10 Most Popular Streets in Naha

The Kokusai Dori Shopping Street is a lively and colourful thoroughfare in Naha. Kokusai Dori means “International Road” in Japanese. It earned its name from the Ernie Pyle International Theater, which brought in an international crowd. 

You’ll find an eclectic selection of shops and eateries along the 2-km-long street. It's easily accessible from the Naha Bus Terminal or the Kencho-mae and Miebashi Monorail Stations. Make sure to try out awamori (Okinawan distilled drink) or taco rice while you’re there. 

Shijo Hon-Dori (or Ichiba Hon-Dori) is the place to go to feel like a local in Naha. While you’ll find some of the usual souvenirs like Okinawa glass and purple yam sweets, you’ll also find ceramics and textiles, as well as great seafood and fresh produce from around Okinawa.

Shijo Hon-Dori is also a foodie destination in Naha. Try a fresh pineapple stick or sata andagi (deep-fried dough ball similar to a doughnut). If you fancy something savoury, there are many local restaurants specialising in seafood dishes. 

Kinjo Stone Road is officially designated as one of the “100 Best Roads of Japan”. This is a historic cobblestone road that leads up to Naha’s Shurijo Castle. Take your time walking through the traditional street and look out for the sacred Great Akagi Tree or the old Kanagushiku Muraya rest area.

The road is said to have been made in 1522 for soldiers to reach Naha Port quickly. It was once 10 km in length. After WWII, only a little under 250 metres remains, but you can feel a sense of its long history on a quiet and atmospheric stroll.

Though Tsuboya Yachimun Street is not far from Naha’s lively city centre, it offers a completely different atmosphere. The limestone-paved road is a great place to experience Okinawa’s heritage in pottery, as many workshops have been handed down through generations.

As well as traditional pottery workshops, you’ll also find the Naha Municipal Tsuboya Pottery Museum, and a number of cosy cafes. Look out for traditional Shisa statues dotted all over – they are the guardian lions symbolic of Okinawa.

The Sakae Machi Arcade is a quirky area to cosy up to the locals in Naha. During the day, you can get all kinds of groceries and items for daily Okinawa life. You could also stop by a cosy cafe to enjoy excellent local coffee.

In the evening, the Sakae Machi Arcade transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub. Its streets are lined izakaya (tiny bars), where locals enjoy snacks and drinks at the end of the day. People in Okinawa are generally very friendly, so you won’t be short on conversation.

Heiwa Dori is a covered shopping arcade in Naha with a great selection of Okinawan stores. On this street, you can find all sorts of treats and souvenirs at affordable prices. It's unsurprisingly very popular among visitors and locals.

Heiwa Dori is a great spot to visit on a rainy day. You might just find your new favourite Okinawa trinket while browsing the arcade's many stalls. We highly recommend picking up a Kariyushi shirt, which has a similar style to aloha shirts.

On Naminoue-dori, you’ll find a mix of modern and traditional buildings in Naha. However, the star of the show is the pathway up to Naminoue Shrine. Marked by a giant dark torii (gateway of a Shinto shrine), you’ll know that you’ve come across something special while travelling through this part of Naha.

As you make your way to the top, you'll pass through a second white shrine gate before being greeted by the sight of Naminoue Shrine. Visit during the 4-day Nanmin Festival in May, when the path becomes alive with festival music and celebrations.

Sakurazaka Street is a small walkway just off Heiwa Dori in Naha. Besides hosting the Sakurazaka Theatre, the street is also a great place to take photos of friendly cats.  

The theatre mainly shows independent Japanese and foreign films that you’re less likely to find at the bigger cinemas. The theatre also has an onsite cafe and bookshop. Near Sakurazaka Street are some LGBTQ+ venues where you can enjoy a few drinks to end the evening. Standouts venues include Anabel and Banana Café. 

Umikaji Terrace Senagajima is a romantic spot lined with shops and restaurants, making the most of the beautiful sunset views in Naha. The stretch of road has a distinctly modern feel to it.

The area is so close to the airport that it makes for a great spot to visit just before or after your flight. You can stop for a burger, sweet shaved ice, or fluffy pancakes to energise you for your sunset walk.

Omoromachi isn’t a street in itself, but an area containing lots of small routes and scenic pathways in Shintoshin Park. Walk from the Shitoshin Park fountain and across the bridge to find yourself at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum.

The museum is a sight to behold, with its unique architecture among the luscious greens of its park surroundings. With Naha city surroundings to the left and right, and green park straight ahead, the paths make for some interesting contrasting photo spots in this part of Naha.