Stretching 1.6 kilometers through the heart of Okinawa’s capital, Kokusai-dōri Street (International Street, 国際通り) is Naha’s vibrant center for shopping, culture, and street food. Once an unpaved road rebuilt at incredible speed after World War II, this famous “Miracle Mile” is now packed with over 600 lively shops, traditional craft workshops, and local markets. Whether you want to browse unique Okinawan souvenirs, stroll during the Sunday pedestrian vehicle-free hours, or discover delicious plant-based dining options, this complete guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Kokusai-dōri.
One of the main reasons Kokusai-dōri is such a popular tourist spot is its location. Just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, the street is a convenient spot in Naha for those who want to do their last-minute shopping before taking the Yui Rail to catch their plane home.
And on Sundays, from 12 pm to 6 pm, the street becomes a pedestrian zone from the prefectural office to Yui Rail’s Makishi Station. If you come at the right season, there might even be Eisa dance or street performances!
The Must-Visit Spots on the Kokusai-dōri Street
- The Origin of Kokusai-dōri Street
- How to Get to Kokusai-dōri Street from Naha Airport
- Naha’s Bicycle Sharing Service: Chura Chari
- Naha City Tourist Information Center (那覇市観光案内所)
- Best Vegetarian & Vegan Eats on & Around Kokusai-dōri Street
- Rental Ryūsō veni (レンタル琉装 veni)
- Calbee+ Kokusai-dōri Shop (カルビープラス 沖縄国際通り店)
- Tenbusu Naha (てんぶす那覇)
- Matsuhara Confectionary (松原屋製菓)
- C&C Breakfast Okinawa
- Splash Okinawa (スプラッシュオキナワ)
- Glass Workshop Chōshichi-Ya (ガラス工房長七屋)
- La Cucina Soup Boutique (ラ クッチーナ ソープブティック)
- Fukugiya (ふくぎや)
- Miyakojima no Yukishio (宮古島の雪塩)
- The Annual Events Held on Kokusai-dōri Street
- Kokusai-dōri Street FAQ
Tips:
☛ If you would like to explore Naha in a traditional Japanese Kimono, book to be dressed up now! Wearing the traditional Ryukyu costume is another way to explore Naha in style.
☛ You can also book a pick-up and drop-off service from Naha Airport, or a luggage delivery service between Naha Airport and your hotel.
📌 Kokusai-dōri Street at a Glance
- Location: Naha City, Okinawa (1.6 km main shopping avenue)
- Nearest Station: Yui Rail Kenchō-mae Station (West end) or Makishi Station (East end)
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours (4+ hours if visiting side markets and pottery districts)
- Best Time to Visit: Sundays from 12 pm – 6 pm (Vehicle-free pedestrian zone with street performances)
- Top Plant-Based Eats: Rakuen CAFÉ (Great for breakfast/lunch)
- Highlights: Shopping arcades, souvenir shops, Calbee+ fresh sweet potato snacks, traditional Ryūsyō costume rentals, and local Okinawan crafts.
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 following tours?
- Okinawa Hip Hop Bus Tour: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and More
- Naha Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
The Origin of Kokusai-dōri Street
After World War II, to bring some happiness to the locals, the American and Ryūkyū (Okinawa’s old name) governments helped establish a theater around Kokusai-dōri. The theater, named after Ernie Pyle, an American war correspondent who died in the war, was called Ernie Pyle International Theater. The street where the theater was located was thus called International Street (Kokusai-dōri).
Thanks to the theater, many temporary stalls were set up on the street, soon becoming the locals’ go-to spot for daily necessities
How to Get to Kokusai-dōri Street from Naha Airport
To get to Kokusai-dōri Street, you can drive, take a train, or take a bus.
- From Naha Airport, Kokusai-dōri is just a 10 to 15-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions.
- The easiest way to get to Kokusai-dōri Street is by taking the Okinawa Urban Monorail, commonly known as Yui Rail (ゆいレール).
- You can get off at either of the below two stations.
- Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅)
- Makishi Station (牧志駅)
- The train ride takes around 13 to 15 minutes.
- You can get off at either of the below two stations.
- You can also take Ryūkyū Bus Kōtsū’s (琉球バス交通) bus service and get off at Kenchō Kitaguchi (県庁北口).
- The bus ride takes around 20 minutes.
