Tokyo to Okinawa: Flight Times, Fares, and Other Travel Methods

Find the cheapest and fastest ways to travel from Tokyo to Okinawa. Compare direct flight times and prices vs. scenic routes involving the Shinkansen and ferry.

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MATCHA

This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

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Okinawa: How to Travel to One of Japan's Top Destinations

Photo by Pixta

Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, is a stunning archipelago defined by a subtropical climate that stays warm and welcoming year-round.

The islands are brimming with wonders, from the crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of the Kerama and Miyako islands to the historic Shuri Castle and other UNESCO World Heritage sites linked to the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom.

After exploring the neon lights of Tokyo, heading south to bask in Okinawa’s "resort atmosphere" is a popular choice for travelers. Because Okinawa is over 1,500 km from the capital, your choice of transport significantly impacts your budget and itinerary.

Getting from Tokyo to Okinawa: Travel Guide

1. By Air (Recommended)
2. By Ferry + Bullet Train or Rental Car (Scenic Route)
3. Rental Car for Travel Stops and Detours
4. Additional Travel Preparations: Hotels and Wi-Fi

Book Shinkansen and train tickets in Japan

Naha, Okinawa: Keramas Island Snorkeling Day Trip with Lunch

1. Traveling to Okinawa by Air: Best for Time and Cost Efficiency

There are 30 one-way flights departing daily from Haneda Airport for Naha Airport between 6:00 to 20:00 via airlines such as ANA, JAL, and Skymark. The total flight time is two hours and 30 minutes, with prices for a one-way ticket ranging from 6,910 to 67,100 yen.

Want to save on airfare? We recommend purchasing Skymark's discount tickets for early morning flights. There are also flights from budget airlines, such as Jetstar and Peach, that depart from Narita Airport. The cheapest airfare is around 7,010 yen, which is quite inexpensive.

Airport limousine buses operate from Naha Airport to each sightseeing location. This makes it a convenient travel option regardless of which destination you are heading to.

The starting taxi fare in Okinawa Prefecture is also low compared to Tokyo and other prefectures. This makes the service easy to use since several taxis are typically dispatched to the area at once.

Naha: North Okinawa Sightseeing Tour & Churaumi Aquarium

2. To Okinawa by Ferry and Bullet Train or Rental Car (Scenic Route)

Okinawa from Tokyo 2022-23 Edition: Travel Time and Price Comparison

Photo by Pixta

Note that there are no direct passenger ferries from Tokyo to Okinawa. Travelers seeking a sea voyage must first take the Shinkansen or fly to Kagoshima in Kyushu.

From there, the ferry takes approximately 25 hours to reach Naha. This is a great option for those who want to see the smaller Amami islands along the way.

Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) or a rental car to Kagoshima. Then take the ferry from there.

Book Shinkansen and train tickets in Japan

If you decide to take the Shinkansen, then the southernmost Shinkansen station in Japan will be Kagoshima-Chuo Station in Kagoshima Prefecture. Take a route bus for about 20 minutes from the station to Kagoshima Port. You will then need to take a passenger ship.

Since there is no direct route from Tokyo Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, you must first transfer to either Shin-Kobe Station or Hakata Station. The total travel time is six hours and 45 minutes, with train fares at 31,060 yen for an ordinary seat.

International visitors can purchase an unlimited ride pass for the bullet train called the JR PASS at a fixed price. This is an amazing deal if you plan to travel around Japan, so please check it out!

Explore Okinawa's Natural Beauty and Rich History

3. Book a Rental Car for Travel Stops and Detours

Photo by Pixta
Renting a car will allow you to travel to Kagoshima Port on the expressway. It is approximately 1,400 kilometers from Tokyo to Kagoshima. In total, that is 16 hours of travel time and will cost around 28,000 yen in expressway tolls.

On top of these fares is the cost of renting the car itself. You can enjoy more spontaneous travels and make detours along the way. However, be prepared that it will cost a lot of time and money.

The travel time from Kagoshima New Port to Okinawa Naha Port on the Marix Line, a passenger ship, is 25 hours with fares ranging between 16,770 yen to 39,090 yen. You will also need to pay an additional car transportation fare if you bring your rental car.

These travel methods require time and money. However, please consider these options if you wish to experience traveling by Shinkansen, ferry, or car. Alternatively, this route is for those yearning for a slow, relaxing trip.

MATCHA offers an exclusive 10% discount coupon for international visitors when renting a vehicle from Nippon Rent-A-Car, one of Japan's leading rental car companies.

Naturally, there are numerous Nippon Rent-A-Car offices around Tokyo and Okinawa. Be sure to check it out if you're considering renting a car!

Please refer to this article when choosing a travel method that best suits your traveling style!

National Park Kerama Islands 2 boat fan diving (with rental)

Additional Travel Preparations: Hotels and Wi-Fi

After deciding on your travel itinerary and travel method for Okinawa, the next thing to book is accommodations.

If you're looking for an accommodation or hotel in Okinawa at a value, please check out Agoda or Booking.com.

In the MATCHA article below, we've introduced recommended hotels with great accessibility to popular sightseeing destinations in Okinawa, including Kokusai Shopping Street and the American Village. Feel free to refer to this article for more information!

FAQ

What is the best way to get to Okinawa?

To reach Okinawa, a Japanese island destination, the most common and convenient way is by flying into Naha Airport (OKA), the largest airport in Okinawa. Direct flights are available from major cities in Japan and select international locations. Domestic flights from cities like Tokyo and Osaka or budget airlines can be cost-effective options. Alternatively, ferries departing from cities on the mainland and occasional cruises offer slower but scenic journeys to Okinawa.

How do you get from Tokyo to Okinawa?

Traveling from Tokyo to Okinawa offers two primary transportation options: air and sea. The fastest and most common method is taking a direct flight from Tokyo's airports (Haneda or Narita) to Naha Airport in Okinawa. This flight takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and provides convenience for travelers seeking a quick journey. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a ferry from Tokyo to Okinawa, although this choice is less common and more time-consuming.

Is there a ferry to Okinawa?

Ferry services in Okinawa mainly link Okinawa Island with nearby islands such as Ishigaki, Miyako, the Kerama Islands, and Kume Island, catering to inter-island travel within the prefecture. While these options facilitate exploration within Okinawa, for those journeying from mainland Japan (like Tokyo) to Okinawa, direct flights to Naha Airport are the practical and popular choice due to their efficiency.

Ferries from mainland Japan commonly depart from ports in cities like Kagoshima, Fukuoka, and Osaka, offering picturesque routes such as Kagoshima to Naha, Fukuoka to Naha, and Osaka to Naha, presenting travelers with a scenic maritime alternative to air travel.

Is there a ferry from Tokyo to Okinawa?

There is no direct ferry service from mainland Japan (Tokyo) to Okinawa. Traveling between Tokyo and Okinawa by ferry would involve multiple transfers and a significant amount of time, making it a less practical option compared to flying. However, there are ferry services available within the Okinawa prefecture itself, connecting Okinawa Island with other nearby islands within the Ryukyu archipelago.

Is there a bullet train from Tokyo to Okinawa?

Currently, there is no direct Shinkansen (bullet train) service from Tokyo to Okinawa due to the geographical distance and the sea separating Okinawa from mainland Japan. However, travelers can use a combination of transportation modes to reach Okinawa, starting with taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukuoka or Kagoshima in Kyushu. From these cities, ferry services are available to Okinawa, with common routes being Fukuoka to Naha and Kagoshima to Naha.

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Written by

MATCHA

This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

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