Naha, Okinawa's largest city, blends trends and history, offering countless ways to enjoy yourself. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of beaches, Naha offers convenient access to the outlying islands, making it possible to enjoy a day trip to the beautiful ocean. This article features a selection of must-see tourist spots that you can enjoy from Naha.
1. Naha's Must-Visit Spots!
2. 11 selections to explore Naha in depth
3. 8 Recommended Tourist Spots Around Naha
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1. Naha's Must-Visit Spots!
If it's your first time in Naha, this is a must-see classic spot.
International street
Kokusai-dori is Naha's premier shopping street. This approximately 1.6km long, straight street is home to around 600 shops, including souvenir stores, restaurants, general stores, and hotels. Just strolling through this shopping street, sometimes called the "Miracle Mile," is enough to experience the best of Okinawa.
- Remarks
- Nearest stations: Kencho-mae Station, Mieibashi Station, Makishi Station
Shuri Castle Ruins
The Ryukyu Kingdom existed for approximately 450 years until 1879. Shuri Castle was the political, diplomatic, and cultural center of this Ryukyu Kingdom. The main hall was destroyed in a fire in 2019 (the main hall is currently being restored with the aim of completion in 2026), but the surrounding stone walls, gates, turrets, and other facilities remain as they were before the fire, and visitors can also see the progress of the reconstruction. This is the place to go if you want to see Okinawan history!
- Address
- 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-886-2020
- Business hours
- Free area: 8:30 AM - 19:30 PM Paid area: 9:00 AM - 17:30 PM
- Remarks
- Related article:Shuri Castle Today: What Kind of Reconstruction Has It Been?
2. 11 In-Depth Looks in Naha
beach on the waves
This beach is within walking distance of downtown Naha. It's the only sandy beach in Naha city, and swimming is permitted from April when the beach officially opens. It's a rare beach with a bypass view, complete with parking, lockers, and restrooms, and you can even spot small fish.
- Address
- 1-25-9 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-863-7300
- Remarks
- Related article:Naha's only sandy beach, "Naminoue Beach": Access and Facilities
Naminoue
Naminoue Shrine is considered the highest-ranking of the eight Ryukyu shrines, which were built during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. It sits atop a cliff next to Naminoue Beach. Six of the eight Ryukyu shrines are located within Naha City, so a shrine pilgrimage would be a great idea.
- Address
- 1-25-11 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-868-3697
- Business hours
- 9:00AM ~ 17:00 PM
- Remarks
- Related article:Boost your luck with a cute charm! A journey to a historic shrine in Okinawa for finding love.
Fuzhou Garden
Fuzhou Garden was opened as a symbol of friendship between Fuzhou City in Fujian Province, China, and Naha City. It is a garden full of exotic charm, known as the Fuzhou style. The Kume district of Naha City, where Fuzhou Garden is located, is an area with many people who migrated from Fujian Province during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and there is also a Confucius Temple next door. At night, it is lit up, creating an even more exotic atmosphere.
- Address
- 2-29-19 Kume, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-943-6078
- Business hours
- 9:00 AM - 21:00 PM, Closed on Wednesdays
- Remarks
- Related article:Want to experience a taste of China while in Okinawa? Take a break at Fuzhou Garden, an oasis in Naha.
Shikinaen
Shikinaen Garden, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a nationally designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty, was the largest villa of the Ryukyu royal family, built in 1799. The Ryukyu Kingdom, which had a thriving trade with China, is said to have invited envoys from China here. The unique strolling garden, a blend of Ryukyuan, Chinese, and Japanese cultures, is a must-see.
- Address
- 421-7 Maji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-855-5936
- Business hours
- 9:00 AM - 17:30 PM, Closed on Wednesdays
- Remarks
- Related article:A First-Time Visitor's Guide to Shikinaen Garden: From Basic Information to Recommended Exploration Methods
Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Road
Said to have been constructed in the early 16th century, this stone-paved road, made of Ryukyu limestone, leads south from Shuri Castle. Approximately 300 meters of it remains today, and along with the many old houses lining the path, it's a precious route that allows you to experience the atmosphere of yesteryear. Why not visit it along with Shuri Castle?
