So many airports! A summary of basic information on all 13 airports in Okinawa

This might be a bit sudden, but... how many airports are there in Okinawa Prefecture?

Many people are probably familiar with airports like Naha Airport and Ishigaki Airport, so you can easily recall their numbers!
So what about the rest?
...If you include the outlying islands, there are actually 13 airports (excluding those located within U.S. military facilities)!

If you're planning a trip to an outlying island, knowing the air travel situation beforehand will definitely be beneficial!
So, in this article, I'd like to introduce all the airports in Okinawa.

Regarding the remote islands, some can be accessed by both air and sea, while others cannot, so I'll introduce those as well!
So, how many of these do you know?

<Table of Contents>
1. Major airports in Okinawa
1-1. Naha Airport
1-2. Ishigaki Airport
1-3. Miyako Airport
2. Airports on remote islands
2-1. Kumejima Airport
2-2. Kitadaito Airport
2-3. Minami Daito Airport
2-4. Tarama Airport
2-5. Yonaguni Airport
2-6. Miyako Shimojishima Airport
3. Airports with no scheduled flights or suspended operations
3-1. Kerama Airport
3-2. Iejima Airport
3-3. Aguni Airport
3-4. Hateruma Airport

*This article contains information as of April 2019.

1. Major airports in Okinawa

1-1. Naha Airport

Photo by wikipedia/

Naha Airport marks the first step towards Okinawa.
First of all, I think many people who are planning a trip to Okinawa will use (or have used) this service.

Above all, its convenience and the large number of flights and routes make it a very user-friendly airport.

Its greatest appeal lies in the overwhelming number of souvenirs available, the excellent selection of food, and the overall perfection of it being a multi-purpose complex where you can do anything you want at the airport.

Many people cut their sightseeing short and spend time at the airport.
And recently, with the introduction of direct flights from Asian countries such as China and South Korea, the number of tourists visiting has increased.

For those who have reserved a rental car, there is a line of free shuttle buses waiting to take you to the shop as soon as you step out the front door.
It's also great that you can get there without getting lost.

There are also regular sightseeing buses and buses heading to the northern region, so even first-timers won't get too lost!

Naha Airport
Domestic routes: 29 airports (including 6 airports in Okinawa Prefecture)
(Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, Minami Daito Island, Kita Daito Island, Kume Island, Yonaguni Island)
International routes: 11 airports
(Taipei, Taichung, Seoul, Busan, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Fuzhou)
http://www.naha-airport.co.jp/

Things to be aware of when using Naha Airport

Naha Airport boasts the sixth highest number of passengers among airports in Japan (as of fiscal year 2016).
Given the large number of users, here are some things to keep in mind:

It gets incredibly crowded during peak season!

During peak seasons such as summer holidays, long weekends, and the New Year period, it gets extremely crowded, so be especially careful when departing from Naha Airport (for those returning from mainland Japan).

At the airport, the process is: check-in ⇒ baggage drop-off ⇒ security checkpoint,

- Check-in and luggage drop-off may take up to 30 minutes (or more).
- Up to 30 minutes (or more) to pass through security checkpoints.

As this process takes a considerable amount of time, we recommend arriving at the airport approximately 90 minutes in advance, especially during peak seasons.

It can get crowded even outside of peak season!

During off-peak seasons, Naha Airport is characterized by a high volume of group bookings, such as school trips.

There are cases where 4-5 schools depart for their school trips at similar times and on the same airline, which can lead to unexpected congestion. Therefore, we recommend arriving at the airport early.

Be aware of traffic congestion around the airport and in Naha city!

When traveling around Okinawa Island, the main mode of transportation is definitely a rental car!
However, major roads in Naha City are extremely congested, regardless of whether it's a weekday or weekend.

This is especially true when returning from the north via National Route 58, or when going to the south side of the airport via the Naha Airport Expressway.
During the summer holidays, especially from midday to evening, and on weekday evenings, it's not uncommon for journeys to take an hour longer than the usual navigation system estimates, so be sure to allow plenty of extra time.

1-2. Ishigaki Airport

Photo by wikipedia/Paipateroma

Ishigaki Island is known as the "gateway to the Yaeyama Islands."

As the name suggests, many people traveling to the Yaeyama Islands will likely use Ishigaki Island as their base.
*Only Yonaguni Island is served by flights between it and Naha.

