Okinawa stands as a tropical oasis within Japan, and Naha Airport (Japanese: 那覇空港) serves as the aerial gateway to this vibrant prefecture. Functioning as a pivotal airport connecting various regions of Japan and international destinations, it also serves as a hub linking remote islands within the prefecture to the main Okinawa Island, playing a crucial role in supporting the lives and economic activities of local residents.
Naha Airport sees an annual footfall of over 10 million travelers, consistently ranking among the top five airports in Japan in terms of passenger numbers. Operated by nine airlines, it hosts approximately 100 flights daily from various locations across Japan. With the addition of a low-cost terminal, the facilities have become even more convenient. We will guide you through the airport's facilities and services, explore opportunities for leisure within the airport, and outline transportation options for your seamless arrival or departure.
Introduction to Arrival and Departure Flights
Domestic Flights
Japan Airlines Group operates domestic flights departing from Tokyo (Haneda), Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya (Chubu), Osaka (Itami), Osaka (Kansai), Fukuoka, Komatsu, and Okayama airports. Departing from Naha, you can also board Japan Airlines Group flights to destinations such as Ishigaki, Kumejima, Miyako, Amami Oshima, Minamidaito, Yonaguni, Tonaki, and Iriomote islands. Other airlines operate flights to cities like Sapporo (New Chitose), Sendai, Kobe, Hiroshima, and more.
For the latest schedule information, please visit "JAL Routes/Schedules"
For detailed information on today's flights from Naha Airport, refer to "Today's Flight Information"
International Flights
Several airlines offer direct flights to Naha Airport, departing from cities such as Shanghai, Incheon, Taipei, Hong Kong, and more. For specific details, please visit "Today's Flight Information."
How to Reach Naha Airport
① Drive to the Airport
When driving from major attractions in Naha City to Naha Airport, it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the popular location of Kokusai Street, where many hotels are situated.
Estimated travel time from major tourist spots to Naha Airport:
- Mihama Town, Resort American Village (Chatan Town): about 40 minutes
- Yachimun no Sato, Zanpa Cape (Yomitan Village): about 60 minutes
- Kozu (Okinawa City): about 50 minutes
- Ryukyu Village, Manzamo, Blue Cave (Onna Village): about 65 minutes
- Katsuren Peninsula (Kin Town): about 90 minutes
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu Town): about 90 minutes
| From | Destination | Time |
| Kokusai Street (Naha City) | Naha Airport | about 15 minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Shuri Castle (Naha City) | about 30 minutes |
Naha Airport has three multi-level parking lots with a total capacity of 2,472 spaces. If you're driving to Naha Airport, utilizing these parking facilities is the most convenient option.
There are also private parking lots near the airport, some of which can be reserved and offer free shuttle services.
② Take the Monorail
When traveling from the popular shopping street, Kokusai Street, to Naha Airport via the Yui Rail monorail, it is advisable to use either the Makishi Station on the north side or the Prefectural Office Mae Station on the south side of Kokusai Street. The nearest stations include Shuri Station, departing from Shuri Castle and Tamaudun, and Omoromachi Station, departing from DFS-operated Okinawa T Galleria.
Here are the time and fare details from major Yui Rail stations to Naha Airport:
| Departure Station | Arrival Station | Time | Required Fare (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prefectural Office Mae Station | Naha Airport | 13 minutes | 270 Yen |
| Makishi Station | 16 minutes | 300 Yen | |
| Asahibashi Station | 18 minutes | 300 Yen | |
| Omoromachi Station | 19 minutes | 300 Yen | |
| Shuri Station | 27 minutes | 340 Yen | |
| Urasoe Maejima Station | 34 minutes | 370 Yen |
③ Take the Bus
If taking the bus to Naha Airport, consider using route buses or Irabu buses.
Route buses are operated by Ryukyu Bus Transport, Okinawa Bus, Naha Bus, Toyo Bus, Yamahara Kotsu Bus, and Chubu Kanko Bus.
Here are the time and fare details from major bus stops to Naha Airport (Route Buses):
| Departure Bus Stop | Bus Station | Arrival Bus Stop | Time | Required Fare (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nagashima Island | – | Naha Airport Domestic Terminal | 20 minutes | 300 yen |
| Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa | – | 25 minutes | 250 yen | |
| Ginowan Shop | – | 70 minutes | 570 yen | |
| Nago Bus Terminal | Nago City Hall Front | 105 minutes | 2,190 yen | |
| Unten Port | Nago City Hall Front | 170 minutes | 2,000 yen |
Luxury buses and express buses are operated by Okinawa Bus, Curry Kanko, Ryukyu Bus Transport, and Okinawa Airport Shuttle. In addition to Irabu Bus Terminal and Nago Bus Terminal, there are many direct flights departing from various major resort hotels. Check for luxury buses departing from your accommodation.
