"Naha Machima~i" is a tour where you visit famous spots and hidden gems in Naha with a local guide who knows the area well.

In short, that's the gist of it, but some of you might be wondering, "Where can I go?" or "Isn't it enough to just wander around freely with a guidebook in hand?"

You want to make the most of your limited time in Okinawa, right?
Here, we'll share the benefits and points to keep in mind when participating in "Naha Machima-i," along with actual participant reports!

~~Table of Contents~~
[1] What is "Naha Machima~i"?
[1-1] Walking tour of Naha city with a local guide
[1-2] There are always 20-30 courses available.
　Year-round courses
　Autumn 2015 Seasonal Course
　Summer 2015 Limited-Time Course
[1-3] What kind of person is the guide?
[1-4] Cost, time, and capacity

[2] Participation Report
[2-1] How to choose a course to participate in
[2-2] Reservations can be made through the official website or by phone, and also through some travel agencies.
[2-3] Preparations before participating (What to bring and what to wear)
[2-4] Meeting place and meeting time
[2-5] Meeting the guide and other participants
[2-6] Off to the market! A journey through a labyrinthine world!
[2-7] Goal/Disbandment
[2-8] What I liked and what I found challenging about participating
[2-9] This is especially recommended for people like you!

[3] Course Selection Guide by Type
[3-1] Families with children
[3-2] Couple
[3-3] Among women
[3-4] Between men
[3-5] For those concerned about the heat
[3-6] Okinawa Beginner
[3-7] Okinawa Repeat Visitors

[4] Frequently Asked Questions
【Q1】When is the deadline for reservations?
[Q2] Can I participate during the New Year holidays or Obon (summer festival)?
[Q3] My schedule suddenly opened up. I want to join in!
[Q4] My desired course is fully booked... Can I be put on a waiting list?
[Q5] How far in advance can I apply?
[Q6] I want to know the payment methods.
[Q7] I have a lot of luggage, can you hold it for me?

[5] Contact Information

[1-1] Walking tour of Naha city with a local guide

This is a walking tour of the area around Naha, accompanied by a guide.

The tours cover approximately 30 routes, ranging from visits to well-known Naha landmarks (such as Shuri Castle) to hidden backstreets that even locals might be surprised by.

This project was launched by the Naha City Tourism Association, and all the staff members are people who know Naha inside and out.
But that means the content is incredibly rich!

Each tour is led by an expert guide who has a deep love for Okinawa.

[1-2] There are always 20-30 courses available.

We offer both year-round standard courses and seasonal courses.
■ Courses offered year-round
■ Seasonal course available only in Autumn 2015
■2015 Summer Seasonal Course

*For recommended courses by type, please see [3] Course Selection Guide by Type .*

*As of August 2015*

A course that allows you to experience the history of Naha

• Shikinaen Garden, a World Heritage Site: Its Charm and Mysteries
• World Heritage Site Tamaudun and "Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement Tour"
• [Early Morning Stroll] Morning Activities at Shuri Castle ~Visiting the Opening of the Gates~
• Shuri Castle ~An Invitation to the Ryukyu Kingdom~
• A leisurely stroll through Shuri.
• Life is precious ~Tracing the battle sites of Shuri~

A walking course to get to know the city of Naha better

• Early risers catch the worm! Off to the farmers' market!
• Naha's Market (Machigwa): A Labyrinthine Journey
• Side streets, alleys, and back streets off Kokusai Street
• Sueyoshi Walk: An urban oasis
• A tour of Tsuboya's pottery street and Sujigwa (a type of pottery shop).
• Let's search for Okinawan amulets! ~Aim to become a Munnukimun (amulet) master!~
• Yui Rail and Light Railway
• I was surprised to learn this! Naha Airport

Experience the culture! Includes hands-on activities.

• [Includes a sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) experience] Let's all play the sanshin together!
• Enjoy sweets and a quick Ryukyu costume experience at Machigwa (a traditional Okinawan town hall) for afternoon tea (3 o'clock snack).
• The vitality of island songs that breathe life into the town: A lively evening folk song bar. *Started in September 2015.