Naha’s Bicycle Sharing Service: Chura Chari (ちゅらチャリ)
When you visit Naha, Kokusai-dōri Street will likely not be the only place you will visit. As most attractions in the city are close to each other, you can utilize Naha’s bicycle-sharing service, Chura Chari.
Cycling, especially with Chura Chari’s electric-assisted bicycles, is a great way to explore Okinawa in an eco-friendly way!
For more information, please refer to the official website.
Tips:
☛ Purchase the Chura Chari 1-Day Pass (ちゅらチャリ1日パス), which lasts until the end of the day, to save money! The pass is sold at a couple of places in Naha, and the Naha City Tourist Information Center on Kokusai-dōri Street is one of them!
☛ You can also explore Naha with an electric-assisted bicycle!
Naha City Tourist Information Center (那覇市観光案内所)
If this is your first time visiting Kokusai-dōri, we recommend stopping by the Naha City Tourist Information Center first to plan your day, grab sightseeing pamphlets, and purchase one of their discounted tickets!
In addition, you can utilize the tourist information center’s luggage storage service if your hotel isn’t close by.
- The luggage storage service is available from 9 am to 8 pm.
Wheelchairs and prams are also available to rent at Naha City Tourist Information Center.
Tip: Naha City Tourist Information Center also has a currency exchange machine for the American dollar, Euro, British pound, Hong Kong dollar, New Taiwan dollar, Chinese Yuan, Korean Won, Australian dollar, Indonesian Rupiah, Malaysian Ringgit, Thai Baht, and Singapore Dollar to Japanese yen.
Naha City Tourist Information Center’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Naha City Tourist Information Center is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
- It is closed from December 31 to January 2.
- The information center closes early on December 30 at 5:30 pm.
- Naha City Tourist Information Center is located on Tenbusu Naha’s (てんぶす那覇) first floor.
Best Vegetarian & Vegan Eats on & Around Kokusai-dōri Street
Finding plant-based food in Okinawa can sometimes be tricky due to the heavy use of local pork (agu) and dashi (fish flakes) in traditional Okinawan cuisine. However, Kokusai-dōri and its surrounding alleyways have a few fantastic options for vegetarian and vegan travelers.
Ukishima Garden (浮島ガーデン)
If you want to stick to a strict vegetarian/vegan diet even when traveling, Ukishima Garden will be your lifesaver as you stroll around Kokusai-dōri Street. Even if you are a meat-eater yourself, how about dining at Ukishima Garden to balance out the continuous meat diet you might have been on since you landed in Okinawa?
The café, renovated from an old residence, is particularly strict about serving organic ingredients. While some might doubt the deliciousness of the food served there, as it may be deemed a bit too healthy, rest assured, the food at Ukishima Garden is just amazing!
Although everything is plant-based, the burger patty wouldn’t taste like it was made from vegetables. They even managed to create vegan omelet rice without using eggs!
Please refer to Ukishima Garden’s website for their lunch and dinner menu.
Tip: They can cater to all sorts of food allergies. Please let them know your requirements before ordering. If you need some help with communication, the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans may be useful.
Ukishima Garden’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Ukishima Garden is open from 11 am to 6 pm from Friday to Sunday.
- The last order is at 5:30 pm.
- The cafe is around a 10-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅) or Makishi Station (牧志駅).
Tip: Booking is recommended if you plan to visit Ukishima Garden on weekends and public holidays.
Rakuen CAFÉ (樂園CAFÉ)
If Ukishima Garden is closed for lunch, your best backup option is Rakuen CAFÉ (“Paradise Café”), a vegan and gluten-free friendly spot. Conveniently located right at the western entrance of Kokusai-dōri inside RYUBO Department Store, this café was created in direct collaboration with the macrobiotic culinary team behind Ukishima Garden, making it an ideal lunch alternative! It offers several vegan and vegetarian-friendly items, with all plant-based items clearly marked.
The Atmosphere & Concept
Stepping into Rakuen CAFÉ feels like entering an urban tropical oasis, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling traffic of Kokusai-dōri. Designed around the theme of an island getaway, the space features warm wood flooring, lush greenery, and comfortable beach-style lounger seating. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior with natural light, while soft, relaxing island-style background music sets a calm rhythm perfect for enjoying a slow lunch or a quiet morning coffee.
