Naha Layover Guide (OKA)

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Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Naha Airport (OKA) is an international airport located in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It’s situated about 4 km (2.5 miles) from downtown Naha. The airport officially opened in 1933. Naha is the capital of Okinawa and serves as the gateway to the island’s tropical beaches and rich cultural heritage. It’s known for its historic sites, vibrant local cuisine, and relaxed island lifestyle, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Can you leave Naha Airport (OKA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
If your nationality is visa-exempt, you may only transit Okinawa and exit Naha Airport during a layover without a visa for stays under 72 hours, provided you remain within prefecture boundaries. Other travellers require a valid short-term tourist visa to clear immigration and leave the terminal. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell

Enjoy a guided food tour at Naha Airport. Visit two local restaurants inside the terminal and savor ¥1,500 worth of Okinawan dishes and drinks at each stop. Ideal for transit passengers, this private two-hour experience provides a seamless introduction—or a tasty farewell—to the island’s culinary delights. » book this tour

Original Street Kart Experience in Naha, Okinawa

Tour Naha in an unconventional way—drive a custom go-kart on public roads for 1.5–2.5 hours! Zoom past Naha Airport and along Kokusai Street in a funky costume, with a stop at Senaga Island on the longer course. Includes English-speaking guide, costumes, insurance, and photo data. » book this tour

Okinawa: 1/2-Day Private Sea Fishing Charter, Naha w/Pickup

Explore Okinawa’s coastal waters on a private 2–3.5 hour fishing charter. All gear and bait are provided, plus free hotel pickup in Naha. Reel in tropical fish, then choose to grill your catch onboard or at a local izakaya. Perfect for families (ages 3+) and first-time anglers. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Shuri Castle Explore the restored Ryukyuan royal palace complex, marvel at vibrant architecture, intricate carvings, panoramic city views, and learn Okinawan history through engaging exhibits, cultural performances, colorful festivals, heritage traditions. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: take Yui Rail from Naha Airport to Shuri Station (~25 min), then 5-min walk.)
  • Kokusai Dori Stroll the lively Okinawa’s main shopping street lined with boutiques, souvenir stores, traditional eateries, street performers, vibrant nightlife spots, local crafts, and occasional festivals showcasing regional music and dance culture. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Monorail from Naha Airport to Makishi Station (~15 min), then exit directly onto Kokusai Dori.)
  • Tamaudun Mausoleum Visit UNESCO-inscribed royal mausoleum, admire limestone stone chamber, serene gardens, and informative displays detailing funerary customs of Ryukyu dynasty rulers, offering peaceful reflection and historical context, heritage stories, insights, preservation. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Yui Rail to Shuri Station (~25 min), then 10-min walk.)
  • Shikinaen Garden Relax in restored Ryukyuan villa gardens featuring traditional Okinawan landscaping, ornamental ponds, stone lanterns, vibrant flora, historic architecture, seasonal blooms, offering tranquil retreat amidst UNESCO heritage surroundings, memorable culture photography. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Yui Rail to Shuri Station (~25 min) + taxi 5 min.)
  • Fukushu-en Chinese Garden Discover serene Chinese-style garden showcasing intricate pavilions, koi ponds, traditional archways, bonsai trees, and stone bridges, symbolizing Okinawa’s historic cultural exchange with China in beautifully landscaped grounds, tranquility, artistry, harmony. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Monorail to Makishi Station (~15 min), then 10-min walk.)
  • Makishi Public Market Sample fresh seafood, local produce, and Okinawan delicacies while interacting with vendors, then head upstairs to have sashimi and tempura prepared on the spot, immersing in vibrant local food culture. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Monorail to Makishi Station (~15 min), then 5-min walk.)
  • Tsuboya Pottery Museum Explore Okinawa’s traditional ceramics at Tsuboya Pottery Museum, view historic kilns, admire hands-on potter demonstrations, browse exquisite yunomi tea bowls, and learn about island’s age-old craft techniques, heritage art legacy. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Monorail to Asato Station (~20 min), then 15-min walk.)
  • Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum Visit the comprehensive museum complex featuring exhibits on natural history, traditional folk arts, and contemporary Okinawan art, interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and insights into island’s evolving identity, culture, heritage, innovation. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Monorail to Prefectural Office Station (~20 min), then 10-min walk.)