A meal-inclusive course that lets you experience and get to know Naha through its flavors.

• [Meals included] Okinawan restaurant frequented by locals
• [Night Course] An adult's time at Sakaemachi Market
• [Night Course] Come on over, get drunk, Sakurazaka

Here are a few examples of the courses we offer.

A leisurely stroll through Shuri.

Shuri Castle is lit up every day.
Taking a leisurely stroll at dusk allows you to enjoy a different side of Shuri Castle.

Side streets, alleys, and back streets off Kokusai Street

While Kokusai-dori is a famous street, the atmosphere changes completely if you venture down just one side street.
You can enjoy unexpected yet somehow familiar scenery, such as ancient, massive tombs and lush green parks.

[Night Course] Come on over, get drunk, Sakurazaka

Let's have a drink in Sakurazaka, once considered the most bustling entertainment district in Okinawa!
This is a sophisticated course perfect for evening dining.
Recommended for those who want to see a deeper side of Okinawa. Enjoy interacting with other participants as well.

Early risers catch the worm! Off to the farmers' market!

The Noren Market (Noren Central Market) is bustling with activity in the early morning. This tour allows you to experience firsthand the vibrant atmosphere of a market that is not commercialized for tourism and is a place for local production and consumption.

Seasonal limited-time courses are also available!

We also offer seasonal limited-time courses.

A Stroll Through Naha with Young Yoshimoto Comedians from Okinawa ♪ ~Laughter Brings Good Fortune! Happy Naha!!~

(Note: Hapinaha is currently closed.)
In addition to the usual "Naha Machima~i" guides, comedians from Yoshimoto Okinawa will also be joining as guides!
They'll be sharing hidden gems in Naha, as well as recommendations for great restaurants from comedians.
▲ "Tobidase! Mermaid" (left) and "Urizun Sakura" (right) will be touring the town together as guide comedians.

After our stroll through the town, we headed straight to "Yoshimoto Okinawa Kagetsu" to watch a New Comedy show!
This performance incorporates local Okinawan jokes and is uniquely Okinawan.

The tour is scheduled to take place on two occasions: September 13th (Sunday) and September 27th (Sunday).

On Sunday, September 13th, the 11:00 AM course begins, and the Okinawa New Comedy show starts at 1:00 PM, lasting approximately 90 minutes. The troupe leaders are "Garage Sale".
On Sunday, September 27th, the 11:00 AM course will begin, followed by the Okinawa New Comedy show at 1:00 PM, lasting approximately 90 minutes. The troupe leaders are "Slim Club".

For a truly memorable Okinawan experience, enjoy some hilarious moments you won't find anywhere else!

A guided tour of the backstage area of ​​the National Theatre Okinawa, led by Okinawan performing artists.

Traditional Okinawan performing arts are being staged at the National Theatre Okinawa.
This is a backstage tour.

The guides include Okinawan performing artists and others.
These events are held on days when there are performances, and you can attend the show afterward.

The autumn event is scheduled for two days: September 19th (Saturday) and October 17th (Saturday).
Departure is at 11:00 AM on both days.
Actually, this is a course that has been offered for a limited time before.
Due to its popularity, it was decided that the event would be held again in the fall of 2015.
Surprisingly, even people from Okinawa have often never seen Okinawan performing arts.
It seems to be popular because it allows visitors to experience traditional Ryukyu culture.

By the way, this was the lineup for the summer of 2015!

• A guided tour of the backstage area of ​​the National Theatre Okinawa, led by Okinawan performing artists.
• A photography enthusiast guide and a camera in hand, strolling around town
• [Okinawa Ukiyo-e] Ryukyu Eight Views Series - Walking Through the Four Seasons: Summer Edition -
• A tour of Sakaemachi Market with the Secretary-General of the Sakaemachi Market Shopping District Promotion Association
• [Limited Time Only] Explore the "Shisa's Tweets"! ~A Family Town-Visit Game~
• Enjoy Okinawa's finest liquor, "Awamori," with an Awamori master.
• A day to reflect on peace with curators and storytellers.
• A potter talks about Tsuboya ware and demonstrates the potter's wheel.