Adding to its unique charm, the café seamlessly flows into the Rakuen Department Store. This curated lifestyle shop showcases eco-conscious Okinawan crafts, organic beauty products, and local gourmet food items. The café’s location allows you to browse souvenirs while you wait for your meal to arrive.
What to Order:
- Vegan Taco Rice: An Okinawan staple remade plant-based. Local Shima-dōfu (island tofu) is crushed and seasoned into a savory “taco meat” alternative, served over warm rice with fresh local greens and vibrant tomato salsa.
- Rakuen 7-Spice Curry: A fragrant, mild house-blended curry loaded with aromatic spices like cardamom and cumin, topped with colorful roasted Okinawan seasonal vegetables.
- Vegan Side Snacks: Try their unique Vegan Fish & Chips or the Island Tofu & Okara Falafel for a lighter bite.
- Okinawan Citrus & Herb Drinks: Cool off with their signature Rakuen Shikuwasa Herb Soda (made with local Okinawan flat lemons) or a refreshing island smoothie made with local bananas, beets, or bitter melon (goya).
Tip: Open from 8 am, Rakuen CAFÉ is a top choice for a breakfast on Kokusai-dōri.
Rakuen CAFÉ ‘s Business Hours and Access Information
- Rakuen CAFÉ is open from 8 am to 8:30 pm. The last order is taken at 8 pm.
- Breakfast is served from 8 am to 11 am.
- The cafe is a 3-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅).
- It is on the 2nd floor of RYUBO Department Store / Palette Kumoji (Right at the start of Kokusai-dōri, connected to Yui Rail Kenchō-mae Station)
Rental Ryūsō veni (レンタル琉装 veni)
After getting off Yui Rail’s Makishi Station, before wandering off to discover the exciting Kokusai-dōri Street, how about stopping by Rental Ryūsō veni and being dressed in the traditional Ryūkyū costume?
Ryūsō veni and being dressed in the traditional Ryūkyū costume?
While Ryūkyū’s kimono has some similarities to traditional Japanese kimonos that you can rent across Japan, Ryūsō (Ryūkyū’s kimono) has patterns unique to Okinawa, with completely different color coordination. Plus, Ryūkyū has its unique kimono robe and kimono belt!
If you want to be a bit more luxurious, rent their Bingata kimono, a costume made using Ryūkyū’s Bingata dyeing technique!
The staff at Rental Ryūsō veni are all really friendly and caring, so if you can’t decide which belt or robe to match your kimono, ask them for some advice!
The rental also provides hair arrangement options. So when you are fully dressed, you will look exactly like someone who lives in the Ryūkyū kingdom!
To make a booking, please refer to their website.
Rental Ryūsō veni’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Rental Ryūsō veni is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm except for Wednesdays unless it is a public holiday.
- It is a 3-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Makishi Station (牧志駅).
Kokusai-dōri Yatai Village (国際通り屋台村)
Tucked just a few steps away from the main avenue and a short four-minute walk from Makishi Station, Kokusai-dōri Yatai Village is a lively alleyway packed with around 20 cozy, outdoor food stalls (yatai). Recreating the nostalgic vibe of traditional Japanese street food markets, it is one of the best places on Kokusai-dōri to experience local Okinawan nightlife, sip on local craft beer or Okinawan Awamori liquor, and mingle with both locals and fellow travelers. In addition to Okinawan cuisine, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes.
The village after sunset offers an electric, open-air social atmosphere. Each tiny stall seats only 8 to 10 people around counter bars, creating an intimate environment where conversation flows easily. Red lanterns light up the central courtyard as the evening progresses, and live street music or traditional Sanshin performances occasionally pop up, adding to the festive spirit. While Okinawan pub-style food dominates the scene, individual stalls also specialize in everything from grilled skewers and seafood to fusion snacks.
Navigating traditional yatai stalls as a vegetarian or vegan can be tricky since most hot dishes rely heavily on pork or fish stock (dashi). However, you can easily join in on the fun by focusing on simple bar bites. Look out for vegetarian-friendly staples like edamame, salted cucumber, grilled garlic, and Okinawan Rakkyo (salted island shallots). You can also order Shima-dōfu (firm Okinawan island tofu) served raw with salt or scallions. Just be sure to request “Katsuobushi nashi” so it isn’t topped with shaved bonito fish flakes. Pair these snacks with a fresh draft of locally brewed Orion Beer or an Okinawan Shikuwasa citrus cocktail to soak in the full experience.