With the increase in direct flights, passenger numbers are rising even further, and it seems that future developments will include the number of routes and international flights.
*This has not yet been officially announced.

International flights are operated only during the summer season by Mandarin Airlines and TransAsia Airways as charter flights.

As you may know, the "Old Ishigaki Airport," which was located in the city center until 2013, has been reborn as the "New Ishigaki Airport" and is now affectionately known as Painujima Ishigaki Airport.

The building is now four stories tall, giving the airport the capacity to accommodate a large number of people!
Of particular note is the first floor, where the food court is located.

The area is overflowing with food that allows you to fully enjoy the flavors of Ishigaki Island, with Yaeyama soba and desserts made with local island ingredients being particularly popular.
It's a place that's fun just to look around at.

While Ishigaki Island is often seen as merely a means of transportation to the Yaeyama Islands, it is also a fine tourist destination in itself.
There are car rental shops in front of the airport, and it only takes about 30 minutes to cross the island to the Fusaki area.

Also, Taketomi Island, which is the closest island to Ishigaki Island, is only about 10 minutes away by high-speed boat, so you can even plan a luxurious day trip to an island while staying on Ishigaki Island!

Ishigaki Airport
Domestic routes: 6 routes (Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Naha, Miyako, Yonaguni *7 routes in summer when Kansai Airport flights are added)
• International routes: 2 routes (Hong Kong and Taipei)
http://www.ishigaki-airport.co.jp/

1-3. Miyako Airport

Miyako Airport was originally a naval airfield built by the former Japanese military (June 1943).
Since June 1956, it has operated as a civilian airport with regular flights, and now, with an increased number of direct flights, it has become a very popular airport.

Miyako Island has it all: great food, fun activities, and accommodation. That's why you can stay there for days without getting bored.

But if you'd like to see some other islands, you can also go to Naha, Ishigaki Island, Tarama Island, and Kume Island, so if you have some extra time, you can visit other islands!

Furthermore, Miyako Island's charm lies in its very honest and down-to-earth atmosphere.

Many rental car companies will greet you at the airport exit and offer free shuttle service to their reception office, so you'll surely appreciate the convenience of such a service!

As for the airport itself, the souvenir shops are quite extensive, and you'll find a wide variety of items that you can only buy on Miyako Island.

Also, there are restaurants available if you get hungry, so exploring the airport on your way back can be fun!

By the way, if your only destination is Miyako Island, I recommend taking a direct round-trip flight!

Miyako Airport
Domestic routes: 4 routes (Haneda, Naha, Ishigaki, Tarama *5 routes in summer when Kansai Airport flights are added)
• International routes: None
http://miyakoap.co.jp/

2. Airports on remote islands

2-1. Kumejima Airport

Photo by wikipedia/Snap55

Kumejima Island is located about 100km west of Okinawa Main Island.
The island can be reached by both plane and boat, but this is especially convenient for those who want to arrive early and make the most of their time!

Incidentally, regarding travel time, it takes about 30 to 35 minutes by plane, 2 hours and 50 minutes by high-speed boat, and about 3 hours and 20 minutes by ferry.

The surprisingly large number of flights to Kumejima Island is likely due to its popularity, which has led to a steady increase in the number of flights.
The reason for its popularity is undoubtedly "Hatenohama."

That's because many divers and snorkelers come seeking a pristine, uninhabited island.
If you're so inclined, it's even possible to make a day trip from Naha, which is another great advantage.

If you're going to Kumejima, you'll need to transfer at Naha Airport, so you could plan a trip where you spend two nights in Kumejima and the remaining night in Naha City, enjoying two great experiences in one trip!

Kumejima Airport
Domestic routes: 1 route (Naha) *Japan Transocean Air only
• International routes: None
During peak season, it gets crowded with school groups on field trips, so please be aware of that.

2-2. Kitadaito Airport

Photo by wikipedia/Snap55

The flight between Kita Daito Island and Minami Daito Island is the shortest scheduled flight in Japan, with a flight time of approximately 3 minutes.
However, the airport is well-equipped, so you can use it with peace of mind!

Kita Daito Island and Minami Daito Island are only about 8km apart, and can be seen with the naked eye.
The reason regular ferry services still operate is that Kitadaito Island, covered in sheer cliffs, is difficult to reach by boat.
Because it's an important means of transportation for the islanders.

Of course, tourists can use the plane to get to the island, and although there are few beach activities, the island is worth visiting because old stone buildings such as the "Phosphate Ore Storage Site" and the "Drying Plant Site" remain around the west port.

