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SHIZUOKA, Japan: After some delay, Japan's newest airport has opened in Shizuoka Prefecture, some 80 kilometres from Mount Fuji.
The Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport aims to serve as a gateway to the region.
Five airlines use the airport, and they have flights to six domestic and two international destinations – Shanghai and Seoul.
The mix of shops at the new Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport is a draw to both travellers and non-travellers alike, and some products have already been flying off the shelves.
One of the most popular products is bread. Motoo Naruoka, who works at the Shizutetsu Restaurant at the airport, said: "They come in at 10am. But in five minutes, they're gone. That's on weekdays.
"And our number two selling item here is (a souvenir) – an item for those who've come to tour around, proving they've come to Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport. They'll pass them to their families."
The airport shop claims to have the biggest variety of green tea in the area – a speciality of Shizuoka prefecture. The shop provides free tasting for visitors, who can then select which type of tea they like best.
Naruoka said: "Everyday, many customers visit. Not only customers who fly, there are those who are just paying a visit. And they visit our shop - our sales are 20 per cent higher than our initial estimates."
Among the facilities in the airport is a very interesting spot – a toilet for assistant dogs or guide dogs. The dog toilet is believed to be the only one of its kind in the whole of Japan.
The US$1.9 billion airport is built at the foothills of a vast tea-growing region. Concern over noise pollution and the airport's impact on the environment led to delays in construction.
The 20 years it took for the airport to finally materialise was not without problems. In a 2001 referendum, 270,000 opposed the opening of the new airport but the governor went ahead with it, amid rows with landowners.
The airport opened with its runway 300 metres shorter than the initially planned 2,500 metres, meaning it cannot accommodate jumbo jets.
The airport's opening was also delayed because of an oversight. In September last year, it was found that there were trees exceeding the aviation law's height limit. This cost Governor Yoshinobu Ishikawa the post he held for 16 years.
But since its opening on June 4, all that visitors have on their mind is the view, the food, and the shopping.
- CNA/yb
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