Airport conquest series. I conquered Nanki-Shirahama Airport on the way back from business in Osaka. Highway bus from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe, local bus to Shirahama, one night, then the morning JAL flight to Haneda.
The full series index is here.
Route Design
Nanki-Shirahama Airport serves only JAL’s Haneda route. Flying from Haneda to Shirahama was an option, but I had business in Osaka, so I entered Shirahama overland from Osaka and flew out to Haneda the next morning.
For evening travel from Osaka toward Shirahama, the highway bus was more convenient than rail — direct and better timed.
Itinerary
Day 1: Osaka → Shirahama
Next Morning: Shirahama → Haneda
Osaka to Shirahama
Highway bus from the JR Highway Bus Terminal at Osaka Station to Kii-Tanabe via Meikō Bus. About three hours. Arrived at Tanabe Station slightly ahead of schedule.
Three options existed for getting from Tanabe to Shirahama. The 21:43 Limited Express Kuroshio 27 was fastest but required a surcharge. The 22:05 local train was cheap but slow. The 21:47 Meikō Bus Route 12 (Sandanbeki-bound) required no surcharge and arrived at Shirahama faster than the local train, so I chose it. Arrived at Shirahama Station at 22:10.
Shirahama Station to the Airport
No airport bus operates in the early morning, so I took a taxi. Shirahama is a tourist area, but public transport schedules assume a car-dependent society.
Nanki-Shirahama Airport
A compact airport with only JAL’s Haneda route. I took the morning flight back to Haneda.