Naha Airport

Naha Airport (OKA) is the main aerial gateway to the subtropical paradise of Okinawa prefecture and one of the busiest airports in Japan. It serves as a key transport hub for millions of travelers eager to experience the unique culture and enjoy the picturesque beaches of the Ryukyu Islands. The airport has a dual purpose: it serves both civil aviation and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, highlighting its strategic importance in the region.

One of the key features of Naha Airport is its excellent transport accessibility. The Yui Rail monorail directly connects the terminal to the city center, allowing you to reach key locations in just 15-20 minutes. The airport serves as a hub for Japan Transocean Air and Ryukyu Air Commuter, and is also a focus city for the giants ANA and JAL. The terminals are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable journey: from numerous shops and restaurants serving local cuisine to rest areas and Duty Free shops.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Naha Airport (OKA). If you have questions while planning your trip or upon arrival, use these details to get assistance promptly.

• Official Website: You can always find the most complete and up-to-date information on schedules, services, and rules on the airport's official portal: www.naha-airport.co.jp. The site is available in several languages, including English.
• Information Service Phone: For inquiries and assistance, you can call the information desks in the terminals.
  • Domestic Terminal: +81-98-857-6884
  • International Terminal: +81-98-857-6933
• Airport Address: 150 Kagamizu, Naha, Okinawa 901-0142, Japan.
• Lost and Found Information:
  • If your items were lost or left on board the aircraft, you should contact your airline directly.
  • For items forgotten inside the terminal building, please contact the airport information center at the numbers listed above.
• Email and Social Media: The airport does not provide a public email address for general inquiries and does not maintain centralized social media pages. It is recommended to use the telephone or feedback forms on the official website for communication.

There are several convenient ways to get to Naha Airport (OKA) from Okinawa city and other parts of the island. The choice of transport depends on your budget, location, and amount of luggage. The airport has a well-thought-out infrastructure, making the journey there simple and fast.

Public Transport

The most popular and scenic way to get to the airport from the city center is the Yui Rail monorail. Naha Airport Station is the terminal station and is connected by a covered walkway directly to the Domestic Terminal building (to reach the International Terminal, you need to walk for a few minutes). The trip from the central Kokusai-dori street (Kencho-mae station) takes only about 15 minutes and costs a few hundred yen. This is not only fast but also an exciting way to start or end your journey, as it offers elevated views of the city.

Additionally, numerous city and limousine buses run to the airport. They connect the airport not only with Naha city but also with major hotels and resorts across the island. The bus is an excellent option if you are not traveling from the center, but be prepared that the trip may take longer due to stops and potential traffic.

Taxi and Car Rental

A taxi ride from central Naha will take 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions and will cost significantly more than the monorail. This is a convenient option for travelers with bulky luggage or families with small children. If you have traveled around the island in a rental car, it will need to be returned before departure. Most rental agencies are located not at the airport itself, but a few minutes' drive away. They provide free shuttles to the terminals. Be sure to allocate extra time for the car return procedure and the transfer.

Airport Parking

For those arriving in their own vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available on the airport grounds. This is a convenient, though not the most budget-friendly option, especially for long trips. The entire infrastructure of Japan is known for its thoughtful design, and parking at Naha Airport is no exception.

Naha Airport (OKA) is the main transport hub of Okinawa, and its structure is quite simple and easy for travelers to navigate. It consists of two main terminals: Domestic and International, which serve the respective flights.

Previously, there was a separate terminal for low-cost carriers (LCC), but after reconstruction, it was integrated into the general structure, and now budget airlines, such as Peach, use a special area connected to the main building. There is a convenient covered walkway located on the second floor between the Domestic and International terminals, allowing you to move between them on foot in just 5–10 minutes without going outside. This is particularly convenient for transfers.

The Domestic Terminal is the larger and busier building. It occupies four floors:

• 1st Floor: Arrivals area, tourist information counters, bus stops, and taxis.
• 2nd Floor: Departures area and check-in counters for domestic flights within Japan, as well as access to the Yui Rail monorail station.
• 3rd Floor: Check-in counters for certain airlines and restaurants.
• 4th Floor: Large food court with diverse cuisine and an observation deck offering views of the runway.

The International Terminal is more compact and modern. It also features departure and arrival zones, check-in counters, Duty Free shops, currency exchange points, and several cafes. Navigation within it is intuitive thanks to clear signs in Japanese and English.

You should allocate standard time for check-in and security screening: about 1.5 hours for domestic flights and 2–2.5 hours for international ones. During peak seasons (for example, during Japanese national holidays), the airport can be busy, so it is better to arrive with time to spare. Tip: even if you have an international flight, take a look at the Domestic Terminal — the selection of restaurants and souvenir shops there is significantly richer.

