Okinawa World Access Guide
About 30 minutes from Naha Airport. Comprehensive guide covering car, bus, and taxi access methods plus parking information.
Book TicketsBasic Information
Address: 1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa 901-0616
Phone: 098-949-7421
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Last entry 5:00 PM)
Closed: Open year-round
Parking: Free (400 cars, 20 buses)
About the Location
Okinawa World is located in Nanjo City in southern Okinawa Island. It's approximately 14 kilometers southeast of central Naha and about 20 kilometers from Naha Airport. Positioned centrally in the southern tourism area, it offers convenient access to popular spots like Sefa-utaki, Chinen Cape, and Mibaru Beach.
Nanjo City was formed in 2006 by merging Sashiki Town, Chinen Village, Tamagusuku Village, and Ozato Village. Home to the World Heritage site Sefa-utaki and gateway to Kudaka Island (sacred in Ryukyuan creation mythology), it's popular as an area to experience Okinawan history and culture. Okinawa World serves as the central facility for tourism in this region.
By Rental Car
Rental cars are the standard for Okinawa tourism. For Okinawa World access, rental cars offer the most convenient and flexible transportation.
From Naha Airport
Travel Time: About 30 minutes (no traffic)
Distance: About 20km
Route 1: Via National Route 331 (Recommended)
- From Naha Airport, take National Route 331 toward Nanjo City
- Pass through Tomigusuku City and Itoman City
- After entering Nanjo City, follow signs for "Gyokusendo Entrance"
- Turn right into Okinawa World parking lot
This scenic coastal route lets you enjoy tourist atmosphere while driving. You can stop at Michi-no-Eki Itoman or Mibii Beach Itoman along the way.
Route 2: Via Okinawa Expressway
- From Naha Airport to Naha IC
- Exit Okinawa Expressway at Haebaru-Minami IC
- Take National Route 507 toward Nanjo City
- Turn onto Prefectural Route 17 to Okinawa World
Using the expressway can be faster during traffic. However, expressway tolls (about ¥400) apply.
From Naha City
From Kokusai Street: About 40 minutes
From Shuri Castle: About 30 minutes
From major Naha hotels, use National Route 329 or 331 for access. Morning and evening rush hours may have traffic, so allow extra time.
From North/Central Okinawa
From Nago City: About 60 minutes via expressway
From Okinawa City: About 40 minutes via expressway
From Onna Village: About 50 minutes via expressway
Staying at north or central resort hotels, you can reach smoothly via expressway. After exiting at Haebaru-Minami IC, take National Route 507 to Okinawa World.
GPS Navigation Settings
Enter the following information in your rental car GPS:
Phone Number: 098-949-7421
Address: 1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa
Map Code: 232 495 330*28
Map codes are convenient numbers for pinpointing exact locations in GPS. Especially in Okinawa where addresses alone may not specify exact locations, entering map codes is recommended.
Parking Information
Okinawa World has free parking facilities.
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cars | About 400 spaces | Free |
| Large Buses | About 20 spaces | Free |
| Motorcycles/Bicycles | Parking spaces available | Free |
Parking Tips
- The parking lot is spacious and rarely fills even during peak seasons
- Spaces near the entrance fill first. Arriving early gets you closer parking
- EV charging facilities not currently available
- Outdoor parking means cars get hot in summer. Sunshades are helpful
Rental Car Notes
- International License: Foreign nationals need an international driver's permit or Japanese license to drive in Japan.
- Left-Side Traffic: Japan drives on the left side. Visitors from right-side countries should take extra care.
- Expressway: ETC cards reduce toll booth wait times on Okinawa Expressway. Rental companies offer ETC card rental.
- Gas: Rental cars typically require full-tank return. Gas stations near Okinawa World allow refueling on your return route.
By Bus
For those not renting cars, public bus access is possible. However, service is limited, so check schedules beforehand.
From Naha Bus Terminal
Ryukyu Bus System 83 "Gyokusendo Line"
Boarding: Naha Bus Terminal
Exit: Gyokusendo-mae
Time: About 54 minutes
Fare: Adult ¥670, Child ¥340
Frequency: 8-10 buses daily
Gyokusendo-mae bus stop is right in front of Okinawa World entrance - enter immediately after alighting. Being direct from Naha Bus Terminal, this is the most convenient route.
Ryukyu Bus/Okinawa Bus System 54 "Maekawa Line"
Boarding: Naha Bus Terminal or Asahibashi Station
Exit: Maekawa (10-minute walk to Gyokusendo entrance)
Time: About 50 minutes
Fare: Adult ¥670, Child ¥340
Frequency: 15-20 buses daily
More frequent than Line 83. From Maekawa bus stop to Okinawa World is about 10 minutes on foot, but higher frequency makes schedule adjustment easier.
From Naha Airport
For direct bus access from Naha Airport to Okinawa World, use this route:
Yui Rail + Public Bus
- Take Yui Rail from Naha Airport to Asahibashi Station (about 10 min, ¥270)
- From Asahibashi Station's bus terminal, take Ryukyu Bus 83 or 54
- Exit at Gyokusendo-mae stop (Line 83) or Maekawa stop (Line 54)
Total Time: About 80 minutes
Total Fare: About ¥940
Bus Travel Notes
- Limited Service: Especially Line 83 has few buses. Check schedules beforehand and plan accordingly.
- Check Return Times: Missing the last bus means you can't get back. Confirm return bus times.
- IC Cards Accepted: OKICA (Okinawa's IC card) and nationwide transportation IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.) work.
- Making Change: Drivers provide change for up to ¥1,000 bills. Have large bills changed beforehand.
- Day Passes: For multiple Naha bus rides, day passes (¥1,000+) offer savings.
By Taxi
For groups, with lots of luggage, or traveling with small children, taxis are convenient.
Estimated Fares
| Starting Point | Travel Time | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Naha Airport | About 30 min | ¥4,000-¥5,000 |
| Naha City (Kokusai Street area) | About 40 min | ¥5,000-¥6,000 |
| Shuri Castle | About 30 min | ¥4,500-¥5,500 |
| Onna Village (Resort Area) | About 60 min | ¥10,000-¥12,000 |
※Fares vary with traffic. Late-night/early-morning surcharges apply.
Sightseeing Taxis
In Okinawa, hourly-rate sightseeing taxis are popular. At about ¥4,000-¥5,000 per hour, drivers guide you to tourist spots. Recommended are 4-5 hour courses combining Okinawa World with other southern attractions.
Sightseeing Taxi Benefits
- No driving worries - focus on sightseeing
- Local drivers share hidden gems and good restaurants
- Flexible schedule adjustments for weather and health
- Store large luggage while sightseeing
Ride-Hailing Apps
In Okinawa, DiDi and JapanTaxi ride-hailing apps work. Knowing fares beforehand and cashless payment (credit card) are convenient. However, in suburban areas like Okinawa World, return taxis may be hard to find - pre-booking for your return time is recommended.
Enjoy a Wonderful Day at Okinawa World
Various transport options available. Choose your preferred method to visit Okinawa World, packed with Okinawan attractions. Book online to save up to 15%.
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