Monorail

At a Glance

Introduction to the Yui Rail

Welcome to Okinawa, where the Yui Rail monorail serves as your essential gateway to exploring Naha and beyond. Officially known as the Okinawa Urban Monorail, this convenient elevated train system is affectionately called “Yui Rail,” a name derived from the Okinawan dialect term “yuimāru,” signifying cooperation and working together. It’s the primary public transport artery, connecting Naha Airport to the city’s vibrant heart and extending into Urasoe City.

Navigating Okinawa’s capital is made simple with the Yui Rail. This guide provides all the necessary information for travelers, from understanding its route and stations to purchasing tickets and connecting to key attractions. Whether you’re heading to historical sites, bustling shopping streets, or local markets, the **naha monorail** offers a clean, efficient, and user-friendly way to experience the best of Naha.

With multi-language support and direct airport access, the Yui Rail is designed to make your visit as smooth as possible. Discover how to make the most of this vital transport link for your Okinawa adventure.

Quick Facts

  • Official Name: Okinawa Urban Monorail (Okinawa Toshi Monorēru)
  • Alias: Yui Rail (ゆいレール)
  • Route Length: 17 kilometers
  • Number of Stations: 19
  • Termini: Naha Airport Station (west) to Tedako-Uranishi Station (east)
  • Operating Hours: Approx. 05:40 – 23:30 (varies by direction, check official site)
  • Frequency: Every 6-12 minutes
  • Single Trip Ticket: Adult ¥230 – ¥370 (distance-based)
  • One-Day Pass: Adult ¥800 (valid 24 hours from first use)
  • Two-Day Pass: Adult ¥1,400 (valid 48 hours from first use)
  • Payment: Cash, OKICA, National IC Cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.)
  • Language Support: Station signage, in-train announcements, and ticket vending machines in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
  • Official English Website: https://www.yui-rail.co.jp/en/

Route and Location

The Yui Rail monorail provides a crucial transportation spine through Naha City, stretching from Naha Airport in the west to Tedako-Uranishi Station in Urasoe City to the east. The entire 17-kilometer route features 19 elevated stations, making it easy to navigate the urban landscape. Naha Airport Station is directly connected to the domestic terminal, offering seamless arrival into the city. The line’s extension in October 2019 added four new stations, enhancing connectivity to Urasoe City and providing convenient park-and-ride options.

[google_map lat=”26.2066″ lon=”127.6458″]

 

How to Use the Yui Rail

Using the Yui Rail is straightforward, even for first-time visitors. The system is designed with clear signage and multi-language support to ensure a smooth journey.

  1. Buy a Ticket: Locate the ticket vending machines at any station. You can select your destination station for a single-trip ticket or choose a one-day or two-day pass. The machines accept cash (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 bills and coins) and offer a language-change option for English, Chinese, and Korean. If using an IC card (like OKICA or national cards such as Suica), ensure you have sufficient balance.
  2. Enter the Gate: For paper tickets, scan the QR code at the reader on the ticket gate. If you’re using an IC card, simply tap it on the designated blue-lit panel.
  3. Board the Train: Once inside, proceed to the platform. Trains run frequently, typically every 6-12 minutes. Wait for passengers to exit before boarding, and be mindful of the automated doors.
  4. Exit the Gate: At your destination, scan the same QR code on your paper ticket or tap your IC card again to exit through the gate. Single-trip tickets will be retained by the gate.
 
 
 
 

Tickets and Passes

The Yui Rail offers various ticket options to suit your travel plans, from single trips to convenient multi-day passes. Prices were last updated in May 2024.

  • Single Trip Ticket (QR乗車券): These tickets are priced based on the distance traveled. An adult fare ranges from ¥230 to ¥370, while child fares are ¥120 to ¥190. You purchase these at the vending machines by selecting your destination.
  • One-Day Pass (24-hour Pass): For extensive exploration, the 24-hour pass is an excellent value. It costs ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children. This pass is valid for 24 hours from the time of its first use, not by calendar day. For example, if you use it at 3 PM on Monday, it’s valid until 3 PM on Tuesday.
  • Two-Day Pass (48-hour Pass): Ideal for longer stays, the 48-hour pass costs ¥1,400 for adults and ¥700 for children. Similar to the one-day pass, it’s valid for 48 hours from its initial use.
  • 2025 Prices: As of mid-2024, no official announcements regarding price changes for 2025 have been made. Current prices are expected to remain, but this is unconfirmed. Always check the official Yui Rail website for the latest information.

Payment Methods

  • Ticket Machines: Accept cash, including ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 bills and various coins.
  • IC Cards:
    • OKICA: Okinawa’s local IC card is fully supported for both travel and reloading at Yui Rail machines.
    • National IC Cards: Major national IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and others are accepted for travel (tap-and-go). However, it’s important to note that these national IC cards cannot be purchased or reloaded at Yui Rail stations. Ensure you have sufficient balance before starting your journey.

Major Stations and Attractions

The Yui Rail connects you to key destinations across Naha and Urasoe. Here are some of the most important stops for travelers:

Naha Kūkō (那覇空港) – Naha Airport Station

This is your first stop when arriving in Okinawa. Naha Airport Station is directly connected to the 2nd floor of the domestic terminal, making the monorail the most convenient way to reach the city center. It’s also notable as Japan’s westernmost train station, with a monument marking the spot.

Asahibashi (旭橋)

Asahibashi Station is a vital hub for onward travel. It offers a direct connection to the Naha Bus Terminal, which serves as the central hub for buses traveling across Okinawa Island. This makes it an ideal transfer point if you plan to explore areas beyond the monorail line.

