2-Day Itinerary in Naha, Okinawa – Local Cuisine, History, and Culture in Japan’s Island Paradise

About Naha, Okinawa – The Gateway to This Unique Prefecture’s Fascinating Charms

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. When people think of Okinawa, they often envision its subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and untouched natural scenery. Okinawa was once a prosperous independent kingdom known as the Ryukyu Kingdom and has developed a unique culture and history. Although it is part of Japan, Okinawa shows a distinct charm, offering a different experience from the rest of the country.

Naha City, which is home to Naha Airport and numerous famous sightseeing spots, is the capital of Okinawa. Shurijo Castle, the residence of the former Ryukyu Kings, is located in the Shuri area of Naha, attesting to the city’s historical importance and offering a panoramic view of Naha City. Here, visitors can delve into historical explorations, shop, and enjoy beach activities within the city, so Naha City is particularly attractive for those who want to experience as much of Okinawa as they can in a short amount of time.

How to Get to Okinawa and Naha

To travel to Okinawa's main island, the most convenient option is to take a direct flight to Naha Airport from various locations across Japan. In addition to All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), Skymark Airlines, and Solaseed Air, there are also other low-cost carriers (LCC) such as Peach available. You can choose the appropriate airline based on your budget and flight availability. Direct flights to Naha Airport on Okinawa's main island are available from major airports such as Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, and Kansai International Airport, as well as several other airports across the country.

From Haneda Airport to Naha, you can choose JAL, ANA, or Skymark Airlines, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. From Narita Airport, you can choose JAL, ANA, JetStar, or Peach, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours. From Kansai International Airport, you can choose JTA (a subsidiary of JAL), ANA, or Peach, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Naha Airport is, as the name suggests, located within Naha City. It is serviced by the Okinawa Urban Monorail “Yui Rail,” which runs the length of Naha into the neighboring Urasoe City. It is only around a 15-minute monorail ride to get to central Naha from the airport, and it is extremely easy to get around Naha with the Yui Rail, which has stops at several main attractions across the city. Tourists can easily reach Naha’s popular street Kokusai-dori, as well as Shurijo Castle Park and other famous attractions by using the Yui Rail, and as Naha City is fairly small, it is also convenient to use a taxi to get around.

You can check out this article for more information on how to travel to Okinawa's main island and other Okinawa remote islands, as well as transportation around the main Okinawa Island.

Day 1 in Naha

Kokusai-dori – Start Off Your Day at the Lively Shopping Street

Naha Airport to Kokusai-dori: Approx. 20-minute monorail ride or 15-minute taxi ride,
Approx. 3-minute walk from Yui Rail Kencho-mae Station

You have arrived in Okinawa and want to start your day off strong! Located in central Naha, Kokusai-dori stretches approximately 1.6 kilometers. Also known as "The Miracle Mile," this busy street was one of the first areas rebuilt after World War II and has gradually developed into a major tourist hub.

Kokusai-dori offers visitors a comprehensive Okinawan experience. The street is lined with various shops, including souvenir shops, boutiques, izakaya pubs, cafes, and restaurants. There are also many hotels in this area, and all the needs of different visitors can definitely be met here.

Visitors to Kokusai-dori must try the pork and egg onigiri for breakfast. This dish, beloved by Okinawans and often considered a soul food of Okinawa, features luncheon meat and eggs sandwiched between rice. Potama is one of the most famous shops, but different shops have their own unique ways of making pork and egg onigiri. Find a shop you like on Kokusai-dori and give it a try!

Kokusai-dori is not only a convenient base for exploring Naha but also provides opportunities to learn about Okinawa's history, culture, and cuisine.

Makishi Public Market – Explore a Local Food Market Right by Kokusai-dori

Kokusai-dori to Makishi Public Market: Approx. 6-minute walk,
Approx. 10-minute walk from Makishi Station or Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail

Located just a short walk from the heart of Kokusai-dori is "Naha City the first Makishi Public Market." Originating as a post-war "black market," these markets were consolidated by Naha City in 1950 and established as a municipal market. As known as the "Kitchen of Okinawa," it draws visitors with its concentration of Okinawan ingredients like meat, fresh fish, and dried goods, making it a popular spot for experiencing Okinawan food culture. Discover the essence of Okinawan food culture here!

For those wanting to gain a deeper understanding of this place, you might want to join an Okinawa Makishi Public Market Tour & Sushi Making in Naha. Your guide will show you the local seafood and its uses in Okinawan cuisine during the tour. After that, there will be a sushi-making class led by a professional chef using fresh local fish from the market. Enjoy your creations with red miso soup, gari (sliced vinegared ginger), and green tea. Additionally, you can consider pairing them with sake or beer (available for purchase for an additional fee).

Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum – Learn About Local History and Art

Makishi Public Market to the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum: Approx. 25 minutes (monorail + walking),
Approx. 15-minute walk from Omoromachi Station on the Yui Rail
 

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is a multiple-purpose complex that is unique within Japan, featuring two museums in one location with both indoor and outdoor exhibits and dedicated to showcasing Okinawa's history, culture, and art. The museum displays materials from various fields such as geology, biology, anthropology, archaeology, folklore, history, and arts and crafts, accompanied by related events. The art gallery exhibits modern and contemporary artworks nurtured by Okinawa's environment, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and videos.