- Address
- 2-84-3 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Remarks
- Related article:Traveling through Okinawa in photos ♡ How to take a photo that will get you "likes" on Shuri's cobblestone streets
Sakaemachi Market
During the day, only a few shops like greengrocers and butchers are open in this market, but at night it transforms into a bar district with many small shops lining the streets. This retro bar district is full of unique establishments, specializing in things like shellfish or shrimp, and there are plenty of places offering cheap drinks and snacks, so bar hopping is highly recommended!
- Address
- 381-379 Asato, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Remarks
- Related article:Strolling through Sakaemachi Market, a deep and nostalgic drinking district in Naha!
Tenbusu Naha
This facility on Kokusai Street showcases traditional Ryukyu culture. Every Thursday, there are performances of Ryukyu dance and Okinawan theater (for a fee), and within Tenbusu, you can also experience and purchase traditional crafts at the Naha City Traditional Crafts Center.
- Address
- 3-2-10 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-868-7810
- Business hours
- Varies depending on the performance or experience.
Yachimun Street
Yachimun refers to traditional Okinawan pottery. Pottery made in Tsuboya, Naha City, is specifically called Tsuboya ware. This town has been a center of pottery making for 300 years since the Ryukyu government gathered kilns in this area. Along the approximately 400-meter-long cobblestone street, there are many kilns, craft shops, and retail stores, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking a break at a cafe.
- Address
- 1-16 Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Remarks
- Related article:Searching for your favorite pottery. A leisurely stroll along Tsuboya Yachimun Street.
Shopping district
The Heiwa-dori and Ichiba-hondori shopping streets, which extend from Kokusai-dori, branch out into a network of smaller shopping streets that crisscross the area as you venture further in. While there are souvenir shops and stores selling Okinawan sweets, the further you go, the more you can experience the authentic Okinawan atmosphere. The arcades make it ideal for sightseeing even on rainy days.
- Address
- Around Makishi
T Galleria Okinawa by DFS
T Galleria Okinawa by DFS, directly connected to Omoromachi Station, is a duty-free shop that carries a wide variety of famous brand cosmetics, bags, watches, and souvenirs. It's a place where not only travelers from overseas but also those departing for other parts of Okinawa can shop. There are rules for purchasing, such as requiring booking information for flights departing from Okinawa and time restrictions (for flights departing between morning and 13:30 PM, purchases must be made by 19:00 PM the day before, and 2 hours before departure on the day of departure).
- Address
- 4-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0120-78-2460
- Business hours
- 10:00AM ~ 20:00 PM
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu)
Omikyu, a striking building designed to resemble an Okinawan castle (gusuku), is a facility where you can experience Okinawa's nature, history, culture, and art all in one place. It regularly hosts unique events and lectures that can only be experienced in Okinawa, allowing you to discover a side of Okinawa you never knew before.
- Address
- 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0120-78-2460
- Business hours
- 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM (until 20:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), Closed on Mondays.
- Remarks
- Related article:Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum | I learned about Okinawa's history that you might not know.
3. 8 Recommended Tourist Spots Around Naha
Umikaji Terrace
Umikaji Terrace, located on Senaga Island, is a resort and commercial facility surrounded by the sea. After relaxing in the free natural hot spring footbath, you can enjoy dining and shopping while gazing at the beautiful Okinawan ocean. There are also plenty of Okinawan fruits and sweets that you can only find here!
- Address
- 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-851-7446
- Business hours
- 10:00 AM - 21:00 PM (Hours may vary by store)
DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
The theme is "A new kind of entertainment aquarium that makes full use of the latest visual expression and spatial design." In addition to exhibiting plants and animals from subtropical and tropical regions, the aquarium uses the latest sound and video technology to display realistic creatures in a way that makes them feel as if they are in nature.
