Oita Airport is one of the most family-friendly airports in Japan, thanks to its compact size and simple layout.
I used the airport with my 2-year-old child while seeing my husband off on a business trip, and compared to large airports like Haneda, Fukuoka, or Itami, the difference was clear: the physical and mental burden is dramatically lower.
For parents traveling with young children, this “just right” size makes all the difference.
- 1. Why Oita Airport Works Well for Families with Young Children
- 2. Carefully Selected Oita Souvenirs
- 3. Stroller-Friendly Airport
- 4. Observation Deck: A Favorite Spot for a 2-Year-Old
- 5. Access and Parking: Practical Details for Families
- 6. Dining Options: Enjoy Local Food While Watching Airplanes
- 7. Rental Wi-Fi Available
- 8. Conclusion
1. Why Oita Airport Works Well for Families with Young Children
Short Walking Distances
At Oita Airport, the distance from the departure lobby to security and boarding gates is very short.
Even with a stroller or a toddler, you won’t feel exhausted before reaching the gate.
The common problem at large airports — “we’re already tired before boarding” — almost never happens here.
Well-Equipped for Babies and Toddlers
- Baby room
- Changing tables
- Spacious restrooms
- Elevators and slopes for strollers
Moving around with a small child is smooth and stress-free.
2. Carefully Selected Oita Souvenirs
The shopping area on the second floor covers most of Oita’s essential local souvenirs, including:
- Mitsu-Imo sweets (seasonal sweet potato desserts)
- Zabieru, a classic Oita confection
- Yuzu kosho (citrus chili paste)
- Oita barley shochu such as Kanpachi, Iichiko, and Nikaido
One surprise was finding Kanpachi shochu, which was once difficult to obtain even for local residents. Seeing it available at the airport was unexpected.
3. Stroller-Friendly Airport
The terminal has very few steps, and elevators are easy to find.
Even if your child falls asleep in the stroller, you can move through the airport without worry.
This thoughtful design makes a huge difference when traveling with toddlers.
4. Observation Deck: A Favorite Spot for a 2-Year-Old
The rooftop observation deck is pure entertainment for young children.
- Airplanes can be seen up close
- Engine sounds feel exciting and real
- Plenty of space for waving goodbye
For toddlers, this is often the highlight of the airport.
5. Access and Parking: Practical Details for Families
Oita Airport’s parking and access are especially convenient for families with young children.
- By car:
- About 60 minutes from Oita City
- About 35 minutes from Beppu
- Parking:
- Over 800 spaces (P1, P2, etc.)
- I have used the parking many times and have never experienced it being full
- Family-friendly benefits:
- The first 30 minutes are free, perfect for short drop-offs
- P1 parking is directly connected to the terminal, meaning you can reach the airport without getting wet on rainy days — a huge advantage when traveling with a toddler
- Airport Limousine Bus (Airliner):
- About 60 minutes from Oita Station
- Smooth boarding even when traveling with a stroller
6. Dining Options: Enjoy Local Food While Watching Airplanes
Skyline Restaurant
At the restaurant Skyline, you can enjoy local dishes such as Toriten Teishoku (Oita’s famous chicken tempura set meal).
Seats by the window offer panoramic views of airplanes taking off and landing.
For children who love vehicles, this turns waiting time into an enjoyable experience.
Quick & Easy Meal Options
If you’re short on time:
- Buy rice balls or snacks at the convenience store on the first floor
- If the weather is nice, enjoy a picnic-style meal on the observation deck
On our last trip, we bought snacks at the convenience store and ate them calmly during the flight.
For families with small children, this is often the most time-efficient and stress-free option.
7. Rental Wi-Fi Available
Useful for international visitors and remote workers.
8. Conclusion
Oita Airport is a rare example of a truly stress-free airport for parents with young children.
From the short walking distances and reliable parking to the child-friendly observation deck, everything is designed to reduce fatigue.
From P1 parking, you can reach the terminal in under five minutes, and the compact layout allows you to see almost the entire departure area at a glance.
That said, unlike large airports such as Haneda, Fukuoka, or Itami, Oita Airport is not an airport for exploration.
If you arrive too early, you may run out of things to do.
For that reason, bringing a favorite book or small toy for your child is highly recommended.
For families traveling with toddlers, Oita Airport truly offers a calm and comfortable start to the journey.
