Naha Airport in Okinawa: Access, Restaurants, Shops, and More

Naha Airport: The Gateway to Okinawa

As the primary gateway to Okinawa, Naha Airport is a bustling transportation hub serving both domestic and international airlines.

Below, we’ve put together a guide to navigating the airport, including terminal layouts, transit options to downtown Naha, information counters, local restaurants, and shopping facilities.

• Table of Contents
• Okinawa Naha Airport Floor Guide
• How to Get from Naha Airport to Downtown Okinawa
• Dining at Naha Airport
• Souvenirs Shops at Naha Airport
• Useful Services at Naha Airport

Okinawa Naha Airport Floor Guide

Okinawa's Naha Airport has 4 floors each for both domestic and international lines, and the walkways connecting each floor are very convenient. The introduction for each floor is as follows.

Naha Airport Floor Map: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/spend/map/

Naha Airport 1st Floor

The International Terminal is located on the first floor of Naha Airport. This floor features the Arrival Lobby, a Visitor Information Center, and several restaurants.

The first floor also houses the Domestic Terminal. Here, you will find the Arrival Lobby, information counters for car rentals, tourists, and luggage delivery, as well as the pick-up areas for buses, taxis, and rental cars.

Naha Airport 2nd Floor

The second floor houses the Departure Security Checks, souvenir areas, and restaurants for both the International and Domestic terminals.

This floor also features the pedestrian deck connecting directly to the Monorail Station.

Naha Airport 3rd Floor

The third floor houses the check-in counters and restaurants for both terminals.

You will also find Immigration Control in the International Terminal and the Observation Deck in the Domestic Terminal.

Naha Airport 4th Floor

The fourth floor is primarily dedicated to dining.

It features restaurants in both terminals, as well as the International Terminal's Observation Deck.

*Okinawa Naha Airport floor map: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/spend/map/

How to Get from Naha Airport to Downtown Okinawa

Currently, there are four ways to travel from Naha Airport to the downtown area: Monorail, Bus, Taxi, and Rental Car.

Monorail (Yui Rail)

The Monorail Station connects directly to the Domestic Terminal at Naha Airport. If you are arriving on an international flight, simply walk over to the Domestic Terminal building after clearing customs.

The monorail boarding area is located on the second floor; clear directional signs will guide you the entire way.

The Domestic Terminal is connected to the monorail via a pedestrian deck. To reach Naha Airport Station, simply follow the 'Monorail' signs and head outside onto the covered walkway.

With its affordable fares and straightforward route, the monorail is the most popular choice for traveling downtown.

The ride is quick and convenient, taking only about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the heart of Naha.

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Keep in mind that the monorail cars are relatively small, so trains can get crowded during peak flight arrival times, and you might have to wait for the next one. Fortunately, trains run frequently—about every 10 minutes—so you won’t have to wait long.

Route Bus

Buses departing from Naha Airport generally fall into two categories: Route/Express Buses and Airport Limousine Buses.

Due to ongoing construction, bus stops at the International Terminal are temporarily suspended. Regardless of which bus you plan to take, please head to the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal to board.

There are six route bus platforms (numbered 1 through 6). Below are the tourist attractions you can reach from the main boarding areas.

Platform 1

From Platform 1, you can board the Okinawa Airport Shuttle (Resort Liner) for destinations like Onna, Nago, and the Churaumi Aquarium.

This platform also hosts the Junglia Express shuttle bus (operated by OKITO and Tokyo Bus). Please note that seats on the Junglia Express must be reserved in advance through the official Junglia Access Page.

Platform 2

Head to Platform 2 for highway and express buses heading north toward Nago and the Motobu Peninsula.

Available routes include Express Bus 111 (to Nago), Express Bus 117, and the Yanbaru Express Bus (YKB). Both the 117 and Yanbaru lines provide direct access to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

Platform 3

This platform primarily serves local and airport lines heading toward central Okinawa, Ginowan, and Nago, as well as major shopping hubs.

- Route Bus 152: Direct service to AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom.

- Route Bus 120 (Nago Nishi Airport Line): The scenic western route to Nago.

- Route Bus 23 (Gushikawa Line) & 113 (Gushikawa Airport Line): Heading toward Gushikawa.

- Route Bus 123 (Ishikawa Airport Line): Heading toward Ishikawa.

- Route Bus 26 (Ginowan Airport Line): Service to Ginowan.

- Route Bus 99 (Ameku Shintoshin Line): Naha Shintoshin district and local areas.

- Route Bus 125 (Futenma Airport Line): Service passing through Futenma.

Platform 4

Platform 4 primarily serves routes heading toward southern Okinawa, popular shopping outlets, and local destinations.

- Route Bus 83 (Gyokusendo Line): Heads south toward Okinawa World and the Gyokusendo Cave.

- Route Bus 95 (Airport Ashibinaa Line): Direct service to the popular Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa.

- Route Bus 189 (Itoman Airport Line): Connects directly to Itoman City.

