Top 9 things to do (and one thing not to do) in Naha

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This week it was my intention to spend a couple of days on Zamami – a reputedly paradisic island to the west of Okinawa-Honto. Arriving in Naha after work on Thursday it quickly became apparent that my plans were going to be scuppered, and that all flights and ferries out of Okinawa had been cancelled due to a typhoon. Thanks a bunch typhoon. So instead of snorkeling and sunbathing to my heart’s content, I spent a wet and windy couple of days sheltering indoors in Naha. The upside of all this is that I managed to explore a couple of areas of the city that I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise, and to gather some recommendations from some of the locals! Hence me being able to put together the top 9 things to do (and one thing not to do) in Naha.

So here’s my list breakdown in terms of See, Shop, Eat, Drink, Ride, and lets not forget in my experience, Don’t Visit…

SEE

1. Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle InsideJapan Tours
Shuri Castle

A reconstruction of a Ryukyu palace, Shuri-jo is Okinawa’s premier tourist attraction. Whilst perhaps not as immediately impressive as some of the other castles and palaces that Japan has to offer, it’s an interesting example of traditional Ryukyu architecture and certainly worth a visit. Whilst you’re in the vicinity of the castle you should also check out the Tamaudun mausoleum, the ruins of Enkakuji Temple, and the Kinjocho stone pavement, a picturesque (and very steep) route that leads down from the castle.

Tamaudun Mausoleum InsideJapan Tours
Tamaudun Mausoleum

A couple of things to be aware of are that this area is currently undergoing renovations so there is a bit of building work still going on at Shuri-jo and Enkakuji – and that the small museum accompanying the mausoleum is not particularly informative unless you can read Japanese.

2. Fukushu-en

The Ryukyu kingdom was strongly influenced by Chinese culture, and this ornamental garden was built in 1992 to celebrate links between Okinawa and China. Entrance is free, and it provides a picturesque corner to get away from the city. Naha also boasts the larger Shikina-en Royal gardens, and whilst these are also worth a visit, they are somewhat inconveniently located 2.5km from Shuri monorail station. Fukushu-en on the other hand is easily reached on foot from the centre of Naha.

Fukushu-en InsideJapan Tours
Fukushu-en

SHOP

3. Kokusai-dori

Lined with palm trees and vibrant with neon lighting and garish decorations, Kokusai-dori is Naha’s bustling main street and shouldn’t be missed. This is hands-down the best place in Okinawa to pick up souvenirs, and amongst the myriad shisa, goya and pig-themed trinkets you’ll find miniature pineapples, benimo (Okinawan sweet-potato) cakes and other local sweets, traditional Ryukyuan fabric and clothing, and stores where you can design your own Okinawan-themed t-shirts, and much more besides. Kokusai-dori is also home to numerous bars and restaurants, and here you’ll find performances of traditional Ryukyuan music rubbing shoulders with ice-cream stands and sailor-themed American diners.

Kokusai-dori InsideJapan Tours
Kokusai-dori
A typical souvenir shop on Kokusai-dori InsideJapan Tours
A typical souvenir shop on Kokusai-dori

4. Tsuboya Pottery District

A short walk from Naha’s central Kokusai-dori street is the Tsuboya Pottery District, which takes you away from the bustle of the city and into some really lovely, leafy backstreets. The atmosphere here is much more peaceful, and you can stop to have a coffee in a pottery shop or pick up traditional Ryukyu ceramics and (of course) more Okinawan shisa.

Tsuboya Pottery District InsideJapan Tours
Tsuboya Pottery District

EAT

5. Masara

This Izakaya (a type of Japanese drinking establishment that also serves food) close to Miebashi station was recommended to me by a local as the best place to eat in Naha, and it did not disappoint. At very reasonable prices (A garlic steak or a plate of assorted sashimi were each 1000 yen; and a side of vegetables or tofu was 500) the food was absolutely delicious and the portions were very generous. There is no English menu here, but the owner speaks English and is happy to translate and provide recommendations.

Masara Izakaya InsideJapan Tours
Masara Izakaya

6. Makishi public market

Unfortunately the Makishi public market was hamstrung by the typhoon weather whilst I was in Naha, so I’m hardly qualified to give advice in this instance. Nevertheless, I have it on good authority that it’s not to be missed if you’re after fresh seafood snacks, so I felt it’d be wrong not give it a mention!

DRINK

7. Borrachos

 Borrachos InsideJapan Tours
Borrachos

This Mexican-themed bar is located in a side-street not far from Kokusai-dori, and serves awesome frozen Margaritas in giant, cactus-themed glasses. The decorations were fabulous, the staff very friendly, and although I didn’t have a chance to try the food it looked delicious. Cocktail prices ranged from around 450-700 yen each.

Inside Borrachos InsideJapan Tours
Inside Borrachos

8. Dojo Bar

Okinawa is the birthplace of Karate, and practitioners from far and wide come to the islands to seek tuition from the local masters. Many of these pilgrims also flock to Naha’s only Karate-themed bar, which was recommended to me by a co-worker here in Okinawa. The owner is an Englishman whose wife runs a traditional Okinawan sweet shop, and if you happen to drop by I can recommend the cheese crackers with candied melon – an unusual but delicious bar snack.

RIDE

9. Yui Monorail

Perhaps my favourite attraction in Naha was the Yui monorail, which operates just one line that runs from Naha airport to Shuri. Tickets are relatively expensive if you’re only travelling a short distance, but the price is worth it for the views of Naha each journey provides!

Yui Monorail InsideJapan Tours
Yui Monorail InsideJapan Tours

DON’T VISIT

10. Naha Beach

Finally, I’ll leave you with one thing NOT to do in Naha: and that is visit Naha beach. Leafing through an Okinawa tourism booklet in my hostel, the beach looked beautiful and inviting. In real life, it is a very small stretch of sand with an ugly overpass obscuring any possible view out to sea. On an island famed for its beautiful beaches, I urge you not to waste your time on this one!

Naha Beach InsideJapan Tours
Naha Beach InsideJapan Tours

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