The museum boasts one of the largest collection of materials in Okinawa Prefecture, with the collection expanding annually. Regular exhibitions such as the "The Newly Acquired Artifacts Exhibition (Museum)” and "The New Collection Series (Art Museum)" showcase and introduce the new collections. The museum's permanent exhibitions fall under the theme "Sea and Island Life — Seeking Prosperity, Beauty, and Peace," introducing Okinawa's unique natural environment, climate, culture, and the history that has developed from it through authentic materials, models, and dynamic visuals. For those interested in delving deeper into Okinawa's nature, history, culture, and art, visiting here is a must.

Finish Day 1 With Local Okinawan Food for Dinner

Okinawa has developed a unique culture while being influenced by various surrounding countries. In the realm of cuisine, Okinawa has many dishes and ingredients that are different and uniquely charming compared to other regions of Japan. There are healthy delicacies based on the concept of "nuchigusui" (medicine of life), such as “champuru” (stir-fries) made with vegetables and tofu, and soups made with pork and kombu. Okinawa also offers distinctive foods, like Okinawa soba and original Okinawan Western dishes such as taco rice which were influenced by the United States after World War II. Check out this article to discover what you must eat when visiting Okinawa!

Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum to Yuunangii: Approx. 30 minutes (monorail + walking),
Approx. 5-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station on the Yui Rail

With so many restaurant choices, are you unsure where to dine? Consider Yuunangii! Since opening in 1970, it has become widely popular and well-known, among locals and tourists alike. Here, you can taste many common Okinawan dishes. Make sure to try their most popular menu item, “rafute” stewed pork belly, the popular “umibudo” sea grapes, and the delicious traditional soup “Inamuruchi.” No trip to Okinawa is complete without a taste of the delectable local cuisine!

Hotel Collective – Spend the night at a Stylish, Modern Hotel

Yuunangii to Hotel Collective: Approx. 5-minute walk,
Approx. 7-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station on the Yui Rail

Hotel Collective is an urban resort hotel located along Kokusai-dori in Naha City, which opened in April 2020. As a new hotel, its refined and stylish design is a standout feature, and its central location on Kokusai-dori ensures excellent accessibility. It’s only a 7-minute walk from Kenchomae Station on Yui Rail. The hotel rises 13 floors high, with guest rooms spanning from the 5th to the 13th floor, totaling 260 rooms. They have facilities that include banquet halls, restaurants, the only outdoor swimming pool on Kokusai-dori, as well as comprehensive spa and fitness facilities.

Hotel Collective integrates the rich and diverse culture of Okinawa into its design and philosophy, offering guests a wealth of experiences in accommodation, dining, and activities. The hotel provides an unprecedented luxurious and lavish retreat, creating a rich and relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are designed to be spacious and open, providing a comfortable living experience. With a chic atmosphere dominated by deep blue tones, it offers a stylish and practical environment for comfortable accommodation.

Day 2 in Naha

Okinawa Shurijo Castle Park – Get a Glimpse into Okinawa’s Royal History and Ryukyu Culture

Hotel Collective to Shurijo Castle Park: Approx. 30 minutes (monorail + walking),
Approx. 15-minute walk from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail

Okinawa was once an independent country called the Ryukyu Kingdom that existed for 450 years, from 1429 to 1879. Through frequent trade with China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, it developed its own unique Ryukyu culture. Shurijo Castle, located on a small hill in Shuri in Naha City, once functioned as the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom's Government. It also served as the royal residence for the King and his family. Shurijo Castle was the center of the Kingdom's politics, diplomacy, and culture. In December 2000, Shurijo Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site under the title "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu."

Unfortunately, on October 31, 2019, a fire destroyed nine structures at Shurijo Castle, including the Seiden (Main Hall), Nanden (South Hall), and Hokuden (North Hall). Currently, the locals are working hard to restore Shurijo Castle, with the goal of completing the restoration of the Seiden by 2026. The park now hosts exhibitions themed around the restoration work, including observation areas where visitors can watch the construction processes. Additionally, items damaged in the fire are on display. Visitors can learn about the restoration activities and more about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom through detailed panels explaining the construction work.

Have Okinawa Soba for Lunch

In Okinawa, Okinawa soba is considered a soul food. This is a dish characterized by thick noodles entirely made from wheat flour without using buckwheat flour, kneaded with alkaline water, and a rich broth made from pork bones and bonito flakes.

Traditionally, the toppings on the noodles included simmered pork belly, “kamaboko” (fish cake), green onions, and pickled ginger. Okinawa soba adheres to 12 specific criteria regarding ingredients, aging, and noodle thickness; if any one of these criteria is not met, it cannot be called Okinawa soba.

The characteristics of Okinawa soba, such as the shape of the noodles and the toppings, vary by region. For example, soba from Miyako Island features slightly thinner noodles and lighter broth, soba from the Yaeyama Islands is known for its rounded noodles and sweeter broth. Recently, more restaurants on the Okinawa Main Island have started offering Okinawa soba from the outer islands, and each region's unique soba has become increasingly popular.