- Route Bus 190 (Chibana Line): Local commuter service heading toward central Okinawa/Chibana.

*Bus boarding area layout map: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/access/bus/

Airport Limousine Bus

The Airport Limousine Bus departs from Platform 1, located on the center island of the bus boarding area outside the Domestic Terminal (1st Floor). These buses connect Naha Airport directly to major resort hotels across Okinawa via five main routes: A, B, C, D, and E.

*Airport Limousine Bus: https://okinawabus.com/en/

Taxi

The taxi stands are also located outside the exits of the 1st-floor lobby of the Domestic Terminal.

They are separated into different boarding areas based on passenger capacity and travel distance, including Large Taxis, Medium/Short-Distance Taxis, and Long-Distance Taxis.

Large Taxis (Platform 6): Vans are used to carry more passengers and luggage, making them ideal for families or groups.

Medium/Short-Distance Taxis (Platform 7): Service area covers Naha City, Urasoe City, Ginowan City, Nishihara Town, Nakagusuku Village, and the entire southern region.

Long-Distance Taxis (Platform 8): Service area covers the central region north of Chatan Town / Kitanakagusuku Village, and the entire northern region.

For a more customized ride, you can also use nearMe.Airport, a shared shuttle service that operates between the airport and major hotels. Unlike traditional buses, it has no fixed timetables or rigid pick-up spots—the shuttle picks you up directly from your specified location.

It is significantly more affordable than a standard taxi, and you can easily split the fare with your travel companions. Booking is simple via their app or official website. Plus, highway tolls are included in the price, and cancellations are completely free up to 48 hours before your trip.

Car Rental

The car rental information counters are located on the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal, where you can inquire about car rental services.

Currently, major well-known car rental companies such as TOYOTA, NISSAN, and Times are stationed here.

After finalizing your car rental service, you can proceed to the car rental shuttle bus pick-up area located outside the exits of the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal.

The pick-up area is situated at the center island of the bus boarding area on the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal, at Platforms 10 and 11.

Restaurants at Naha Airport

There are numerous dining options inside Okinawa Naha Airport. Below are the recommended restaurants in the Domestic and International Terminals.

Sobadokoro Ryufu (Domestic Terminal 1F)

Sobadokoro Ryufu offers traditional Okinawa soba with a gentle, bonito-infused broth that leaves a sweet aftertaste with every sip. The noodles are slightly thick, straight, and remarkably chewy.

Sobadokoro Ryufu: Google Maps

Airport Restaurant (Domestic Terminal 1F)

For a taste of local comfort food, the Airport Restaurant is a casual, cafeteria-style spot that serves affordable Okinawan home-cooked dishes made with fresh, carefully selected ingredients.

Its hearty set menus are a hit not just with travelers, but also with Naha Airport staff—always the sign of a great local eatery.

Airport Restaurant: Google Maps

Pork Tamago Onigiri - Naha Airport Domestic Terminal Arrival Lobby

Made-to-order pork tamago (pork and egg rice balls) are a famous Okinawan soul food featuring thick, fluffy egg and savory Spam.

The perfectly balanced saltiness of the luncheon meat makes these treats incredibly addictive. In addition to the classic version, they offer a delicious variety of flavors, including local miso, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and bonito kelp.

While the main airport shop is notoriously popular, you can also find a branch tucked away in the food court on the 4th floor of the International Terminal.

Pork Tamago Onigiri: Google Maps

Menyagu Motonari Naha Airport (International Terminal 3F)

Opened in 2022, Menyagu Motonari is currently the only ramen specialty shop inside Naha Airport.

The shop uses pork bones to simmer a rich, pure tonkotsu broth, which is paired with long, thin, and exceptionally springy noodles, leaving many ramen foodies amazed.

Menyagu Motonari: Google Maps

Steak House 88 Naha Airport Branch (International Terminal 3F)

Steak House 88 is a popular local chain that has expanded rapidly across Okinawa. Known for its affordable pricing, it offers a great selection of premium dishes, including local Ishigaki beef.

When you order a steak, you also get unlimited access to the restaurant's self-service rice, soup, and salad bar.

Steak House 88 Naha Airport Branch: https://s88.co.jp/shop/steak88/naha_airport/

Yoshinoya & Hanamaru Udon Naha Airport (International Terminal 4F)

Yoshinoya & Hanamaru Udon Naha Airport is a unique collaboration between the famous beef bowl chain and the popular udon franchise.

This joint storefront offers exclusive mash-up items you won't find at standard branches, such as an udon bowl topped with Yoshinoya's signature seasoned beef, as well as Okinawa-exclusive items like yushi tofu and taco rice.

Yoshinoya & Hanamaru Udon Naha Airport: Google Maps

Souvenir Shops at Naha Airport

Okinawa Naha Airport houses over a hundred shops, featuring a complete range of stores offering dessert souvenirs, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, travel goods, and more.

Below is a curated selection of must-visit shops in the Domestic and International Terminals!

