Travel to and from Ibaraki Airport: A New Budget-Friendly Option for Visiting Japan

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
Traditionally, when people think of visiting Tokyo, Narita Airport or Haneda Airport are usually the go-to choices. In March 2016, Vietjet Air launched flights to Ibaraki Airport, becoming the first international airline to operate regular scheduled flights there, offering a new gateway to the Kanto region. Located about 90 kilometers from central Tokyo, Ibaraki Airport allows travelers to reach Tokyo Station for just 500 yen one way by bus with a boarding pass or e-ticket. Including the airport service fee, the total comes to only NT$145, which is significantly cheaper than Narita or Haneda Airports—making Ibaraki Airport a new budget-friendly option for backpackers and cost-conscious travelers.

Ibaraki Airport is relatively unknown to most people. Located in the North Kanto region, it was formerly the Hyakuri Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and only opened as a civilian airport in 2010. Compared to other airports, Ibaraki is much more compact. The entire process from disembarking, collecting luggage, to clearing customs can be completed in just 15 minutes. Buses to Tokyo take approximately 85 minutes. From Ibaraki, you can also visit famous attractions such as Kairaku-en Garden—one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens—coastal parks, Nachi Falls, and Hitachi Station.