Innovative Camera System Revolutionizes Free Parking at Shirahama Airport

New Camera-Based Parking Management System

In a pioneering move, Nanki Shirahama Airport, located in Wakayama Prefecture, has taken a significant leap forward by implementing Japan's first-ever camera-based vehicle entry and exit management system specifically for free airport parking. This innovative approach has been established in collaboration with Times 24 Co., Ltd., which is headquartered in Tokyo. The goal is to improve the operational efficiency of the airport's second parking lot, which is exclusively for passengers, while also addressing the rampant issues of long-term and illegal parking.

The Problem at Hand

Across many airports in Japan, free parking lots face common challenges, particularly with an increase in long-term and unauthorized vehicles. These situations primarily arise in local and remote areas, resulting in deteriorating public safety and access issues for legitimate users. Nanki Shirahama Airport has encountered significant instances of improper use in its second parking lot, which accommodates up to 300 vehicles. Problems such as unauthorized long-term parking and carpooling without permission have been reported frequently, endangering the management's ability to provide services and potentially denying rightful users access to this crucial facility.

To mitigate these issues, Nanki Shirahama Airport has introduced the camera-based entry and exit management system provided by Times 24, which commenced last autumn. This technological advancement aims to manage the parking area more effectively and foster a safer environment for patrons.

How the Camera System Works

The camera system operates by reading vehicle license plates at the entrance, allowing for the collection and analysis of vital data such as entry and exit times, duration of parking, and the frequency of use. This detailed information is securely stored in the cloud, enabling airport management to monitor parking lot usage dynamics effectively. Notably, the implementation of this system marks the first application of its kind in free airport parking facilities nationally.

Initial analyses conducted on the usage data from January to May 2025 revealed some concerning trends: approximately 47% of vehicles utilizing the second parking lot likely belonged to individuals not traveling by air. Additionally, although users are required to submit a usage request form for stays exceeding 72 hours, only around 20% of these customers complied, indicating a significant gap in awareness.

Plans for Improvement

With continuous data analysis, the airport intends to enhance the usability of its parking facilities and ensure that customers understand key policies, such as the restriction of the second parking lot to air travelers and the necessity of submitting a usage request for extended parking durations. Furthermore, there will be ongoing efforts to ensure all visitors recognize these regulations to foster responsible usage.

In addition to these efforts, the airport offers a first parking lot near the terminal, which provides complimentary parking for the initial 60 minutes and accommodates up to 220 vehicles. To encourage broader usage, the airport will also consider adjusting pricing during promotional campaigns.

Future Initiatives

Both Nanki Shirahama Airport and Times 24 are committed to enhancing the parking environment so that travelers can enjoy a secure and convenient airport experience. They aim to implement innovative solutions that ensure compliance with parking policies while promoting efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of smart systems like this camera monitoring system heralds a new era for airport parking management, focusing on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

The move represents an important step not only in terms of technology adoption within the sector but also in response to persistent challenges faced by free airport parking facilities. As these initiatives are refined and adapted, the hope is to create a more user-friendly and secure parking experience for all travelers at Shirahama Airport.