Kokusai Street (Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Kokusai Street is the main shopping street that runs east to west through the center of Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, and is popular with tourists and locals alike. It developed along with the reconstruction after World War II, and was developed into "Kokusai Street" from the 1950s onwards. Today, the roughly 1.6km stretch is lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, duty-free stores, hotels, department stores, markets and more. One of its greatest attractions is the opportunity to casually experience Okinawa's unique culture (music, cuisine and crafts), and the area is bustling with activity well into the evening.

Highlights

• Makishi Public Market: A market lined with fresh seafood and Okinawan ingredients. There are also restaurants nearby that will cook the seafood you buy, allowing you to experience the local food culture firsthand.
• Arcade streets such as Heiwa-dori and Sunrise-dori: A shopping street lined with souvenir shops, sweets shops, awamori shops, second-hand clothing stores, etc. You can walk around comfortably even on rainy days.
• Large stores such as T Galleria Okinawa (duty-free shop) and Ryubo: Enjoy brand-name products and duty-free shopping.
• Food stalls, izakayas, and Okinawan restaurantsThere are many restaurants serving Goya Chanpuru, Rafute, Okinawa Soba, Awamori and more, so you can enjoy eating and drinking at any time of the day or night.
• Events and ParadesThe city is bustling with seasonal festivals, such as the Naha Great Tug-of-War in October and the Eisa dance performance at the Naha Festival (the dates change from year to year).
• Craft Shop: There are many shops selling traditional Okinawan crafts such as Tsuboya ware (Yachimun) and Ryukyu glass.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail): Makishi Station, Miebashi Station, and Prefectural Office Station are the closest stations to the Kokusai Street area. They are easily accessible by walking just a short distance from the stations.
• Bus: Take a local bus from Naha Bus Terminal or Naha Airport to the city center. The main bus stops are within walking distance.
• From the airport: Take the Yui Rail (Naha Airport → Makishi/Miebashi direction) and you will arrive in about 15 minutes (travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions).
• Car/Rental Car: Street parking is difficult in the city center, so it is common to use paid parking lots in the surrounding area. Parking lots tend to fill up during peak tourist seasons and events.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Short stroll/shopping: 1-2 hours (just a quick look around the main streets)
• Relaxed plan including meals and market tours: 3-4 hours (including meals and souvenir shopping at Makishi Public Market)
• Thorough sightseeing + exploring nearby spots: Half a day to a full day (if you also want to visit nearby Tsuboya Yachimun Street and Shuri)

Nearby spots

• Tsuboya Yachimun Street: A street lined with traditional Yachimun (pottery) workshops and shops. You can make your own pottery and experience handicrafts.
• Shuri Castle: A historical tourist spot accessible by car or bus from central Naha (travel time depends on the means of transportation).
• Naminoue Beach and Naminoue Shrine: A spot where you can take a stroll along the seaside and pray. It is easily accessible from Kokusai Street.
• Naha City Traditional Crafts Museum and Art Museum: There are facilities where you can experience Okinawan culture and crafts.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: The area is extremely crowded on weekends, public holidays, summer vacation, tourist season, cruise ship arrivals, and festival days. In particular, there may be long lines at Makishi Public Market and popular stores, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
• Cash/Credit: Many stores accept credit cards, but some small privately owned shops and markets only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have a small amount of cash on hand.
• Garbage and sorting: There are few public trash cans, so please take your trash home or follow the store's collection rules. Also, please be considerate when eating and drinking (avoid sitting in front of stores or occupying the street for long periods of time).
• climateSummer is extremely hot and the sun is strong, so be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. During typhoon season (generally June to October), be aware of sudden changes in the weather and traffic disruptions.
• Barrier-free: Generally, the sidewalks and major stores are well maintained, but the passageways in the market and older buildings may have steps or be narrow. If you use a wheelchair or stroller, it is a good idea to check the route and store facilities in advance.
• Nighttime Safety: The area is relatively safe at night, but please be careful with your valuables when walking in crowded areas or in alleys late at night.

Kokusai Street is a very convenient base for eating, shopping, and experiencing Okinawan culture. Plan your visit based on the time of day and the season, and enjoy the unique Okinawan atmosphere to the fullest.