- Location: Right off Kokusai-dōri (A 4-minute walk from Yui Rail Makishi Station)
- Opening Hours: Varies by stall, generally 11 am to 11 pm / Midnight
Calbee+ Kokusai-dōri Shop (カルビープラス 沖縄国際通り店)
A must-visit shop on Kokusai-dōri for all the Calbee fans is the Calbee+ Kokusai-dōri Shop for their limited menu that can’t be tasted elsewhere!
The must-try at the snack maker’s Kokusai-dōri Shop is their limited edition deep-fried red sweet potato sticks! Unlike the potato sticks sold at convenience stores or supermarkets, the freshly fried sticks that are called Poteriko (ポテりこ) are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The Pote-Choro Black Sugar-Flavor (ポテチュロ黒糖味) is another Kokusai-dōri Shop’s limited menu. The churro made from red sweet potato naturally has the sweet potato’s sweetness. With the added black sugar, the churro’s taste is just marvelous!
In addition to the potato snacks that you can walk and eat, Calbee+ Kokusai-dōri Shop is also one of the best places to source souvenirs. While the contents are the same across the Calbee+ shops in Japan, the packaging is Okinawa-themed. There are also a couple of Okinawa-limited edition products (Okinawan seasoned rice or seaweed, for example)!
Moreover, potato snacks aren’t the only thing that Calbee+ Kokusai-dōri Shop sells. Stationery and character goods are also “healthier” souvenir options (^_-)-☆.
Calbee+ Kokusai-dōri Shop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Calbee+ Kokusai-dōri Shop is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
- The freshly fried menu is available until 8:30 pm.
- It is a 5-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Makishi Station (牧志駅).
Tenbusu Naha (てんぶす那覇)
If you are interested in Okinawa’s traditional crafts, such as Ryūkyū Glass (琉球ガラス), Shuri Weave (首里織), and Ryūkyū Bingata dyeing (琉球びんがた), stop by Tenbusu Naha. There are various traditional craft workshops you can join on the facility’s second floor.
Apart from weaving, the most popular experience is the glass-blowing workshop, where you can make your Ryūkyū glass cup in just 10 to 15 minutes!
The craftsmen there can speak enough English for you to understand the steps and what to watch out for during the process.
For more information about the workshops, refer to Tenbusu Naha’s Website and translate it to English using your browser’s translation function.
Important: The thing to watch out for is when you can take the completed product home. Take the Ryūkyū glass experience as an example; you have to come back to pick up the glass the next day if you don’t have an address for them to ship it domestically.
Tenbusu Naha’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Tenbusu Naha is open daily from
- 9 am to 10 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays except for public holidays
- Tenbusu Naha is closed on the 2nd and the 4th Monday and from the end of December to the beginning of January.
- If the 2nd or the 4th Monday is a public holiday, it will close the next business day.
- The building is a 5-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Makishi Station (牧志駅).
Matsuhara Confectionary (松原屋製菓)
Visiting Okinawa without trying the traditional confectionary, Sata Andagi (サーターアンダーギー), is like heading into a sushi shop without eating any sushi. While the donut-like dessert can be found almost everywhere in Okinawa, most shops’ versions are just so-so.
Fortunately, a few confectionary makers sell some of the most delicious Sata Andagi in the prefecture. And Matsuhara Confectionary on Kokusai-dōri Street is another such Sata Andagi seller. Unlike Ayumi Sata Andagi on the second floor of First Makishi Public Market, Matsuhara Confectionary makes Sata Andagi in various flavors.
In addition to Sata Andagi, the confectionary maker also sells other traditional sweets that the locals offer to their ancestors and gods. If you don’t have time to stop by Heiwa-dōri Street for the Mu-Chi (ムーチー) sold at Mochi no Mise Yamaya (もちの店 やまや), Matsuhara Confectionary is another place to buy Okinawan’s unique rice cake.
Important: If you are a vegetarian, avoid the crepe-like confectionary called PoーPoー (ぽーぽー) as it contains pork.
Matsuhara Confectionary’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Matsuhara Confectionary is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm except for Wednesdays.
- It is around a 5 to 10-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Makishi Station (牧志駅).
Tip: Matsuhara Confectionary is very popular, with many items being sold out after lunchtime.
