Walking Tour of Okinawa | A Stroll Along the Yui Rail - Akamine Edition

The Yui Rail is a convenient mode of transportation for sightseeing in Naha.
For those who don't rent a car or drive, it's an essential mode of transportation.

This time, our theme is sightseeing in Okinawa on foot, and we'll be focusing on local train stations that you probably wouldn't normally get off at!
First, let's focus on Akamine Station, the station next to Naha Airport.

If you've ever ridden the Yui Rail, you've probably heard of it.

We delved into the deep, hidden charms of Okinawa that only those who have actually experienced it can truly appreciate.

<Contents>
1. What kind of place is Akamine?
2. We had a meal at the Okinawa soba restaurant "Shurei Soba".
3. A Photographic Tour - A Stroll Through Akamine -
4. Conclusion

1. What kind of place is Akamine?

Akamine Station is just one stop from Naha Airport.
Did you know that this is actually the southernmost train station in Japan?
　
On the map, it is located at 26 degrees 11 minutes 36 seconds north latitude and 127 degrees 39 minutes 38 seconds east longitude, and the address is 2-1000-11 Akamine, Naha City.
Not only is it the southernmost point, but the fact that it's address number 1000 is quite surprising!
　
The Akamine area is a quiet residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Naha City, lined with apartment complexes, and dotted with 24-hour supermarkets and restaurants.

Nearby attractions include the Yui Rail Exhibition Hall (free admission, 9:30 AM - 16:30 PM, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Naha Air Base.

As soon as you exit the station's ticket gates, the first thing that catches your eye is the sign for the free shuttle bus stop.

There's even a free shuttle bus to Senaga Island, a remote island accessible by car.

For those planning to "stay in Naha city upon arrival in Okinawa, and then rent a car to head north tomorrow."

How about taking the Yui Rail to Akamine Station sometime, and then making a little detour to Senaga Island using this free shuttle bus?
　
With the money you save, let's enjoy a delicious beer at Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island! You can also relax on your way home.

Now, let's go down the stairs at the station.
A monument marking the southernmost point is located in the square in front of the station.
　
After reflecting for a moment on this point, thinking "So this is the southernmost point," it's finally time to start our walk!

2. We had a meal at the Okinawa soba restaurant "Shurei Soba".

Cityscapes that you might miss when driving look completely different when you walk around. This feeling is refreshing.

It was around the time when I was starting to get hungry, and I was wondering if there were any good restaurants nearby... when I came across this place, the Okinawa soba restaurant "Shurei Soba".

A quick search online reveals that the restaurant has high customer reviews and is popular with both locals and tourists.

This is what the inside of the shop looks like. Yachimun pottery is displayed on the walls, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Normally, I would have liked to order the "Shurei Soba," which is also the name of the restaurant, but this time I deliberately ordered the squid ink yakisoba (820 yen including tax).

The noodles are flat noodles, the same type used in Okinawan soba.
Before eating, I was honestly skeptical about whether these noodles and squid ink would go together, but I was surprised when I tasted them!

The squid ink coats the flat noodles perfectly, the squid is tender, and the saltiness is just right—it's even more delicious than authentic squid ink pasta.
This was an irresistible treat for squid ink lovers.

Incidentally, Shurei Soba boasts an incredibly wide variety of Okinawan soba, with a whopping 24 different types!
You can even choose the firmness of the noodles and the type of broth.

I visited sometime after noon, but apparently they have live sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) performances every day from 12:00 to 14:00.
They also have raised seating areas, so it seems like a good place for families with children.

3. A Photographic Journey - A Stroll Through Akamine -

With our stomachs full, we resumed our walk, our mouths covered in black grime. Our next destination was Akamine Green Space.
　
Akamine Green Space is about a 15-minute walk from Shurei Soba, passing Akamine Station.

This Akamine Green Space was once a sacred place called "Ue no Mo (Wiinumo)".

The existing Akamine Utaki and Ajimine Utaki are historical sites described in the "Ryukyu Kingdom Origin Records."

There is a covered rest area at the top of the green space.

This time we had lunch at Shurei Soba, but it would also be nice to take out an "Uchina Bento" (Okinawan bento box) and "Sanpin Tea" (a type of tea) from a supermarket like San-A or Union near Akamine Station and have a picnic here.

This is San-A, located about a 5-minute walk from the station.

At first glance, the bento box section looks like something you'd find in any supermarket, but if you take a closer look, you're sure to find Okinawan specialties like "Goya Bento" (bitter melon bento).

4. Conclusion

[Please do not touch the *Mifukuragi* trees in the green space!]
Most tourists visiting Okinawa probably use rental cars for transportation.
　
But sometimes it's nice to get out of the car and take a walk.
If you explore on foot, you'll discover new things everywhere.
　
If you're wondering what to do for your Okinawa trip, why not try a trip that's not in the guidebooks next time?