Kochi Ryoma Airport to Kochi City in Japan: Easy Transport Options to City Center

Hello, everyone!

Welcome to a special place in Japan. Kochi is known for its stunning nature and unique culture, making it a must-visit destination. Most travelers to Kochi will likely start their journey at either Kochi Ryoma Airport or JR Kochi Station. In this article, we’re focusing primarily on Kochi Ryoma Airport, as it’s a common choice for many visitors. We’ll provide detailed information on how to smoothly transition from the airport to the center of Kochi city, ensuring your adventure in this charming region begins without a hitch!

About Kochi Ryoma Airport

Kochi Ryoma Airport, located in Nankoku City, is almost 20 km from the central part of Kochi City. Its small size is complemented by excellent accessibility. It is directly connected to major highways, ensuring a convenient and quick journey to and from the city center.

<Kochi Airpot >

Transportation to City Center

There are 2 options for traveling to the city center:

Airport Bus:

The Airport Bus service is operated by two companies: Tosaden Kotsu and Kochi Ekimae Kanko. The buses are scheduled according to flight arrivals, so you won’t have to wait long. The fare is affordable at 900 yen for adults and 450 yen for children. With free luggage storage in the trunk room, handling large suitcases is hassle-free. All buses stop at convenient locations like Harimayabashi and Kochi Station, close to various tourist spots and hotels.

Detail info

• TimeTable

For the timetable, please refer to the links below

English: https://www.kochiap.co.jp/en/access/

Mandarin: https://www.kochiap.co.jp/tw/

• BUSSTOP(all bus stop all busstops):

Kochi Ryoma Airtport – Chiyori cho – Hoei cho – Saenba – Hramayabashi Kanko Bus Terminal – Kita Harimayabashi – Hasuikemachidori – Kochi Bashi – Kochi Ekimae –  Kochi Station

• Fare

Please note: You should purchase a round-trip ticket in advance before boarding the outbound journey.

• Payment Method: Acceptable payments are either cash or PayPay.

Notice: Credit cards are not accepted. If you need cash, please use the ATM available in the terminal building.

How to get on the Airport Bus?

I will guide you through the entire process of boarding a bus, accompanied by photographs, to ensure a smooth journey until you reach the city center of Kochi.

When you first get off the airplane, you’ll need to collect your checked luggage at baggage claim. After leaving the arrival gate, you’ll find yourself in the arrival hall of the airport.

1. At the baggage claim, the exit is right in front of you.

2. Find the exit leading outside.

3. Go straight and turn left, then you will find the bus stops.

The bus ticket counter and bus stop are located outside the airport. To reach them, exit through the doors in front of the arrival exit, turn left, and walk a short distance(almost  a hundred meters). You’ll see a spot similar to the one in the picture.

This is where you can purchase your bus tickets. The ticket is only sold by the vending machine.

Using the ticket machine is straightforward. Simply insert cash and press the button to select your ticket. select number of the ticket you want to buy any select ticket.

The bus typically arrives about 10 minutes before its scheduled departure time. Look for a bus stop in front of ticket machine.(You can check  the time schedule from the links above)

After the bus arrives and the driver steps out, each passenger takes a turn to inform the driver of their destination. If you have luggage to store, remember to inform the driver.

Board the bus and take any available seat, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The bus ride to the city center takes about 30 minutes. If you need to get off at a stop before the final destination, which is Kochi Station, listen for announcements about upcoming stops. Press the buzzer to let the driver know you want to get off at the next stop.

<Announcements are also available in English>

When the bus stops and the door opens, it’s your time to get off the bus.
Remember to collect your luggage from the bus’s trunk room before you get off。

Second Option: Taxi

Taking a taxi is the easiest way to travel to city hotels or tourist destinations.It takes you directly to destinations like hotels or tourist spots without the need to follow timetables. This freedom to move at your own pace is a major benefit, especially for travelers seeking convenience.

Summary of Standard Taxi Services:

Capacity: up to 4 passengers (excluding the driver).

Price: Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 JPY for any destination within Kochi city center.

Duration: Travel time ranges from 30 to 40 minutes to reach the city center.

Note: Please be aware that fares may vary depending on traffic conditions.

How to ride a Taxi to Kochi city central

Finding a Taxi:

Upon arrival, head to the taxi stand. The location can be found on a map.

As you exit through the doors in front of you, you’ll see several taxis parked nearby. It’s important to note that most taxi drivers in Kochi may not speak English. Therefore, it might be better to show your destination on Google Maps or another navigation app.

Laggage:

If you have luggage, the driver can store it in the trunk.

Payment:
Payment is made at the end of your trip. While all taxis accept cash, the acceptance of credit cards varies by company. Sometimes, even if a taxi has a credit card machine, it might be out of order, so it’s better to confirm with the driver beforehand if you plan to use a card.
Remember, tipping is not a common practice in Japan.

After arriving at your destination:

After reaching your destination, simply disembark and collect your luggage from the trunk.

Additional Tips for Taking a Taxi in Japan:

• Have your destination address written in Japanese, as this can help overcome any language barriers.
• Most Japanese taxis have automatic doors controlled by the driver, so there’s no need to open or close the door yourself.
• It’s helpful to have smaller denominations of cash for payment, as drivers may not always have change for large bills.