How to Get to Okinawa from Tokyo

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 References

Okinawa is a Japanese island known for its many historic sites and bustling capital. If you want to travel to Okinawa from Tokyo, you can travel by plane or, if you have more time, by ferry. Once you get to Okinawa, you also have a variety of transportation options available, from public transportation to car rentals. As long as you plan ahead, you can visit Okinawa from Tokyo quickly and easily!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Flying to Okinawa

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Choose a Japanese airline that flies to Okinawa. Although not every airline travels to Okinawa, several select airlines offer direct flights there from Tokyo. Check any of the following airlines for their flight schedules between Tokyo and Okinawa:^{[1]
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- Japan Airlines (JAL)
- ANA
- Jetstar Japan
- Skymark
- Vanilla Air
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Book a flight as far in advance as possible. The earlier you book your tickets, the cheaper your flight will be. As soon as you finalize your trip to Okinawa, check the ticket prices from several different airlines and select the cheapest price.^{[2]
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- On average, flights between Okinawa and Tokyo take 3-4 hours.
- Flights to Okinawa from Tokyo generally cost between 35.000-40,000 yen.^{[3]
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Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. To make sure you board your flight on time, give yourself 2-3 hours to check in and go though security. Bring your ID or passport, luggage, and any carry-on items you'll need once you arrive in Okinawa.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Taking a Ferry

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Take the ferry if you're planning your trip several months in advance. Only one company offers ferry rides between Okinawa and Tokyo, and they only do so 6 times a year. If you have a flying phobia or are interested in taking the scenic route, taking a ferry may be the best option.^{[4]
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- Riding a ferry to Okinawa is, however, the slowest and most expensive option.
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Book your tickets in advance with A-line ferry rides. A-line is the only ferry ride company in Japan that offers trips between Okinawa and Tokyo. Check when rides are being offered within the next year and choose the soonest or most budget-friendly option.^{[5]
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- Ferry tickets to Okinawa from Tokyo, on average, cost between 40,000-50,000 yen.
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Purchase bedside seats for a comfortable, but more expensive, ride. A-line offers 2 types of ferry ride tickets: with or without a bed. Choose bedside tickets if you want to travel comfortably and don't mind paying several thousand more in yen.^{[6]
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- Because ferry rides between Okinawa and Tokyo take about 44 hours, many passengers prefer bedside tickets.
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Bring any items you'll need as carry-on bag. Because riding a ferry to Okinawa takes several days, you'll want to pack more in your carry-on than you might for a plane trip. Pack a change of clothes, hygienic items, and entertainment (like books or electronics) to last you for the full 44 hours.^{[7]
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- Eat shortly before boarding the ferry to satisfy your hunger for the first few hours, and bring snacks in your carry on to save money on food.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Traveling Around Okinawa

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Take the Okinawa monorail as the fastest option in Naha City. The monorail is the most popular way to get around Okinawa. It offers frequent stops around Okinawa's capital (Naha City) and is quicker than taking a bus or taxi.^{[8]
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- Shopping malls and tourist stops are generally closest to the monorail stations for the sake of convenience.
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Ride the bus for a cheaper, more flexible alternative to the monorail. If you're traveling outside of downtown Naha City, you may not be able to take the monorail. Buses, however, run throughout all of Naha City and provide frequent stops. Bus fare is generally cheaper, and if you're familiar with the island, you can arrive closer to your destination.^{[9]
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- The bus is generally the slowest public transportation option.
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Take a rental car if traveling to cities beyond Naha City. If you're traveling to a less developed area in Okinawa, buses may not travel where you want to go. Rent a car instead to visit anywhere in Okinawa quickly and easily.
- If you'd prefer not to rent a car, you can also take a taxi or use a ride sharing app instead.
- Avoid renting a car during heavy tourist periods, when parking is more expensive and traffic is heavier.
4
Use the Okinawa Expressway to travel quickly by car. The Okinawa Expressway is a toll road that runs from one side of Okinawa to the other at a faster pace than the highways. Travel on the Expressway to beat the crowds during high periods of tourism and drive long distances in Okinawa faster.^{[10]
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- Make sure to observe the speed limit of 80 kilometres (50 mi) per hour while traveling on the Expressway.
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Warnings

Avoid traveling to Okinawa during Golden Week (usually between late April and early May) or New Year's Day, Okinawa's highest tourism times, as plane and ferry tickets are more expensive.

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