Okinawa’s new transportation hub! A Thorough Guide to the Chatan Gateway

On July 25, 2024, the Chatan Gateway, a new transportation hub for Okinawa tourism, opened.

It is easy to come directly from Naha Airport to “Chatan” and from there to go around the central and northern parts of Japan!

This facility, set up to make tourist travel more comfortable, is located in Public Parking Lot A Area (across from the Aeon Chatan Store) in Mihama, Chatan Town, Okinawa Prefecture.

As a terminal that allows seamless access to a variety of transportation means, it is expected to greatly enhance convenience for tourists.

It makes the Chatan even hotter!

What is the Chatan Gateway?

The Chatan Gateway is a facility designed to provide tourists with easy access to a variety of transportation options.

Located in the central part of the main island of Okinawa, Chatan-cho is halfway between Naha Airport and the northern resort area, making it a very convenient location for sightseeing.

This facility will be in operation as a demonstration project until March 2026, and attempts are being made to make tourist travel smoother.

It is only one train ride to Chatan!

Where access to Chatan was limited to rental cars, express buses at various stations, and buses at various stations, it now takes only 50 minutes from the airport to reach Chatan and beyond, and connections are easy.

Airport Direct Bus】
Non-stop (direct) bus service from Naha Airport to Chatan. 5 round trips per day, approx. 50 min!
Click here for operation information.

Shuttle Bus (Tokyo Bus)]
Shuttle Bus (Tokyo Bus) runs from Naha Airport to Chatan via Kokusai-dori Entrance. 9 round trips a day, about 55 minutes!
Click here for operation information.

Route Bus]
Route 43 (Chatan Line) buses will serve the Chatan Gateway. It does not go through Naha Airport.
Click here for information on Okinawa Bus Route 43 operation.

Location of Chatan Gateway

It will be installed in the Mihama area of Chatan.

The large parking lot right in front of AEON Chatan will become a bus terminal!

This is very convenient!

Cab stands and hotel shuttles are also available from this location!

Nearby hotels accessible by shuttle cart

Features of Chatan Gateway

Aggregation of various modes of transportation

The Chatan Gateway provides tourists with easy access to a wide variety of transportation options.

  • Direct Airport Bus: There is a direct bus service between Naha Airport and Chatan Gateway that makes 5 round trips per day and takes about 50 minutes.
  • Mihama Area Tour Bus: A free tour bus runs every 15 minutes around the Mihama area. It is an easy way to visit tourist spots.
  • Bus: Okinawa Bus Route 43 (Chatan Line) serves the Chatan Gateway and also supports inter-regional travel.
  • Cab: There is a waiting area for cabs to take you to areas where buses are not available.
  • Bicycle rental: Electric bicycles are available for visitors to explore the Mihama area at their leisure while strolling along the seaside.

Full range of onsite services

The Chatan Gateway provides not only transportation, but also services to ensure the comfort of visitors.

  • Stores: where you can buy drinks, snacks and other necessities for your journey.
  • Luggage storage: Leave your luggage with us and enjoy sightseeing with less baggage.
  • Eat-in Space: There is a space available for resting and eating, making the most of the time spent waiting for the bus.
  • Staff on hand: Staff are on hand to provide information on public transportation, so first-time visitors can feel at ease.

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Expected benefits of the Chatan Gateway

The Chatan Gateway is expected to not only significantly improve convenience for tourists, but also positively impact tourism in Okinawa as a whole.

  • Comfortable travel for tourists: A variety of transportation options make it easy to move between destinations.
  • Ease traffic congestion around Naha Airport: Reduced congestion around the airport is expected to shorten travel time and reduce stress.
  • Revitalization of the local economy: tourists are expected to spend more time in the area and local consumption activities will increase.
  • Creating a sustainable tourist destination: environmentally friendly tourism is promoted by encouraging the use of public transportation.

Demonstration Period and Future Prospects

The Chatan Gateway will operate as a demonstration experiment from July 25, 2024 to March 2026. Based on the data obtained during this period, adjustments will be made for full-scale operation.

  • Data Collection and Improvement: Analyze actual usage to optimize services.
  • Ripple effect on the region as a whole: The enhanced function as a transportation hub is expected to further revitalize tourism in Chatan Town and the surrounding areas.

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summary

The Chatan Gateway is a convenient transportation hub for tourists and a new gateway to a more comfortable and enjoyable trip to Okinawa.

Take the direct bus from Naha Airport to Chatan or the Mihama area excursion bus.

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