Things to Do in Naha Airport (OKA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Naha Airport offers several paid lounges: Lounge Hana (1F arrivals) and Ryūrin Lounge in the international departures area, plus airline-operated spaces like JAL’s Sakura and Diamond Premier Lounges and ANA’s Lounge and Suite Lounge. Amenities include comfortable seating, free drinks and snacks, workstations, shower rooms, nursing facilities and fast-track security access. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There’s no on-airport hotel, but numerous options lie within a 5-minute drive or a short monorail ride. Popular choices include Loisir Hotel Naha, DoubleTree by Hilton Naha and APA Hotel Naha Matsuyama—most offer complimentary airport shuttles, free Wi-Fi and cozy rooms. Capsule-style pods and budget inns cluster around the nearby monorail station. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Naha Airport does not provide dedicated sleeping pods or quiet zones; the international terminal closes at 22:00 and domestic at midnight. A small “rest room” on the 1F arrival lobby can be used if you feel unwell. Stranded passengers typically head to nearby hotels or catch a few hours’ rest in the 24-hour parking lounge areas.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (SSID “Free_Wi-Fi_NAHA_Airport”) is available 24/7 throughout public areas: 1F arrival lobby, 2F boarding lounges, 3F check-in hall and 4F restaurants. No registration or password is required. Charging stations and power outlets are plentiful in seating and waiting areas to keep devices topped up.

SIM/eSIM Card: On 1F you’ll find SIM vending machines and rental counters (JAL ABC, Ninja WiFi, Global Mobile, Telecom Square). Choose prepaid physical SIMs or eSIM plans—data-only or voice+data. Activation is instant, with coverage across Okinawa. eSIM purchase and setup can also be done online before arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are located outside both terminal exits, operating 24 hours. Vehicles line up by numbered bays—just walk to the next available car. A ride to downtown Naha costs roughly ¥1,500–¥2,000 and takes about 10–15 minutes. Major operators include Daiichi Kotsu and Orange Cab; set fares to key hotels are available.

Train: The Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) links Naha Airport Station directly to central Naha and Urasoe. The single 17 km line runs from 6 AM to midnight, with trains every 10 minutes. A full-length ride takes about 37 minutes and costs ¥390. (more info)

Bus: Local and limousine buses depart from the 1F forecourt. Airport Limousine buses serve major hotels and attractions (Onna, Nago, Churaumi Aquarium) with fares from ¥700–¥2,000 and frequencies every 30–60 minutes. City routes connect to terminals and downtown stops; tickets are purchased onboard. (more info)

Shuttle: Resort shuttles operate to Okinawa’s hotels and attractions. Okinawa Airport Shuttle links to Onna Village and Churaumi Aquarium; Kanucha Shuttle serves Kanucha Resort. Counters are on 1F arrival; reservations are recommended, and procedures complete at the Naha Bus Information Center before boarding.

Car rentals: Major rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Nippon Rent-A-Car, ORIX) have counters on the 1F departures level. Cars are picked up and returned at the adjacent Ground Transportation Center. Fleet options include compacts, standard sedans and vans—many with GPS navigation and ETC toll cards. Advance booking is advised. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Three multi-storey lots (P1: 621 spaces, P2: 625, P3: 1,226) operate from 6 AM to midnight. Standard rates are ¥300 per 30 minutes, with daily maximums around ¥2,000. Long-term parking and EV charging points are available. Pay at automated machines or via the airport app for cashless convenience.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Coin lockers (small/medium/large) are located on the 2F departure floor and in the international arrival lobby, charging ¥300–¥700 per use. On 1F, temporary baggage storage and delivery services accept larger items, offer lockable storage and can ship luggage to your hotel or onward destination. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Naha Airport (OKA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks