destinations.
    Description
    New Chitose Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Hokkaido, Japan. It is located in Chitose City, about 48 kilometers south-southeast of Sapporo. The airport acts as a major gateway to the island, serving both domestic and international flights.
    • Location: Chitose City, Hokkaido, Japan
    • Distance from Sapporo: Approximately 48 kilometers
    • Type: Public
    • Opened: July 4, 1991
    • Terminal Count: 2 (Domestic and International)
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Hiroshima Airport
    nattou · Public domain

    Hiroshima Airport

    Hiroshima Prefecture
    Hiroshima Airport is located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima airport is the eighth-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 2 million passengers in 2019. It is known for its convenient location and easy access to Hiroshima city and other parts of the Chugoku region.
    Description
    Hiroshima Airport, also known as Hiroshima Prefecture Airport, is a major airport located in Mihara, Hiroshima, Japan. It serves as the primary gateway for travelers visiting Hiroshima and the nearby regions. The airport offers domestic and international flights, connecting Hiroshima to various destinations around the world.
    • Location: Mihara, Hiroshima, Japan
    • Airport Code: HIJ
    • Year of Establishment: 1993
    • Terminal Capacity: 2.3 million passengers annually
    • Runways: 1
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Sendai Airport
    663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Sendai Airport

    Sendai Airport Authority
    Sendai Airport - located in Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai airport is the ninth-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 2 million passengers in 2019. It is known for its modern facilities and convenient location, connecting travelers to other parts of Tohoku and Japan.
    Description
    Sendai Airport is a major international airport located in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It serves as the main gateway to the Tohoku region and is one of the busiest airports in Japan outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area. The airport was opened in 1994 and has since become an important transportation hub for domestic and international flights.
    • Location: Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
    • Year of opening: 1994
    • Airport type: Public
    • International flights: Yes
    • Domestic flights: Yes
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    Naha Airport

    Okinawa Prefecture Government
    Naha Airport is located in Okinawa, Naha airport is the tenth-busiest airport in Japan, serving over 20 million passengers in 2019. It is the main airport in Okinawa, connecting travelers to other parts of Japan and international destinations.
    Description
    Naha Airport is a major international airport located in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. It serves as a gateway to the Okinawa Prefecture and is one of the busiest airports in Japan.
    • Location: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
    • Type: Public
    • Opened: 1979
    • Terminal Buildings: 2
    • Runways: 2

Missing your favorite airport?

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Ranking factors for popular airport

  1. Passenger traffic
    The total number of passengers passing through the airport annually is a critical factor in determining its popularity. The more passengers the airport serves, the more popular it is likely to be.
  2. Flight frequency
    The number of flights (domestic and international) taking off and landing at the airport can indicate its popularity. A higher frequency of flights generally means that the airport is more popular and in demand.
  3. On-time performance
    The efficiency of an airport in terms of flight punctuality can also be a crucial factor in ranking its popularity. Passengers prefer airports with a strong track record of on-time departures and arrivals.
  4. Passenger satisfaction
    Factors like cleanliness, ease of navigation, safety and security measures, quality of passenger amenities, and overall customer service play a significant role in determining an airport's popularity.
  5. Awards and recognition
    Accolades received from industry stakeholders like airlines, government bodies, and travel groups can also be used to measure an airport's popularity.
  6. Cargo traffic
    Although not directly related to passenger experience, the volume of freight handled by the airport can indicate its importance in the global transportation network, and thus, its overall popularity.
  7. Economic impact
    The airport's contributions towards local and national tourism, job creation, and overall economic development can also impact its popularity.
  8. Environmental sustainability
    As environmental concerns become more prominent, airports that prioritize sustainability measures may be viewed more favorably and could be considered more popular.
  9. Social media presence and reviews
    User-generated content, such as reviews and social media posts, can provide valuable insights into an airport's popularity. Positive feedback and high follower counts can indicate a more popular airport.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular airport in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or airport is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2061 views
  • 218 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each airport once every 24 hours. The rank of each airport is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular airport in japan

Japan is a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers, with numerous airports serving the country. However, when it comes to the most popular airport in Japan, one name stands out: Tokyo Haneda Airport. Located in the heart of Tokyo, Haneda Airport is renowned for its efficiency, convenience, and excellent facilities. In recent years, it has undergone a major expansion, with the addition of a new international terminal and numerous shops, restaurants, and lounges. As a result, Haneda has become a favorite among travelers, both domestic and international, who appreciate its modern amenities, easy access to the city, and excellent customer service. Despite competition from other airports in Japan, Haneda remains the top choice for many travelers, and is sure to continue to be an important hub for years to come.

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