If you're traveling to Naha, be sure to master the Okinawa Urban Monorail "Yui Rail"

The Okinawa Urban Monorail "Yui Rail," a 12.9km-long monorail, is Okinawa's only railway, winding its way from Naha Airport through the city center of Naha to Shuri. Thanks to its elevated tracks, it allows for smooth travel through Naha's often congested city center. It's a reliable travel companion for tourists. The monorail also provides convenient access to major tourist spots in Naha, such as Kokusai Street, DFS, and Shuri Castle, making it an indispensable mode of transportation for those traveling in Okinawa without a car.
This time, we'll teach you how to make the most of the Okinawa Urban Monorail, "Yui Rail," for those of you traveling to Okinawa.

1. Take a ride on the Okinawa Urban Monorail "Yui Rail"
1-1. Yui Rail stations and fares
1-2. Tap your ticket and board the Yui Rail!
2. Introduction to the main stations of the Yui Rail
2-1. Naha Airport Station
2-2. Akamine Station
2-3. Asahibashi Station
2-4. Prefectural Office Station
2-5. Miebashi Station
2-6. Makishi Station
2-7. Asato Station
2-8. Omoromachi Station
2-9. Shuri Station
3. Yui Rail Trivia
4. Conclusion

1. Take a ride on the Okinawa Monorail "Yui Rail"

1-1. Yui Rail stations and fares

The Yui Rail is a single line connecting Naha Airport and Shuri. Both the northbound (upbound) and southbound (downbound) trains depart from Naha Airport Station and Shuri Station respectively at 6:00 AM and the last train at 11:30 PM. It is a vital mode of transportation for locals commuting to work and school, with approximately 10 trains per hour during rush hour and one every 10 minutes during the day, making it very convenient. The trains are quiet, and chimes arranged from Okinawan music play inside the trains upon arrival and departure at each station, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Station name	Fare from Naha Airport Station (Child fare)	From Naha Airport Station Acitivity Time
Naha Airport Station
Akamine Station	230 (120)	4 minutes
Oroku Station	230 (120)	5 minutes
Okuyama Park Station	270 (140)	7 minutes
Tsubogawa Station	270 (140)	9 minutes
Asahibashi Station	270 (140)	11 minutes
Kenchomae Station	270 (140)	12 minutes
Miebashi Station	300 (150)	14 minutes
Makishi Station	300 (150)	16 minutes
Asato Station	300 (150)	18 minutes
おもろまち駅	300 (150)	19 minutes
Furushima Station	340 (170)	21 minutes
Municipal Hospital Station	340 (170)	23 minutes
Gibo Station	340 (170)	25 minutes
Shuri Station	340 (170)	27 minutes
Ishimine Station	370 (190)	29 minutes
Kyozuka Station	370 (190)	32 minutes
Urasoe Maeda Station	370 (190)	34 minutes
Tedako Urashi Station	370 (190)	37 minutes

The fare starts at ¥230 and goes up to a maximum of ¥370, roughly increasing by ¥30 to ¥40 every 3 to 4 stations.

1-2. Tap your ticket and board the Yui Rail!

Even in Okinawa, the way to ride the train is the same as all over Japan: "Buy a ticket ⇒ Go through the ticket gate to the platform ⇒ Board the train ⇒ Go through the ticket gate to exit."
There is just one difference. Instead of inserting the ticket into the ticket gate, you hold the QR code printed on the surface of the ticket up to the sensor on the ticket gate to pass through.

Once you arrive at your destination station, place your ticket in the collection box attached to the ticket gate.

Previously, only OKICA IC cards were accepted, but now major transportation IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and PiTaPa can also be used.
*Some services, such as settling any outstanding balances, may not be available.

2. Introduction to the main stations of the Yui Rail

Here's a guide to the main stations on the Yui Rail line that you'll likely visit if you're traveling to Okinawa.

2-1. Naha Airport Station

The second floor of the domestic terminal at Naha Airport and the station are directly connected by a covered walkway. Since it's covered, you can ride the Yui Rail without getting wet even on rainy days. Besides its convenience, Naha Airport Station is also the westernmost station in Japan!

