Miyako Shimojishima Airport｜LCCs, Direct Flights & the Charm of the New Airport: Complete Guide

Opened on Shimoji Island in 2019, Miyako Shimojishima Airport (SHI) is the Miyako Islands’ new gateway. Direct LCC flights are central, and centered on services from Tokyo (Narita) and Naha, it’s rapidly rising in popularity as a starting point for affordable Miyako trips. The airport itself is also a talked-about sightseeing spot.

In this article, we comprehensively cover everything first-time visitors want to know about Miyako Shimojishima Airport — from LCC routes, direct flights, the difference from Miyako Airport, access, and nearby sightseeing. We’ll also introduce points for a Miyako trip making use of the new airport.

Basic Information on Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Item	Details
Location	Shimojishima, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Airport code	SHI
Runway	3,000 m
Opened	March 30, 2019
Distance from downtown	About 30 min by car (via Irabu Bridge)
Nickname	‘Miyako Shimojishima Airport’ (former name: Shimojishima Airport)

Why Miyako Shimojishima Airport Is Called a ‘New Airport’

A New Airport Opened in 2019

Miyako Shimojishima Airport is a new airport that began passenger service on March 30, 2019. The old Shimojishima Airport opened in 1979 as a pilot-training airport, but had no passenger flights for a long time.

An LCC-Centered Route Network

Miyako Shimojishima Airport operates as an LCC-only terminal. Centered on low-cost carriers such as Jetstar Japan and Skymark, it can greatly reduce the cost of a Miyako trip.

Beautiful Terminal Architecture

The terminal of Miyako Shimojishima Airport is beautiful architecture that makes ample use of wood. With a design in harmony with Okinawan nature, the airport itself has become a talked-about sightseeing spot.

Routes Served by Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Origin	Flight time	Airline
Tokyo (Narita)	About 3 hours	Jetstar Japan
Tokyo (Haneda)	About 3 hours	Skymark
Osaka (Kansai)	About 2 h 40 m	Jetstar Japan
Naha	About 45 min	Skymark, others
Seasonal flights	Various	Various carriers

*Routes, frequencies and operating carriers vary by season. Please check the latest information on each airline’s and the airport’s official websites.

Miyako Shimojishima Airport vs. Miyako Airport

Item	Shimojishima Airport	Miyako Airport
Location	Shimoji Island (via Irabu Bridge)	Miyako main island
Distance from downtown	About 30 min by car	About 10 min by car
Main airlines	LCC-focused	JAL, ANA, Skymark
Price range	Budget	Standard to higher
Number of routes	Fewer	Many
Facilities	Simple	Extensive

A guide for choosing: ‘Miyako Shimojishima Airport if you prioritize price; Miyako Airport for route count and convenience.’

Miyako Shimojishima Airport Facilities

A Simple Terminal

Compared to Miyako Airport, Miyako Shimojishima Airport’s terminal is compact and simple. With an efficient LCC-oriented design, it has the basic functions of souvenir shops, restaurants and rental-car counters.

Souvenir Shops

Standard souvenirs are available, but the selection is wider at Miyako Airport. Buying them in town beforehand is also recommended.

Restaurants / Cafés

Simple cafés and light meals are available. It’s standard to have a proper meal in town before heading to the airport.

Rental-Car Desk

There are rental-car company counters in the arrivals lobby. Booking in advance lets you start sightseeing smoothly.

Access from Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Means of Travel to Downtown

Means	Time needed	Approx. fare
Local bus	About 40–50 min	Adult 900–1,200 yen
Taxi	About 30 min	5,000–7,000 yen
Rental car	About 30 min	Rental fee separate
Hotel shuttle	Mostly requires advance booking	May be paid

*The “Miyako Shimojishima Airport Liner” runs between Shimojishima Airport and Miyako Airport, stopping en route at Hilton Miyakojima, in front of Hirara Port Matida, the public market, Kitasho-mae and others (frequency is limited).

