Naha (那覇), Okinawa Prefecture‘s capital, is a city filled with various types of attractions. With a peerless public transportation network, getting around tourist posts in Naha is considered hassle-free. And because the Naha Airport is located close to the city center, you can still fully enjoy what Naha has to offer even on your last day in Okinawa without having to worry too much about the time!
To help you plan your visit to Naha, we have collated a list of attractions for you to consider. You can easily build a 2-day itinerary from the spots below (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Table of Contents
- Kokusai-dōri Street (国際通り)
- Okashigoten (御菓子御殿)
- Sakurazaka Theater (桜坂劇場)
- Ryūkyū Outfit Studio Chura Bijin (琉装スタジオ ちゅら美人)
- Fukushūen Garden (福州園)
- Naminoue Beach (波の上ビーチ)
- Naminoue Shrine (波上宮)
- Sueyoshi Park (末吉公園)
- Shuri Kannon-dō (首里観音堂)
- Shuri Ryūsen (首里琉染)
- Shurijō Castle Park (首里城公園)
- Binnuutaki (弁之御嶽)
- T Galleria Okinawa (T ギャラリア 沖縄)
- Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (沖縄県立博物館・美術館 (おきみゅー)
- Okinogū Shrine (沖宮)
- Lake Man (漫湖)
- Shikinaen Garden (識名園)
- Yui Rail Museum (ゆいレール展示館)
Tips:
☛ If you would like to explore Naha in a traditional Japanese Kimono, refer to HERE. Wearing the traditional Ryukyu costume is another way to explore Naha in style. Refer to HERE to book a dress-up session!
☛ Refer to HERE to book a pick-up and drop-off service from Naha Airport. You can also book a luggage delivery service HERE between Naha Airport and your hotel.
☛ You can explore Naha with an electric-assisted bicycle. Refer to HERE to book.
Enjoy Naha With a Guided Tour
If you prefer a guide to introduce you to the charms of Naha and the surrounding destinations, how about joining one of the below tours?
- Okinawa Hip Hop Bus Tour: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and More
- Naha Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Participating in Interesting Activities in Naha
- Moby Dick Dinner Cruise in Naha
- Official Naha Street Go-Kart Tour
- Parasailing Experience from Naha
- A Quick and Fun Kintsugi Experience
- Coral Dyeing Experience Near Shuri Castle
How to Get Around Naha City
If you only plan to stay in the city center, instead of renting a car, taking the Okinawa Urban Monorail, commonly known as Yui Rail (ゆいレール), is recommended.
Not only would you not be stuck in traffic, but if you purchase the 1-Day or 2-Day Free Pass, you will also get unlimited rides and a discount on the admission fee to many attractions in Naha City!
For more information about Yui Rail, please refer to the official website HERE. As the English website only contains limited details about the free passes, you can translate the Japanese webpage HERE using Google Chrome’s translation function on the right of the address bar.
Kokusai-dōri Street (国際通り)
Just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, Kokusai-dōri is the main street of Naha. Along the street, there are many Okinawan restaurants and souvenir shops. On Sundays, the entire street becomes a pedestrian zone. If you come at the right season, there might even be Eisa dance or street performances for you to enjoy when you stop by Kokusai-dōri!
For more information, refer to our Kokusai-dōri Street article!
Other Local Markets and Arcades in Naha
As you can imagine, Kokusai-dōri Street isn’t the only shopping street in Naha. There are plenty of nearby markets and arcades loved by the locals, including a street filled with pottery workshops and galleries! Not only are the price tags of the items sold in those markets friendly to your wallet, but you will also find Okinawa‘s most delicious Sata Andagi (Okinawa’s traditional dessert)!
For more information, please refer to our article on The Best Markets and Arcades to Visit in Naha.
Okashigoten (御菓子御殿)
A great spot to experience Okinawa is Okashigoten Kokusai-dōri Matsuo Shop (御菓子御殿 国際通り松尾店). You will definitely be thrilled by the confectionary shop’s appearance and the number of attractively packaged delicious snacks sold there. But before purchasing them, just remember to ask for samples so you know what to get for your family and friends!
Many items for sale are also served in the cafe in Okashigoten Matsuo Shop, making it a pleasant place for coffee sipping and pastries eating. If you are just around Kokusai-dōri during lunch hours, order a plate of their tofu burger and enjoy how the Okinawans turn plain tofu into a mouthwatering meal!
Also, remember to check out the sweet factory at the back of the store!