A photography enthusiast guide and a camera in hand, strolling around town

We'll go on a guided tour to find scenery that can only be captured this summer.
For example, the "Barringtonia racemosa" flower, which only blooms on summer nights.
Or, for example, the lively atmosphere in the morning at the farmers' market, which is currently being considered for reconstruction.

[Okinawa Ukiyo-e] Ryukyu Eight Views Series - Walking Through the Four Seasons: Summer Edition -

This series traces the footsteps of the "Eight Views of Ryukyu" painted by Katsushika Hokusai.
This summer, we'll be featuring "Jogaku Reizen" (a sacred spring).
The tour includes explanations of the paintings, related history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and, fitting for summer, visits to waterfront areas such as Shuri Castle and Ryutan Pond.

 

[1-3] What kind of person is the guide?

What kind of people are acting as guides?
What were the requirements in the application guidelines?
I asked someone at the Naha City Tourism Association.

First, to become a guide, you need to be certified by the tourism association.
Applications are accepted irregularly, and participants are selected to take the certification course.
After completing courses and receiving certification, you can make your debut as a guide.

<Requirements for becoming a guide>

• Motivation is the most important qualification for applying!
• There are no special qualification requirements such as work experience or age.
• Their regular jobs vary, including housewives, professional tour guides, and students.
  Participants range from students to seniors in their 70s.
• Some are from Okinawa, while others have moved here because they "love Okinawa!"
• You are required to complete all prescribed lectures and practical training sessions.
  (For the 5th recruitment in the fall of 2014, there were 5 classroom sessions, 3 field training sessions, and 3 or more practical training sessions.)

The guide on the tour I actually participated in was a woman who grew up in Okinawa.

At first glance, she looks like a very ordinary, petite woman, but she's incredibly powerful!
Her thoughtfulness, love for her hometown of Okinawa, and her strong desire to share information about Naha are truly amazing!
I was honestly overwhelmed within minutes of meeting them.

*For more details, please see the experience report!

[1-4] Cost, time, and capacity

[1-4-1] Cost

Most courses are available at the following rates.

• Adults: 1,000 yen (junior high school students and older)
• Children: 500 yen (elementary school students)
• Preschoolers: Free

However, this may not apply to all courses, so please check when you register.

Additionally, some courses require an extra fee.
For example, entrance fees to facilities on the course, food and drink expenses, etc.

[1-4-2] Estimated time

Most courses last about one to two hours.
However, this also varies depending on the course.
You can also check the estimated duration on the webpage when making a reservation, or when you make a reservation by phone.

[1-4-3] Capacity

Many courses have a maximum capacity of around 10 people.

However, depending on the course, it may be possible to register a few additional people.
It really seems to depend on the specific case.
Don't give up, just give them a call.

As the saying goes, "Seeing is believing!", so I actually went on a tour of the town.

[2-1] How to choose a course to participate in

Even though it's simply called "Naha Machima~i" (Naha Town Tour), the content of each course is completely different.

Furthermore, the dates and times of the tours vary. Some courses are held daily, while others are only held on specific days.

For this reason,

① Decide which course you want to take and then plan your schedule accordingly.

Or

② Choose a course that fits the dates and times you can participate (based on your travel itinerary, etc.).

It will be said.

In case ① , go to the course list on the "Naha Machima~i" official website!

If you're unsure, please refer to section [3] of this article, the course selection guide by type .

②It is,"Naha Machima~i" Official WebsiteGo to the search form on the homepage!

By clicking on your desired participation date in the calendar in the center of the page, you can see only the courses that are being offered on that day.

Please note that you will need to travel from your accommodation to the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the start of the course.
Let's take that time into consideration when planning our schedule.

In my case, the time I could participate was limited,
・Exploring the labyrinthine streets of Naha's market (machigwa)
This is the one!

(If I weren't constrained by my schedule, there were actually many courses I would have liked to take... but I'll have to postpone them until my next trip!)

[2-2] Reservations can be made through the official website or by phone, and also through some travel agencies.