Time and cost details from major bus stops to Naha Airport (Luxury Buses):
| Departure Bus Stop | Arrival Bus Stop | Time | Required Fare (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chatan Laguna Garden Hotel | Naha Airport (Domestic Terminal Building) | 80 minutes | 810 yen |
| Yomitan Bus Terminal | 115 minutes | 1,530 yen | |
| ANA Manza Beach Resort | 108 minutes | 1,730 yen | |
| Nago Bus Terminal | 150 minutes | 2,240 yen | |
| Okinawa Hotel Onna | 143 minutes | 2,550 yen |
Naha Airport Facilities Information
Naha Airport's first floor houses the Arrival Hall, the second floor hosts the Departure Hall, the third floor accommodates check-in counters, and the fourth floor features the restaurant area. With information on post-arrival transportation, departure check-in procedures, and pre-boarding transit time, Naha Airport can also serve as a tourist facility.
The official Naha Airport website provides multilingual map descriptions, making navigation convenient. For details, please visit: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/spend/map/
Naha Airport 1F
The first floor of Naha Airport comprises the entrance hall and the arrival hall.
The most eye-catching feature on the first floor is the aquarium located in two positions. Vibrant tropical fish gracefully swim, creating a sense of being in tropical Okinawa. The aquarium serves as a landmark and a gathering place around the arrival hall. The ubiquitous shisa statues are a unique characteristic of Okinawa.
The "Accessible Tourism Center" is adjacent to the tourism information center in the central lobby. Besides offering information on accessible tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, accessible transportation such as taxis and buses, they also provide rental services for wheelchairs, strollers, writing tools, and more. Feel free to consult them if you have any concerns.
Naha Airport 2F
The second floor houses the Departure Hall, with a spacious open area around the central welcome hall. Here, you can relax before your flight or indulge in shopping pleasures at the souvenir corner.
If you wish to unwind before your flight, try the coin-operated massage chairs in the domestic boarding gate lounge.
Naha Airport 3F
The third floor is the hall for check-in procedures. Since the check-in hall and departure security checkpoint are on different floors, be sure to check in on the third floor before departing.
Naha Airport 4F
The fourth floor serves as the restaurant area, offering a variety of culinary delights. There is also an observation deck available for free use, allowing you to enjoy the Okinawan scenery at any time between 8:00 and 19:00. The tourist observation deck is outdoors, which might be inconvenient on rainy days, but on sunny days, it offers a close-up view of aircraft take-offs and landings, highly recommended.
Naha Airport Souvenir Shops
Ryukyu mura（琉球村空港店）
Ryukyu mura is a souvenir shop located on the second floor of Naha Airport. Specializing in sweets and food, it offers a variety of popular Okinawan specialties. The handmade Okinawan confection "Sata Andagi" is a representative treat, and it is crafted with utmost care, making it a top-selling item at Ryukyu mura. The shop also sells additive-free brown sugar from Ishigaki Island, measured by weight.
- Location: Domestic Area 2F, Terminal Building
- Operating Hours: 7:00-20:30
- Website: https://www.okikankyo.com/ryukyumura_kuko/
Rurian Glass Studios（手作りガラス るりあん）
Ryukyu Glass combines glassblowing techniques inherited from mainland Japan glass artisans in the Meiji era with recycled glass bottles used by the U.S. military.
The Rurian store offers a variety of glass products, ranging from traditional designs to Ryukyu Glass created by emerging designers. You're sure to find something satisfying!
- Location: Domestic Area 2F, Terminal Building
- Operating Hours: 6:30-20:30
- Website: https://www.rurian.co.jp/
International Coral Naha Airport Store（国際サンゴ那覇空港店）
Kokusai Sango sells jewelry made from coral produced in Okinawa. The store offers a diverse range of products, from small items made with coral powder and other colored corals, to expensive and rare red coral jewelry that looks like artwork.
- Location: Domestic Area 2F, Terminal Building
- Operating Hours: 7:00-20:30
- Website: https://www.k-sango.com/jp-nahaairport/
Naha Airport Dining Establishments
Pork Tamago Onigiri（ポーたま）Naha Airport Store
This restaurant specializes in pork and egg rice balls, a unique Okinawan creation that blends various ingredients with SPAM. It offers a convenient way to enjoy the taste of Okinawa and is easy to carry on board. In addition to the standard pork and egg rice balls, they also feature menu items exclusive to the airport store.
- Location: Domestic Area 1F / International Area 4F (Inside the North Food Court)
- Operating Hours: Domestic Area 1F 7:00-22:00 / International Area 4F 7:00-21:00
- Website: http://porktamago.com/
Royal Bakery Shop（ロイヤルベーカリーショップ）Naha Airport Store
Royal Bakery Shop is a bakery that offers a variety of bread. They have several popular curry bread options and open as early as 6:30 am, making it a recommended breakfast choice for those catching early flights.