Domestic Terminal 2F: Okashigoten Naha Airport Branch

Purple yam (beni-imo) is the signature agricultural product of Okinawa's Yomitan Village. The famous confectioner Okashigoten uses this vibrant sweet potato to craft their iconic Purple Yam Tarts.

Boasting a rich, natural sweetness, these tarts are so delicious they have even won Japan's prestigious 'Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.

Okashigoten Naha Airport Store: Google Maps

Domestic Terminal 2F: Jimmy’s

Jimmy's, which uses locally sourced Okinawan ingredients like purple yam and brown sugar to make cute cookies, is one of the region's well-known souvenir brands and is deeply loved by people of all ages.

Even before taking a bite, you can catch the rich aroma of these various crispy cookies.

*Jimmy's: https://jimmys.co.jp/shop/

Domestic Terminal 2F: Awamoriya

Okinawa is famous for Awamori, a unique distilled liquor crafted from Thai long-grain rice.

At the airport's Awamoriya shop, you can browse a stellar selection of original Awamori, alongside traditional habu-shu (Okinawan snake wine infused with a preserved pit viper). The shop also offers an array of local bar snacks designed to pair perfectly with your drink.

Awamoriya: https://www.okinawastory.jp/spot/600011864

International Terminal 2F: cocokarafine Naha Airport

Cocokarafine is one of Japan's leading drugstore chains, fully stocked with everything from travel essentials like eye drops, cold medicine, and gastrointestinal remedies to popular Japanese skincare products and cosmetics.

It is the perfect place to drop by for a final shopping spree right before your flight!

International Terminal 2F: MUJI to GO Naha Airport Branch

MUJI to GO is a series of shops by MUJI that specializes in travel-related items. It is an ideal spot to pick up practical and handy specialty goods for your upcoming journey before hopping on the plane.

MUJI to GO Naha Airport Branch: https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/shop/detail/062306

International Terminal 2F: Made in PIERRE HERMÉ Naha Airport Branch

Selling premium souvenir products produced through collaborations between PIERRE HERMÉ and various local producers across Japan. It also offers ice cream, beverages, macarons, and other products made with locally sourced Okinawan fruits.

Made in PIERRE HERMÉ Naha Airport Branch: https://www.pierreherme.co.jp/boutique/made-in-pierre-herme-naha/

Useful Services and Facilities at Naha Airport

Okinawa Naha Airport is equipped with many thoughtful service facilities for tourists. Make sure to take note of the following convenient services!

General Information Counters

General information counters are currently available on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors of Naha Airport. They primarily provide assistance regarding the airport layout, shopping, dining, and other general inquiries.

Information Counters: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/info/information/

Tourist Information Counters

In addition to the general counters providing airport information, there are also tourist information counters set up for Okinawa sightseeing.

Here, you can pick up foreign language tourist brochures and ask the staff for detailed tourist information within Okinawa Prefecture (some staff members speak Chinese and English).

The tourist information counters are located in the 1st-floor Arrival Lobbies of both the Domestic and International Terminals.

Tourist Information Counters: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/info/tour_info/

Baggage Lockers

Baggage lockers are available in both the International and Domestic Terminals. In the International Terminal, they are located near the stairs in the Arrival Lobby. In the Domestic Terminal, large and small baggage locker areas are set up on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors.

Baggage Lockers: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/shipping/coin_locker/

ATMs and Currency Exchange

ATMs are currently located in the Departure Lobby on the 2nd floor of the Domestic Terminal and the Arrival Lobby on the 1st floor of the International Terminal.

ATMs: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/cash/atm/

Currency exchange counters are currently located in the Departure Lobby on the 2nd floor of the International Terminal.

Currency Exchange: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/cash/exchange/

Nursing Rooms

Nursing rooms are currently attached to the restrooms on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of both the Domestic and International Terminals. These nursing rooms are equipped with diaper changing tables, breast pumps, and other facilities. In addition, private nursing booths are available and can be used by both men and women.

Nursing Rooms: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/family/nursing/

Baggage Storage and Delivery Services

Counters offering baggage storage and delivery services are currently located in the Arrival Lobby on the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal, allowing travelers to free their hands and enjoy Okinawa hassle-free.

The Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato) counter, located in the Arrival Lobby on the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal, provides temporary baggage storage services.

Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, and OAS Aviation, also located in the Arrival Lobby on the 1st floor of the Domestic Terminal, offer baggage delivery services.

Deliveries can be made to hotels within Okinawa Prefecture as well as to other prefectures. Please consult the staff at each counter for detailed service information.

*Baggage Storage and Delivery Services: https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/shipping/

Enjoy Exploring Naha

With four floors spanning both the Domestic and International terminals, Naha Airport can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance. However, once you understand the basic floor layout, navigating the terminal is a breeze.

Whether you have just landed or are getting ready to head home, be sure to set aside some extra time to explore all the fantastic dining, shopping, and unique services Naha Airport has to offer!

Naha Airport

901-0142 150 Kagamizu, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

Main picture courtesy of Pixta