The main way to make a reservation is to apply directly to the "Naha Machimai Office" via the internet or by phone.

net……
"Naha Machima~i" Official Website

phone……
TEL: 098-860-5780
☆Reception hours are 9:00 to 17:00

In addition, some travel agencies offer it as an optional tour.
If you're booking your trip through a travel agency, be sure to check.

[2-3] Preparations before participating (What to bring and what to wear)

Here are some things I found useful after participating in the event.

Map of the meeting place (printed or on your smartphone screen)

However, if you're going to a place for the first time, it's best to allow plenty of time, including for the route.
(Especially if you're going by car. You'll encounter traffic jams surprisingly often in Naha.)

drink

Many of the courses involve walking for more than an hour.
Prepare drinks in advance to stay hydrated.

歩きやすい靴

It involves quite a bit of walking.
Some courses include uphill sections, so comfortable, broken-in shoes are a must.

Participation Fee

Payment will be made upon arrival. It's best to have the exact amount ready to avoid needing change!

*Summer* Sun protection

Hats, parasols, sunscreen, etc. A hat that won't blow away in the wind is a good idea.

*Summer* Changing clothes

Especially the daytime course. If you walk around Okinawa in the summer for even an hour, you'll be drenched in sweat!

Other Information

Okinawa is quite windy in winter.
Visitors from outside the prefecture should not underestimate the area just because it's a tropical region.
(For women, miniskirts are not recommended.)

[2-4] Meeting place and meeting time

[2-4-1] Meeting time is 10 minutes before.

Please gather 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time!

By the way, this tour was scheduled to start at 14:00 PM. However, the guide was already at the meeting place 15 minutes earlier, at 13:45 PM.

The "10 minutes before" setting isn't simply a way to allow for some leeway.
This is because there will be payment of the participation fee and a brief explanation. Therefore, please be on time! (And ideally, with some extra time to spare!)

 

[2-4-2] Meeting Place

The meeting place for this event was "Tenbusu Naha Front Plaza".

This place is located along Kokusai Street.
The landmark is "HAPINAHA," which houses Yoshimoto Okinawa Kagetsu (※It is currently closed).

"Tenbusu Naha Mae Hiroba" is located across the street from "HAPINAHA".

The building with the large LCD monitor is "Tenbusu Naha." In front of it is a plaza with a banyan tree in the center, providing a small patch of shade.
There's a convenience store in the plaza, so if you think you might run out of drinks, you can buy some there.

The guide will be wearing a uniform, so you should be able to spot them easily once you arrive at the meeting point.
Once you've spoken to someone and been checked in, your town stroll begins!

[2-5] Meeting the guide and other participants

The biggest draw of "Naha Machima~i" is being guided by an expert guide from Naha.

The guide assigned to you will vary from day to day.
Feeling a little nervous about what kind of people they would be, I headed to the banyan tree that was our meeting place.
I spotted a petite, elegant-looking woman wearing a uniform!

When I called out to him...

"Ah, you must be Mr. N! I'm S, and I'll be your guide today!"
Please come this way!
The sun is really strong! Let's go under a tree!

Then, he immediately called me over to the banyan tree, which served as a landmark for our meeting place.
It's definitely much cooler in the shade of the trees...!
(After meeting him and being treated kindly for just seconds, I immediately fell in love with the tour guide.)

Soon after, a family participating in the same course arrived. It was a group of four: a father, mother, an elementary school-aged daughter, and a younger brother.
The guide addressed the children by name, saying, "You're [child's name] and [child's name]! Nice to meet you!" The children smiled shyly, but quickly became comfortable with the guide.

After paying the fee under the banyan tree and quickly reviewing the course outline, we're ready to begin!

[2-6] Off to the market! A journey through a labyrinthine world!

With the guide leading the way, the group begins walking.
This is the course for this time.

Heiwa-dori Street ⇒ Mutsumibashi-dori Street ⇒ Daiichi Makishi Public Market ⇒ Kariyushi-dori Street ⇒ Ebisu-dori Street ⇒ Chitose Shopping Arcade Building ⇒ Ichiba Chuo-dori Street ⇒ Parasol-dori Street ⇒ Hiyamikachi Machigwa-kan

[2-6-1] Trivia taught within 5 minutes of starting

First, head to Heiwa Street.
This place is accessible from Kokusai Street, so many tourists visit it.

