Ibaraki Airport – IBR Ibaraki

Ibaraki Airport (IBR) is a military and public airport operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). IBR-Ibaraki is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan and is the nearest fighter base to Tokyo. JASDF uses IBR as an airbase under the name Hyakuri Air Base. Meanwhile, civilian aviation only began in 2010. IbarakiAirport was formerly known as Hyakuri Airfield. This airport was intentionally built as a low-cost option to major and bigger airports in Japan particularly Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport. Hence, IBR was given a huge budget but eventually opened with only one flight daily. By 2014, there were a total of eight routes operating in Ibaraki IBR Airport which were all run by low-cost carriers.

Best Time to Visit

In 1937, the Imperial Japanese Navy started building the airport’s airfield. Unlike other local military bases, this airfield was never utilized by the US. However, the airport occasionally receives visitors from the US Navy. When World War II ended, the land was reclaimed by the farmers and the base was only reopened in 1956 when JASDF took over the land. In 2010, the airbase was converted to Ibaraki Airport which now offers international routes including Shanghai, Taiwan, and Vietnam. IBR mainly serves the cities of Narita, Namekawa, and Sanrizuka.

What to Do & Area Attractions

The best hotels in Ibaraki can be found a couple of miles from the airport. The Hotel Route-Inn Mitokenchomae is a 3-star hotel located 11 miles from IBR. The Hotel Sealuck Pal Mito is another excellent option for travelers. This 3-star hotel is only 11.7 miles from the airport.