{"id":1275,"date":"2026-10-13T00:16:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T00:16:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/?page_id=1275"},"modified":"2026-10-13T16:07:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T16:07:35","slug":"getting-to-okinawa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/plan\/getting-to-okinawa\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting to Okinawa: Flights, Airports &#038; Ferries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Okinawa sits far to the southwest of mainland Japan, closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo. There is no bridge or train, so almost every visitor arrives by air. The good news is that <strong>getting to Okinawa<\/strong> is easy: Naha Airport is one of Japan&#8217;s busiest, with frequent domestic flights and a growing list of international routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers the main airports, flights from mainland Japan and abroad, the long-distance ferry option, and what to do when you land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Okinawa&#8217;s Main Airports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Airport<\/th><th>Island<\/th><th>Good for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Naha Airport (OKA)<\/td><td>Okinawa Main Island<\/td><td>Most visitors; domestic and international flights; Kerama ferries via Tomari Port<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Miyako Airport (MMY)<\/td><td>Miyakojima<\/td><td>Miyako, Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima islands<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shimojishima Airport (SHI)<\/td><td>Shimojishima (bridged to Irabu and Miyako)<\/td><td>Some flights from mainland Japan and Naha<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New Ishigaki Airport (ISG)<\/td><td>Ishigaki<\/td><td>Yaeyama Islands, including Taketomi and Iriomote by ferry<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smaller airports serve islands such as Kumejima and Yonaguni, mostly with flights from Naha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"okinawa-map\" style=\"margin:1em 0;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps?q=Naha+Airport%2C+Okinawa&amp;z=14&amp;output=embed\" width=\"100%\" height=\"300\" style=\"border:0;display:block;\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" title=\"Map of Naha Airport on Okinawa Main Island\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flights from Mainland Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naha has direct flights from a long list of Japanese cities, including Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Osaka (Kansai and Itami), Kobe, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima, and Kagoshima. From Tokyo Haneda, the flight takes about 2.5 hours; from Narita, about 3 hours; from Osaka, roughly 2 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full-service carriers such as JAL and ANA fly the main routes, along with Skymark, Solaseed Air, and low-cost airlines including Peach and Jetstar Japan. Low-cost carriers can be very good value, but check baggage rules, and note that some LCCs use Narita or Kansai rather than Haneda or Itami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Direct flights to Miyako and Ishigaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t have to go through Naha to reach the outer islands. Ishigaki and Miyako (including Shimojishima) have direct flights from some mainland airports, such as Tokyo and Osaka, though frequency varies by season. Otherwise, connect at Naha: flights to Miyako take about 55 minutes and to Ishigaki about an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Flights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naha Airport has direct international flights to several Asian cities, including Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, and Singapore. Routes and frequencies change from season to season, so check the latest timetables when you book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From North America, Europe, and Australia, there are no direct flights. The usual route is to fly into a major hub, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong, then connect to Naha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connecting via Tokyo or Osaka<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Allow plenty of time.<\/strong> You&#8217;ll clear immigration and customs at your first Japanese airport, then re-check your bags for the domestic flight.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Mind the airport.<\/strong> Narita and Haneda are far apart, as are Kansai and Itami. A connection between them takes much longer than one within the same airport.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Look for through fares.<\/strong> JAL and ANA often sell international tickets with an onward domestic leg to Okinawa, which can protect you if your first flight is delayed.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Finding Good Fares<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Book early for holidays.<\/strong> Fares rise sharply around Golden Week, the summer holidays, Obon, and New Year.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Compare airports.<\/strong> Flying from Narita or Kansai on a low-cost carrier can be much cheaper than Haneda or Itami, once you factor in the cost and time of getting to the airport.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Check bundled tickets.<\/strong> If you&#8217;re flying into Japan on JAL or ANA, ask about adding a domestic leg to Okinawa on the same ticket.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Look at airline passes.<\/strong> Some Japanese airlines offer discounted domestic fares for overseas visitors. Terms vary, so read the conditions carefully.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Be flexible.<\/strong> Shifting your dates by a few days, or avoiding weekends at the start and end of holidays, can make a real difference to fares.