I had four consecutive days off of work, so I took the opportunity to do some domestic travel to visit three cities I’ve never been to before. This series will cover a four-flight sequence that will be slowly revealed:
I wanted to go to Got? (how many times can you say ‘to go to Got?’ fast?) as a daytrip from Nagasaki, but that proposed a couple of logistical problems since I had separately booked the tickets for parts 1, 2, and 4 with NH. I was going to take the jetfoil from Nagasaki to Got?, but returning by boat meant I still had an hour of tram/bus to get to Nagasaki Airport. So the obvious solution was to buy a one-way ticket with Oriental Air Bridge (ORC) from Got? to Nagasaki, which was only slightly more expensive than the cost of the jetfoil. Don’t ask me why, but this is a carrier I’ve really wanted to try and when life gives you the opportunity, you have to take it. (As an aside, Amakusa is the other obscure regional airline I want to fly with). Thus, I have the chance to share this first look into Oriental Air Bridge with the community.
A little background. Oriental Air Bridge is a fairly old airline, but it used to be called Nagasaki Airways. As you can guess, Nagasaki Airport is its primary hub from where it operates flights to four cities: Fukuoka (??), Got? (??), Iki (??), and Tsushima (??). They have a fleet of two Bombardier DHC8-200s that were both delivered in 2001 when the airline switched to its current name. It is now part of the NH Group and all of its flights are codeshared with NH.
Pre-flight:
After spending the day sightseeing on Fukue, I headed back to the Got? Ferry Terminal to catch the bus to the airport. The ferry terminal doubles as the bus terminal for the city. The bus timetable is clearly labeled and the buses run to match the departure times of the flights. There are 7 flights per day out of FUJ so there are 7 buses per day to the airport. Don’t miss your bus! Actually, it probably isn’t a big deal, a taxi ride is probably only ¥1200. The bus ride costs ¥300 and takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Since my flight was at 17:55, I took the 17:10 bus to the airport. The bus showed up on time and there was one other passenger.
The bus ride was actually quite nice and it took us on a highway that gave nice overlooks of the city as we made our way into the countryside where the airport is.
The bus dumped us in front of the airport. A pretty small building that looks kind of old and drab, but then again this a small city of 50,000 people that doesn’t generate a whole lot of tourism so it does the job.
Walking inside the Departures/Arrivals Hall (it was the same room, just had a baggage claim in one corner).
There is only one counter available since NH and OC are the only carriers that serve FUJ. I head to the ORC sign since this flight was booked with them. The two NH agents come over once they finish helping their customer. There is some slight confusion since the agent asks me if I’m staying in Nagasaki. I said “no” and show them the NH itinerary that has my continuing flight from NGS to NGO. She tries to merge the two tickets so that my bag will get checked all the way to NGO. They start making phone calls and I can tell this is getting out of control. So, I just tell them not to worry about it saying I will collect my bag in NGS and recheck it (I had a 1.5h layover so plenty of time). They look relieved and quickly finish my check-in for this flight only.
ORC boarding pass on NH cardstock.
I take the escalator upstairs, where there is the omiyage shop. The lady eyes me for taking the picture, so I quickly buy something for my coworkers out of guilt.
Walking out of the shop, there are some chairs on the left side (people waiting for passengers on the inbound aircraft) and the security line on the right side. I quickly go through security and end up in the quarantine room.
Everyone on my flight is just sitting there and there is no shortage of seating.
In the corner of the room is the actual gate. Great news! My flight is now delayed. We will now be departing at 18:05 and arriving at 18:35 due to a late-arriving inbound aircraft from Fukuoka.
The waiting room overlooks the “tarmac.” We have some ladders and some trucks sitting there.
This jetbridge looks really fancy with stained glass windows!
The other corner of the waiting room has a play area.
At 17:50, this beauty arrives. I missed the landing, but as soon as I heard the lawnmower sounds I ran to the window to get my picture.
As soon as the passengers are off the plane, they immediately call boarding. No priorities are called, they just call for general boarding. The NH ground agents scan the boarding passes and send us into this romantic stained glass jetbridge.
I’m not the only one excited to see this beauty, both guys in front of me stop to snap pictures with their phones before getting in. She really is beautiful. The ground crew give us a bow as we get in.
