This only happens at Naha Airport Okinawa

This only happens at Naha Airport Okinawa

If you are planning to visit Okinawa by flight, you might land at Naha Airport. On my recent trip to Okinawa, I find this ‘unique’ part only happens at Naha Airport. This was my 14^th time to Japan and it is the first time experiencing this as this only happens at Naha Airport.

What was the issue? The strict custom inspection! I have flown to many different airports in Japan which include Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Fukuoka, Chitose but Naha Airport Okinawa is the strictest airport I have experience.

You might be wondering is this because I’m Malaysian? Well, the strict custom inspection covers everyone including local travelers (Japanese). Thus, the strict custom inspections are not targeted to certain nationality or individual but it includes everyone.

This means everyone needs to open their luggage to be checked regardless your nationality. They also ask a number of questions like your purpose of traveling, where do you stay and what are your plans. For a frequent traveller to Japan, I printed out my hotel booking, itinerary as well as day tours.

According to my tour guide, the main reason is there is an American army base in Okinawa and hence the strict custom inspection. It is fine to me as I went there for holiday and I don’t mind getting my baggage checked and I had a great conversation with the custom officers.

So if you are planning to visit Naha Airport Okinawa, be prepared for the strict custom inspection and this only happens at Naha Airport. Just make sure you plan your trip properly and enjoy Okinawa.

If you didn’t encounter the strict custom inspection like I did, please do comment.  Would love to hear you out.

WILSON NG

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