There are numerous restaurants around Shuri Castle and Shuri Station that serve Okinawa soba, such as Shuri Soba and Kunchi.

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum - Reflect on Peace and the Local History

Shuri Station (Yui Rail) to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum: Approx. 40-minute taxi ride

During World War II, the Battle of Okinawa destroyed much of the prefecture’s cultural heritage and claimed over 200,000 precious lives. This battle was the only ground battle in Japan and mobilized an astonishing number of civilians, who witnessed unimaginable atrocities. To reflect on the importance of peace and the horrors of war and learn about the complex local history of Okinawa, the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum is a must-visit.

The museum is located in Itoman City in the southern part of Okinawa Main Island. Visitors can reach the facility from Naha City by bus or taxi. The museum is situated within the largest war site in Okinawa, the Okinawa Senseki Quasi-National Park. The museum uses images and models to appeal to visitors the importance of peace. The permanent exhibits are divided into five sections: "Road to the Battle of Okinawa," "The Progress of the Battle," "Battleground of Hell," "Personal Testimonies," and "Okinawa, Keystone of the Pacific." Additionally, there is a "Children’s Exhibit" aimed at fostering a love of peace in future generations and providing a space for discussing peace.

The museum also features a library with around 12,000 general and children’s books, allowing both children and adults to research and learn about the Battle of Okinawa and the importance of peace.

Namioue Shrine – Beautiful Scenery From a Seaside Shrine

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum to Naminoue Shrine: Approx. 35-minute taxi ride,
Approx. 15-minute walk from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail

This beautiful red shrine is placed on a cliff and stands out against the blue sky. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, every time ships departed or arrived, people on the boats would gaze up at the high cliff and Naminoue Shrine, praying to the gods for a safe voyage when leaving and offering thanks for a safe return when arriving. Additionally, people frequently visited Naminoue Shrine to pray for abundant catches and harvests. The faith in Naminoue Shrine was deeply ingrained in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Every New Year, the King himself would visit the shrine to pray for the Kingdom’s peace and prosperity. Thus, Naminoue Shrine was highly revered throughout the Kingdom.

If you would like to get the iconic shot of the vermillion Naminoue Shrine on the clifftop, you can walk along the bypass, and take a shot with the combination of the turquoise sea, blue sky, and the shrine on the verdant cliff. It creates a postcard-perfect scene that looks stunning from any angle. If you have time, take a walk to the nearby Naminoue Beach. Though small, its clear and blue waters are perfect for a variety of water activities, especially in the summer.

Head Back to Kokusai-dori to Buy Souvenirs

Naminoue Shrine to Kokusai-dori: Approx. 25-minute walk

It takes only about 20 minutes on foot to get from Naminoue Shrine to Kokusai-dori. Your last day in Naha is the perfect time to buy various Okinawan souvenirs to bring back and enjoy at home! Kokusai-dori has about 600 shops, including ones where you can find special Okinawan products such as local pottery and trinkets, “kariyushi” (Okinawan aloha shirts), accessories, and more. You can also purchase famous Okinawan snacks like purple sweet potato tarts, sea grapes, and “Chinsuko” biscuits.

Every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, approximately 1,300 meters of the street becomes the “Transit Miles.” During this time, the street is transformed into a pedestrian-friendly zone, where general cars are prohibited from entering the street. On the “Transit Mile,” you can find open cafes, street performances, various events, and the Kokusai-dori Marche.

*The Transit Mile is canceled in the case of rain.

Utilize Your Time in Naha by Taking a Guided Tour

Naha 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide

Naha and its surrounding areas are filled with wonderful attractions and activities. To make the most of your visit, consider taking a guided tour that covers the main highlights of the region. This customizable private tour, allows you to select the specific sights that interest you most from nearly 20 points of interest. Led by an officially licensed English-speaking guide who is well-versed in Okinawan history and culture, this tour ensures you gain deep insights while enjoying your stay in Naha.

Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa

Also, Okinawa is famous for its stunning beaches and natural beauty. After experiencing the vibrant city life in Naha, explore the untouched nature of its outer islands! The Kerama Islands are renowned as a diving paradise, with their sea color so highly praised by people worldwide that it is known as "Kerama Blue.” This snorkeling tour is held in the Kerama Islands, departing from Naha. The tour is led by a qualified guide who will expertly navigate you through the clear waters around Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, and Aka Island. Immerse yourself in the captivating marine activities and scenic beauty of the Kerama Islands!

Experience Okinawa’s Unique History and Culture in Its Capital City of Naha

A two-day trip to Naha immerses you in the essence of Okinawa. This vibrant city is a window into the rich and diverse Ryukyu culture, seamlessly blending ancient traditions with modern Japanese influences. From its warm subtropical climate to its unique culture and landscape, Naha offers a sensory experience distinct from other parts of Japan, creating an atmosphere that is both exotic and welcoming. This brief encounter with Naha is sure to leave you longing to explore more of Okinawa's treasures in the future.

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