The FA is right there, front and center, and startles me with a “??????” and a big smile. She puts out a basket with oshibori in it. I give her a “?????, ” grab an oshibori, and head to my seat. My seatmate is already there so no seat photo and they were trying to get this plane on the road ASAP so no cabin shots. Settling in, seat pitch is good, but the curvature of the fuselage takes away some foot space.
Here is the aforementioned oshibori.
Our FA for this flight and a brief glimpse of the forward cabin. The plane is 33 seats, 7 rows of 2-2, and then the back row is 5 seats across. The lavatory is right behind where the FA is standing, if you really can’t hold it for a 20-minute flight.
A look out the window shows our powerplant for this flight.
Boarding is finished and the front door is closed, my seatmate takes the empty pair of seats across the aisle giving me some more space. The load for this flight will be around 85%. A look over at the emergency exit. You will notice all of these hand fans, they are located in the seatbacks and you are free to take them with you.
The FA makes a pass through the cabin to collect the oshibori, then she makes a second pass offering blankets. Who would turn down this nice emerald green fleece blanket?
The FA does the safety demonstration in Japanese only as we fire up the engines and start taxing towards the far end of the airport.
We turn onto the runway.
A look at our landing gear. The pilots hit the pedal and we are quickly bolting down the runway and are up in the air almost instantly.
Our rise up and over Fukue gives great views of the countryside on the island as we storm off towards the coast.
We enter the Got?-nada Sea just north of Got?. We can immediately see Yaneo Island (????) and Tatara Island (????) below us.
As we continue our trip east, we can see Kaba Island (??) in the distance. The island in the back that looks very Fuji-like is Tsubura Island (????)
The islands quick fade as we enter the deeper waters. I’ll show some parts of the hard product. Tray table, check. Basic overhead controls with reading light and vent, check.
The seats are fairly slim, but for a 20-minute flight, you really don’t notice any discomfort. Recline was a couple of inches and that was through the standard button in the armrest. My neighbors are all fast asleep so here is the side shot of the cabin. There isn’t any mood lighting; it just has the effect with the sunset through the window.
On to the seatback contents. There was the fan that I mentioned earlier, which immediately went into my backpack. There is this ORC service guide. On the front cover, it shows the route map. Also labeled “free,” so you know what that ended up as well. Inside is a two-page detailed regional map showing the exact routes the pilots take under normal conditions. On the back is the specifications of the Bombardier DHC8-200 we are on. They also mention the origin of the color scheme. The sky blue, emerald green, and marine blue represent the sky, land, and ocean.
We also have our safety card for this Bombardier DHC8-200.
There was also a plastic sleeve with 4 waterproof disposal bags. I guess they were expecting some bumpy rides.
As soon as we leveled off (not sure of the elevation, but it couldn’t have been that high), the FA went into the closet and quickly came through offering the ORC Magazine. I reached to grab one, she looks concerned and tells me that it is in Japanese only. I tell her no problem, it’s a souvenir. She asks me why I was in Got? so I tell her about my trip.
There is no service on this flight because by the time she made the one pass through the cabin to offer magazines and check on passengers, we were already in our final descent. Matsushima (??) is the big island in the distance and Ikeshima (??) is the island in the foreground as we approach the Kyushu coastline.
We fly over the seaside town of K'noura (??) as we make landfall.
We enter Omura Bay over some golf courses.
A minute later NGS is visible out of the window. We do a fly by on the airport to land from the south.
We make a sharp U-turn to line up for our landing.
We safely clear the sea wall and smoothly touch down right on time. The lawnmower engines power down and we taxi back to the terminal.
Only one plane at the terminal and it happens to be a NH B788. We taxi to the far end and park at a remote stand next to our twin.
The door quickly opens and the stairs are positioned. I wait to let the eager crowds off so I can get my backpack down. As I get up, the FA comes running up to me and hands me a barfbag. She thanks me for flying ORC and tells me to enjoy the souvenirs. I thank her and bid her farewell. Contents of my goody bag: two postcards and some candies.
Stepping out of the plane, a quick shot of the nose of this Bombardier DHC8-200.
She sure does look great in that setting sun. And you can see our twin is parked next door (JA801B).
Into the terminal we go, heading up these stairs in the bowel of the airport back to the Departures level.
