Naha

Travel Guide

Okinawa featuring swimming and a beach as well as a large group of people
Naha
Shurijo Castle which includes a river or creek
Naha showing religious aspects, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Shurijo Castle which includes heritage architecture, outdoor art and art

The capital city of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture is full of fascinating markets and historic sites, such as the impeccably recreated Shuri Castle.

Naha is the charming capital city of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture. With coastal views of the East China Sea, this city is one of the island’s economic, political and cultural hubs.

Shuri Castle is Naha’s biggest attraction. The compound was originally built as a palace for the Ryukyu Kingdom. During World War II, the castle and its tunnels served as a major command post of the Imperial Japanese forces until its destruction in the Battle of Okinawa. The entire castle was meticulously reconstructed based on historical records and photos.

Featuring several heritage attractions, Shuri Castle has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the ornate beauty of Shureimon, one of Shuri Castle’s main gates. Explore the serene gardens of Shikinaen, a holiday villa for royals and dignitaries. See the faithful replica of the Bridge of Nations Bell, originally cast in 1458 to celebrate Ryukyu’s success in maritime trade.

Enjoy a day on the beach at Naminoue Beach. Swim, sunbathe, take a scuba diving lesson or go kiteboarding. Don’t miss the Naminouegu Shrine. Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the beach, this Shinto shrine is the most iconic in the prefecture.

You can buy almost anything imaginable at Makishi Public Market. Nicknamed “the kitchen of Naha”, this area began as a black market after World War II and is now home to hundreds of shops. A vast diversity of produce is available for purchase, including local specialties like sea snake and island vegetables. Bring your fresh purchases to the 2nd floor to be cooked by traditional Japanese chefs.

Kokusai Dori is known as Naha’s “international road.” Stretching through the city, this street is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. After the sun goes down, it is the epicenter of Naha’s nightlife.

Naha Airport is Okinawa’s largest airport and a hub for domestic and international flights. From the airport, take the Okinawa Monorail to Naha and Shuri Castle.

Where to stay in Naha

Okinawa featuring rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

The parks and historical sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Miebashi Station or Kenchomae Station to get around the larger area.

Naha City Centre
Tsuboya Pottery Museum showing a small town or village and street scenes

Makishi

5/5(1 area review)

You might enjoy the shopping while in Makishi. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Makishi Station or Miebashi Station to see more of the city.

Makishi
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Tomari

The waterfront and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Tomari. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are a few top places to visit.

Tomari
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Kumoji

Kumoji is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Palette Kumoji, and you can get around town on the metro at Kenchomae Station.

Kumoji
International Street which includes street scenes, a sunset and signage

Matsuo

If you're spending some time in Matsuo, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Makishi Public Market are top sights worth seeing.

Matsuo
Ishigaki featuring diving and colourful reefs

Izumizaki

If you're spending some time in Izumizaki, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Okinawa Prefectural Office are top sights worth seeing.

Izumizaki
Hewitt Resort Naha
Hewitt Resort Naha
3.5 out of 5
Asato 2-5-16, Naha, Okinawa Prefecture
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (365 reviews)
"I’m coming back"

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Hewitt Resort Naha
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
1-5 Kume 2 Chome, Naha, Okinawa-ken
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,149 reviews)
"Thank you for a lovely visit. Our room was comfortable and spacious with a full sized bath. The onsen in the basement was also good. Would very much recommend."

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Naha
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Naha
4 out of 5
2-16-1 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa
The price is S$160 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
S$160
24 Jul - 25 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,354 reviews)
"Room and public areas are clean. Staffs are friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Naha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Randor Residence Naha Okinawa
Randor Residence Naha Okinawa
3.5 out of 5
Wakasa 2-4-13, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Tomari Port and Kokusai-dori Shopping Street ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
"Property was very clean and accessible. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Randor Residence Naha Okinawa
B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car
B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car
3.5 out of 5
2-chome-11-11 Nishi, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly apartment in Naha. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (170 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on 13 Jun, 2025

B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car
Mr.KINJO in NAHA
Mr.KINJO in NAHA
3 out of 5
Tsuji 1-6-26, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and balconies. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (203 reviews)
"I loved staying at the hotel. So close to ahoppings area."

Reviewed on 29 Nov, 2023

Mr.KINJO in NAHA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Naha

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Such a nice place.Quite and clean.You can walk around a city.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Kokusai dori

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I came here to practice Karate. My only disappointment is that I had to leave.