C&C Breakfast Okinawa
For breakfast and brunch during your stay in Naha, stop by C&C Breakfast Okinawa. The Western-style café, which operates on the concept of “Delicious Breakfast at Travel Destinations,” is loved and highly praised by locals and tourists for its food and customer service.
Fresh ingredients received directly from the Makishi public market (牧志公設市場) are turned into mouthwatering dishes served at C&C Breakfast Okinawa. And the best thing is that a savory vegan dish is made available!
Before you head over, refer to C&C Breakfast Okinawa for their menu.
Tip: C&C Breakfast Okinawa is an extremely popular café. A queue is likely to form shortly after it opens, especially on weekends and public holidays. So be there early, as you might be stuck in a queue for 20 to 30 minutes.
C&C Breakfast Okinawa’s Business Hours and Access Information
- C&C Breakfast Okinawa is open from
- 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays except for Tuesdays
- 8 am to 3 pm on weekends and public holidays
- The last order is taken at 2 pm.
- The cafe is around a 10-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Makishi Station (牧志駅).
Splash Okinawa (スプラッシュオキナワ)
If you are looking for stylish, high-quality Okinawan souvenirs beyond standard boxed sweets, Splash Okinawa is one of the most charming stops along Kokusai-dōri. Born from the concept of bringing the island’s natural beauty home, this locally founded general store specializes in beach-resort apparel, pastel accessories, and ocean-themed goods. With many aquatic trinkets and clothing, it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional souvenir shops.
Stepping inside Splash Okinawa feels like stepping into a peaceful, coastal sanctuary away from the bustling street outside. The interior features bright, warm woodwork, soft pastel decor, and the gentle chime of suspended shell mobiles. Delicate displays showcase products decorated with natural sea glass, star sand, seashells, and motifs of native sea life like sea turtles and garden eels.
The boutique is famous for its wide variety of original, locally crafted items that blend practical design with Okinawan aesthetics. Favorite picks include handmade jewelry made with local seashells, cute stationery, photo frames, tote bags made from resort-style fabrics, and beachwear suitable for all ages. Because all products are created exclusively for Splash, these items make memorable, non-food souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Splash Okinawa has four shops on Kokusai-dōri Street. Depending on which one you visit, some have more aquatic-themed clothing, whereas others have more knick-knacks and decorative goods. Each store also operates at different business hours. However, they all stay open late so you can stroll around and walk off the extra fat from the big dinner you might have had earlier!
Glass Workshop Chōshichi-Ya (ガラス工房長七屋)
If you adore the beauty of Okinawa’s beaches, you can bring the beautiful azure blue color home!
Glass Workshop Chōshichi-Ya is a shop specializing in blue-colored glass bead accessories with a vision to capture the color of the beaches around Okinawa in the jewelry they make. While glass beads might not sound fancy, some beads in ancient Egypt and Rome were treated the same as gold!
The type of glass bead that is made in Okinawa is called Hotaru Glass (ホタルガラス), meaning firefly glass. It is made with a special technique combining silver leaf and glass, creating a shining reflection when light is shone on it.
Glass Workshop Chōshichi-Ya is filled with gorgeously made earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It is the best place to purchase a fine gift for your friends and loved ones.
While many items on the shelf are geared towards women, there are bangles and bracelets for men.
Glass Workshop Chōshichi-Ya Kokusai-dōri Shop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Glass Workshop Chōshichi-Ya Kokusai-dōri Shop is open from 11 am to 8 pm.
- It is around an 8-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅).
La Cucina Soup Boutique (ラ クッチーナ ソープブティック)
Another shop on Kokusai-dōri to source some quality souvenirs and gifts is the La Cucina Soup Boutique. You will find a variety of handmade soaps and various aroma products there. Don’t underestimate the effort that was put into making the soap! La Cucina’s soap takes at least two months to make!
The soaps are made using the European traditional cold-press method. This manufacturing method helps retain the active ingredients of high-grade natural vegetable oil with excellent beauty effects. The moisturizing characteristic is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
The vibe of La Cucina resembles a cake shop. Whilst nothing edible is sold in the shop, the interior design connects with the shop name, which means kitchen in Italian. As the soap and aroma products were manufactured similarly to cooking a meal, the shop was named “Kitchen”.