One last look down at our bird basking in the sun.
Down the stairs to the baggage claim. I think NGS takes the award for weirdest staircase handrail. Who designs a wavy handrail like this? Isn’t a handrail supposed to assist people ‘safely’ up/down the stairs?
Into the baggage claim we go, my bag is already circulating by the time I get there. Only two checked bags on this flight, which is probably not surprising for a commuter flight.
With bag in hand, I head upstairs to check-in for my flight home to NGO.
Thanks for reading this report and please stop by for the final segment of this series. There is a tourism bonus for Fukue Island below, otherwise skip to the end for the ratings and summary.
—————————-
I can’t hype up Fukue Island and not give a tourism bonus since this is someplace you will probably never go to (no real reason to go there). My coworkers gave me looks of shock when I said I went there, it’s not even popular for Japanese people to visit. Access to the island (other than on Oriental Air Bridge) is done by jetfoil. There are three jetfoils per day that go to Got? from Nagasaki. I took the one that left at 11:00, arriving at around 12:30. The jetfoil is easy to catch at Nagasaki Terminal located near Dejima. I was only planning on spending 5 hours on the island, which was all I figured I could handle without renting a car. There are more things to see, but given the limited bus schedule I only planned on seeing one or two things.
Nagasaki harbor and the jetfoil that would take me to Got?.
Arriving at Got? Terminal.
It was lunchtime when I got there, so I wandered around ‘downtown’ until I found a restaurant. The first one I found, I walk in, and get some big stares of surprise from the locals. I just take a seat at the counter and the extremely friendly old lady that runs the store comes over and walks me through the menu. I just ask her to bring me whatever she recommends. Ten minutes later we get this: Got? beef cooked in a garlic sauce.
The harbor in Got?.
Downtown Got?. It is a city of about 40,000. It’s mainly just a fishing town. There are some small shops, but it is just residential housing everywhere else.
The city has a castle, Ishida Castle (???) that was built in 1863 so it really isn’t that old or famous. It now houses the history museum for the city. I was the only guest for the day. The old man that ran the museum was clearly excited to see me and talk with me. He even gave me a personal tour of the complex.
After visiting the castle and history museum, I took the bus up to Dozaki Church. Goto Islands are actually famous for their churches; a lot of Christians fled persecution in Kyushu by settling on these remote islands. They are making a push to get these churches to become an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bus ride is about 25 minutes and I was the only person on the bus. It dumps you on the side of the road and you have a 1km walk to the church along the beautiful waterfront.
Dozaki Church was built in 1873 by a French priest.
The quaint and peaceful ambiance was worth the trip, but I soon had to start heading back to the city. A nice walk along the waterfront before waiting on the side of the road for the bus, praying that I didn’t miss it since it only comes once an hour.
Some more shots of the tranquil Got? harbor.
Inside of the Got? Terminal where I collected my suitcase from a locker and caught the bus to the airport. If you look closely, you will see a picture of Dozaki Church above the staircase.
See more
Verdict
Oriental Air Bridge
7.4/10
Cabin7.5
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi6.0
Meal/catering6.0
Fukue - FUJ
7.8/10
Efficiency10.0
Access9.0
Services2.0
Cleanliness10.0
Nagasaki - NGS
8.5/10
Efficiency10.0
Access6.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness10.0
Conclusion
This is the shortest flight that I have ever been on and definitely one of the most memorable, the chance to fly Oriental Air Bridge was very special. This flight was 18-minutes in length covering 65 miles (105 km), there is not a whole lot to complain about since it was over as soon as it started. That said, it was a smooth flight with great views, very warm service (if you want to call it service), and good on-time performance. Every thing you need in a commuter flight.
Cabin comfort: Turboprops aren't known for their smooth rides, they are usually pretty loud and rickety. We stayed pretty low altitude so the climb and descent were short. The 2-2 configuration is tight, but I didn't have a seatmate so that made it much more enjoyable. Pitch is good for economy and the cabin was clean. I wouldn't want to be on this plane for more than 1.5 hours, but for 20 minutes, no problem.
Crew: At the end of the day, when I think back about this flight, the service is what I remember. From the welcome on board to the friendly interactions with passengers, the FA went out of her way to make passengers feel cared for. On a flight like this, she could have just sat in her seat the entire time since there was no real need for any service. ORC is a small company and the employees seem happy to work there and share that joy with the passengers.