Tip: Make sure you try the Beni-Imo-related sweets (purple sweet potato), such as the Beni-Imo Tart or Beni-Ino soft serve.
Okashigoten Kokusai-dōri Matsuo Shop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Okashigoten Kokusai-dōri Matsuo Shop is open from 9 am to 10 pm.
- The cafe/restaurant on the second floor is open from 11 am to 6 pm.
- The last order is taken at 5:30 pm.
- From Yui Rail’s Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅), it is less than a 5-minute walk.
Sakurazaka Theater (桜坂劇場)
The area between Kokusai-dōri Street and Makishi Public Market (refer to below) is called Sakurazawa. While Sakurazawa is probably known for its bars and Izawaya, the landmark has to be Sakurazawa Theater.
The theater that was opened in 1953 has become Okinawa’s cultural spot. In addition to the movies and live performances, Sakurazawa Theater is also a place to discover local art cultures. From picture books, craftworks to potteries, you will be amazed by the rich artistic culture that Okinawa has in Fukura-Sha (ふくら舎 ) (located on the first and second floor)!
The theater’s cafe, Sangoza Kitchen (さんご座キッチン), is a trendy cafe that retains the Okinawan retro atmosphere. Whether you are at Sakurazawa Theater for a movie session or not, Sangoza Kitchen is a place for you to enjoy some relaxing time out of your busy itinerary. Plus, the drinks are served in gorgeous locally-made pottery!
How to Get to Sakurazaka Theater
Sakurazaka Theater is around a 5-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Makishi Station (牧志駅).
Tip: Show your Yui Rail 1-Day Pass for a discount on the movie ticket. Furthermore, Friday is Sakurazaka Theater Service Day. You can watch a movie for just 1,200 yen instead of 1,800 yen.
Yogi Park (與儀公園)
For cherry blossom hunting, Yogi Park, a popular spot in Naha, is around a 15-minute walk from Kokusai-dōri Street. The more than 400 cherry trees in the park usually blossom from mid-February.
Yogi Park is around a 10 to 15-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Asato Station (安里駅).
Ryūkyū Outfit Studio Chura Bijin (琉装スタジオ ちゅら美人)
If you love or want to try on traditional clothing, Okinawa has its own costume, which you can be dressed in before you explore the beauty of Naha. One of the few kimono rental shops we recommend is Ryūkyū Outfit Stadio Chura Bijin. The studio is relatively close to Kokusai-dōri Street, and the staffs are friendly, patient, and can speak English. Plus, their customer service is top-notch!
The best thing is that you are allowed to take as many photos in the studio as you want for 15 minutes. And the studio will pass on all the photos to you (digital version)!
All their packages are reasonably priced. The packages usually include simple hair setting too! They also have an excellent range of different kinds of Ryūkyū traditional outfits and normal Japanese kimonos. So whether you want to be in casual or formal attire, they can cater to all your needs!
If that all sounds exciting, make a reservation HERE!
Tip: If you explore around Naha while wearing the Ryūkyū outfit, the shops and restaurants might give you some freebies!
Ryūkyū Outfit Studio Chura Bijin’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Ryūkyū Outfit Stadio Chura Bijin is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
- The studio is around a 10-minute walk from Kokusai-dōri Street and a 2-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Miebashi Station (美栄橋駅).
Fukushūen Garden (福州園)
The Japanese and Chinese cultures and architecture share many similarities, and Naha is probably the Japanese city that has received the most impact from China. In fact, Naha’s sister city is Fuzhou in China. So if you would like to kill two birds with one stone by visiting a Chinese garden in Japan, Fukushūen in Naha’s city center would be your top choice.
For more information, refer to our Fukushūen Garden article!
Naminoue Beach (波の上ビーチ)
Speaking of Okinawa, it is the perfect destination to enjoy the stunning beaches scattered around the prefecture. While the most beautiful beach isn’t in Naha, you can still enjoy a last-minute swim in the warmer months or a wide range of water sports at Naminoue Beach. The beach in the city’s west is just a 20-minute walk from Kokusai-Dōri Street. Plus Naminoue Beach is only a 10-minute drive from Naha Airport!
For more information, please refer to our article on Naminoue Beach!
Naminoue Shrine (波上宮)
Just like its name, Naminoue Shrine is located right next to Naminuou Beach, atop a cliff that oversees the sea. While the shrine doesn’t have a large precinct, it was the highest-ranked shrine on the island when Okinawa was known as the Ryūkyū kingdom a few centuries ago.
For more information about this gorgeous shrine, please refer to our article on Naminoue Shrine!
