5 Things You Should Know to Fully Enjoy Sightseeing in Naha

Naha is the gateway to Okinawa.
Many people staying at a hotel in Naha City on their first or last day of their Okinawa trip probably want to enjoy sightseeing in Naha, right?

From classic and must-see tourist spots to hidden gems, we've compiled a guide to help you fully enjoy sightseeing in Naha!
If you're planning a trip to Naha, or are still deciding what to do, please use this as a reference.

【table of contents】
1. Must-see! Classic Naha tourist spots
2.2. For those of you visiting for the second time or later, these are hidden gem spots.
3. Recommended spots for families with children
4. Get to know Naha in depth with a tour led by a local guide!
5. Transportation options for sightseeing in Naha City

1. Must-see! Classic Naha tourist spots

This is a classic tourist spot in Naha city.
First, there's the must-see Shuri Castle; then there's Naminoue Beach, a popular spot for Naha residents where you can enjoy a beach even within Naha city limits; and finally, Shikinaen Garden, where you can experience the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
If you're wondering what to do in Naha, check this out first.

1-1. Classic tourist attractions

Shuri Castle

-Due to a fire that occurred in October 2019, the visiting area is restricted.-

It goes without saying that Shuri Castle is a very famous tourist spot.
It's registered as a World Heritage Site, and it's a representative tourist destination not only of Naha City but of Okinawa.

These brightly colored castles, unlike any on the main island, are a must-see!

[Shuri Castle]
Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Admission fee: Adults 820 yen / Junior high school students 620 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 310 yen / Children under 6 years old free
開館時間：4月～6月・10月・11月 8:30～19:00／7月～9月 8:30～20:00／12月～3月 8:30～18:00

[Hidden Gems at Shuri Castle]

・Western Azana

This observation deck is located slightly south of the main path leading from Shureimon Gate. It offers a panoramic view of Naha city.
It seems this was once a place where a bell was rung to announce the time.

Many people probably miss this part of the Shuri Castle sightseeing route, right?
Located in a free spot, anyone can enjoy the view of Naha.

beach on the waves

This is the only beach in Naha City. Although it's an artificially created beach, it's a popular spot for Naha residents to relax and you can even have a BBQ here.
Since it's not a tourist spot but a beach deeply rooted in the local community, it might be a strange sight to see local children and students playing there.

Since it's close to the airport, it's also recommended for people who want to see the ocean before heading home!
Furthermore, the facilities such as changing rooms and lockers are well-equipped, making it convenient to head straight to town after swimming!

Shikinaen

This strolling garden incorporates styles from China, Japan, and Ryukyu, and is registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu."
Built around 1800, this was a villa of the Ryukyu royal family and was also used to entertain envoys from the Chinese emperor.

[Shikinaen Garden]
Address: 421-7 Maji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：098-855-5936
Admission fee: Adults 400 yen / Children 200 yen
開園時間：4月1日～9月30日　9:00～18:00（入場締め切り 17:30）
10月1日～3月31日　9:00～17:30（入場締め切り 17:00）
Closed on: Every Wednesday
(If that day is a public holiday or "Memorial Day" (June 23rd), then the following day.)

Enjoy attractive girls' trip perks! Check out the tour here ☆

1-2. Shopping and sightseeing spots

When you're in Naha, the best things to do are try street food and go shopping! You can enjoy a different atmosphere from the main island.
Let me introduce you to "Kokusai Street" and "Yachimun Street," which are enjoyable even if you don't shop, just to stroll around.

International street

Many people would agree that this is a must-see spot when traveling to Okinawa!
I always end up going to Kokusai Street, which is very convenient for both dining and shopping.
The distance from one end to the other is approximately 1.6 km. You can easily stroll along it while window shopping.

[Hidden gems on Kokusai Street]

back alley

If you have the time, be sure to explore not only the main street, Kokusai-dori, but also the back alleys!
Paradise Street, lined with stylish cafes and general stores, and Ukishima Street, with its array of apparel select shops, are sure to excite you!

The mix of new shops and old, traditional establishments creates a unique atmosphere.

壺屋やちむん通り

"Yachimun" is the Okinawan word for pottery.
Whether you're a fan of pottery or not, I highly recommend taking a stroll along Yachimun Street.

The streets, with their narrow alleys, cobblestone paths, stone walls, and red-tiled roofs, retain a charming old-world atmosphere, making them a pleasure to stroll along. You'll find pottery studios, shops selling Yachimun pottery and Shisa statues, and restaurants where you can enjoy your meal served in Tsuboya ware.
Some of the facilities even offer pottery classes, so please enjoy the fascinating world of Yachimun pottery.

2.2. For those of you visiting for the second time or later, these are hidden gem spots.

For those of you who have been to Naha many times, I'd like to introduce two slightly unusual spots that tourists don't often visit.
For those who love to eat and drink, we recommend Sakaemachi Market, a vibrant bar district, and Senaga Island, where you can enjoy views of airplanes and sunsets.

Sakaemachi Market

If you want to experience a more authentic side of Naha, you should definitely visit Sakaemachi!
Located a 2-minute walk from Yui Rail Asato Station, Sakaemachi Market was established during the post-war reconstruction period and remains largely unchanged to this day.
It's a charming town that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era, and many people are captivated by its allure and visit it night after night.

