Participants departing for Okinawa in the “Wheelchair Sky Trip” at Haneda Airport

A group of people with disabilities and their families from Kanagawa Prefecture departed from Haneda Airport and arrived in Okinawa for the “Wheelchair Sky Trip” program. During their 3-day, 2-night itinerary, they will visit tourist attractions including the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Ryukyu Village.

This 64th edition includes 41 participants ranging from 8 to 69 years old, along with family members and volunteers. At the departure ceremony at Haneda, a representative said, “Please enjoy the Churaumi Aquarium and other sites to your heart’s content.” Participant Yū Suzuki (37) expressed excitement, saying “I’m looking forward to seeing the whale sharks.”

Participants arriving at Naha Airport and boarding a bus

The group traveled by bus from Naha Airport, viewing Kokusai Street, Shuri Castle, and the cobalt blue ocean from their bus windows while enjoying the southern atmosphere. On the second day, they will visit the aquarium.

The “Sky Trip” is organized through collaboration between several organizations and receives support from various groups and JAL Group.

Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport, originally opened in 1931, is one of Tokyo’s two primary international airports and one of the busiest in the world. It served as Tokyo’s main international gateway until 1978, when Narita Airport opened, but has since experienced a major resurgence in international traffic following the opening of a new international terminal in 2010.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, located in the Ocean Expo Park, opened in 2002 as the successor to the former Expo Aquarium. It is most famous for its massive Kuroshio Tank, which houses several whale sharks—a pioneering feat in captivity—and showcases the diverse marine life of the Kuroshio Current. The aquarium serves as a center for marine research and the conservation of Okinawa’s coastal ecosystems.

Ryukyu Village

Ryukyu Village is a cultural theme park in Okinawa, Japan, that showcases the traditions and lifestyle of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. It features reconstructed traditional houses and offers live performances of folk music and dance, including the iconic Eisa drumming. The park serves to preserve and educate visitors about the unique heritage of the Ryukyu Islands, which flourished from the 15th to 19th centuries before being annexed by Japan.

Naha Airport

Naha Airport is the primary international and domestic airport serving Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. It originally opened as a military airfield for the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1933 and was later used by the United States Air Force after World War II before being returned to Japanese control for civilian use in the 1970s. Today, it functions as a vital transportation hub connecting the Okinawan islands with mainland Japan and other international destinations.

Kokusai Street

Kokusai Street is a bustling commercial thoroughfare in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, often called “Miracle Mile.” It was developed after World War II, during the American occupation, and became a vibrant hub for shopping and entertainment. Today, it is famous for its shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere, offering a mix of local Okinawan goods and souvenirs for tourists.

Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle served as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries, functioning as its political and cultural heart. The original structures, which showcased a unique blend of Chinese and Japanese architectural influences, were largely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. It has been meticulously reconstructed and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.