Sueyoshi Park (末吉公園)
Did you know that there is a jungle-like area in Naha City? The area is also incredibly close to Yui Rail’s Shiritsubyōin-mae Station and Gibo Station! Sueyoshi Park has a very spacious ground of around 19 hectares. Taking many by surprise, a large part of the park looks just like a tropical jungle! With many walking trails in the park, it is considered one of the top destinations for locals to enjoy light trekking and nature.
For more information, refer to our Sueyoshi Park article!
Shuri Ryūsen (首里琉染)
If you are not in a hurry, an activity that you have to try is coral dyeing! While coral fossils seem to be something that can be easily obtained in Okinawa since the island is surrounded by ocean, picking up or buying natural coral is forbidden by law. So there is only one place you can do this unique activity in Japan: Shuri Ryūsen!
For more information about coral dyeing, refer to our Shuri Ryūsen article!
Shuri Kannon-dō (首里観音堂)
A nice spot to stop by after your visit to the Shurijō Castle Park is the Shuri Kannon-dō. The temple that is just a 10-minute walk from Tamaudun (玉陵) is one of the six temples around the castle that survived the turbulence in the last 400 years. In addition, the temple that the Ryūkyū imperial family erected has a few living “miracles” that makes you believe that Buddha does exist!
For more information, please refer to our Shuri Kannon-dō article (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Shurijō Castle Park (首里城公園)
Shurijō Castle, the symbol of the Ryūkyū Kingdom (琉球王国), is a must-see attraction when you visit Okinawa. Not only is the castle the center of the island’s political, diplomatic, and cultural center for centuries, but it is also a scenic spot that offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city with the East China Sea as a backdrop!
For more information, please refer to our Shurijō Castle Park article.
Binnuutaki (弁之御嶽)
About 1.3 km from Shurijō Castle Park, the Binnutaki is the sacred land that covers the entire Bengatake (弁ヶ嶽), Naha City’s tallest peak. When the Ryūkyū kingdom ruled Okinawa, Binnuutaki was where many important national rituals took place. On an auspicious day in January, May, and September, the king of Ryūkyū used to climb up the Bengatake and pray for his country. Therefore the remains of the places of worship scattered atop the 165.5-meter-tall mountain were built for the kings. Commoners like you and me wouldn’t be able to access it!
Nowadays, besides the fact that Binnuutaki is a designated National Historic Site, it is the only place in Naha where you can overlook the Shurijō Castle.
T Galleria Okinawa (T ギャラリア 沖縄)
T Galleria Okinawa is the best place for shopaholics! Directly connected with Yui Rail’s Omoromachi Station (おもろまち駅), the duty-free mall consists of many big high-end brands and premium snacks. The best thing? You can shop in downtown Naha and collect your purchases at Naha Airport!
- T Galleria Okinawa is open from 10 am to 8 pm.
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (沖縄県立博物館・美術館 (おきみゅー)
If you are interested in Okinawa’s history and culture, a must-visit attraction is the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum. From the five permanent exhibition sections, you will get a good understanding of Okinawa’s nature, archeology, crafts, history, and folklore.
In the museum’s Touch and Experience Room, various items are placed there for you to feel the Okinawan nature and crafts. The most exciting thing for English speakers is probably trying on the traditional Okinawan kimono!
Tips:
☛ As only the name of the exhibits has an English translation, remember to rent an audio guide or download the museum’s app, ON THE TRIP.
☛ The cafe should have a vegetarian dish that you can order. Utilize the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans to confirm when you get there!
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is open from
- 9 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Thursday and Sundays
- 9 am to 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
- The last admission is 30 minutes before the closing time.
- The museum will close on the next business day if Monday is a public holiday.
- The museum shop and Touch and Experiment Room are closed at 6 pm.
- The museum’s permanent collection admission fee is
- 530 for adults
- 270 yen for senior high school and university students
- 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- The admission fee for the art museum is
- 400 for adults
- 220 yen for senior high school and university students
- 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is around a 10 to 15-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Omoromachi Station (おもろまち駅).
Okinogū Shrine (沖宮)
Okinogū Shrine is another shrine in Okinawa that isn’t related to the Okinawan-derived religion. This holy site is said to be where Amaterasu-Ōmikami (天照大御神) descended before she crossed the ocean to Ise (伊勢).
Unlike the shrines in most parts of Japan, Okigū will give a different impression of what a shrine’s ground would look like. Replacing the usual cherry blossoms or hydrangeas, the charms of Okinawa’s shrines are from the tropical flowers, as well as birds and insects chirping!
