Naha and Ishigaki Airport Guide: Gateways to the Okinawa Islands
- Published on : 22/07/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Naha Airport, Okinawa
@Wikimedia/ 663highland
Gateway to Okinawa Prefecture, Naha and Ishigaki Airports provide access to Japan's southern islands. While Naha serves as the archipelago's main air hub, Ishigaki is the ideal starting point for exploring the Yaeyama Islands. Well connected to the rest of Japan, both airports offer quick access to the tropical beaches and landscapes that make the region so popular. Japan Experience brings you everything you need to know before you travel.
Terminals and Airlines
Naha Airport (OKA)
Located around 10 minutes from downtown Naha, Naha Airport welcomes more than 20 million passengers each year. It has one domestic terminal and one international terminal, which are connected by a short walk.
The international terminal offers flights to several destinations across Asia, including:
- Taipei
- Hong Kong
- Seoul
- Shanghai
The airport is served by the Yui Rail monorail, providing a direct connection to downtown Naha.
New Ishigaki Airport (ISG)
Opened in 2013, New Ishigaki Airport replaced the island's former airport. Today, it serves as the main gateway to the Yaeyama Islands.
The airport primarily handles domestic flights from:
- Naha
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Nagoya
- Fukuoka (depends on the seasons)
A limited number of international flights to Taiwan and Hong Kong are also available at certain times of the year.
Unlike Naha, Ishigaki Airport is not connected to a rail network. Regular buses and taxis provide easy access to downtown Ishigaki and the island's main hotels.
Aéroport d'Ishigaki
@Wikimedia
Main Airlines
Both airports are served primarily by the following airlines:
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
- Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC)
- Japan Transocean Air (JTA)
- Peach Aviation
- Skymark Airlines
- Solaseed Air
JTA and RAC, both part of the JAL Group, operate many of the inter-island flights connecting Okinawa's islands.
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Two Airports to Explore Okinawa
Travelers arriving at Naha Airport can easily explore Okinawa's main island, while Ishigaki Airport is the ideal gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, including Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama, and Hateruma.
From Naha, several daily flights also connect to:
- Miyakojima
- Ishigaki
- Kumejima
- Yonaguni
- Amami Ōshima
Okinawa
@Unsplash
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Getting to and from the Airports
Getting to Downtown Naha
The Yui Rail monorail is the most convenient way to reach the city.
It provides direct access to:
- Asahibashi (around 10 minutes)
- Kencho-mae (12 minutes)
- Makishi (16 minutes)
- Omoromachi (20 minutes)
Fares range from ¥300 to ¥400, depending on your destination.
The Yui Rail is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but it accepts major IC cards, including Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA.
Yui Rail
@Wikimedia
Bus
A wide range of bus services connect the airport to:
- Downtown Naha
- American Village (Chatan)
- Onna
- Nago
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Airport Shuttle buses also provide direct service to several beach resorts across the island.
Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours a day outside the terminal.
As a guide:
- Downtown Naha: around 15 minutes
- Fare: approximately ¥1,500–2,500, depending on traffic.
En bus, vous pouvez facilement vous rendre dans le reste de l'île d'Okinawa
@Unsplash
Car Rental
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Okinawa.
Major rental companies at the airport include:
- Toyota Rent a Car
- Nissan Rent a Car
- Orix Rent a Car
- Times Car Rental
- Nippon Rent-A-Car
Most agencies offer a free shuttle service between the airport terminal and their rental office.
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Getting to Downtown Ishigaki
Downtown Ishigaki is located around 15 km (9 miles) from the airport.
Bus
Azuma Bus and Karry Kanko operate several daily services.
Travel time:
- Ishigaki Ferry Terminal: around 30–40 minutes
Taxi
A taxi ride to downtown Ishigaki takes approximately 25–30 minutes.
Car Rental
As on Okinawa's main island, renting a car is the best way to explore Ishigaki.
Major rental companies are located near the airport and offer free shuttle services from the terminal.
Airport Services
Food and Dining
Both airports offer a variety of restaurants serving Okinawan cuisine and local specialties.
Some of the local specialties to try include:
- Okinawa soba
- Goya chanpuru
- Taco rice
- Rafute (braised pork)
- Sata andagi
- Blue Seal ice cream
Naha Airport offers a wider selection of dining options, including cafés, restaurants, and fast-food outlets.
Soba d'Okinawa
@Unsplash
Shopping
Both airports have a range of shops where you can pick up local specialties and souvenirs.
You'll find a wide selection of local products, including:
- Beni imo (purple sweet potato) products
- Chinsuko shortbread biscuits
- Awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit)
- Okinawan sea salt
- Okinawan brown sugar
- Ryukyu handicrafts
- Bingata textiles
Naha Airport also features a large duty-free shopping area for international travelers.
La céramique d'Okinawa
@Official Okinawa Travel Guide by Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau
Airport Lounges
Premium passengers can access ANA and JAL lounges, as well as several other lounges available with eligible credit cards or through paid entry.
Facilities typically include:
- Complimentary drinks
- Free Wi-Fi
- Workspaces
- Power outlets
Luggage Lockers and Delivery Services
Both airports offer coin lockers for short-term luggage storage.
You can also use Takkyubin luggage delivery services to send your bags directly to your hotel or to another destination in Japan.
Coin Lockers
Flickr haru__q
Hotels Near the Airports
If you have an early departure or a late arrival, several hotels are conveniently located near the airports.
Near Naha Airport
Near Ishigaki Airport
Things to Do Near the Airports
From Naha Airport
Within 30 minutes of the airport, you can easily visit:
- Kokusai-dori, Naha's main shopping street.
- Shuri Castle, the former residence of the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
- Makishi Public Market, known for its local produce and restaurants.
- Fukushūen Garden, a traditional Chinese garden gifted by the city of Fuzhou.
Shuri Castle
@663highland on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
By car, you can also easily reach:
- American Village
- Cape Manzamo
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- The beaches of Okinawa's west coast
From Ishigaki Airport
The airport provides easy access to the island's main attractions, including:
- Ishigaki Ferry Terminal, the departure point for ferries to Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama, and Kuroshima.
- Kabira Bay, famous for its turquoise waters.
- Mount Omoto, the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture.
- Yonehara Beach, a popular spot for snorkeling.
- Tamatorizaki Observatory, offering panoramic views of Ishigaki's east coast.
Baie de Kabira
@Wikimedia
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