 

It's a well-known street called Heiwa-dori (Peace Street). As I walked in, I heard the explanation, "They've decorated it with white doves because they're a symbol of peace," and then...
Within a few meters...

Okay, stop!
Pay attention to their feet!
Apparently, this mark on the road is actually a traditional Okinawan symbol.
I've been to Heiwa Street many times, but I've always passed it by without noticing it.

[2-6-2] The guide's specially prepared reference materials proved very useful.

After that, as we walked, the guide would stop occasionally to provide explanations.
"This shop has been around for a long time. It's been here since I was a student, and I used to come here often."
"This is a sweet from Okinawa..."
The guide tells us almost non-stop, sharing everything from famous stories to unique local trivia.

For example, the material used for old cent coins was almost entirely silver...
"During the Vietnam War, even America must have been having a tough time, because they issued coins that contained a lot of copper."

...and sometimes, they explain the history of the shopping street, incorporating supporting documents.
They also show you old photographs of Heiwa-dori (Peace Street), as well as actual coins and military currency (counterfeit banknotes used by the US military) that were used during the occupation.

(Incidentally, the basic content of this reference book is prepared by the Naha City Tourism Association, but each guide adds their own information if they feel it's something they want to share. You can really feel their enthusiasm.)

[2-6-3] Even locals don't notice!? Hidden details of the shopping street

Now, Naha has many shopping streets and markets.
Since each street is connected by an arcade, you might find yourself on a different street without even realizing it if you're just walking along.

This time, we'll be heading from "Heiwa-dori Shopping Street" to "Mutsumibashi Street."

This area is apparently also known as "waterfront shops." But why "waterfront"?

Apparently, this area is actually built on top of a river that repeatedly floods, which has been covered over!

As you walk along, you wouldn't even know you're on top of a river...

This area seems to have more shops geared towards local customers than Heiwa-dori.
(Like clothing stores or cafes that aren't specifically geared towards tourists)

 

By the way, Mutsumibashi Street has a certain characteristic.
Did you notice the creature unique to Okinawa watching the shoppers from the arcade...?

"There are others too," they said, pointing, and indeed, they were everywhere!

These are all animals and insects that are unique to Okinawa, or have a strong connection to Okinawa.
I've been to this street several times before, but I never noticed it. Apparently, even locals often just walk right past it.

I'm getting more and more excited as my knowledge of Naha grows, piece by piece.

[2-6-3] A course designed to showcase the unique character of Okinawa.

The shop staff and the guide are now acquaintances.
The friendly shopkeeper called out, "Have a bite of brown sugar!" which made me even happier.
↑Those block-like, square chunks are all brown sugar.

While listening to an explanation of local specialties,
To the First Makishi Public Market!
Let's start with the section where the butcher shops are lined up.
Next, we headed to the fresh fish section.

Next up are dried goods and other items. The shops are clustered together in each section.

Next, on the second floor, you can have the fish you bought on the first floor cooked for you.

The guide added some trivia, saying, "That restaurant is more popular with tourists, while this one is more often eaten by locals."

After you've looked around, take a short break on the bench on the second floor. (You can also use the restroom there.)
Everyone has a few minutes of free time to browse souvenir shops and look at exhibits.

After resting our feet for a few minutes, it's time to resume our town walk! Let's head outside and keep going!

Next, we'll follow this route: [Kariyushi Street ⇒ Ebisu Street ⇒ Chitose Shopping Arcade Building ⇒ Market Central Street].
What's amazing about Naha is that all these shopping arcades are connected.

[2-6-4] A sense of "travel companionship" can develop even between people meeting for the first time.

I learned how to choose a delicious mango.

Guide: "Now, which of these mangoes is the most delicious?"
Boy: "Hmm... what is this!?"
Guide: "That's correct!"
Me: "I see!"