Meal and catering: Oshibori only. I guess if they wanted exceptional service (10 rating), they could offer a bottle of water boarding, but you really can’t expect any in-flight service on a flight this short. Even an oshibori is a nice gesture to refresh before take-off.
Entertainment: No newspaper, no IFE, a window with great low altitude views, and plenty of other tidbits to look at it in the seatback. You aren't going to be bored on this flight.
On-time performance: We had a 10-minute delay on an 18-minute flight due to a late arriving inbound aircraft. That part looks bad, but we ended up landing exactly at our originally scheduled arrival time. No complaints.
0 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
I had never heard of that airline, but then, I have never been in the airports it serves. A good point to the airport staff trying to tie the two flights, even though this was too complicated. I stopped collecting these Japanese promotional handfans; there seems to be an endless supply of them. The pictures from the air are just awesome, and thanks for the identification of the islands, in both languages ! Quite unusual to have the actual routes used by the aircraft in the flight magazine (and great for keeping track of the landscape) ! Thanks for the tourist bonus (I was of course wondering about that island and I make a mental note to add it to my To visit list), and for this comprehensive report. I would have loved taking this flight !
Thank you for your comments Marathon. It really was a great flight experience and I was lucky to get clear weather. If it was a rainy day, it would have been a boring flight.
A good point to the airport staff trying to tie the two flights, even though this was too complicated. - It was definitely a nice gesture. I had a feeling they were assuming I was flying back to where ever I was from since I was a foreigner.
Quite unusual to have the actual routes used by the aircraft in the flight magazine (and great for keeping track of the landscape) ! - This is common on regional Japanese carriers. Even on NH's website you can look up your domestic route and they will tell you what views you can expect from each side of the plane for seat selection.
Thanks for the tourist bonus (I was of course wondering about that island and I make a mental note to add it to my To visit list), and for this comprehensive report. - This was a very Marathon-esque report from your Taiwan days.
I didn't know Fukue island, but there is so much island between Kyushu and Ryukyu island ! :))
Cute little airport, with churche or old inn stained-glass jetbridge ^^
Patrick will be very excited to see this lawnmover !:)
No service inside, but the flight is very short
Commented air to ground pictures is a real pleasure !
I love the bonus, and the discovery of this quiet island ! I always have far more interaction with japanese people in remote area, even if we can't communicate in english !
Long time no see, Cobra! I had a lot of important things that needed to get taken care of so that took priority.
there is so much island between Kyushu and Ryukyu island ! :)) - So many islands with questionable ownership rights between China, Korea, and Japan ;)
Cute little airport, with churche or old inn stained-glass jetbridge ^^ - On the weekends, it is a wedding chapel.
Patrick will be very excited to see this lawnmover !:) - This was my first time on a 200 series. UA Express operates all sorts of DHC8s, but I've never got the 200 before.
No service inside, but the flight is very short - 18 minutes wheels up to wheels down, I can't blame them. I think service on a flight under 30 minutes is expecting too much. At least I got an oshibori!
Commented air to ground pictures is a real pleasure ! - It's not Italy, but it is still beautiful.
I always have far more interaction with japanese people in remote area, even if we can't communicate in english ! - People were very friendly there. I don't think they are used to seeing tourists, so many people stopped to talk to me on the street and ask me where I was from.
For a next trip, i will try amami oshima ^^ - RAC? I really want to fly with them on their old livery planes. I considered Miyakojima daytrip from Naha to try RAC, but not enough time... :(
The DHC8-200 looks really nice! Would love to fly on a Dash 8 100 or 200. and Never flown on a turboprop - Find an excuse to fly in Norway on Widerøe, they have a bunch of DHC8s. Then you can kill two birds with one stone :)
I'm truly impressed by the views. - People are drawn to Japan for all sorts of reasons, but I really like the Japanese Alps and the rocky islands off of Kyushu.
It appears like you had a great crew on this flight which is really nice! - She went above and beyond service expectations on a flight like this. If this was in the US, the FA would have never left their seat and just sat there for the 18 minutes.
