The airport, the final destination of a trip, can also be considered a tourist facility, depending on how you look at it.
You want to enjoy Okinawa to the fullest until the very last moment, right?

Naha Airport boasts a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and numerous souvenir shops.
However, most of these are located before security checkpoints. Once you pass through, you cannot turn back.

However, many people probably struggle with the desire to avoid getting bored while inside.

This time, we conducted a thorough investigation of the facilities located after passing through the security checkpoint.

With this, you too might become an airport expert!

*The information in this text is current as of April 2019.*

<Contents>
1. What happens after passing through security?
1-1 North Gate
1-2 South Gate
1-3 New Gate
2. Things to be aware of at security checkpoints
3. Finally

1. What happens after passing through security?

The departure gates at Naha Airport are located on the second floor and are divided into two main gates: the North Gate and the South Gate.

ANA (All Nippon Airways), Solaseed Air, and Skymark are at the North Gate, while JAL (Japan Airlines) and Jetstar are at the South Gate.
Furthermore, the new gate that opened in March 2019 is used by ANA, Peach, and Vanilla Air.

1-1 North Gate

We'll start with the North Gate.

After going through security and entering through departure gate B, proceed to the right and you will find the gate you came from.

The first thing you see when you get on the moving walkway is the DFS pick-up counter.
This is the place where you can pick up items you purchased at T Galleria Okinawa in Omoromachi.

A new gate opened in March 2019, and the layout of the shops around the DFS pick-up counter has changed.

Continuing from the DFS pick-up counter, there's a Starbucks Coffee on the way to the new gate.

There is only one Starbucks at Naha Airport, located at the North Gate.

Further inside, you'll find the North Wing shop.
The staff members are selling pineapples and mangoes at the storefront.
This is the only shop where you can buy fresh fruit after passing through security.

Right next to the shop, there was a gacha machine that was exclusive to Okinawa.
It's a bit pricey at 400 yen per try, but it might make a nice souvenir for children.

And the last shop to be featured at the North Gate is ANA FESTA Gate No. 1.
They offer Okinawan soba and Agu pork curry served on the spot, as well as bento boxes including Daito sushi.

They also have the classic Blue Seal ice cream, but only as soft serve.

1-2 South Gate

Next, we will guide you to the South Gate.

After going through security and entering through departure gate A, the first thing you'll see is the DFS pick-up counter.

If you are returning home with JAL, please pick up your purchased items here.

And the first restaurant you'll encounter at the South Gate is Coralway, located directly opposite Gate 27.
Although it's a takeout-only shop, I was surprised by the extensive menu.
From classic Okinawan dishes like Somen Champuru and Jushi, to Blue Seal ice cream and zenzai from the famous Fujiya, there's something for everyone.

They also have Orion Beer on tap, so you'll be spoiled for choice when deciding what to order for a meal or dessert.

And if you go a little further in, you'll find another restaurant. This is BLUE SKY Gate 21.
Okinawa soba seems to be the most popular item, but for some reason, Sapporo ramen and Sanuki udon are also sold.
It seems they have a lot of food-based menu items.

Right next to it is the South Wing souvenir shop.
If you accidentally forgot to buy souvenirs, this is your last chance.

And finally, the last stop at the South Gate is yet another restaurant, BLUE SKY Gate 22.This store is larger than the one at Gate 21 we saw earlier, and it has a more extensive selection of souvenirs and menu items.
Blue Seal Ice Cream also boasts the most extensive menu selection.
I felt that there were more dining options at the South Gate than at the North Gate.

Also, at both gates, eat-in is standing-only.
Depending on the restaurant, you can find shichimi togarashi (seven-spice chili powder), pickled ginger, and koregusu (a condiment made by soaking Okinawan chili peppers in awamori) on the table, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking.

If you want to sit down and eat, it's probably best to get takeout and eat on one of the chairs in the waiting area.

1-3 New Gate

This new gate was just completed in March 2019. Compared to the North and South gates, it has a newer and brighter feel.
There were two notable features: a charging station was added, and one shop had opened.

A charging station packed with people.

One thing that really made me feel the changing times was the new shops. The shop at the new gate was, surprisingly, a cashless-only store.
Cash is not accepted!

It's less of a souvenir shop from Okinawa and more of a trendy, stylish snack shop specializing in beer to enjoy on an airplane.

2. Things to be aware of at security checkpoints

Security checkpoints are areas where passengers' bodies are checked and carry-on baggage is inspected to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.

You cannot board an airplane without this inspection, and the time for passing through is clearly defined by each airline.

For ANA and JAL domestic flights, you must pass through security checkpoints at least 15 minutes before departure.

Other airlines do not set a deadline for passing through security checkpoints,
Considering check-in and boarding gate closing times, it is advisable to pass through security by the following times.

Jetstar 25 minutes ago
Skymark 20 minutes ago
Vanilla Air 30 minutes ago
Peach 25 minutes ago

The departure time is the time the plane starts moving. Try to avoid doing things at the last minute.

3. Finally

We've shown you the facilities after you pass through security. What did you think?

Naha Airport has excellent facilities even before you enter the security checkpoint, so you might be tempted to linger there for too long, but it would be a shame to miss your flight because of it.

Even if you want to play a little longer, it's perfectly fine to resist that urge and move on quickly to enjoy yourself inside.

I hope this is of some help.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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