When participants share the same surprise and enjoyment, a sense of unity naturally develops.
The two children showed me pictures they had taken with their digital camera.
We continued walking excitedly and enthusiastically.

 [2-6-5] Off the beaten path not listed in tourist guidebooks

We'll be going through places where you'll think, "Wait, we're going through here?! Where does this lead?!"
This is how it connects to the next street. It's truly a labyrinth.

 

These are also "stores built on the water."
According to our guide, the arcade is decorated with a design resembling the Milky Way, as a reminder that there used to be a river here.

 

Many old buildings remain, showcasing ingenious methods for letting in sunlight. (Though it's quite difficult when it rains!)

 

Next, we headed to Ebisu Street.Wooden arcades are apparently rare throughout Japan these days. This one is the original structure that remained when it was built.
The intersection of Ebisu Street and Heiwa Street.
"The arcade is made of wood on one side and reinforced concrete on the other, isn't it?"

surely!
They were built at different times.

 

Next, we headed to Parasol Street.It has a distinctly Asian feel!

 

We enter the arcade again. This is the famous "Hanagasa Shokudo" restaurant.

They also shared the story behind why their lunch menu is available until 20 PM.

[2-7] Goal/Disbandment

And so, we arrived at the finish line, "Hiyamikachi Machigwa Hall"!

"Thank you very much!!"
With a slight feeling of reluctance to part ways, we disbanded at the site.

The good thing about tours ending at a specific location is that you can revisit the places that interested you during the tour on your way back.
I also took photos of scenery that I couldn't capture while walking, and I went home feeling a little excited.

[2-8] What I liked and what I found challenging about participating

[2-8-1] An hour and a half to instantly become a Naha expert

I've been to Heiwa-dori and Makishi First Public Market many times.
But when the guide took us there, it was a series of amazing discoveries!
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I thought I understood it.

I learned so many new things, and it was really interesting.
When I shared that impression with the tour guide, she said, "People from Okinawa and people from outside the prefecture all say the same thing♪"

And those fresh, exciting experiences, seeing people's joy, and meeting customers are what make the job so rewarding. With that, he moved on to the next course guide.
(Apparently, he's in charge of three courses today!)

During the course, you'll receive detailed explanations ranging from basic information to historical facts that even locals may not know.
I thought this would be enjoyable for both first-time visitors to Okinawa and repeat visitors.

[2-8-1] Make sure you're in perfect health before participating!

The most challenging part was definitely having to walk the whole time.
The guide kept us talking the whole time, so I didn't really notice how tired I was. Even so, my legs were really sore afterwards. (I'm glad I was wearing comfortable, broken-in shoes!)

Also, Okinawa is really hot! The course I took involved walking through arcades, but I still sweated quite a bit. (※July, a slightly cooler day before a typhoon made landfall)
If it had been an outdoor course, I might have sweated so much that my clothes changed color.

[2-9] This is especially recommended for people like you!

However, the "Naha Machima-i" event leaves you with a refreshing feeling of "I'm so glad I participated!"
I would definitely recommend this to people like this.

• Someone who is new to Okinawa and wants to learn more about it.
• For those who want to know the deeper side of Okinawa
• For those who love trivia and history
• Those who pride themselves on having experienced everything Okinawa has to offer!
• For those who want to sightsee thoroughly in a short amount of time

 

"Naha Machimai" always has around 30 courses available.
For those who are having trouble deciding which one to choose, we'll introduce recommended courses categorized by type.

[3-1] Families with children

Yui Rail and Light Railway

We'll take the Yui Rail, Okinawa's only railway, from Naha Airport Station and visit railway-related locations along the line.
Perfect for kids who love trains!
Furthermore, you can see quite far from the Yui Rail, and even adults are sure to find something new and interesting.

The fact that it involves less walking than other courses is another reason why it's recommended for families with children.

[3-2] Couple

A leisurely stroll through Shuri.

Take a leisurely stroll around Shuri Castle at dusk. You can enjoy the slightly more stylish Shuri Castle, which is lit up every day.

A tour of Tsuboya's pottery street and Sujigwa (a type of pottery shop).