Thank you for the tourism bonus! You got some great shots! - It's not a famous place to visit, but quaint towns are closer to the culture.
Thank you for this original report. Looks like the flight was enjoyable, with these scenic views and the very attentive staff... that makes me want to head back to Japan some time!
OC was a great experience, prices are a little high (this one-way ticket was ¥8750 ($72) bought with their advanced purchase fares), but there is no other way to get between cities other than the jetfoil (~$50). The aerial views easily make up the price difference, Kyushu is a beautiful island.
I noticed the staircase handrails on my first flight into NGS, but forgot to take a picture so I made sure I got it this time. I've never seen handrails like that before (anywhere).
I wanted to go to Got? (how many times can you say ‘to go to Got?’ fast?) - What a tongue twister! Isn't this a bit sadistic on your part to even propose people to do this challenge? ;)
Don’t ask me why, but this is a carrier I’ve really wanted to try and when life gives you the opportunity, you have to take it. - Not all decisions have to be rational. Sometimes we listen to the heart too. Which reminds me that one day I have to experience AZ and AR J on a long haul. Don't ask me why. :P
The bus showed up on time - I wouldn't expect less from the Japanese. Efficiency at its best.
The bus ride was actually quite nice and it took us on a highway that gave nice overlooks of the city.. - A great lasting impression. Sounds like an ideal ride.
ORC boarding pass on NH cardstock. - A collector's item. Love the watermark ANA in the background. This bp reminds me of a post card.
The lady eyes me for taking the picture, so I quickly buy something for my coworkers out of guilt. - Are you sure you are not Asian?
..but as soon as I heard the lawnmower sounds I ran to the window to get my picture. - I'm sure 99.9% of us can relate to that feeling. ;)
The NH ground agents scan the boarding passes and send us into this romantic stained glass jetbridge. - Kind of like a religious experience inside a cathedral. Did you feel rapturous?
I’m not the only one excited to see this beauty, both guys in front of me stop to snap pictures with their phones before getting in. She really is beautiful. - A true beauty! Wait, with a name like Bombardier shouldn't you rephrase it to He really is handsome? :P
Settling in, seat pitch is good, but the curvature of the fuselage takes away some foot space. - Nice orange shoes. Do they glow in the dark?
The lavatory is right behind where the FA is standing, if you really can’t hold it for a 20-minute flight. - When you have diarrhea it can strike at anytime. I'm sure people suffering from it can really appreciate having a WC inside the plane, even if the ride is 20 min.
You will notice all of these hand fans. - I would get greedy and take more than one. :P
Who would turn down this nice emerald green fleece blanket? - I am green of envy. You got a blanket for such a short flight while I freeze on a 5+ hrs transcon? Life is not fair.
My neighbors are all fast asleep so here is the side shot of the cabin. - Mmmm...
There was also a plastic sleeve with 4 waterproof disposal bags. I guess they were expecting some bumpy rides. - The choice of color for the bags would make me feel nauseated.
Matsushima (??) is the big island in the distance and Ikeshima (??) is the island in the foreground as we approach the Kyushu coastline. - Superb aerial views. Bravo!
As I get up, the FA comes running up to me and hands me a barfbag. She thanks me for flying ORC and tells me to enjoy the souvenirs. - Beyond expectations! She should be a SQ girl.
The first one I found, I walk in, and get some big stares of surprise from the locals. - Didn't you feel like a star? :P
..the extremely friendly old lady that runs the store comes over and walks me through the menu. I just ask her to bring me whatever she recommends. Ten minutes later we get this: Got? beef cooked in a garlic sauce. - Looks delicious. Experiences like these make for memorable trips that will always be treasured.
I was the only guest for the day. The old man that ran the museum was clearly excited to see me and talk with me. He even gave me a personal tour of the complex. - What a special visit. It's always a neat experience when a local staff takes the time to converse with you and show you around. Something similar happened to me when I visited the San Ildefonso College in MEX.
Dozaki Church was built in 1873 by a French priest. - It's charming.
Gorgeous bonus as usual and thank you Michael for sharing this unique corner of Japan that not many of us will get a chance to see.
Which reminds me that one day I have to experience AZ and AR J on a long haul. Don't ask me why. :P - After my AZ report, you still have an interest in trying them? I'll pass!
