Ibaraki Airport (IBR) is a small airport located in the city of Omitama, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Despite its size, it offers a unique experience for travelers who want to explore Japan’s hidden gems. Here are some of the highlights of Ibaraki Airport:
– Convenient location: Ibaraki Airport is located just 85 kilometers northeast of Tokyo, making it an ideal gateway to explore the Kanto region.
– Low-cost carriers: The airport is served by low-cost carriers such as Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.
– Easy access to tourist destinations: Ibaraki Airport is located near popular tourist destinations such as Mount Tsukuba, Hitachi Seaside Park, and the Kairakuen Garden.
– Cultural experiences: The airport offers cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and traditional Japanese drum performances.
Ibaraki Airport was originally built in 1937 as a military airfield. After World War II, it was used by the US military until 1979. In 1987, the airport was opened to civilian use and underwent major renovations to accommodate commercial flights. Today, Ibaraki Airport serves as a hub for low-cost carriers and general aviation.
Despite its small size, Ibaraki Airport has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The airport staff is friendly and helpful, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. The airport also offers a variety of amenities such as restaurants, souvenir shops, and a duty-free store.
Ibaraki Prefecture is known for its rich cultural heritage, and the airport offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Japanese culture. The airport hosts regular cultural events such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops, and traditional Japanese drum performances. Visitors can also try on a kimono and take photos in a traditional Japanese setting.
Ibaraki Airport is easily accessible by train and bus. The nearest train station is Omitama Station, which is served by the JR Joban Line and the Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai-Kashima Line. From Omitama Station, visitors can take a bus to the airport, which takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi from the station, which takes about 10 minutes.
Ibaraki Prefecture is home to many beautiful and unique tourist destinations. Here are some of the nearby places to visit:
– Mount Tsukuba: A popular hiking destination with stunning views of the surrounding area.
– Hitachi Seaside Park: A park known for its beautiful flowers and seasonal events.
– Kairakuen Garden: A traditional Japanese garden with over 3,000 plum trees.
– Kashima Jingu Shrine: A Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of martial arts.
– Oarai Isosaki Shrine: A Shinto shrine located on a scenic peninsula.
For travelers who arrive at Ibaraki Airport late at night or early in the morning, there are several nearby spots that are open 24/7:
– Convenience stores: There are several convenience stores located near Omitama Station, including Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven.
– Restaurants: There are several restaurants located near Omitama Station that are open 24/7, including Matsuya, Yoshinoya, and Sukiya.
– Karaoke: There are several karaoke establishments located near Omitama Station that are open 24/7, including Big Echo and Karaokekan.
Ibaraki Airport may be small, but it offers a unique experience for travelers who want to explore Japan’s hidden gems. With its convenient location, low-cost carriers, and easy access to tourist destinations, Ibaraki Airport is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The airport’s welcoming atmosphere and cultural experiences make it a great introduction to the rich culture of Ibaraki Prefecture.