The Okinawa Monorail, publicly known as the Yui Rail, serves as the primary monorail system for Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan.
The system is also known as the Yui Rail. It serves approximately 350,000 passengers per day. Unfortunately, there is no information on fares. It doesn’t operate 24 hours a day and there is no air conditioning. It is not possible to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless.
There are no screen doors on the platforms. Trains run at an average speed of 65km/h. The line is operated by Okinawa Urban Monorail Incorporated. Operating hours are 6:00 to 23:00 from Monday to Sunday. The fare is 200 yen.
Okinawa Metro Map
Map of Okinawa Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Okinawa Metro map in PDF format.
The Course of Okinawa Monorail
The Yui Rail runs from Naha Airport to Shuri, crossing the heart of Naha city. As well as providing a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the city and reach the Uchinanchu and Otsunahiki festivals, it offers a smooth and comfortable ride with stunning views of Naha city.
The Okinawa Monorail is a straddle-beam system with a single line, 15 elevated stations and 12.9 km of track. Operated by the Okinawa City Monorail Corporation, the system serves approximately 35,000 passengers daily.
Historical Background
Public transport in Okinawa has historically been expensive, and this has been exacerbated by ever-increasing traffic congestion. As a result, locals have been waiting for an affordable alternative for their commute.
Previously, Okinawa Prefecture had both railway and trolley lines. However, with the introduction of bus services in the area, the railway suffered significant financial losses and finally ceased operations in 1933.
Construction of the Okinawa Monorail began in 1996, and the system began operating on 10 August 2003. It is the first railway line to be built in Okinawa since the end of World War II.
Operating Hours
The first train departs at 6am and the last train departs at midnight. On average, trains arrive every 10 minutes. However, during the morning rush hour, the frequency increases to one train every 6.5 minutes.
You can check the train timetable here.
Lines and Stations
The Okinawa Monorail provides seamless access to the city’s major business districts, government buildings and tourist attractions. It starts at Naha Airport, passes through downtown Naha and the Naha Bus Terminal, and ends near Shuri Castle.
The entire journey on this line takes approximately 27 minutes. Each train on this line consists of two carriages with seating for 65 passengers per carriage. This means that each train can carry up to 165 passengers. The track is between 8 and 20 metres above ground and the trains can reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h.
The monorail has the following stations:
- Shuri
From this terminal station, passengers can conveniently access the Okinawa Prefectural Museum, Shuri Castle, and Awamori liquor brewery.
- Gibo
- Shiritsubyōin-mae
This station is nearest to the Municipal hospital.
- Furujima
- Omoromachi
This station is located in close proximity to the Shin-toshin shopping district.
- Asato
- Makishi
- Miebashi
Key attractions near this station include the Naha Tourist Information Center, Okiei-dori Street, Heiwa-dori Street, and Kokusai-dori Street.
- Kenchō-mae
This station is close to the Prefectural Office.
- Asahibashi
This station provides easy access to the Naha Bus Terminal.
- Tsubogawa
- Ōnoyama-kōen
This station is located near Ōnoyama Park.
- Oroku
- Akamine
This is the southernmost rail station in the country.
- Naha Kūkō
Alight at this station to reach Naha Airport. This is the westernmost rail station in the country.
Future Expansions
A line extension from Shuri Station to Uranishi Station is expected to be operational by March 2019. The route for this extension was finalised after extensive discussions, and in 2011 the company applied for permission to construct an additional 4.1km of track to connect four new stations: Tedako-uranishi, Urasoe-maeda, Kyōzuka and Ishimine. Construction began in 2013.
Fares and Tickets
Okinawa Monorail fares are based on the distance travelled, rounded up to the nearest whole number. Discounts are available for students, disabled persons and groups. Children under the age of 12 are charged half the adult fare.
Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines or at ticket windows. The monorail offers four main types of ticket: Futsu Joshaken (single trip ticket), Kaisuu Joshaken (multiple trip ticket), Yui Prepaid Card and Open Ticket.
The maximum single fare on the Okinawa Monorail is 330 yen and the minimum is 200 yen. Children’s one-way tickets are half the adult fare.
Frequent users are advised to purchase a multi-ride ticket. This ticket allows up to 10 journeys and offers significant savings. These tickets are valid for six months from the date of purchase.
For travellers staying in the city for 2 to 3 days and planning to use the Okinawa Monorail for sightseeing, an Open ticket is the best choice. These tickets are available for 1, 2 and 3 days. The choice can be made directly at the ticket machine.
Finally, the Yui prepaid card can be used to bypass the process of buying tickets and adjusting fares each time. These cards are available in different denominations and can be purchased and reloaded at ticket machines.
For more information, view the fare chart here.
Facilities and Services
Okinawa City Monorail Corporation offers the following services to enhance the passenger experience:
- Stations are environmentally friendly.
- All stations are equipped with escalators and elevators and are accessible to the disabled.
- Ticket machines are equipped with fare tables for easy fare calculation.
- Parking is available adjacent to each station, and most stations have covered walkways.
Rules
Before using the Okinawa Monorail, please be aware of the following rules:
- Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited at stations and on trains.
- Priority seating is reserved for pregnant women, the disabled, the elderly and passengers with children.
- Mobile phones must be switched off when sitting near priority seats. Elsewhere on the train, phones should be silenced and conversations kept to a minimum.
- Bicycles are only allowed on trains if they are folded or dismantled.
Tips
For the best experience on the Okinawa Monorail, please follow these tips:
- When purchasing a child’s ticket, press the “child” button on the ticket machine before selecting a destination. Otherwise, the machine will charge the adult fare.
- Don’t forget to take your ticket out of the slot at the entrance, as you’ll need it again at the exit. If you have a day ticket, you must also collect it from the exit slot.
- If you change your route, visit the fare adjustment window or ask station staff for a fare adjustment.