A collector's item. Love the watermark ANA in the background. This bp reminds me of a post card. - I also have the printed receipt from security, but getting the actual one from the check-in counter is always better for a keepsake.
Are you sure you are not Asian? - I was probably half of her business for the day.
Kind of like a religious experience inside a cathedral. Did you feel rapturous? - I didn't check my palms for any stigmata...
Wait, with a name like Bombardier shouldn't you rephrase it to He really is handsome? :P - Isn't the Bombardier a modern addition to the name? The de Havilland Dash8 is so dashing
Nice orange shoes. Do they glow in the dark? - I have to one up Pititom.
When you have diarrhea it can strike at anytime. - I'm not going to even touch this comment...
You got a blanket for such a short flight while I freeze on a 5+ hrs transcon? Life is not fair. - Yeah, a blanket seems a little bit unnecessary for a flight like this. But I'm not going to turn down service!
Superb aerial views. Bravo! - The windows were really narrow and the propeller was right outside my window so it was hard to get a lot of really good shots.
Beyond expectations! She should be a SQ girl. - But she's already an OC Girl. (ant not of the Orange County variety...)
What a special visit. It's always a neat experience when a local staff takes the time to converse with you and show you around. Something similar happened to me when I visited the San Ildefonso College in MEX. - People really seemed interested in why I was there and were quite friendly for Japanese standards. They don't get a lot of tourists (especially foreigners) so people really took an interest in sharing the culture/history of their island with me. Rural Japan is far superior to urban Japan.
Congrats on being the first to post on this airline and airport! took you long enough :-P What fun city names, Goto and Fukue...I won't attempt to pronounce the latter. That stained glass jetway looks psychadelic.I'm not normally a fan of Dash-8s, but I must say that livery is quite nice. The FA is right there, front and center, and startles me with a “??????” and a big smile. She puts out a basket with oshibori in it. I give her a “?????, ” - say what, huh? :-P Thank goodness for Google Translate...that's a lot of characters for Hello lol You sure flew over some beautiful scenery...great shots as always! Nice bonus pics too...really makes me want to go to Japan.
Thanks Kevin, I had a feeling no one was going to scoop me on this one ;)
I hate DHC8s too, not a fan of the noise and the vibrations, but for a 20 minute flight, it's okay. When you get to some of those longer DHC8 services that are common on slimline routes in the US, it becomes a problem. Speaking of which, I miss the Saab 340s out of DTW.
Last time I checked, bonjour has more characters than ?????...
Now I just need to find some excuse to go to Amakusa to get my last boutique carrier.
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1 reviews
14 Comments
A good point to the airport staff trying to tie the two flights, even though this was too complicated.
I stopped collecting these Japanese promotional handfans; there seems to be an endless supply of them.
The pictures from the air are just awesome, and thanks for the identification of the islands, in both languages !
Quite unusual to have the actual routes used by the aircraft in the flight magazine (and great for keeping track of the landscape) !
Thanks for the tourist bonus (I was of course wondering about that island and I make a mental note to add it to my To visit list), and for this comprehensive report.
I would have loved taking this flight !
A good point to the airport staff trying to tie the two flights, even though this was too complicated.
- It was definitely a nice gesture. I had a feeling they were assuming I was flying back to where ever I was from since I was a foreigner.
Quite unusual to have the actual routes used by the aircraft in the flight magazine (and great for keeping track of the landscape) !
- This is common on regional Japanese carriers. Even on NH's website you can look up your domestic route and they will tell you what views you can expect from each side of the plane for seat selection.
Thanks for the tourist bonus (I was of course wondering about that island and I make a mental note to add it to my To visit list), and for this comprehensive report.
- This was a very Marathon-esque report from your Taiwan days.
I didn't know Fukue island, but there is so much island between Kyushu and Ryukyu island ! :))
Cute little airport, with churche or old inn stained-glass jetbridge ^^
Patrick will be very excited to see this lawnmover !:)
No service inside, but the flight is very short
Commented air to ground pictures is a real pleasure !
I love the bonus, and the discovery of this quiet island !
I always have far more interaction with japanese people in remote area, even if we can't communicate in english !