La Cucina first started when the owner, Ms Tōyama (遠山), started making soap using herbs harvested from her parents’ herb garden on Ishigaki Island. Due to the high quality of her products, her business has grown substantially, and there is even a shop right in Naha’s city center!
As the fragrance ingredients are locally sourced, each of La Cucina’s products contains some Okinawan elements, making it the perfect souvenir, particularly for those on a budget!
Some profits from their bath salt products are donated to marine conservation groups.
La Cucina Soup Boutique’s Business Hours and Access Information
- La Cucina Soup Boutique Kokusai-dōri Shop is open daily from 12 pm to 8 pm except for Wednesdays and Sundays.
- It is less than a 5-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅).
Fukugiya (ふくぎや)
While Baumkuchen itself doesn’t have any connection with Okinawa, we reckon that you should still give Fukugiya a chance. Although nothing is special about how Fukugiya makes its Baumkuchen, all its ingredients are locally sourced and are generally healthier. This means that instead of white sugar, Fukugiya’s Baumkuchen uses black sugar from the Nakijin Village (今帰仁村) in Okinawa’s north. And we can bet you can only find red sweet potato-flavoured Baumkuchen in Okinawa!
Because Baumkuchen is baked at the shop, you will most likely be attracted by the nice, sweet, delicious smell of the cake or the scene of the cake being baked at the shop front when you walk along the Kokusai-dōri.
While the prices aren’t particularly cheap, their quality is guaranteed! Before you make any purchases, remember to try their free samples. As a recommendation, the red sweet potato Baumkuchen is our favorite!
Tip: As the expiry date for the Baumkuchen is relatively short, you can come back on your last day for souvenirs or visit their Naha Airport Store. Please note that the flavors in their Naha Airport Store differ slightly from their main store in Kokusai-dōri.
Fukugiya Kokusai-dōri Shop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Fukugiya Kokusai-dōri Shop is open from 10 am to 8 pm.
- The shop is closed on the 1st and the 2nd of January.
- It is less than a 10-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅).
Tip: If you drive to Kokusai-dōri and spend more than 2,000 yen at Fukugiya, you will get a 100 yen discount voucher that can be used at Times car park.
Miyakojima no Yukishio (宮古島の雪塩)
The most natural product from the blessing of the ocean is salt, and one of Okinawa’s top-quality salts is produced on Miyakojima Island. If you don’t have time to visit the stunning island, you can still taste Miyakojima salt by visiting Miyakojima no Yukishio. The salt from Miyakojima is so fine that it is named “snow salt”!
Besides salts with various flavors, the shop on Kokusai-dōri Street also sells skincare products and a range of delicious confectioneries with added snow salt. However, Miyakojima no Yukishio’s best-selling item is the Yukishio Soft Serve (雪塩ソフトクリーム).
Although the idea of adding salt to ice cream may sound bizarre to some, it is actually pretty good! The shop manages to get the right balance of both sweet and salty, so instead of a full-on savory ice cream, the taste of the salt is rather faint, which somehow brings out the deliciousness of the soft serve cream even more.
After tasting the original Yukishio Soft Serve, six different flavored salts are placed on the table for you to add to your ice cream to change the taste. From there, it will be a little adventure to figure out which savory ice cream you prefer. Would it be spicy, or is it wasabi?
Refer to our Miyakojima no Yukishio Museum article for more information about the company!
Miyakojima no Yukishio Kokusai-dōri Shop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Miyakojima no Yukishio Kokusai-dōri Shop is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
- It is less than a 5-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Prefectural Office Station (県庁前駅).
Ryūkyū Pudding (琉球プディング)
Important: The Kokusai-dōri Street Shop was closed during the pandemic. The current closest Ryūkyū Pudding is in Shimajiri District, which is around a 30-minute drive.
Okinawa’s marine elements don’t just disappear after you retreat from the beach. Okinawa’s puddings are as beautiful as its stunning beaches!
Ryūkyū Pudding is Okinawa’s native pudding brand imaging the gorgeous Okinawan ocean view. The sand is formed by custard pudding with Miyakojima‘s snow salt. Above the creamy sand, the jelly made with mineral-rich deep ocean water forms the azure blue sea.
Not only does the pudding look alluring, but the refreshing jelly also complements the salty, creamy custard perfectly!
Besides the beautiful Chura Pudding (美ら（ちゅら）プリン), they also have other interesting and delicious products for you to try. This includes Kuーsu Pudding (古酒（くーす）プリン), cream puff, and Ballon Pudding (風船プリン)!