For more information, refer to our article on Okinogū Shrine!
Lake Man (漫湖)
A bit south of Okigū Shrine, Lake Man is a spot loved by many birdwatching lovers. Although the waterfowl habitat has the word “lake” in its name, it is actually a wetland.
For information about the creatures that have called Lake Man their home since its formation, visit Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center (漫湖水鳥・湿地センター). A surprising fact is that Lake Man is partially manmade to give waterfowl a better living environment.
Moreover, there is also an observation zone for the tidal flat.
Tip: Lake Man is also a great spot to adore the beautiful sunset!
Shikina-en Garden (識名園)
In addition to the buildings in the Shurijō Castle Park, Shikina-en Garden (識名園) was another spot that was registered as a part of the World Heritage, Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryūkyū (琉球王国のグスク及び関連遺産群) in 2000. The villa complex, also a designated Special National Place of Scenery Beauty, has architecture and gardens that fuses the Chinese, Japanese, and Ryūkyū cultures.
For more information, please refer to our article on Shikina-en Garden!
Yui Rail Museum (ゆいレール展示館)
Important: Yui Rail Museum is closed until further notice.
Just a 10-minute walk from the Yui Rail’s Naha Aiport Station (那覇空港駅), Yui Rail Museum is Japan’s southmost rail museum. While there aren’t many English notations in the museum, just seeing so many Japanese rail-related items and short films from the past is just amazing.
One of the highlights of the Yui Rail Museum is listening to the folk music broadcasted when the monorail arrives at each station. So the museum is probably the most convenient place to understand the old music culture in Okinawa (´▽｀*).
In addition, sightseeing spots at each of Yui Rail’s stations are introduced in the museum. It can be a great place to stop by after you get off the plane.
Besides Yui Rail’s history, the museum also covers old Okinawa’s narrow-gauge railways.
Tip: If you visit Yui Rail Museum with children, head to the interactive computer to design and print your monorail! The resulting product can be cut and folded into a 3D monorail!
Yui Rail Museum’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Yui Rail Museum is temporarily closed.
- The museum is within a 10 to 15-minute walk from Naha Aiport Station (那覇空港駅).
Umikaji Terrace Senagajima (瀬長島 ウミカジテラス)
Umikaji Terrace Senagajima is an island resort that opened in 2015. While the resort isn’t located in Naha City, we thought to throw it in anyways because it is only a 10-minute drive from Naha Airport. It is definitely a nice destination to visit before flying home.
Unlike Naminoue Beach, which is artificial and has a bridge blocking the ocean view, the more than 100-meter-long Senaga Beach (瀬長ビーチ) is natural. You can also see airplanes taking off from Naha Airport across the water!
In addition, there is a free hot spring tub for your tired feet! Apparently, the onsen is gushing out from 1,000 meters underground!
One thing to keep in mind is that the food at Umikaji Terrace Senagajima isn’t the best and not exactly cheap either. But each of the shops and restaurants in the European-style resort has its charm, and it won’t hurt to just window shop (^_-)-☆.
Tips:
☛ The sunset from Umikaji Terrace Senagajima is really stunning.
☛ The lighting show, Senaga Starry Night (Senaga Starry Night 陽が沈む島の星物語), occurs five times a day from 7:30 pm at a 30-minute interval.
How to Get to Umikaji Terrace Senagajima
- From Yui Rail’s Akamine Station (赤嶺駅), Naha Airport (那覇空港), or Kokusai-dōri Iriguchi (国際通り入口), you can take the Umigaji Liner (ウミカジライナー) to get to Umikaji Terrace Sengajima.
- Refer to HERE for the price table and timetable.
- From Naha Airport, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes by bus.
Discover the Stunning Islands in the Keruma Islands National Park
If you would like to enjoy Okinawa’s breathtaking beaches, take a ferry to the Kerama Islands. The subtropical island group comprises more than 20 islands and has some of the prefecture’s most stunning beaches and coral reefs!
For more information, refer to our article on Keruma Islands!
Discover the Stunning Beaches in Miyakojima City
If you love visiting beaches and watersports, the six islands in Miyakojima City, south of Okinawa’s main island, should be on the top of your bucket list when you head to Japan next time. Not only is the city filled with tons of stunning beaches, but it also has some unique historical and cultural spots.
Plus, the tropical fruits on the islands are cheap and delicious!
For more information, refer to our Top 12 Attractions in Miyakojima City!