For a next trip, i will try amami oshima ^^
Ciao !
there is so much island between Kyushu and Ryukyu island ! :))
- So many islands with questionable ownership rights between China, Korea, and Japan ;)
Cute little airport, with churche or old inn stained-glass jetbridge ^^
- On the weekends, it is a wedding chapel.
Patrick will be very excited to see this lawnmover !:)
- This was my first time on a 200 series. UA Express operates all sorts of DHC8s, but I've never got the 200 before.
No service inside, but the flight is very short
- 18 minutes wheels up to wheels down, I can't blame them. I think service on a flight under 30 minutes is expecting too much. At least I got an oshibori!
Commented air to ground pictures is a real pleasure !
- It's not Italy, but it is still beautiful.
I always have far more interaction with japanese people in remote area, even if we can't communicate in english !
- People were very friendly there. I don't think they are used to seeing tourists, so many people stopped to talk to me on the street and ask me where I was from.
For a next trip, i will try amami oshima ^^
- RAC? I really want to fly with them on their old livery planes. I considered Miyakojima daytrip from Naha to try RAC, but not enough time... :(
The DHC8-200 looks really nice! Would love to fly on a Dash 8 100 or 200.
Never flown on a turboprop but the seat pitch doesn't look too shabby, compared to many other dash 8 reports I've seen.
Wow! This seemed like a short scenic flight! I'm truly impressed by the views.
It appears like you had a great crew on this flight which is really nice!
Thank you for the tourism bonus! You got some great shots!
See you on the next one!
The DHC8-200 looks really nice! Would love to fly on a Dash 8 100 or 200. and Never flown on a turboprop
- Find an excuse to fly in Norway on Widerøe, they have a bunch of DHC8s. Then you can kill two birds with one stone :)
I'm truly impressed by the views.
- People are drawn to Japan for all sorts of reasons, but I really like the Japanese Alps and the rocky islands off of Kyushu.
It appears like you had a great crew on this flight which is really nice!
- She went above and beyond service expectations on a flight like this. If this was in the US, the FA would have never left their seat and just sat there for the 18 minutes.
Thank you for the tourism bonus! You got some great shots!
- It's not a famous place to visit, but quaint towns are closer to the culture.
And I really like NGS staircase handrails!
OC was a great experience, prices are a little high (this one-way ticket was ¥8750 ($72) bought with their advanced purchase fares), but there is no other way to get between cities other than the jetfoil (~$50). The aerial views easily make up the price difference, Kyushu is a beautiful island.
I noticed the staircase handrails on my first flight into NGS, but forgot to take a picture so I made sure I got it this time. I've never seen handrails like that before (anywhere).
- What a tongue twister! Isn't this a bit sadistic on your part to even propose people to do this challenge? ;)
Don’t ask me why, but this is a carrier I’ve really wanted to try and when life gives you the opportunity, you have to take it.
- Not all decisions have to be rational. Sometimes we listen to the heart too. Which reminds me that one day I have to experience AZ and AR J on a long haul. Don't ask me why. :P
The bus showed up on time
- I wouldn't expect less from the Japanese. Efficiency at its best.
The bus ride was actually quite nice and it took us on a highway that gave nice overlooks of the city..
- A great lasting impression. Sounds like an ideal ride.
ORC boarding pass on NH cardstock.
- A collector's item. Love the watermark ANA in the background. This bp reminds me of a post card.
The lady eyes me for taking the picture, so I quickly buy something for my coworkers out of guilt.
- Are you sure you are not Asian?
..but as soon as I heard the lawnmower sounds I ran to the window to get my picture.
- I'm sure 99.9% of us can relate to that feeling. ;)
The NH ground agents scan the boarding passes and send us into this romantic stained glass jetbridge.
- Kind of like a religious experience inside a cathedral. Did you feel rapturous?
I’m not the only one excited to see this beauty, both guys in front of me stop to snap pictures with their phones before getting in. She really is beautiful.
- A true beauty! Wait, with a name like Bombardier shouldn't you rephrase it to He really is handsome? :P
Settling in, seat pitch is good, but the curvature of the fuselage takes away some foot space.
- Nice orange shoes. Do they glow in the dark?
The lavatory is right behind where the FA is standing, if you really can’t hold it for a 20-minute flight.
- When you have diarrhea it can strike at anytime. I'm sure people suffering from it can really appreciate having a WC inside the plane, even if the ride is 20 min.
