How to Get to Okinawa

Quick facts & TL;DR

• ✈️ Main gateways: Naha Airport on Okinawa’s main island (OKA) handles domestic and international flights; Ishigaki (ISG) and Miyako (MMY) serve the Yaeyama and Miyako archipelagos.
• 🛫 Flight time: 2–3 hours from Tokyo or Osaka; around 3 hours from Seoul, Taipei or Hong Kong.
• 💸 Discount passes: JAL’s Japan Explorer Pass (from ~7,700 yen per sector) and ANA’s Discover Japan Fare (around 16,000 yen) make domestic flights affordable for foreign visitors.
• 🛳 Ferries: Express boats link Naha to the Kerama Islands in as little as 40 minutes; the long‑haul ferry from Kagoshima to Naha takes about 25 hours and stops at the Amami Islands.
• 📅 Book early: Fares are cheapest when booked at least a month in advance and outside of peak periods (Golden Week, Obon, New Year).
• 🚙 Island hopping: Small planes and inter‑island ferries connect Okinawa’s remote islands; plan for transfers in Naha, Ishigaki or Miyako.

By air

Naha Airport (OKA) is the main entry point to Okinawa. Daily flights operate from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, Osaka’s Kansai and Itami airports, Nagoya, Fukuoka and other regional hubs. Flight times are roughly 2 hr 20 min from Tokyo and just over 2 hr from Osaka. You’ll find both full‑service carriers (ANA, JAL) and low‑cost airlines (Skymark, Jetstar, Peach, Solaseed) serving the route, giving you flexibility on price and schedule.

International connections arrive from nearby Asian cities including Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Bangkok. If you’re coming from elsewhere, plan to transfer in one of Japan’s major airports.

Domestic flight deals

• JAL Japan Explorer Pass: A special fare for foreign visitors offering flights within Japan from around 7,700 yen per sector. It covers routes to Naha, Ishigaki and Miyako and can be booked online through JAL once you’ve purchased your international ticket.
• ANA Discover Japan Fare: Priced around 16,000 yen per sector, this pass allows travel to over 30 domestic airports. It’s available to travellers who purchase their ticket outside Japan.
• Low‑cost carriers: Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, Skymark and Solaseed Air frequently run seat sales. Sign up for their newsletters and book early for the lowest fares.

Naha’s terminal is about 4 km from downtown Naha. The Yui Rail monorail connects the airport to the city centre in about 15 minutes. Taxis cost around ¥1,500–2,000, while limousine buses serve major hotels further up the coast.

By ferry

While flying is fast, travelling by sea offers a taste of island life. A Line Ferry runs an overnight service from Kagoshima to Naha via the Amami Islands, taking roughly 25 hours. It’s an adventure for those with time, but flights are usually cheaper and faster.

For island hopping, ferries from Naha’s Tomari Wharf connect to the Kerama Islands:

• Tokashiki Island: Express boat 40 min; regular ferry 1 hr 10 min.
• Zamami & Aka Islands: Express boat 50 min–1 hr 10 min; regular ferry around 2 hrs.
• Kume Island: Regular ferry 3 hrs (or 3 hrs 30 min if calling at Tonaki).

Ferries can be cancelled in rough seas, so check schedules and have a backup plan. Tickets are sold at the port on a first‑come, first‑served basis; arrive early during holidays.

Reaching remote islands

Okinawa’s outlying islands each have their own airport or ferry link. Here are the main hubs:

• Ishigaki: Direct flights from Naha (1 hr) and some mainland cities. From Ishigaki Port, ferries run to Taketomi (10 min), Iriomote (35–50 min) and other Yaeyama islands.
• Miyako: Flights connect from Naha (50 min) and seasonal services from Tokyo and Osaka. Ferries link Miyako to smaller islands like Ikema and Kurima via bridges; no inter‑island ferry network exists to Okinawa’s main island.
• Yonaguni: Japan’s westernmost island is served by flights from Naha (1 hr 30 min) and Ishigaki (30 min). A weekly ferry from Ishigaki takes about 4 hrs.

When planning multi‑island trips, build in buffer time for weather delays and check that flights and ferries operate on your travel days.

Travel tips & costs

• Book ahead: Domestic flight prices rise sharply closer to departure. Reserve tickets as soon as they go on sale (usually 2–6 months in advance).
• Watch peak periods: Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid‑August) and New Year are peak travel times when flights and ferries sell out and prices spike.
• Pack light: Low‑cost carriers have strict luggage allowances. Check baggage limits and pre‑pay for checked bags if needed.
• Consider packages: Some airlines and tour operators offer flight + hotel bundles that can save money. Compare prices across Booking, Klook and GetYourGuide using our partner links.
• Airport transfers: The Yui Rail is the cheapest way into Naha. For beach resorts north of Naha, consider renting a car at the airport for flexibility.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Okinawa?

Okinawa follows Japan’s national entry rules. Citizens of many countries can visit visa‑free for up to 90 days. Check the latest requirements on our Visa & Entry Requirements page.

Is the ferry from Kagoshima to Okinawa worth it?

The 25‑hour ferry via the Amami Islands is a scenic journey for travellers with time to spare. However, flights are faster and often cheaper, so most visitors choose to fly.

Which airline is cheapest?

Low‑cost carriers like Peach, Jetstar and Skymark usually offer the lowest fares, especially if you book early. JAL and ANA passes can be good value when combined with multiple flights.

How early should I arrive for inter‑island ferries?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to buy tickets and board. During holidays or weekends, aim for an hour in advance.