Many people want to travel to the fascinating islands of the Okinawa chain from Tokyo. Only regional flights from Japan and countries around Okinawa land at Naha Airport, so long-distance travelers often transfer in the Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports.
Okinawa is about 1,553 km (965 miles) southwest of Tokyo, and there are only 2 ways to travel.
Flights take about 3 hours. Haneda is an hour quicker, and Narita is least expensive. There are also ferries you could take from Kagoshima to Motobu Port in northern Okinawa
1. Flights from Tokyo to Okinawa: the Best Way
Which airport to use: Haneda or Narita?
For low cost flights, Narita (NRT) is better. The discount airlines Jetstar and Peach offer very-low-cost fares and fly from Narita. Flights might range from as little as 40 USD (6,500 yen in 2024) in the fall to about 200 USD during high season in May, July, and August.
A train to Narita from central Tokyo takes about an hour and costs about 25 USD. It takes about 45 minutes by automobile or private transfer to go to Narita on the Tokyo outskirts from downtown.
For speed, Haneda (HND) is better. Haneda is closer to downtown and smaller. Haneda is only 16 minutes away by driving and about 25 minutes by train (4 USD). Haneda is more efficient and easier to get around in than Narita and more suited for medium-range regional travel.
Special Bonus for Foreign Travelers: Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airlines both offer a special bonus for international travel for foreign citizens to Okinawa. The fare is 11,000 yen (70 USD in 2024) for travel from Tokyo to Okinawa Airport in Naha (OKA).
How to Buy Flight Tickets
Kayak and other ticket purchasing websites could be used. Also, you can buy tickets directly online from Peach Airlines, ANA, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, or Skymark.
For the best fares during the peak travel season starting in May, it is best to book 3 or more months in advance starting in January. If you are not looking for lowest fares or are intending to travel in high season, booking two weeks in advance is recommended to ensure a seat.
When are prices low and high?
Low season/high season: Low tourism season is most of the winter and spring except for the Christmas and New Year's holidays and during the Golden Week holidays in early May. Otherwise, May is often the least expensive month, and July and August are most expensive,
Days of week: Tuesday is generally the cheapest day to fly to Okinawa, and Friday is generally the most expensive day
2. Transfer to Kagoshima for Ferry to Motobu Port in Okinawa
The only other way to travel to Okinawa, unless you can go by submarine, is to take a ferry that leaves Kagoshima Port.
They depart about 7 or 8 times weekly. The ferry companies are A-Line and Marix Line. Ferry tickets with no bed cost about 100 USD, and tickets with a bed cost from 190 to 250 USD. The trip takes from 23 to 26 hours.
- Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kagoshima: 7 hours, approximately 200 USD
- Bus from Tokyo to Kagoshima: 20 to 22 hours, from 90 to 190 USD
- Private transfer/driving from Tokyo to Kagoshima: 16 to 19 hours
- Private transfer/driving from Motobu Port to Naha: about 1 hour
Pros for Taking the Ferry
The ferry lands in the Motobu peninsula in northern Okinawa. This area of northern Okinawa is where many of Okinawa's best highlights are located including some of the best beaches and resorts, natural parks, and Japan's biggest aquarium. It is said to be the world's second biggest aquarium. Churaumi Aquarium is 4 stories tall.
If you are planning on going to northern Okinawa, then taking the ferry lands you there. This will save you an hour drive or private transfer to Motobu from Naha Airport or a 2-hour bus journey.
Alternate Routes to Okinawa?
Many other airports in Japan, about 30, have flights to Okinawa. However, passenger ferries only sail from Kagoshima.
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