The history of Naha Airport (OKA) is inextricably linked with key events in the history of Okinawa. Its journey began in 1933, when the Oroku Aerodrome was built on this site for the needs of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Initially, it was a modest facility, which acquired significant strategic importance in subsequent years.

After the end of World War II, the airfield came under the control of the US military and was transformed into the major Naha Air Base. It was during this period that its development as a civil facility began: in 1954, the first commercial flights took off from here, connecting Okinawa with the rest of the world. This step laid a solid foundation for the future tourism boom on the Ryukyu Islands.

A landmark event was 1972, when Okinawa returned to Japanese sovereignty. From that moment, Naha Airport received its unique status as a dual-use facility. It simultaneously serves as a base for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and acts as the prefecture's main civil airport, serving millions of passengers annually.

With the growth of Okinawa's popularity as a tourist destination, the airport has undergone several stages of large-scale modernization. In 1999, a modern international terminal was opened, and in 2012, a separate terminal for low-cost carriers (LCC) was added. The most significant achievement of recent years was the construction and opening of the second runway in March 2020. This project significantly increased the airport's capacity and strengthened its position as one of the busiest in the country.

Interesting fact: due to its dual status, at Naha Airport you can simultaneously observe the take-offs and landings of civil liners from all over the world alongside training flights of fighter jets. This makes it not just a transport hub, but a truly unique facility reflecting the rich and multifaceted history of Okinawa.

Naha Airport (OKA) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Every detail here is thought out for the convenience of travelers of all categories.

Within the airport terminals, there are numerous restaurants and cafes where you can taste both local Okinawan dishes and familiar international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, doors are open to stores including souvenir shops with unique goods and, of course, spacious Duty Free shops. This is a great opportunity to buy gifts or treat yourself before the flight.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, high-comfort lounges and VIP lounges are available. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations with power outlets and USB ports are provided for those who need to charge electronic devices.

Financial matters can be easily resolved right at the airport: passengers have access to bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. In case of illness, there is a medical center at the airport ready to provide first aid.

Special attention is paid to families with children. Cozy nursing rooms and small play areas are equipped for them. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance is available.

For business travelers, conference rooms and business centers are available where meetings can be held or work can be done in silence. Although there are no hotels directly inside the terminal building, there are many hotels of various comfort levels within walking distance and a few minutes' drive away.

Okinawa Airport (OKA) offers travelers a wonderful opportunity to experience the island's gastronomy without leaving the terminal. Here you will find a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget — from restaurants with authentic cuisine to cozy cafes.

The main pride of the airport is, of course, the restaurants serving local cuisine. If you want to enjoy the flavors of Japan one last time, be sure to try Okinawa Soba — traditional noodles in a rich broth. Another local hit is Taco Rice, a hearty dish of rice, minced meat, and vegetables. Most of these restaurants are concentrated on the 4th floor of the main terminal, in the public area (landside), which offers an excellent view of the runway.

For those short on time, establishments in the departure zone (airside), after passing security control, are ideal. Here you can quickly grab a sandwich, drink coffee, or pick up a bento box. If you want a full and leisurely lunch, it is better to do so before check-in, as the selection of restaurants in the public area is significantly wider.

Most cafes and restaurants operate from early morning until approximately 20:00–21:00, aligned with flight schedules. The average bill for a full meal in a restaurant is about 1500–2500 yen. Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes can be challenging. However, many restaurants offer vegetarian options based on rice and vegetables, though it is advisable to check with staff regarding the use of fish extract or non-Halal ingredients in sauces and broths.

To ensure your journey through Naha Airport in Okinawa city goes as smoothly as possible, there are several points to consider. Planning is the key to a calm start or end to a trip, so familiarize yourself with our tips to help you navigate the airport and save time.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Japan, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5–3 hours prior. Naha Airport can be quite busy, especially during the tourist season. To avoid queues, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop or security screening if you are traveling light.

Security Checks and Hand Luggage. Security procedures at Japanese airports are organized efficiently but strictly. Ensure that all liquids in your hand luggage are in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. Pay special attention to customs regulations: the import of meat, fruit, and certain other products into Japan is strictly limited. Always declare doubtful items to avoid fines.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you are flying from Okinawa, try to choose a window seat. The views of the turquoise sea and the Ryukyu Islands chain during takeoff and landing are simply mesmerizing. Passengers with transfers should note that Naha Airport has separate terminals for domestic and international flights. They are connected by a walkway, and you should allocate about 5–10 minutes for moving between them. Verify in advance from which terminal your next flight departs.

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, travel to the airport on the Yui Rail monorail — it is fast and inexpensive. There are many shops and restaurants in the airport building, but prices may be higher than in the city. In case of a flight delay, do not panic. Contact your airline representative for information and meal vouchers if applicable. In your free time, you can visit the observation deck on the 4th floor, which offers an excellent view of the runway.