Japan Guide
Okinawa
Getting around
The smart new monorail (6am–11.30pm daily; ¥200 minimum fare) linking the airport with Shuri 13km away is a useful way to get around. There are stops at either end of Kokusai-dōri (Kenchō-mae and Makishi). Otherwise, there are plenty of local buses, with frequent services on the main routes, but traffic often gridlocks at peak times, so don't expect to zip around. Nearly all buses, including long-distance services, start from or pass by Naha Bus Terminal, on the south side of the city. Buses show the route number on the front, with the destination in kanji. Lines #1 to #17 operate within the city, while lines #20 and above go further afield. There's a flat fare of ¥200 within the city, but on other buses take a numbered ticket on entry and pay at your destination. If you plan to use the buses a lot, pick up the island-wide Naha City Bus Route Map (in English) from the tourist information offices. Taxi fares start from around ¥500.