Senagajima

Senaga Island is highly recommended for airplane enthusiasts!
The reason is that the island itself is located just south of the airport, and planes take off and land at the airport by flying over Senaga Island.
It's also a famous spot for watching the sunset, and you can enjoy the sunset along with the airplanes.

It's easily accessible by car from Naha, as it's connected by a bridge.
Also, at the Senaga Island Hotel, which opened on the island two years ago, you can enjoy a day trip to the hot springs.

It's quite a unique experience to be able to enjoy an open-air bath while watching the sea and airplanes.

[Senaga Island Hotel]
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - (Last entry 23:00 PM) Closing time: 24:00 AM
Admission fees: Adults (junior high school age and older) 1,330 yen on weekdays, 1,540 yen on weekends and holidays / Children (elementary school age) 720 yen / Infants Free
[Pricing Package Contents]
Bath towel face towel
Amenities provided: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hairbrush, hairdryer, men's and women's toiletries (men's: tonic, aftershave lotion; women's: skin lotion, milky lotion)

3. Recommended spots for families with children

For those planning a trip to Naha and wondering, "Are there any places that are fun for families with children?", we'd like to introduce two spots where you can create wonderful memories.
The Naha City Traditional Crafts Center offers opportunities to learn about and experience Okinawa's traditional crafts, while the Orca boat allows you to enjoy the underwater world without even diving.

Ryukyu glass and Shisa making at Naha City Traditional Crafts Center

You can experience Ryukyu glassmaking, Shisa (Okinawan lion-dog) making, and Shuri weaving all in one building.
Deepening your understanding of Okinawa's traditional crafts while creating a piece together as a family would surely create a precious memory of your trip.
Of course, you can take home what you make. It makes a great souvenir for yourself.

[Naha City Traditional Crafts Center]
Address: 3-2-10 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Tenbusu Naha 2F
access:
Get off at Makishi Station (16 minutes from Naha Airport) and walk for 4 minutes.
Get off at Miebashi Station (14 minutes from Naha Airport) and walk for 6 minutes.
TEL: 098-868-7866

Underwater sightseeing on the Orca

Did you know you can see colorful fish without even going diving?
The large underwater sightseeing boat "Orca" departs from a port in Naha City. You can easily enjoy the underwater world while sitting down.

However, when the weather is bad, the water can become murky, and unfortunately, you might not see many fish.
You might want to check the weather forecast before making a reservation.

Be sure to also enjoy cruising the seas of Okinawa!
The price is 3,000 yen for adults, but it's 2,500 yen if you book online.

[West Marine >
Address: 2-1 Toudou-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, 1st floor of Naha Wharf Passenger Terminal
TEL: 098-866-0489
West Marine Official Website

4. Get to know Naha in depth with a tour led by a local guide!

"Naha Machima-i" is a walking tour series where local guides propose courses to fully convey the charm of Naha.
For those who want to get to know Naha better, joining a tour like this might help you discover charms you wouldn't have found on your own.

Prices start from a very reasonable 1,000 yen.
We offer a variety of approximately 20 themed courses, ranging from classic Shuri Castle tours that can be enjoyed by both first-time visitors and repeat visitors, to courses that introduce Okinawan restaurants frequented by locals and courses that involve searching for Okinawan amulets attached to the buildings.

[Naha town tour]
Address: 2-1-4 Makishi, Naha City, 4th Floor
TEL: 098-860-5780
Official Website

5. Transportation options for sightseeing in Naha City

For sightseeing in Naha City, considering the hassle of finding parking and traffic congestion, a combination of the Yui Rail monorail, walking, and occasional taxis might be more convenient than driving.
We will provide you with information on each mode of transportation.

5-1. Yui Rail

This is Okinawa's only monorail, connecting Naha Airport to Shuri Station. The initial fare is 230 yen.
If you plan to use the Yui Rail, it's definitely more economical to buy a free pass.

A one-day pass allows unlimited rides for 800 yen, and a two-day pass costs 1,400 yen. Purchasing a free pass entitles you to discounts on admission to facilities such as Shuri Castle and special offers at restaurants.

The details of the bonus are as follows.

Be careful not to lose it!
However, if you're going to Shuri Castle, it's about a 15-minute walk from the Yui Rail station, which might be a bit tough if you're traveling with small children, so it might be a good idea to combine it with a bus depending on the situation.

5-2. Route buses

There are many bus routes running through Naha city.
For example, to places that are inaccessible by the Yui Rail, such as Naminoue Beach or outlet malls, taking the bus is a good option.
You might also enjoy interacting with the locals.

However, they don't always arrive on time, so sometimes it's quicker to just hail a taxi...
Use it according to your travel plans.

5-3.Car

Naha city is congested. The traffic volume is very high, so please drive carefully.
While most of the tourist spots I've mentioned, except for Kokusai Street and Sakaemachi Market, have parking lots where you can park your car, many shops in urban areas like around Kokusai Street don't have parking, so you'll need to find a paid parking lot.

Finally

Above, we've introduced five things you should know to enjoy Naha!
Have a wonderful time on your trip to Naha, a city brimming with Okinawan culture and fun!