Naha Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

The Yui Rail monorail starts right beneath the terminal and reaches Kencho-mae, in the heart of Naha, in 10-13 minutes, with a station every 1-2 minutes along the way: for anyone staying more than one night the centre is almost always the better choice, with Kokusai-dori and the rest of the city reachable without changing. The calculation flips with the very earliest morning flights, when the monorail isn't running yet (the first train leaves around 6), and with stopovers of just a few hours. Anyone wanting Shuri Castle and a slower pace can move slightly away from the centre, accepting a few extra minutes' walk from the station.

Kencho-mae and Matsuyama

Near the airport link · Yui Rail from the airport to Kencho-mae in around 10-13 minutes; the APA Hotel Naha Airport Wakasa is a 12-minute walk from the station, or 6 minutes by taxi from the airport, while the Almont Hotel Naha Kenchomae is just steps from the exit.

Best for: Anyone wanting to stay near the monorail without going all the way to Kokusai-dori, with airport check-in just minutes away.

Pros

The Matsuyama area with restaurants and bars at lower prices than Kokusai-dori
Direct monorail to the airport, with no changes, even off-season

Cons

The APA Hotel Wakasa still requires a 12-minute walk from the nearest station, or a taxi
Fewer shops and less evening life than Kokusai-dori, just a few minutes away by monorail

Recommended hotels in this area

APA Hotel Naha Airport Wakasa: 4.7 km from the airport, 6 minutes by taxi, and a 12-minute walk from Kencho-mae station; a budget option in the Matsuyama district.
Almont Hotel Naha Kenchomae: Just steps from Kencho-mae station, with a large indoor communal bath; a good base on the monorail towards the airport or Kokusai-dori.

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Kokusai-dori and the centre

Neighbourhood · The DoubleTree is right in front of Asahibashi station, 11 minutes by monorail from the airport; the Hyatt Regency is a 7-minute walk from Makishi station, itself 3 minutes from Kokusai-dori.

Best for: Anyone wanting shopping, the Makishi markets and Kokusai-dori's nightlife within walking distance.

Pros

Kokusai-dori, its markets and Okinawan restaurants within walking distance of most hotels
Several monorail stations within a few minutes, handy for getting around without a taxi

Cons

On weekends the streets of Kokusai-dori stay crowded and noisy until late
The more central hotels cost more than those in Matsuyama or Omoromachi

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa: In the Makishi district, a 3-minute walk from Kokusai-dori and 7 from the monorail station; also close to Makishi public market and the pottery street, Yachimun-dori.
DoubleTree by Hilton Naha: Right in front of Asahibashi station, the only hotel on this list literally attached to a monorail station; also convenient for the ferry terminal and long-distance buses.

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Omoromachi

Neighbourhood · Direct monorail from the airport to Omoromachi in 19-20 minutes; the hotel is an 8-minute walk from the station.

Best for: Anyone preferring a more modern, orderly district, with department stores and the Okinawa art museum, 19-20 minutes by monorail from the airport.

Pros

DFS Galleria and the Okinawa Prefectural Art Museum within minutes on foot
A newer, more orderly district than Kokusai-dori, with wide streets and less traffic

Cons

Almost 20 minutes by monorail separate it from the airport, more than double the time from Asahibashi or Kencho-mae
Kokusai-dori is still a 9-minute walk or one monorail stop away, not exactly on the doorstep

Recommended hotels in this area

Almont Hotel Naha Omoromachi: An 8-minute walk from Omoromachi station, with a large indoor communal bath; the Okinawa art and history museum is a 4-minute walk away.

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Shuri

Nearby town · About 10 minutes by monorail to the nearest station, then another 12-minute walk to the hotel, or a short taxi ride; Shuri Castle is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Best for: Anyone wanting Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just steps away and accepting a longer transfer from the airport.

Pros

Shuri Castle, a UNESCO site, a stroll from the hotel, away from the centre's tour groups
A quiet residential district, on a hill with views over the city

Cons

A 12-minute walk from the nearest monorail station, or a taxi for anyone with luggage
For Kokusai-dori and nightlife you always need a 20-30 minute transfer

Recommended hotels in this area

DoubleTree by Hilton Naha Shuri Castle: A 12-minute walk from the monorail and around 15 from Shuri Castle; a scenic pool and breakfast are often cited among the strengths in reviews.

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