- Address
- 3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-840-6900
- Business hours
- 9:00 AM - 21:00 PM (Hours may vary depending on the day)
- Remarks
- Related article:I went to the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium! Highlights, access, and surrounding area information.
Orion ECO Chura SUN Beach
Orion ECO Chura SUN Beach boasts a vast 700-meter-long sandy beach with excellent facilities for marine sports and barbecues. On clear days, you can also enjoy watching the sunset over the ocean. With numerous commercial facilities nearby, it's a place where you can spend the whole day.
- Address
- 5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-850-1139
- Business hours
- 6：00～22：00(遊泳は4月上旬の海開き～10月まで9：00〜18：00ただし7・8月は19：00まで
Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa
This outlet mall features numerous famous domestic and international brands. Even just walking around the building, with its design blending Okinawan and Greek architectural styles, is a delightful experience. You can find clothing, general merchandise, and souvenirs at the reasonable prices only an outlet mall can offer.
- Address
- 1-188 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-891-6000
- Business hours
- 10:00AM ~ 20:00 PM
- Remarks
- Related article:A complete guide to Ashibinaa, Okinawa's only outlet mall!
Arao
Closest to Naha is Michi-no-Eki Toyosaki, the westernmost roadside station in Japan. It boasts a wide selection of fresh Okinawan fruits and vegetables, as well as souvenirs. You can also find Okinawan tourist information staff at the information station. Michi-no-Eki Itoman, where you can enjoy Okinawan seafood dishes, is also popular. Visiting multiple roadside stations is highly recommended!
- Address
- 3-39 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-850-8280
- Business hours
- 9:00AM ~ 18:00 PM
- Address
- 4-20-4 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 098-987-1277
- Business hours
- 9:00AM ~ 18:00 PM
- Remarks
- Related article:A journey to discover Okinawan cuisine at "Michi-no-Eki Itoman"!
Nagannu Island
Nagannu Island, which can be reached in 20 minutes from Naha Tomari Port, is an uninhabited island, but it has well-developed facilities, allowing for not only day trips but also overnight stays, and even has a restaurant, making it surprisingly well-equipped for an uninhabited island. There are no regular ferry services, so if you want to go to Nagannu Island, you should use a tour package.
- Remarks
- Related article:Nagannu Island Day Trip Report: From Booking to Beach Conditions
Tokashiki Island
This remote island can be reached in as little as 35 minutes from Tomari Port in Naha City. It is characterized by its crystal-clear blue waters, known as "Kerama Blue," and offers opportunities for marine sports in the summer and whale watching in the winter. Both day trips and overnight stays are possible, but during peak season, boats are often fully booked with waiting lists.
- Remarks
- Related article:A summary of information on transportation to Tokashiki Island, including reservations, fares, and timetables for high-speed boats and ferries.
zamami island
Located just 50 minutes from Tomari Port in Naha City, this remote island is situated in the heart of the Kerama Islands. Snorkeling, where you can encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays, is a popular activity. While there are many beaches, viewing the beach, the sea, and the sunset from the observation deck atop the mountain is like entering another world.
- Remarks
- Related article:Zamami Island, a paradise that the world falls in love with! Introducing recommended tourist spots handpicked by the islanders.
Final thoughts
You can easily enjoy the tourist attractions around Naha on foot, by the Yui Rail, or by bus, even without a car. And it's amazing that you can even experience the seas of the outlying islands on a day trip by boat!
Check out the places you want to visit and combine them to create your own plan. That's when your journey begins.
Shirokuma Tours offers affordable Okinawa package tours. A wide variety of options are available, including tours to Ishigaki and Miyako Islands.
For local experiences and optional tours such as snorkeling and sightseeing bus tours, choose Tabi Plus One.
For diving in Okinawa, from license acquisition and fun dives to introductory experiences, choose Oceans Dive Tour.
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