Naha is the gateway to Okinawa, visited by approximately 4 million tourists a year. Although almost everything burnt down during World War II, the city was quickly rebuilt and now bustles with people, especially in the vicinity of Kokusai Street, which used to be called the "miraculous one mile." Naha is not only a tourism center but is also the prefectural capital as well as the political economic hub of the island. Kokusai Street is about 1,600 meters long, stretching from Palette Kumoji (Ryubo department store) to the Asato intersection. Numerous souvenir shops and eating and drinking establishments line both sides of the street. Every side street off of Kokusai Street has a unique atmosphere: Heiwadori; and the Kousetsu Ichiba (marketplace) with an old-style appearance and feeling; Tsuboya Yachimun Street, full of pottery shops and galleries; and Ukishima and Sakurazaka streets, the new favorites with the young crowd.
Since Kokusai Street becomes one way at certain times of day, you are urged to park your car and see the area on foot. It will be easier to get around Naha after the monorail starts operation in August. You will better understand the charm of this city if you walk rather than drive here; otherwise you could miss hearing the strains of a sanshin off in the distance, enjoying the aroma of delicious food from the marketplace and visiting the intimate cafés on back streets.
Kokusai is a new street created by the young generation, but tradition is also alive and well in Naha, with Shurijo Castle, the center of politics and culture during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which existed for about 450 years from the 13th century to the Meiji era. This coexistence of old and new is one of the attractions of Naha City.
Shopping in Naha
As far as shopping is concerned, Naha has everything, but the prices are a little higher than in other places. Countless shops line busy Kokusai Street, selling everything -- souvenirs, clothing, shoes, surfing gear, awamori, Ryukyu glass, pottery, Cuban cigars and more. This street has it all.
Heiwadori, running perpendicular to Kokusai, is a long, covered arcade where you can buy some of the freshest food on island. There are even some places there where you can bring your freshly purchased fish, meat or vegetables and have them cooked on the spot. Traffic is always very busy on Kokusai Street, and parking is hard to find, but there are a few pay lots you can use. Also, although extremely difficult to locate, there are some places where you can park for free, but it usually takes a few trips to Naha and the help of an experienced friend to show you where they are located. Toilets are scarce, but many of the bigger stores such as OPA, Ryubo, Mitsukoshi and Jun Plaza have bathrooms.
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Naha City 