Kenchō-mae (県庁前) – Prefectural Office

Located near the Okinawa Prefectural Office and Naha City Hall, Kenchō-mae Station provides access to the northern entrance of Kokusai Dori (国際通り), Naha’s bustling main street for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s a great starting point for exploring the vibrant heart of the city.

Makishi (牧志)

Makishi Station offers central and southern access to Kokusai Dori. From here, you are within walking distance of the historic Tsuboya Pottery District (やちむん通り), known for its traditional Okinawan ceramics, and the lively Makishi Public Market area, where you can sample local foods and find unique souvenirs.

Omoromachi (おもろまち)

Omoromachi is considered Naha’s “new city center.” This station is home to T Galleria by DFS, a large duty-free shop, the Naha Main Place shopping mall, and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum. It’s a hub for modern shopping and cultural experiences.

Shuri (首里)

Shuri Station is your gateway to the historic Shuri Castle Park (首里城公園), a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle is about a 15-20 minute uphill walk from the station. For convenience, local buses (e.g., No. 8) are available from a stop near the station, offering a direct ride to the castle grounds.

Tedako-Uranishi (てだこ浦西)

As the final station on the Yui Rail line, Tedako-Uranishi serves Urasoe City. It features a large Park & Ride facility, making it convenient for those traveling by car. A bus terminal at this station offers express buses heading to central and northern Okinawa, providing an alternative to the Naha Bus Terminal for some routes.

Connecting to Buses

The Yui Rail seamlessly integrates with Okinawa’s bus network, allowing you to extend your journey beyond the monorail line. The primary connection point is at Asahibashi Station, which is directly linked to the Naha Bus Terminal. This terminal is the central hub for buses traveling across various parts of Okinawa Island, making it ideal for island-wide exploration.

Additionally, the eastern terminus, Tedako-Uranishi Station, offers a newer bus terminal. This facility is particularly useful for catching express buses heading to central and northern Okinawa, providing a convenient option for travelers looking to venture further north without passing through the bustling Naha Bus Terminal.

Practical Tips for Travelers

  • Shuri Castle Walk: Be prepared for an uphill walk from Shuri Station to Shuri Castle. On hot days or if you have mobility concerns, taking the short local bus ride (around ¥100) from near the station directly to the castle grounds is highly recommended.
  • IC Card Reloading: Remember that you cannot charge (reload) national IC cards like Suica or PASMO at Yui Rail stations. You must do so at convenience stores or in mainland Japan. Ensure you have enough balance before starting your journey on the **naha monorail**.
  • Day Pass Value: The 24-hour pass (¥800) becomes cost-effective if you plan to take more than 3-4 rides within a 24-hour period. For instance, a round trip from Naha Airport to Shuri costs ¥680, so just one additional short ride makes the pass worthwhile.
  • Official Website: For the most up-to-date timetables and any service announcements, always check the official Yui Rail English website: https://www.yui-rail.co.jp/en/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my JR Rail Pass on the Yui Rail?

A: No, the Yui Rail is not operated by a JR (Japan Railways) company. Therefore, the JR Rail Pass is not valid for travel on the Yui Rail. You will need to purchase a separate ticket or use an accepted IC card for your journey.

Q: Is there luggage storage at the stations?

A: Yes, most major Yui Rail stations, including Naha Airport, Asahibashi, Kencho-mae, and Shuri, are equipped with coin lockers for luggage storage. The sizes and availability of these lockers may vary by station.

Q: How long does a full trip from Naha Airport to Tedako-Uranishi take?

A: The entire journey across all 19 stations, from Naha Airport to the final stop at Tedako-Uranishi, takes approximately 38 minutes.

Q: Are the day passes for a calendar day or 24/48 hours?

A: Yui Rail day passes are valid for 24 or 48 hours from the exact time of their first use, not by calendar day. This means if you activate a 24-hour pass at 10 AM on Tuesday, it will be valid until 10 AM on Wednesday.

Can I use my JR Rail Pass on the Yui Rail?

No, the Yui Rail is not operated by a JR (Japan Railways) company. Therefore, the JR Rail Pass is not valid for travel on the Yui Rail. You will need to purchase a separate ticket or use an accepted IC card for your journey.

Is there luggage storage at the stations?

Yes, most major Yui Rail stations, including Naha Airport, Asahibashi, Kencho-mae, and Shuri, are equipped with coin lockers for luggage storage. The sizes and availability of these lockers may vary by station.

How long does a full trip from Naha Airport to Tedako-Uranishi take?

The entire journey across all 19 stations, from Naha Airport to the final stop at Tedako-Uranishi, takes approximately 38 minutes.

Are the day passes for a calendar day or 24/48 hours?

Yui Rail day passes are valid for 24 or 48 hours from the exact time of their first use, not by calendar day. This means if you activate a 24-hour pass at 10 AM on Tuesday, it will be valid until 10 AM on Wednesday.

Wrap-up

The Yui Rail monorail is undoubtedly the most efficient and tourist-friendly way to navigate Naha and its surrounding areas. From its direct connection at Naha Airport to its comprehensive coverage of major attractions and seamless bus transfers, it simplifies travel for every visitor. With multi-language support on machines and announcements, using the **naha monorail** is a stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying Okinawa’s unique culture and beautiful sights.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a longer stay, understanding the Yui Rail’s routes, ticketing options, and key stops will empower you to explore Okinawa with confidence and ease. Make the Yui Rail your go-to transport choice for an unforgettable journey through this enchanting island.