This trip, I entered Japan through Naha Airport and then took a domestic flight from here to Haneda. It was also my first time taking a domestic flight in Japan from Okinawa, so I got to experience Naha Airport in a different way.
Although Naha Airport has several floors, the overall layout isn't too difficult to understand. The domestic and international terminals are in separate areas, so if it's your first time here, just check which airline you're flying, and you basically won't get lost. In the domestic terminal, the arrivals lobby is on the first floor, and you can find the bus and taxi stops there. To take the Yui Rail, follow the signs on the second floor. The route is very clear, and you don't need to make any detours. The third floor is for entry, so basically, each floor is clearly divided.
I also had a special mission this time: I wanted to find a Goshoin. One thing to note is that the sales counter is in the domestic terminal, and it takes some time to walk there from the international side. So I bought it when I was taking my domestic flight; otherwise, it would have been too far, since I was in a hurry. If you collect Goshoin like I do, I recommend allowing extra time instead of waiting until you're about to board and then rushing around looking for it. The walk alone may take longer than expected.
Naha Airport also has a very interesting stamp rally where you use layered-color stamps to complete a picture. Once you collect them all, you can exchange it for a 3D sticker. Unfortunately, one of the stamps was broken when I visited, so I couldn't complete the original picture and had to use other commemorative stamps instead. That was a little disappointing. Another thing to note is that you need to ask at the airport information counter for the designated paper used for the activity and to redeem the sticker. You also need to go during the counter's business hours, so I recommend checking the details before participating.
And if you want to participate in this activity, be sure to allow enough time because the stamps are spread across three floors. I went up and down several times to collect them, walked through both the departure and arrival areas of the domestic and international terminals, and also shopped for souvenirs. By the end, I felt like I almost knew Naha Airport better than Taoyuan Airport.
This time I flew Skymark from Naha to Haneda. Unexpectedly, before boarding, I got to see the ground crew writing and drawing with water on the apron. I'd seen similar scenes online before and thought they were interesting, but I never expected to see it in person in Okinawa this time. It really made me very happy.
Overall, I think Naha Airport is very convenient to get around, especially since the Yui Rail connects directly to the terminal, which is a big plus for independent travelers. In addition to basic transportation and shopping facilities, the airport also has commemorative stamps and a stamp rally, which shows how much thought Naha Airport puts into the experience. But could the stamp stations maybe not be spread across three floors? Going up and down is really tiring.