2-2. Akamine Station

Next to Naha Airport is Akamine Station. Following the westernmost station, this is the southernmost station in Japan. There aren't any particularly famous tourist spots nearby, but there is a shuttle bus stop for Umikaji Terrace.

2-3. Asahibashi Station

Hotels are concentrated in the area from Asahibashi Station to Makishi Station. Kokusai-dori (in front of the prefectural office) is about a 10-minute walk from Asahibashi Station. It is also the nearest station to Naha Bus Terminal, Naha Port (where the sightseeing boat Orca departs), and Jackie's, a popular steak restaurant in Okinawa.

2-4. Prefectural Office Station

The area in front of the prefectural office, where government offices and bank branches are concentrated, is the main gateway to Kokusai-dori. Tourists heading to Kokusai-dori may often use Kencho-mae Station. Kokusai-dori, known as the "Miracle Mile," is about 1.6 km long, which is quite a long walk. If you have a specific shop in mind, make good use of Kencho-mae Station and the neighboring Miebashi Station and Makishi Station.

2-5. Miebashi Station

Miebashi Station is located roughly halfway between Kokusai Street and National Route 58. Although there are no stations along Kokusai Street, it's a very convenient station. It's the closest station to the public market and Tomarin (Tomari Port), where ferries to Nagannu Island depart. There are many guesthouses around Miebashi Station and Tomari Port.

2-6. Makishi Station

Makishi Station is located at what could be considered the eastern end of Kokusai Street. It's convenient for those heading to Yachimun Street. On weekends, markets and other events are often held in the station square (Saion Square).

2-7. Asato Station

Turning a hairpin bend from Makishi Station will take you to Asato Station, the nearest station to the deep, authentic Naha Sakaemachi Market. Inside the dimly lit arcade is a lively bar district. If you like small shops and chaotic spaces, be sure to visit at night.

2-8. Omoromachi Station

Omoromachi Station is the closest station to Naha's new city center, where commercial facilities are concentrated, including T Galleria by DFS which is directly connected to the station. You can also find the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, which has a distinctive exterior, nearby.

2-9. Shuri Station

This is the nearest station to the famous Shuri Castle ruins. However, even though it's the nearest station, it still takes about 15-20 minutes to walk there (and it's not much different from the station before it, Gibo Station), so if you're going to Shuri Castle by Yui Rail, be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

2-10. Ishimine Station

This is a residential area. The station is frequently used by local residents.

2-11. Kyozuka Station

Kyozuka Station is the first station in Urasoe City. This station is also frequently used by local residents, and there is a large shopping center nearby.

2-12. Urasoe-Maeda Station

This is the northernmost station in Okinawa. It offers convenient access to public facilities in Urasoe City.

2-13. Tedako Uraishi Station

Tedako-Uranishi Station, the final stop, is expected to function as a major transportation hub and has a large parking lot.

3. Discount tickets for the Yui Rail

If you plan to ride the Yui Rail three or more times in one day, a one-day or two-day pass might be more economical.
Tickets can be purchased at station ticket machines or ticket counters. A one-day pass allows unlimited travel within 24 hours of issuance, and a two-day pass allows unlimited travel within 48 hours of issuance.

One-day pass: Adults ¥800, Children ¥400
Two-day pass: Adult ¥1,400, Child ¥700

For example, if you arrive in Okinawa, leave your luggage at a hotel near Asahibashi Station, go to Shuri Castle, stop by T Galleria by DFS, and then return to the hotel,

1. Naha Airport Station → Asahibashi Station ¥260
2. Asahibashi Station → Shuri Station ¥300
3. Shuri Station → Omoromachi Station ¥260
4. Omoromachi Station → Asahibashi Station ¥260

Total: ¥1,080.
I got my money's worth on my third ride from Shuri Station to Omoromachi Station.

The validity period starts from the date of issuance, not from the date of first use, so be sure to purchase your ticket right before boarding the Yui Rail!
Furthermore, you can enjoy benefits such as a 20% discount on admission fees to public tourist facilities like Shuri Castle and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum.

4. Conclusion

The pleasant Okinawan folk music playing inside the train. The Yui Rail is also one of the memories of my trip to Okinawa.
For getting around urban areas where it's difficult to move around freely by car, this is probably the most convenient mode of transportation.
If you master using the Yui Rail, you might come to love Naha even more!