You will notice all of these hand fans.
- I would get greedy and take more than one. :P
Who would turn down this nice emerald green fleece blanket?
- I am green of envy. You got a blanket for such a short flight while I freeze on a 5+ hrs transcon? Life is not fair.
My neighbors are all fast asleep so here is the side shot of the cabin.
- Mmmm...
There was also a plastic sleeve with 4 waterproof disposal bags. I guess they were expecting some bumpy rides.
- The choice of color for the bags would make me feel nauseated.
Matsushima (??) is the big island in the distance and Ikeshima (??) is the island in the foreground as we approach the Kyushu coastline.
- Superb aerial views. Bravo!
As I get up, the FA comes running up to me and hands me a barfbag. She thanks me for flying ORC and tells me to enjoy the souvenirs.
- Beyond expectations! She should be a SQ girl.
The first one I found, I walk in, and get some big stares of surprise from the locals.
- Didn't you feel like a star? :P
..the extremely friendly old lady that runs the store comes over and walks me through the menu. I just ask her to bring me whatever she recommends. Ten minutes later we get this: Got? beef cooked in a garlic sauce.
- Looks delicious. Experiences like these make for memorable trips that will always be treasured.
I was the only guest for the day. The old man that ran the museum was clearly excited to see me and talk with me. He even gave me a personal tour of the complex.
- What a special visit. It's always a neat experience when a local staff takes the time to converse with you and show you around. Something similar happened to me when I visited the San Ildefonso College in MEX.
Dozaki Church was built in 1873 by a French priest.
- It's charming.
Gorgeous bonus as usual and thank you Michael for sharing this unique corner of Japan that not many of us will get a chance to see.
- After my AZ report, you still have an interest in trying them? I'll pass!
A collector's item. Love the watermark ANA in the background. This bp reminds me of a post card.
- I also have the printed receipt from security, but getting the actual one from the check-in counter is always better for a keepsake.
Are you sure you are not Asian?
- I was probably half of her business for the day.
Kind of like a religious experience inside a cathedral. Did you feel rapturous?
- I didn't check my palms for any stigmata...
Wait, with a name like Bombardier shouldn't you rephrase it to He really is handsome? :P
- Isn't the Bombardier a modern addition to the name? The de Havilland Dash8 is so dashing
Nice orange shoes. Do they glow in the dark?
- I have to one up Pititom.
When you have diarrhea it can strike at anytime.
- I'm not going to even touch this comment...
You got a blanket for such a short flight while I freeze on a 5+ hrs transcon? Life is not fair.
- Yeah, a blanket seems a little bit unnecessary for a flight like this. But I'm not going to turn down service!
Superb aerial views. Bravo!
- The windows were really narrow and the propeller was right outside my window so it was hard to get a lot of really good shots.
Beyond expectations! She should be a SQ girl.
- But she's already an OC Girl. (ant not of the Orange County variety...)
What a special visit. It's always a neat experience when a local staff takes the time to converse with you and show you around. Something similar happened to me when I visited the San Ildefonso College in MEX.
- People really seemed interested in why I was there and were quite friendly for Japanese standards. They don't get a lot of tourists (especially foreigners) so people really took an interest in sharing the culture/history of their island with me. Rural Japan is far superior to urban Japan.
Thank you for all of your comments Adan!
What fun city names, Goto and Fukue...I won't attempt to pronounce the latter.
That stained glass jetway looks psychadelic.I'm not normally a fan of Dash-8s, but I must say that livery is quite nice.
The FA is right there, front and center, and startles me with a “??????” and a big smile. She puts out a basket with oshibori in it. I give her a “?????, ” - say what, huh? :-P
Thank goodness for Google Translate...that's a lot of characters for Hello lol
You sure flew over some beautiful scenery...great shots as always!
Nice bonus pics too...really makes me want to go to Japan.
I hate DHC8s too, not a fan of the noise and the vibrations, but for a 20 minute flight, it's okay. When you get to some of those longer DHC8 services that are common on slimline routes in the US, it becomes a problem. Speaking of which, I miss the Saab 340s out of DTW.
Last time I checked, bonjour has more characters than ?????...
Now I just need to find some excuse to go to Amakusa to get my last boutique carrier.
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