Since Minami Daito Island is easily accessible, you can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling in the south on the first day, and then take a day trip to the north for sightseeing the next day!
It might be interesting to know what a world that takes only 3 minutes to complete is like...

Kitadaito Airport
Domestic routes: 2 routes (Naha and Minami Daito)
• International routes: None

2-3. Minami Daito Airport

Photo by wikipedia/Snap55

Minami Daito Island is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 340 km east of Okinawa Island.
Minami Daito Airport operates flights between it and Kita Daito Airport (mentioned earlier) and Naha.

Actually, it's a bit unusual; it flies in a triangular route between Naha, Minami Daito, Kita Daito, and back to Naha.
However, the rotation is reversed depending on the day of the week, so you need to be a little careful.

The biggest advantage is that you can go to a remote island you've always dreamed of visiting in a short amount of time.
It takes about 13 hours by ferry, but from the air, it only takes about an hour in a 39-seater Cessna.

Minami Daito Island is a paradise island overflowing with nature, where you can do anything from camping and fishing to golf, swimming in a saltwater pool, scuba diving, and whale watching!

There are so many things to enjoy that you won't get bored no matter how many days you stay, so it's something that people of all ages can enjoy.

In fact, the JAL Group has decided to lower fares on routes to and from Naha from April to October, including discounts for travel to remote islands, making it even easier to get there.

This is also recommended for those who want to visit a hidden gem of a remote island that's surprisingly little known!

Minami Daito Airport
Domestic routes: 2 routes (Naha and Kitadaito)
• International routes: None

2-4. Tarama Airport

Photo by wikipedia/Snap55

Tarama Island is located roughly halfway between Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island. (If you're flying to Ishigaki Island, you'll be flying over Tarama Island, so you should be able to see the round-shaped island from your window!)

There are two flights a day from Miyako Airport to Tarama Airport, and the flight takes approximately 25 minutes.
Incidentally, the ferry from Hirara Port in Miyako Island to Tarama takes about two hours.
Surprisingly, a time difference of 1 hour and 35 minutes is quite valuable because it significantly impacts the activity...

Tarama Airport is small, but it sees a lot of people coming and going.
Tarama Island is actually a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts.
There are quite a few people who come specifically for diving, such as those getting married underwater or those taking commemorative photos after their dive.

In fact, even when you dive to a depth of 10 meters or more, the sand is white and the water is very clear, so many people are captivated by the golden coral reefs.

You can also get there by boat from Miyako Island, but since it's an island surrounded by coral reefs, viewing it from above is also highly recommended!

If you're planning on diving, you might find that you can't dive on your travel days if you're flying. Therefore, it's a good idea to travel by boat on your first or last day.

The sea itself is very shallow, so you can also enjoy snorkeling.
It's also suitable for those with children!

Tarama Airport
Domestic routes: 1 route (Miyako)
• International routes: None

2-5. Yonaguni Airport

Photo by wikipedia/Si-take.

Yonaguni Island is Japan's westernmost point, located just 111km from Taiwan.
There is one round trip per day between Ishigaki Island and Ishigaki Airport, and it's only about a 30-minute flight from Ishigaki Airport, but the ferry takes four and a half hours from Ishigaki Port.

There are also flights from Naha Airport to Yonaguni Island, with JAL Group's RAC (Ryukyu Air Commuter) operating 3-4 flights per week, so you can enjoy both Yonaguni Island and Okinawa Main Island!

If you're going to an outlying island within a limited travel period, flying is definitely the most convenient option as it allows you to take your time!
While many people visit the island for sightseeing, it's also a popular gathering place for divers who want to catch a glimpse of the underwater ruins.

Yonaguni Airport
Domestic routes: 2 routes (Narita and Kansai)
• International routes: None

2-6. Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Miyako Shimojishima Airport resumed regular flights on March 30, 2019, after a 24-year hiatus.

It was formerly used primarily as a training ground for passenger aircraft pilots, and had never been open to the general public as a tourist.

However, it has now been beautifully renovated and is full of excellent facilities such as cafes and restaurants. There are also souvenirs that can only be found here. The Shimojishima Coral Hotel, which was renovated from a former ANA crew dormitory, is also a must-see.

And of course, the experience I really want to have is the famous touch-and-go at Shimoji Island!
This approach is irresistible to airplane enthusiasts, and it attracts a crowd of onlookers waiting with their cameras in hand.