The "Sweet Potato" made with Okinawan-flavored red sweet potatoes, exclusive to Naha Airport, is also a popular item.
- Location: Domestic Area 2F, Terminal Building
- Operating Hours: 6:30-20:30
- Website: https://www.royal-contract-service.co.jp/
Ryukyu Conveyor Belt Sushi Umii（海來）
Umii offers sushi made from fresh seafood caught in Okinawa. You can enjoy quality conveyor belt sushi right at the airport.
In addition to sushi, they also offer Okinawan cuisine and steaks.
- Location: Domestic Area 4F, Terminal Building
- Operating Hours: 10:30-20:00
Steakhouse 88（ステーキハウス88）Naha Airport Branch
A popular steak restaurant chain in Okinawa Prefecture, centered around Naha City. Even guests who miss out on steak during their stay can enjoy it starting from 10 am on weekdays.
Watching planes take off and landing while savoring Okinawa's renowned steaks is a distinctive feature of Naha Airport.
- Location: International Area 3F, Terminal Building
- Operating Hours: 10:00-20:30 (Last order at 20:00)
- Website: https://s88.co.jp/
Naha Airport Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Kokusai Dori（国際通り）
Kokusai Dori is Okinawa's largest shopping district. It bustles with numerous shops and restaurants, staying lively from day to night. To reach it from the airport, take the monorail to Makishi Station and then a taxi, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Lined with shops selling Ryukyu glass, coral crafts, Okinawan specialties, and stores with a distinct American flavor, a stroll down Kokusai Dori is a must-see experience.
Website: https://naha-kokusaidori.okinawa/
Naminoue Beach and Naminoue Umisora Park（波の上うみそら公園 波の上ビーチ）
Naminoue Beach is one of the beaches near Naha Airport, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Additionally, you can enjoy a barbecue in Naminoue Umisora Park. Even if you're on a business trip to Okinawa and lack time for beach activities, this location is easily accessible.
Address: 3-3-1 Tsuji, Naha City, Okinawa
Website: www.naminouebeach.jp/
Tsuboya Yachimun Street（壺屋やちむん通り）
Tsuboya Yachimun Street is a place where you can experience the charming past of Okinawa. A 10-minute walk from Makishi Station on the monorail will take you there. The street is home to shops selling Okinawan traditional crafts such as guardian deities, kilns, and Ryukyu glass. You can also participate in classes to experience shisa making and Okinawan pottery, suitable for both children and adults.
Address: 1-16 Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa
Website: https://tsuboya-yachimundori.com/
Tamaudun（たまうどぅん）
Tamaudun is the royal mausoleum of the second Sho dynasty, the rulers of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The stone tombs evoke a sense of the ancient Ryukyu Dynasty.
In 2000, as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu," it became one of the earliest structures in Okinawa Prefecture to be designated as a World Heritage Site, alongside Shuri Castle, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Address: 1-3 Shurikinjocho, Naha City, Okinawa
Website: https://www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/kankou/bunkazai/tamaudun.html
Naha Airport Surrounding Hotels
Hotel Aqua Citta Naha by WBF（ホテルアクアチッタナハ by WBF）
Hotel Aqua Citta Naha by WBF features the only transparent swimming pool in Naha City. During the day, you can experience the sensation of flying in the sky, and at night, you can enjoy the magical atmosphere while admiring the views of Naha City.
Additionally, the hotel is approximately a 3-minute walk from the Tomari Port, making it a convenient base for exploring the nearby islands.
- Location: 3-2-20 Maeshima, Naha City, Okinawa
- Website: https://www.resorts.co.jp/aquacitta-naha/
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Okinawa Kenchomae（ダイワロイネットホテル沖縄県庁前）
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Okinawa Kenchomae is about a 10-minute drive from Naha Airport and a 4-minute walk from the Asahibashi Station on the monorail (approximately 6 minutes from Kenchomae Station). International Street is reachable within a 5-minute walk.
In addition to its clean interiors, the hotel is committed to being family-friendly, providing amenities such as baby cribs and facilities for children.
- Location: 1-11-2 Izumizaki, Naha City, Okinawa
- Website: https://www.daiwaroynet.jp/okinawa-kenchomae/
Naha Airport serves as the gateway to Okinawa tourism, offering convenient transportation to tourist attractions in Naha City and beyond. Even with a short stay in Okinawa, you can explore the surrounding areas of Naha Airport.
The airport itself has shops and restaurants that capture the essence of Okinawa, allowing you to experience its charm right up until the moment of departure.