In particular, the Kuーsu Pudding, made with Okinawan liquor, is the recommended dessert for those who enjoy alcohol (^_-)-☆.
The Annual Events Held on Kokusai-dōri Street
As Naha’s main street, there are a few big events you won’t want to miss!
The 10,000 Eisa Dance Parade (1万人のエイサー踊り隊)
The first big event is the 10,000 Eisa Dance Parade held on the 1st Sunday of August each year from 12 pm to 4 pm. It is the biggest Eisa Festival in Okinawa.
The festival, which has been held since 1995, started as part of the Obon dancing. However, more and more Eisa dance groups have been formed recently. The energetic dance can now be seen outside the Obon period.
Naha Tug-of-War (那覇大綱挽まつり)
If you visit Okinawa in mid-October, you have the chance to witness one of the island’s most massive and historic cultural celebrations: the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival (Naha Ōtsunahiki Matsuri). Dating back over 500 years to the Ryukyu Kingdom era, this autumn event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and holds a Guinness World Record for its sheer scale, using a giant straw rope that measures roughly 200 meters long and weighs over 40 tons.
While the main tug-of-war showdown takes place nearby on Route 58 at the Kumoji Intersection, Kokusai-dōri serves as the vibrant heart of the festival’s parades and cultural showcases. On the first two days of the three-day holiday weekend, Kokusai-dōri transforms into an open-air stage for the Hatagashira parade, where local neighborhood teams lift and balance massive 50-kilogram banners, alongside energetic Eisa drum dances and traditional Ryukyuan martial arts performances.
What makes the main event so special is that anyone, including international visitors, can grab a section of the rope and join in the battle between the East and West teams. Okinawan tradition holds that participating in the pull brings good health and fortune for the coming year. At the end of the match, participants are allowed to snip off a small piece of the rope as a sacred lucky charm to take home.
Tip: The festival takes place annually over the three-day weekend surrounding Sports Day in mid-October. If you plan to attend, expect major road closures along Kokusai-dōri and surrounding areas. Make sure to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and use the Yui Rail (Monorail) as driving and parking near the strip become impossible.
Kokusai-dōri Street FAQ
What is the best way to get to Kokusai-dōri from Naha Airport?
The quickest and most convenient way is by taking the Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail) from Naha Airport Station. In about 13–15 minutes, you can get off at either Kenchō-mae Station (the western end of the street) or Makishi Station (the eastern end). A taxi or drive takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
When is Kokusai-dōri closed to cars (Pedestrian Zone)?
Every Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm, a 1.3 km stretch of Kokusai-dōri turns into a vehicle-free “Transit Mall” (pedestrian zone). During these hours, you can walk freely down the middle of the street, enjoy open-air seating, and watch street performances like traditional Eisa dancing.
Is Kokusai-dōri vegetarian and vegan friendly?
While traditional Okinawan cuisine relies heavily on pork (agu) and fish stock (katsuobushi dashi), Kokusai-dōri and its nearby side streets have great plant-based options. Hotspots like Ukishima Garden and Rakuen CAFÉ offer 100% vegan meals, while street snacks like fresh tropical fruits and jimami (peanut) tofu provide easy vegetarian bites.
How much time should I spend on Kokusai-dōri?
Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours if you want to walk the full 1.6 km street, browse souvenir shops, visit the adjacent Makishi Public Market, and stop for a meal or coffee. If you plan to take craft workshops or explore the nearby Tsuboya Pottery District, allow for a half-day (4–5 hours).
What are the opening hours for shops on Kokusai-dōri?
Most retail and souvenir shops on Kokusai-dōri open between 9:30 am and 10 am and stay open late until 9 pm or 10 pm. Cafes and breakfast spots like Rakuen CAFÉ open earlier at 8 am, while izakayas and bars stay open past midnight.
Discover Other Attractions in Naha
Once you have finished shopping and dining on Kokusai-dōri, continue exploring the surrounding neighborhoods!
While Kokusai-dōri is undoubtedly the beating heart of downtown Naha, there is so much more to explore in the city. From historical sites like Shuri Castle to historic pottery lanes, the city has much more to offer. If you are building out your broader travel itinerary, be sure to read our detailed guide on Ultimate Guide to Naha City.
