This blog is run by RiRi, a Japan-based blogger who aims to enrich daily life by traveling and exploring different lifestyles both in Japan and abroad, all while capturing moments through photos and videos.
I hope to share information that will be enjoyable for both first-time visitors to Okinawa and locals alike.
This time, it’s all about Okinawa’s Naha Airport.
As a gateway to Asia with great potential for future development, I’ll be sharing how to spend your time before boarding at Naha Airport.
・How to Spend Time at Naha Airport
At Naha Airport, domestic departures proceed from the 3rd floor to the domestic check-in counters.
The multi-story parking lot in front of the passenger terminal building is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM. The overnight parking fee is 1,500 yen.
The monorail (Yui Rail) connecting Naha Airport Station to Tedako-Uranishi Station uses the 2nd floor.
For JAL passengers, after using the self-check-in kiosks and then dropping off your luggage at the automatic baggage drop machines, if you have some time before boarding, you can relax or spend some time leisurely before heading to the security checkpoint. Let’s take a look at what you can do and how you can spend your time within the airport before the security checkpoint.
・Grab an Onigiri Before Boarding
This is the “Pork Tamago Onigiri” shop located on the first floor of the domestic terminal building at Naha Airport, in the domestic arrivals lobby.
It is quite popular, so there may be a long line, and it can take some time to make a purchase. You can buy them to take on the plane, or get them after arriving at the airport from outside the prefecture. They offer onigiri (rice balls) made with Okinawan ingredients such as goya, abura miso, and island tofu, all of which look delicious.
You can also eat inside the shop.
There is another “Pork Tamago Onigiri” shop located on the 4th floor of the international terminal area, within the food court. They also have exclusive onigiri that are only available there, so it might be worth a visit.
・Other Restaurants
Since the domestic and international terminals are within the same building, it’s easy to move between them. However, since I mainly use the domestic flights, this time I will introduce some restaurants on the domestic terminal floor.
Whenever I use the airport, I often head straight to the security checkpoint right after checking in, so I didn’t realize there were so many restaurants. However, I’ve come to think that it would be nice to have a last taste of Okinawa before heading home.
How about some Okinawa soba?
The area from the 2nd to the 4th floor is an open atrium, making it feel spacious.
・What Makes a Good Souvenir?
The main area for buying souvenirs is on the 2nd floor.
Personally, I buy Okinawa-exclusive facial masks every time and use them for skincare during my trip.
Other representative souvenirs from Okinawa include Okinawan sweets like chinsuko, salt, and tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple. Sweets that are easy to buy make perfect souvenirs.
・Watch the Planes from the Observation Deck
The observation decks where you can see airplanes are on the 3rd and 4th floors. Even without entering the observation deck, there are spots where you can see the airplanes up close through the windows. In those areas, some people were taking serious photos of the airplanes with DSLR cameras.
I’m not a fan of flying, but I love going to the airport because it gets me excited about traveling.
・How About the Duty-Free Shops?
The DFS Naha Airport duty-free store for domestic flights is located after the security checkpoint, where you can get up to 30% off on cosmetics, perfumes, and other branded items.
By showing your boarding pass when shopping, anyone departing from outside Okinawa can enjoy duty-free shopping before departure and purchase items at discounted prices.
Personally, I check out the perfumes.
If you’re interested in exploring duty-free shopping outside the airport, visit T Galleria Okinawa by DFS in Naha City. It’s a must-check for brand enthusiasts.
For those who want to enjoy shopping at the airport duty-free store, make sure to complete your security check with enough time before your boarding deadline.
There’s also a duty-free store in the international terminal, so if I get the chance, I’ll share more about that too.
How did you find the Naha Airport feature? Besides this, I’ll be covering lounge services and future airport accommodations as they become available.
Next time, I’ll be sharing about the remote islands of Okinawa. Thanks for reading!
