Okinawa｜Japan's Westernmost and Southernmost Railway: Ride the Pokémon-Themed Yui Rail

The Yui Rail is Japan's westernmost and southernmost railway, first launched in 2003. It connects Naha Airport to Shuri Station and has since expanded to 19 stations, reaching Urasoe City. This monorail system is a must-use transportation option for visitors to Okinawa, offering a unique view different from regular metro systems. Built as a straddle-type monorail, the trains operate in two-car and three-car configurations, adjusting to peak and off-peak passenger flow. Starting in 2023, Yui Rail collaborated with Pokémon to introduce themed trains for a limited time. Currently, the Growlithe-themed train is running as part of Okinawa's promotional campaign, accompanied by exclusive Growlithe-themed Okinawa merchandise. Previously, Yui Rail partnered with Little Twin Stars to launch special edition trains, delighting families with children. The monorail has also creatively partnered with various companies to launch branded trains, generating additional revenue. Past collaborations include the DMM Aquarium Train, Sanwa Metal Train, Keikyu Electric Railway Train, and most recently, the UberTaxi Train. For enthusiasts, the best feature of Yui Rail is the large transparent observation windows located at both ends of the train near the driver’s cabin. Whether watching the driver operate the train or enjoying the scenery speeding by from the rear, these views offer an unforgettable experience. As of late May, the Growlithe-themed train is still in operation, so Pokémon fans should not miss this opportunity. 🕰️ Operating Hours: 5:20 AM - 11:30 PM