Access via Irabu Bridge

To get from Miyako Shimojishima Airport to downtown, you need to cross Irabu Bridge. Just crossing the bridge gives a sightseeing mood — a route where the journey itself is enjoyable.

Renting a Car Is Recommended

Since downtown is some distance away, using a rental car is by far the most convenient. Book in advance via our rental car comparison article.

Sightseeing Spots Around Miyako Shimojishima Airport

17 End

On the extension of the airport’s Runway 17, 17 End is a world-class stunning spot. Easy to reach from the airport on foot or by car.

Toori-ike Pond

Shimoji Island’s landmark Toori-ike Pond is also nearby, where you can enjoy strolling around the mysterious ponds.

Nakanoshima Beach

Nakanoshima Beach is also great for snorkeling.

Irabu Island’s Stunning Views

Toguchi-no-Hama and Sawada-no-Hama and other stunning views of Irabu Island are also easy to reach.

Model Arrival/Departure Courses Using Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Arrival-Day Course (Afternoon Flight)

1. 14:00 Arrive at Miyako Shimojishima Airport
2. 14:30 Rental-car check-in
3. 15:00 Photograph the stunning views at 17 End
4. 16:00 Cross Irabu Bridge to downtown
5. 17:00 Hotel check-in
6. 18:00 Sunset viewing and dinner

Departure-Day Course (Afternoon Flight)

1. 10:00 Hotel check-out
2. 10:30 Downtown sightseeing and souvenir shopping
3. 12:00 Lunch
4. 13:00 Cross Irabu Bridge to the airport
5. 13:30 Refuel & return rental car
6. 14:00 Arrive at airport, check in
7. 16:00 Departure

*At Shimojishima Airport, departure flights cluster in the 14:00–16:00 range, and the security checkpoint can get crowded. Head to the airport with time to spare.

Photogenic Photo Points at Miyako Shimojishima Airport

The Wood-Accented Terminal

Miyako Shimojishima Airport’s terminal with ample wood makes a photogenic shot. Express its architectural beauty with a wide-angle lens.

Runway and Sea

The stunning view of the airport’s runway and emerald-green sea is a photo experience unique to the Miyako Islands.

Airport Panorama from 17 End

17 End lets you photograph the whole airport combined with the sea. It’s a world-class stunning view.

Frequently Asked Questions About Miyako Shimojishima Airport (FAQ)

Where is Miyako Shimojishima Airport?

Shimojishima, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa. About 30 minutes by car from downtown (via Irabu Bridge).

Is it an LCC-only airport?

Mainly LCCs such as Jetstar Japan and Skymark serve it. Popular with budget-minded travelers.

Which is better, this or Miyako Airport?

For price, Miyako Shimojishima Airport; for convenience, Miyako Airport. Choose by your flight’s airline.

How long does it take to downtown?

About 30 minutes by rental car. On the route crossing Irabu Bridge, the journey itself becomes sightseeing.

Can you rent a car at the airport?

Yes — there are rental-car company counters in the arrivals lobby. Advance booking is recommended.

Is the local bus convenient?

Service to downtown is limited, so a rental car is by far the most convenient.

Can you buy souvenirs at the airport?

Yes — standard souvenirs are available, but the selection is wider at Miyako Airport or Shima-no-Eki Miyako. Buying in advance is also recommended.

How do you choose a rental-car company?

Choose by price, coverage and reviews. A company serving both airports is recommended. Please also refer to our rental car comparison article.

Summary｜Miyako Shimojishima Airport Is a New Option for a Miyako Trip

Miyako Shimojishima Airport is a new gateway to the Miyako Islands, opened in 2019. With its LCC-centered routes, it’s a welcome airport that greatly cuts the cost of a Miyako trip.17 End and Toori-ike Pond and other stunning Shimoji Island spots are also superbly accessible.

With its beautiful wood-accented terminal, the airport itself is a sightseeing spot.Irabu Bridge — the access crossing it can also be enjoyed as part of Miyako sightseeing.A rental car — book in advance and get your trip off to a smooth start.