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arriving on the Outer Islands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Miyako and Shimojishima<\/strong> airports are small and easy to navigate. Rental car desks and taxis are close to the terminal, and the bridges to Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima islands make it simple to explore by car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>New Ishigaki Airport<\/strong> is a drive from Ishigaki&#8217;s town center and its remote island ferry terminal. Buses and taxis connect the two, and many visitors pick up a rental car at the airport. If you plan to take a ferry to Taketomi or Iriomote the same day, allow plenty of time between your flight and the last boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On all the outer islands, flights and ferries can be disrupted by strong winds and typhoons, so keep your plans flexible and check for updates on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ferries and Cruises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tomari-port-naha-okinawa-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Tomari Wharf, Naha Port\" class=\"wp-image-1420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tomari-port-naha-okinawa-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tomari-port-naha-okinawa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tomari-port-naha-okinawa-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tomari-port-naha-okinawa-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tomari-port-naha-okinawa.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Naha_Tomari_Port11n4272.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">663highland<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.5<\/a> via <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For travelers with time to spare, long-distance ferries link <strong>Kagoshima<\/strong> in southern Kyushu with Naha, calling at several islands in the Amami group and at Motobu on the way. The journey takes about a day, leaving Kagoshima in the evening and arriving in Naha the following evening. It&#8217;s a slow but scenic way to see the Ryukyu island chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Okinawa is also a popular stop for international cruise ships, which dock at Naha Port. A passenger ferry between Ishigaki and Keelung in Taiwan launched in May 2026, but the operator suspended it from October 1, 2026; check the operator&#8217;s website for any news of a restart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arriving at Naha Airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naha Airport&#8217;s domestic and international areas are in one connected terminal building. From there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Yui Rail monorail:<\/strong> the station is connected to the terminal and runs into central Naha in minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Rental cars:<\/strong> most rental companies meet you in the arrivals area and take you by shuttle to their offices nearby.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Airport limousine buses:<\/strong> serve major resort areas, including Chatan, Onna, and Nago.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Taxis:<\/strong> wait outside the arrivals area.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Kerama Islands:<\/strong> take a taxi or bus to Tomari Port in Naha for ferries to Zamami, Aka, and Tokashiki.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See our full guide to <a href=\"\/blog\/plan\/getting-around\/\">getting around Okinawa<\/a> for details on each option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Entry Requirements and Practical Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Visas:<\/strong> many nationalities can visit Japan visa-free for short stays, but rules depend on your passport. Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan or your nearest Japanese embassy.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Visit Japan Web:<\/strong> Japan&#8217;s online service lets you complete immigration and customs information before you arrive, which can speed up entry.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Driving permits:<\/strong> if you plan to rent a car, get the correct international driving permit or official translation before you leave home.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Peak seasons:<\/strong> Golden Week, the summer holidays, Obon, and New Year are the busiest times to fly. Book early for these dates.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Typhoons:<\/strong> from roughly June to October, flights can be cancelled. Leave a buffer day before onward international flights.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure when to go? Our guide to <a href=\"\/blog\/plan\/best-time-to-visit\/\">the best time to visit Okinawa<\/a> covers weather, crowds, and festivals month by month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I get to Okinawa from Tokyo?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fly. Direct flights from Haneda to Naha take about 2.5 hours, and there are many flights a day. Flights from Narita, often on low-cost carriers, take about 3 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a train to Okinawa?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Okinawa is a group of islands with no rail link to mainland Japan. You can fly, or take a long-distance ferry from Kagoshima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there direct flights to Okinawa from the US or Europe?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Fly to a hub such as Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong, then connect to Naha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which airport should I fly into?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naha Airport for the Main Island and the Kerama Islands, Miyako or Shimojishima for the Miyako Islands, and Ishigaki for the Yaeyama Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there a ferry from Taiwan to Okinawa?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A passenger ferry between Keelung and Ishigaki began in 2026 but was suspended from October 1, 2026. For now, flying is the practical option; direct flights between Taiwan and Naha are short, typically under two hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How far is Okinawa from Tokyo?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naha is roughly 1,500 km (930 mi) from Tokyo in a straight line, which is why flying is the practical option.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to get to Okinawa: flights to Naha from Japan and Asia, direct routes to Miyako and Ishigaki, ferries from Kagoshima, and arrival tips for first-timers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":284,"featured_media":1419,"parent":1273,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1275","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1275","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/284"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1275"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1275\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1421,"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1275\/revisions\/1421"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1273"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.okinawa.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1275"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}