The sight of it passing overhead in such a spectacular way is arguably a tourist attraction in itself.

Shimojishima Airport
Domestic routes: 2 routes (Haneda and Kansai)
• International routes: 1 route (Hong Kong *Scheduled to begin service in July 2019)

3. Airports with no scheduled flights or suspended operations

3-1. Kerama Airport

Kerama Airport serves as the gateway to Zamami Village by air.
The Kerama Islands are famous for their ocean, where you can experience a wealth of attractive activities such as whale watching and diving.

Previously, there were scheduled flights, but now only charter helicopters operate.

A major feature of this tour is that you can enjoy the experience of viewing the beautiful islands surrounded by coral reefs from the air as you approach the Kerama Islands!

Furthermore, as a thoughtful gesture from the Zamami Village Office, on days when the ferries Zamami and Queen Zamami to Naha Airport are cancelled due to rough seas or other reasons, the Zamami Village Office will subsidize half the cost of chartering a helicopter.

Kerama Airport
Charter helicopter available (reservations required)
Iras Airlines Co., Ltd.　http://www.ilas-okinawa.jp/
Phone: 098-857-7563

3-2. Iejima Airport

Iejima Airport was constructed as a related project to the "Okinawa International Ocean Exposition" held in July 1975.

However, due to operational restrictions and low passenger numbers, regular service was suspended in February 1977.
The fact that it's more convenient to get to Ie Island by boat may be one of the reasons why the number of visitors has decreased.

Currently, it seems that charter helicopters are available if you make a reservation (though they are very expensive), so if the sea is very rough but you absolutely want to get to Ie Island, you can probably go by plane.

If you've ever been to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, you've probably seen Ie Island at least once.
A distinctive feature of this mountain is its pointed, hat-like top, which is called "Tatchu."

In spring, the lily festival is very famous, and there are also many other scenic spots, as well as popular activities such as diving and jet skiing.

Iejima Airport
Charter helicopter available (reservations required)
Iras Airlines Co., Ltd.　http://www.ilas-okinawa.jp/
Phone: 098-857-7563

3-3. Aguni Airport

Aguni Airport is characterized by its convenience, allowing you to travel between Naha and Aguni Island in approximately 25 minutes.

Located about 60km northwest of Naha, Aguni Island is a place where many Okinawan traditions remain, as it is an island with only one village.
There are various programs available where you can experience the local traditions, such as village walks, dyeing, weaving, and cooking, so if you'd like to get a glimpse into life in Aguni, why not pay a visit?

It is also famous as an island beloved by divers.

Most recently, the flight was operated by Daiichi Aviation, but as of February 2016, it is suspended.
Additionally, charter helicopters operated by Iras Airlines are available, and currently, they are offering a limited-time subsidized rate of 21,600 yen (4,320 yen per person when 1 people are on board), which is quite a bargain. So, perhaps your first helicopter experience on your trip to Aguni Island would be a good idea.

For more details , please see here ( http://www.ilas-okinawa.jp/aguni-sp-fare/ ).

Aguni Airport
Charter helicopter available (reservations required)
Iras Airlines Co., Ltd.　http://www.ilas-okinawa.jp/
Phone: 098-857-7563

3-4. Hateruma Airport

Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, and you can see the Southern Cross from there.
There used to be a route to Ishigaki Airport, but it was suspended in 2007.

The building has been in reconstruction since 2015 due to its age, but completion has been delayed due to issues such as delays in material delivery.

Furthermore, while flights were originally scheduled to resume at the end of 2015, the schedule has been postponed indefinitely due to an overrun at Aguni Island (a synchronous aircraft from Aguni Island was scheduled to fly there).

Hateruma Island is prone to typhoons and high waves, so ferry cancellations are frequent. Hopefully, ferry services will resume soon.

波照間空港
Domestic flights: Routes undecided
• International routes: None

Final thoughts

What did you think.
When traveling to a remote island you've always dreamed of visiting, taking a plane is definitely the best option, as it allows you to manage your time more easily and provides peace of mind.

Regardless of the size of the airport, if you use it wisely, it's possible to visit multiple islands in a single trip.
For those who want to buy lots of souvenirs, combining a trip to an outlying island with an overnight stay in Naha allows you to shop to your heart's content at Naha Airport and in Naha city.

Make the most of the airports in Okinawa Prefecture and enjoy your trip!