Konnichiwa, traveler! Planning a Kumamoto adventure? You'll likely arrive at the newly renovated Aso Kumamoto Airport. Whether you're arriving, departing, or even a local, this updated facility has something for everyone.

First off, the new terminal building is a breath of fresh air. Having opened in stages starting March 2023, it's a significant upgrade from the previous facility, which was damaged in the 2016 earthquakes. The modern design immediately gives you the sense that Kumamoto is a region on the rise, blending its rich history with a forward-thinking approach. Look closely at the wooden structure – much of it was harvested locally, used in the Tokyo Olympic Village, and then repurposed here, bearing the Olympic logo.

For those arriving with rumbling stomachs, the airport boasts a great selection of dining options, both before and after security screening. While I was eager to sample the local Kumamoto cuisine, I appreciated the variety available, including some familiar favorites for those who might be craving a taste of home.

Now, let's talk about getting out of the airport and into Kumamoto proper. The airport is conveniently located about 20km east of Kumamoto City, and there are several ways to reach your destination:

• Airport Limousine: The most popular option, these connect to major destinations in Kumamoto City and beyond. The trip to the city center takes about an hour and costs roughly ¥1,000. Find the bus stop and ticket machines just outside the terminal.
• Taxis: A quicker, though pricier, option (around ¥5,500 to the city center). Taxis queue outside the terminal.
• Rental Cars: For maximum flexibility, rent a car. Several companies have counters at the airport, located in the Sorayoka Visitor Center, past the Sorayoka Dining and Park areas.

When you’re getting ready to fly out of Aso Kumamoto, the most common transportation options are a bus or taxi. Buses are available from Kumamoto Station, Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, and other locations and take about an hour from downtown Kumamoto City. Taxis from downtown are a little quicker and will cost around ¥5,500. Trips may take longer during rush hour, so please leave yourself plenty of time when heading to the airport. There’s also more fun stuff to do at the airport than you may expect, so you’ll have plenty to do as you wait for your flight.

Despite its rather small footprint, there’s plenty to do at Kumamoto Airport. The duty-free shopping area of the international terminal features both world-class brands and local specialties and is great spot to shop as you await your flight. If even more shopping is what you desire, international travelers can also access the domestic side of the terminal, where there are shops offering local souvenirs, arcade machines (great for using your leftover yen!), a variety of dining options, and more. Just be aware that you need to be back on the international side an hour before your flight is scheduled to depart.

Fans of anime and Kumamon should definitely explore outside the terminal building. To the east, through the Sorayoka Dining area, you’ll find a large plaza called Sorayoka Park with a big Kumamon/Kumamoto statue that is great for taking pictures. The statue is placed so that if you time it just right, you can also get a departing airplane in your photo! One of the walls of Sorayoka Park is also decorated with a huge One Piece mural. There’s also a stairway to the observation deck overlooking the runway with a great view of the mountains of Aso.

Aso Kumamoto was renovated to act as an airport you can visit even if you don’t have a flight and, to that end, there are a couple interesting and unique things you probably won’t find at any other airport. An interesting example of this lies just past Sorayoka Park at the Sorayoka Visitor Center. Here you’ll find Outdoor Travelers, a car rental & camping gear rental service. You can rent an outdoor vehicle pre-packed with camping gear so right after you get off the plane, you can head to one of Kumamoto’s many campsites without having to worry about bringing your own gear.

There’s also a bicycle rental shop here called Sharinkan that is ready to outfit you with anything from e-bikes to high-end road bikes. Instead of lugging your bike onto a plane, rent one when you get to Kumamoto!

So on your next trip to Kumamoto, be sure to schedule some time after and before your flight to check out the new airport! Hope to see you soon in Kumamoto!