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Why the JR Pass does not cover Okinawa
Okinawa has no Japan Railways network. Naha's only rail line is the Yui Rail monorail, run by a private operator and not part of JR. The pass therefore offers no benefit on the islands themselves.
Coverage
Does the JR Pass cover Okinawa
Short answer: the JR Pass is not valid in Okinawa. There are no JR lines on the islands. Here is how to combine an Okinawa trip with a rail itinerary on the main islands.
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How to reach Okinawa
- Domestic flight from Tokyo, Osaka or Fukuoka to Naha, around 2 to 3 hours.
- JR Pass covers the trip to the departure airport.
- From Naha airport, the Yui Rail or bus reaches central Naha in 30 minutes.
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Combining Okinawa with a rail trip
- Fly Tokyo to Naha, spend 3 to 5 days in Okinawa, fly back to Fukuoka.
- Start your JR Pass in Fukuoka, ride north through Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo.
- A 7 day pass works well for the rail part after Okinawa.
04
Getting around Okinawa
- Renting a car is the easiest way to see the main island.
- Yui Rail handles Naha city.
- Ferries connect to the Kerama, Miyako and Ishigaki islands.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Is the JR Pass valid in Okinawa?
No. There are no JR lines in Okinawa, so the pass offers no benefit there.
Can I fly to Okinawa with the JR Pass?
No, the pass only covers JR train services. You buy a flight separately.
Should I add Okinawa to a rail trip?
Yes if you have at least two weeks. Fly to Okinawa first or last and use the JR Pass for the rest.
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