VisitOita.com — Japan’s one-and-only passenger hovercraft service officially launched on Saturday, offering a faster and more exciting way to travel between Oita Airport in Kunisaki and Oita City.
The hovercraft cuts the journey down to just 35 minutes, a significant improvement from the usual hour-long trip by road — making the airport more accessible than ever.
Hovercrafts are unique amphibious vehicles that glide over water by pushing out a cushion of air beneath them and propelling forward with powerful fans. This gives passengers a smooth, almost floating ride across the ocean.
Operated by Oita Daiichi Hoverdrive Co., the vessel can carry up to 80 passengers and currently runs four round trips daily. The company also plans to increase the frequency of trips over time.
Ticket prices are set at ¥2,000 for junior high school students and older, and ¥1,000 for children between the ages of 3 and elementary school.
The inaugural ride — which left Oita at 6:55 a.m. — attracted a wide range of passengers, including air travelers and transport enthusiasts eager to experience the hovercraft’s debut journey.
