Naha Travel Guide

This guide is for travelers exploring Okinawas capital city. It answers: “What to do in Naha?”

Quick Facts

• Best for: Okinawa gateway, shopping, culture
• Time needed: 1-2 days
• Access: Naha Airport (domestic and some international flights)
• Transport: Yui Rail monorail covers main areas

Overview

Naha is Okinawas capital and main gateway. The city blends Ryukyu Kingdom heritage with modern Japan. Most visitors pass through for Shuri Castle and Kokusai Street before heading to beaches.

Top Attractions

Shuri Castle

Former Ryukyu Kingdom palace. Main hall destroyed by fire in 2019, reconstruction ongoing. Grounds and gates still impressive.

Kokusai Street

Main shopping and entertainment street. Souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars. Makishi Public Market nearby for local food.

Tsuboya Pottery District

Traditional Okinawan pottery shops and workshops. Unique Ryukyu ceramics.

Tips

• Yui Rail: Single line covers airport to Shuri. Easy and convenient.
• Car rental: Pick up at airport for rest of Okinawa exploration.

Getting There

From Naha Airport (OKA)

Recommended (Budget): Take the Yui Rail (Monorail) from the station connected to the Domestic Terminal (2nd floor). It reaches Kencho-mae Station (central Naha/Kokusai-dori) in approximately 12–15 minutes. International Terminal users should walk to the Domestic Terminal via the connecting indoor bridge to access the station. Premium: Taxis are available curbside on the 1st floor of both terminals. The ride to central Naha takes approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

From Tomari Port (Ferry Terminal)

Travelers arriving by ferry from the outer islands (such as the Kerama Islands) dock at Tomari Port (Tomarin). Recommended (Mid-range): A taxi to the Kokusai-dori area takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Budget: Walk approximately 15 minutes to Miebashi Station to access the Yui Rail, or take a local bus toward the city center.

Local Access

Naha is primarily served by the Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail), which runs from the airport to Tedako-Uranishi, passing through key tourist areas like Kokusai-dori (Kencho-mae Station and Makishi Station) and Shuri Castle (Shuri Station). While the local OKICA card is used regionally, nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) are accepted on the Yui Rail. However, please note that most local buses within and outside Naha accept only OKICA or cash, and do not accept Suica or PASMO. For destinations outside the city, rental cars are the most common method of transport.

Sources

• Tourism board: Visit Okinawa

Last updated: 2026-02-03