If you are visiting Okinawa and considering staying on the main island this guide to Naha will help you figure out where to stay, what to eat and what to see!
Tropical islands, palm trees, white sandy beaches, and pineapple print shirts are the images coming up when we think of Okinawa. However, Okinawa is not just one location but a combination of more than 150 islands, located in the East China Sea. The main Island being the most accessible with Naha its main city is probably the easiest to fly into from all over Japan and often also the most affordable.
Naha is also the capital of Okinawa and therefore more of a city than a beach location. However, it is the perfect hub to get a taste of Okinawan culture and hop from one island or beach to another.
So let’s have a look what is there to do in our ultimate Naha guide!
Getting around
Naha is surprisingly small and you can easily walk pretty much anywhere. If you do want to head a little out of the city center, the easiest way to do this is by using the monorail called “Yuirail”. It conveniently runs through the city and also connects Naha to Naha airport (about a 20min ride).
There is also plenty of buses to use and google maps will make it very easy to work out the routes. Furthermore, there is “Tomarin Port” (Tomari Wharf Passenger Terminal ). Connecting Naha with several close-by islands including Tonaki and Kume island (more about them below).
Naha Accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay and which one is the best for you will really depend on your needs. However, the great thing about Naha is it offers hotels catering to all budgets. It is also good to know that Naha is so small you can easily go anywhere on foot, however the area with the most restaurants and shops is along Kokusai street and Makishi market. So choose accommodation near those areas to get the most out of it.
Also, the above mentioned Yuirail connects the Naha Airport with the city center, staying near one of the stops will make your life extra easy. Consider one of these stations, as they are the closest to all the action: Prefectural Office, Miebashi, Makishi.
What is amazing about Okinawa is that there are also plenty of apartment hotels. Great if you like to prepare meals and as an added bonus, they often come with a balcony, nice to sit out and enjoy the evening.
What to do in Naha
As already mentioned Naha is surprisingly small, making it great fun to explore! If you get a chance to visit make sure to check out these places as they are must-see spots:
Kokusai Street
Kokusai street runs through the center of Naha and is lined with restaurants, stores, and palm trees. Great for going for a stroll and get some delicious ice cream. Come here at night and watch musicians play on the street or pop into one of the many bars and restaurants along the way.
Makishi Market
Makishi Market is the heart and soul of Naha. This is where the local shop, drink and eat. Located just off Kokusai street, the entrance might seem a bit touristy but as you head inside you will discover a maze of local shops and bars, and food stalls.
Tsuboya Pottery Street
A quiet street lined with pottery and ceramic shops. Here you find traditional crafts and if you are looking for an authentic souvenir such a “Shisa”, the lion-dog guarding houses, then this is the place to buy it.
Naminoue Beach
Naminoue is the closest beach to Naha. However, it is not an endless white sand beach, so be sure to adjust your expectations. Nevertheless, it is still a great place to dip your toe into the water and the walking distance to the center (20-30min) makes it perfect to go hang out and relax after shopping.
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle is a great Ryukyu-style castle and perfect to add a bit of history into your Okinawa schedule. However, it burned down in 2019 and won’t be rebuilt until 2026, so there is not much to see right now. The castle grounds are still great to explore with lovely sights over Naha and great to get change of scenery.
What or Where to Eat in Naha
Okinawa is great for food. There is plenty of fresh fruit, seafood, and local dishes, with some interesting combos due to the huge American influence. Including two dishes you cannot miss out on and that you will find all over Okinawa; the famous spam onigiri sandwich and taco rice.
If you only got a few days, make sure to bookmark these restaurants and shops as they are a must-eat and no guide to Naha would be complete without them!
Pork Tamago
The famous onigiri spam sandwich. You can buy it everywhere including supermarkets and konbinis, but Pork Tamago is the best place to eat it! Try the abura miso, it’s to die for.
Info: http://porktamago.com/
Taco Rice @ Aka Tombo!
Does not look like much, but this is a real institution in Naha. Located inside Makishi market with a small eating area around the corner the menu is simple: taco rice and tacos. This is as good as it gets and at 500Yen for a medium tray of taco rice a real bargain. Also great for take-out!
Info: 2 Chome-21-16 Matsuo, Naha, Okinawa 900-0014
Bukubuku Cha @ UCHINA CAFÉ BUKU-BUKU
Make sure to try this traditional Okinawan tea, topped with a mountain of foam and accompanied by local sweets it is a real joy. It comes with instructions on how to drink it and the good news, they do have an English version too!
Info: https://bukubuku.jp/
Fontana Gelato
This ice cream stall on Kokusai Street offers amazing gelato. Try the Okinawa Potato or the Pineapple flavor, both local favorites. There is even a milk rainbow, perfect for those Instagram pictures.
Info: 2 Chome-5-36 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013
Awamori Tasting @ Chuko Distillery
Just a 30min bus ride from Naha is Chuko Shuzo a small traditional awamori distillery. Here you can taste this local beverage right from the source and it is the perfect place to pick up a bottle or two. They also do tours (in Japanese, but there is English material), however you have to reserve your space via email or phone call.
Info: https://www.chuko-awamori.com/
Day trips from Naha
It is easy to get around from Naha, even if you do not have a car. So don’t let that hinder you. These are some easy day trips you can make:
Chatan & American village
Only an hour from Naha by bus is Chatan, great for diving and also featuring some lovely beaches. Furthermore, here you find American village and Depot Island, a colourful hodgepodge of shops restaurants and arcades. A real fun place to visit!
Info: http://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/
Churaumi Aquarium
Most famous for its Kushiro Sea Tank, one of the biggest in the world and home to a whale shark Churaumi is a must-see when visiting the main island of Okinawa. It is also part of the bigger Ocean Expo Park including other attractions and the beautiful Emerald beach.
Info: https://churaumi.okinawa/
Nago Pineapple Park
Located in Nago, Pineapple Park is about a two-hour bus ride. It is great for families and if you want to learn more about pineapples. There is a pineapple winery attached to it, with some really great products to try. Who would have thought Pineapple wine could be so tasty?
Info: https://www.nagopine.com/
Umikaji Terrace Senagajima
Less than an hour from Naha on the bus this “peninsula” is the perfect sunset spot with plenty of restaurants and terraces overlooking the ocean. It is a tad bit pricy, but they view totally makes up for it.
Info: https://www.umikajiterrace.com/
Tokashiki Island
Tokashiki Island is the closest island to Naha (35 min on the express ferry). It is the largest of the Kerama Islands and its most accessible beach is Aharen Beach. If you are visiting between January and March, make sure to go on one of the whale watching tours to see some humpback whales.
Tonaki Island
Famous for its coral reef, Tonaki Island is also well-known for its sea turtles. Watch them swimming by as you enjoy the water or if the tide is in you may also get to spot them from the harbour. This Island is a bit further out and it will take a minimum of 1 hr 45 min to reach.
Kume Island
Said to be the most beautiful among the Ryukyu Islands, Kume island boasts a 7 km long white sandy beach. It is harder to get to and will take 3-4 hours by ferry or you can fly which shortens the trip to 30min (however, you will need to do all the airport stuff, so this might be almost the same?).
Enjoy Naha!
There is so much to see and do in and around Naha, so enjoy this wonderful place in Okinawa and hopefully this guide to Naha will help you make the most out of it!
For more about Naha check out this YouTube Video from “Let’s Travel and Eat” and get a feel for this tropical city:
