Naha Airport Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail is the westernmost station in the country.
The monument is in front of the ticket gate.
Then, we rode the extended section of the Okinawa Urban Monorail, which will be the main part of our Okinawa trip in the fall of 2019, and headed to Tedako Uranishi in Urasoe City.
The area in front of Tedako Uranishi Station was still undergoing land readjustment.
In the first place, Naha City not only has a motorized society, but also has severe traffic congestion in the city, and the roads are constantly flattened to the point where they are said to be in a state of disrepair, so the monorail was created as a way to alleviate this problem.
On October 1, 2019, we opened an extended branch outside of Naha City.
This is the "Westernmost Station in Japan" monument.
It's right next to the ticket gate of Yui Rail Naha Station, so it's very easy to find.
It would be fun if there was some kind of certificate of arrival or commemorative ticket, but I don't think there is anything special about it.
By the way, in addition to this Yui Rail Naha Station, there are also Nagasaki Prefecture's Tabira Hiradoguchi Station and JR Sasebo Station, which are billed as ``Japan's westernmost station.''
Commemorative certificates are also available at Tabira Hiradoguchi Station.
Akamine Station, which is one station from here, has a monument marking it as ``Japan's southernmost station,'' so I think it would be a good idea to visit it as well.
The sign reads "Japan's westernmost station."
In fact, there is nothing special about it, and there is no certificate to receive upon arrival.
But for me, who often travels by motorcycle in Taiwan, collecting such geographically related signs has become a regular activity.
For example, Taiwan's four poles, Taiwan's center point, the highest point of Taiwan's highways, etc.
So... Japan's westernmost station - Naha Airport Station, the collection is complete!
Yui Rail, officially known as the Okinawa Urban Monorail, is the only public rail system in Okinawa and serves as a vital transportation link within Naha, the capital city. Since its inception in 2003, the Yui Rail has become an indispensable part of daily life for residents and a convenient mode of transport for tourists.
Spanning approximately 13 kilometers, the monorail system connects 15 stations from Naha Airport to the historical area of Shuri, near the Shuri Castle ruins. This makes it exceptionally useful for visitors who wish to explore Naha's main attractions without the need to rent a car or navigate the bus system.
One of the standout features of the Yui Rail is its elevated tracks, which offer riders panoramic views of the cityscape, including the bustling Kokusai Street, various local neighborhoods, and landmarks. This perspective provides a unique urban experience, combining the convenience of swift travel with scenic urban vistas.
The monorail is not only praised for its efficiency and the convenience it offers but also for its role in reducing city traffic and contributing to environmental sustainability. It operates at frequent intervals—approximately every 7-10 minutes, ensuring that it is a reliable option for getting around quickly and punctually.
Hours
Open 24 Hours
Closed
No closing days
Availability
All year
Minimum age
All ages are welcome
Fees
1 day ticket
Adult / 800 yen
Child / 400 yen
2 days ticket
Adult / 1,400 yen
Child / 700 yen
