Misawa Airport / Misawa Air Base (MSJ)

Misawa, JP 🇯🇵 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

RJSM

IATA

MSJ

Elevation

119 ft

Region

JP-02

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: RJSM

Local Code: Not available

Location: 40.703201° N, 141.367996° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

External Links

Public Transportation
Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Travelers at Misawa Airport / Misawa Air Base (RJSM (MSJ)) generally have a mixed but often positive experience, especially those who embrace the local culture and outdoor opportunities available in the region. While some find the airport's facilities somewhat limited, the overall sentiment is that it serves its purpose efficiently, particularly for base personnel and those looking to explore northern Japan.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Check-in: The check-in process at Misawa Airport is generally rated highly by travelers, indicating a smooth start to their journey.
  • Reasonable Security Wait Times: While not always instant, the security check process is often efficient, with an estimated wait time of around 31 minutes.
  • Free Parking: Both airport parking lots offer free parking, a significant convenience for travelers.
  • Accessibility for Base Personnel & Local Exploration: The airport is highly valued by Misawa Air Base members for its convenience. Many appreciate the opportunity to easily travel within Japan and explore the less-westernized, traditional Japanese culture, friendly people, and amazing local food.
  • Airport Shuttle Service: An airport shuttle service is available and is noted for waiting for delayed flights, ensuring connections are met.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Terminal Facilities and Amenities: Ratings for overall terminal facilities, food, and retail services are comparatively lower, suggesting a more basic offering than larger airports. The lounge facilities also receive a lower satisfaction score.
  • Immigration/Customs Experience: The immigration and customs process has a lower satisfaction rating, with an estimated wait time of 8 minutes, which may contribute to some traveler dissatisfaction.
  • Winter Weather: The northern location means very cold winters with significant snowfall, which can be a challenging adjustment for some.
  • Perception of Seclusion: Some travelers, particularly those expecting a more bustling urban environment, might find Misawa and its surroundings to be rural or "secluded" if they do not actively seek out off-base activities.
  • Temporary Parking Suspension: Long-term parking at Parking 1 is temporarily suspended due to construction, which could inconvenience some travelers.

Misawa Airport provides a functional gateway for both civilian and military travelers in the Aomori Prefecture. Its key strengths lie in its operational efficiency for core airport processes like check-in and security, coupled with the valuable amenity of free parking. While the terminal offers basic facilities, the airport serves as a practical hub for experiencing northern Japan, especially for those stationed at or visiting Misawa Air Base.

Generated True weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Misawa Airport / Misawa Air Base
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
2 62 2 Dec 6, 2025
1 11 1 Dec 6, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
10/28 10000 ft 150 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 120.7 MHz
ATIS ATIS 128.4 MHz
CLD CLNC DEL 118.65 MHz
DEP DEP 125.3 MHz
GND GND 118.65 MHz
MISC DRAUGHON RANGE CON 36.54 MHz
PMSV METRO 34.46 MHz
POST COMD POST 141.6 MHz
PTD PTD 131.45 MHz
TCA TCA 124.05 MHz
TWR TWR 125.3 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
MIS Misawa VORTAC 115400 kHz
MWE Tohoku VOR-DME 114900 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available at a stand located directly outside the airport terminal exit. Local companies provide metered service to Misawa city, Misawa Air Base, and surrounding areas. This is the most convenient option for direct travel but also the most expensive.

Rental Cars

Several major car rental companies have service counters inside the airport terminal building, including Toyota Rent-A-Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, and Times Car Rental. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for most foreign drivers.

Public Transportation

Airport shuttle buses are the main public transit option. The bus service, operated by Towada Kanko Dentetsu, connects Misawa Airport with key locations such as downtown Misawa, Misawa Station (Aoimori Railway Line), and Hachinohe Station (a major hub for the Tohoku Shinkansen). Bus schedules are typically aligned with flight arrivals and departures.

Nearby Airports

Aomori Airport
AOJ • RJSA
Aomori, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~57 km away
Odate Noshiro Airport
ONJ • RJSR
Kitaakita, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~102 km away
Hakodate Airport
HKD • RJCH
Hakodate, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~127 km away
Iwate Hanamaki Airport
HNA • RJSI
Hanamaki, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~143 km away
JMSDF Hachinohe Air Base / Hachinohe Airport
HHE • RJSH
Hachinohe, JP
Medium Airport
~19 km away
Aomori Airport
AOJ • RJSA
Aomori, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~57 km away
Odate Noshiro Airport
ONJ • RJSR
Kitaakita, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~102 km away
Hakodate Airport
HKD • RJCH
Hakodate, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~127 km away
Iwate Hanamaki Airport
HNA • RJSI
Hanamaki, JP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~143 km away
Kawayo Green Ranch Airport
JP-2079
Oirase, JP
Small Airport
~8 km away
JMSDF Ōminato Base
RJSO
Mutsu, JP
Small Airport
~62 km away
Arakawa Airstrip
JP-0602
Kosaka, JP
Small Airport
~65 km away
Hirosaki Fifteen Club Airstrip
JP-2073
Hirosaki, JP
Small Airport
~88 km away
Tashiro Nanohana Airfield
JP-1271
Odate, JP
Small Airport
~89 km away
Inazawa Auxiliary Microlight Airport
JP-0601
Daisen, JP
Small Airport
~146 km away
Yamatanigawa Auxiliary Airfield
JP-3069
Tono, JP
Small Airport
~149 km away
JASDF Camp Tohoku Town Sub Base Heliport
JP-2076
Tohoku, JP
Heliport
~18 km away
Aomori Senior Hospital Heliport
JP-1066
Hachinohe, JP
Heliport
~26 km away
Hachinohe Municipal Hospital Heliport
JP-2721
Hachinohe, JP
Heliport
~26 km away
Hachinohe Heliport
JP-1065
Hachinohe, JP
Heliport
~27 km away
Rokkasho Municipal Medical Center Heliport
JP-1064
Rokkasho, JP
Heliport
~30 km away
NHO Nanbucho Medical Center Heliport
JP-2206
Nanbu, JP
Heliport
~31 km away
Shimosotonosawa Heliport
JP-1170
Yokohama, JP
Heliport
~41 km away
Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital Heliport
JP-1169
Aomori, JP
Heliport
~50 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.