Houses with red tile roofs and stone walls that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Warm Okinawan "yachimun" (pottery).
Each and every moment of this walk is picturesque.
We'll also be going to "Yachimun no Sato," where the gallery is located, so it might be a good idea to look for matching cups to buy later.

[3-3] Among women

[Night Course] Come on over, get drunk, Sakurazaka

I want to enjoy delicious drinks and local bars, but it's a little difficult to go in with just female friends...
In such cases, let's go with a guide! We'll take you to Sakurazaka, which was once Okinawa's busiest entertainment district.

[3-4] Between men

[Night Course] An adult's time at Sakaemachi Market

Sakaemachi Market is lined with unique restaurants. After sightseeing, we headed to the restaurant that had been reserved for us and said, "Cheers!"
This course is for those 20 years of age and older and includes a guided tour, one drink, and one plate of food.

Life is precious ~Tracing the battle sites of Shuri~

Many scars from the Battle of Okinawa still remain today.
Thinking about peace with friends or with family can be a valuable experience.

[Includes a sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) experience] Let's all play the sanshin together!

Musicians from Okinawa often brilliantly blend pop and rock with the sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument). Why not try playing the sanshin yourself and aim for that sound?
(Men who can play musical instruments are so cool!)

[3-5] For those concerned about the heat

A leisurely stroll through Shuri.

Take a leisurely stroll around Shuri Castle at dusk. Avoid the scorching midday sun and enjoy a somewhat romantic view.

Naha's Market (Machigwa): A Labyrinthine Journey

From Kokusai Street, you'll enter the arcade street and Makishi Public Market. Since it's a covered route, you can enjoy it even on rainy days.

[3-6] Okinawa Beginner

Shuri Castle ~An Invitation to the Ryukyu Kingdom~

Okinawa sightseeing is a classic! With a guide, even first-time visitors to Shuri Castle will instantly become experts.

[Meals included] Okinawan restaurant frequented by locals

For those who want to enjoy authentic Okinawan cuisine, this course allows you to savor local food.

[3-7] Okinawa Repeat Visitors

I was surprised to learn this! Naha Airport

We'll take a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes at Naha Airport, a place we use all the time.

Let's search for Okinawan amulets and charms! ~Aim to become a Munnukimun Meister!~

Did you know that even in the most ordinary urban areas, Okinawan-style protective charms are incorporated?

Side streets, alleys, and back streets off Kokusai Street

This is especially for those who are tired of Kokusai Street!
If you go just one street in, you'll find yourself in a completely different townscape.

【Q1】When is the deadline for reservations?

Applications can be submitted until 17 PM the day before.

[Q2] Can I participate during the New Year holidays or Obon (summer festival)?

Some courses are still operating during the New Year's holiday period.

[Q3] My schedule suddenly opened up. I want to join in!

Even after the reservation deadline, it may still be possible to register on the day you wish to participate.
Please inquire by phone. (TEL: 098-860-5780)

[Q4] My desired course is fully booked... Can I be put on a waiting list?

Let's try calling them again to discuss this.
Some courses will accept students even if they slightly exceed their capacity.
(Of course, there are cases where it doesn't work...)

[Q5] How far in advance can I apply?

Our regular daily tours are sometimes available for booking up to three months in advance.
Other courses vary.

[Q6] I want to know the payment methods.

Payment is by cash only upon arrival.

[Q7] I have a lot of luggage, can you hold it for me?

Basically, you'll have to find coin lockers or similar facilities on your own.

Please note that for some courses, the meeting point is "Tenbusu Naha Plaza," and coin lockers are located on the first floor of the "Tenbusu Naha" building, next to the "Naha City Tourist Information Center."

If all the lockers are in use, or if you have large luggage that is difficult to store in a locker, you can leave it at the Naha City Tourist Information Center.
*500 yen per item per day, pick-up time: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM)

You can inquire or make a reservation through the official website or by phone.
If the event is full or the reservation period has ended, but you still want to participate, try calling them!

net……
"Naha Machima~i" Official Website

phone……
TEL: 098-860-5780
☆Reception hours are 9:00 to 17:00

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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