Naha Airport (OKA) – Gateway to Okinawa

Naha Airport (OKA) is Okinawa’s main airport and the gateway to Japan’s southern islands. Originally, Okinawa was an island kingdom separate from Japan (the Ryukyu Kingdom). It was annexed 1875 during the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912) and became a part of the Japanese nation. Okinawa still has its own language, uchinaa-guchi, understood little outside of Okinawa, but Japanese remains the main language. 

Okinawa is the site of a number of U.S. military bases, of which Kadena Air Base and Futenma Marine Corps Base are the most prominent. The U.S presence means that English is also widely understood across the islands. 

If you’re traveling to Okinawa it’s very likely Naha Airport will be your first port of call. To help you navigate it we’ve put together a full guide to everything you’ll need to know. 

For some great tips on things to do in Okinawa, check out our guide. 

Naha Airport Overview

Naha Airport is located in Naha, Okinawa prefecture’s capital city. It’s quite a small airport with only two terminals – one national and one international – but serves a number of destinations in Japan and further afield. 

Access Information

To get you to and from the airport choose from the option of the train, bus or rental car. 

 

Monorail

Naha Airport’s most popular transport link is the Yui Rail which connects the airport to the city center. Yui Rail does not run 24 hours, so be sure to check the train timetable before arriving. Should you not be able to catch the train, other options are available. 

Car Rental

Renting a car is another good option, with plenty of car rental services a short shuttle bus journey from the airport. Some of the best services include Times Car Rental, Toyota Rent a Car, ABC Rent a Car and Nissan Rent a Car. When returning the car, simply drop it off at the pick-up point right in front of the terminal building.

Find the drop-off/pick-up point on the official floor map site here.

Okinawa drives on the left-hand side of the road and its roads tend to be narrow and winding. Bicycles and foot traffic may be dangerously inattentive, so it pays to be vigilant.

More information about driving in Japan

Bus

Slightly slower than the monorail, but more convenient with luggage, the bus is another good option for getting to or from the airport. For more information, take a look at the official page. 

Naha Airport Terminals

Naha Airport has two terminals connected by a shuttle bus which runs from 08.00 – 20.00 at regular intervals each day.

Domestic Terminal

Official Site of the Domestic Terminal of Naha Airport

Naha Airport’s domestic terminal is home to around 20 restaurants, 30 shops and 4 convenience stores. The terminal was modernised and expanded in 2008 and construction work began on a second runway in 2014, due to be completed in 2020 in time for the Olympics.

Airlines flying from the domestic terminal:

JAL ANA JTA RAC Peach Air

SKY Jetstar Solaseed Air Vanilla Air

International Terminal

Official Site of the International Terminal in Naha Airport

Naha Airport’s international terminal was completed in 2014 and further expanded in 2016. The terminal is smaller than the domestic terminal, with one convenience store, a handful of shops (including duty-free) and four restaurants.

Airlines flying from the international terminal:

China Eastern Hong Kong Airlined Dragon Air Tigerair Asiana Hanggong

Jin Air Eastar Air Jeju Air T’Way Airlines Korean Air

China Airlines Air China Juneyao Airlines Mandarin Airlines Eva Air

Cities Served From Naha Airport

Naha Airport serves 19 national and 10 international locations with plans for more destinations in the future. 

National

New Chitose Airport Sendai Airport Hiroshima International Airport Miyazaki Airport Okayama Airport Fukayama Airport Kagoshima Airport

Matsuyama Airport Nagasaki Airport Amami O Shima Airport Takamatsu Airport Kumamoto Airport Yoronjima Airport Ishigaki Airport

Hirara Airport Maridor Airport Yonaguni Airport Kume-Jima Airport Kitadaito Airport

National Departures – Official Naha Airport Site Link

International

Taipei, Taiwan Taichung, Taiwan Kaohsiung, Taiwan Seoul, South Korea Pusan, South Korea

Shanghai, China Beijing, China Tianjin, China Hangzhou, China Hong Kong, Hong Kong

International Departures – Official Naha Airport Site Link

Naha Airport Restaurants and Shopping

Feeling Peckish? Forgot to pick up a souvenir? Naha Airport has you covered.

1. A&W

This restaurant is an American burger shop, born in Okinawa. This popular eatery has everything you could want when craving some good old American fast food, including ice cream floats and hotdogs.

2. Soji Bou (そじ坊)

In need of some soba noodles to get your dose of healthy fibre? Never fear, the popular noodle dish is available at the airport on the third floor of the domestic terminal. Combine with the refreshingly salty dipping sauces and some iced tea and this meal will put you right back in the game.

3. Starbucks

Should you be in need of some familiarity, Starbucks won’t disappoint.

4. Lawson Convenience Store

A lifesaver in many situations, Lawson carries everything from underwear and toothbrushes to orange juice and hot meals. Definitely stop by if you want to grab a quick snack or need some stationary for the flight. 

5. JAL Airport Department Store Ryubo

If you’re looking for traditional Okinawan omiyage (souvenirs to bring home for friends and family), this store might be the place for you. Plenty of sweets, pastries and other goodies including local Okinawan liquor. 

All Restaurants and Shops at Naha Domestic Terminal

Naha Airport Hotels

We’ve handpicked the most conveniently placed hotels for Naha Airport should you want somewhere close by to stay for an early flight or have a long layover. They are all located along the Yui Rail Line, making access by train simple. 

1. Okinawa Sunplaza Hotel

Low budget hotel with free breakfast, a central location and charmingly old-fashioned rooms.

¥ ~8,000 ­ 098-866-0920	­Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Asato 138 ­ Official Website

 

2. The Naha Terrace

Upscale hotel/resort with pool and spa, large rooms and various other facilities at your disposal. Centrally located.

¥ ~17,000 ­ 098-864-1111	­ Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Omoromachi 2-14-1 ­ Official Website

 

3. Hotel Royal Orion

Large, reasonably priced and central hotel with great facilities and entertainment options in the area.

¥ ~ 11,000 ­ 098-866-5533	­ Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Asato 1-2-21 ­ Official Website

 

4. Hotel Sun Queen

A quaint little Hotel/B&B close to all the action on Naha’s ‘International Street’ (Kokusai Doori 国際通り).

¥ ~8,000 ­ 098-869-6600	­ Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Asato 2-4-21 ­ Official Website

 

5. Hotel Ocean

Budget hotel with cute little rooms and a great atmosphere that speaks for itself. Great staff and a fabulous buffet.

¥ ~ 6,000 ­ 098-863-2288	­ Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Asato 2-4-8 ­ Official Website

 

Other

There are other facilities in Naha Airport, including an event space, a prayer room, information counters in each terminal, nurseries, resting rooms and baggage storage and delivery among others. Have a look at the floor plan, should you need any of these.

Naha Airport Domestic Terminal Floor Plan

Naha Airport International Terminal Floor Plan

 

 

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