Naha

Travel Guide
Okinawa World showing dangerous animals
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 vacation 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 showing rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

The parks and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai Dori 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 street scenes and a small town or village

Makishi

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Makishi is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Kokusai Dori and Makishi Public Market.

Makishi
Okinawa ocean is always bright and clear. Locals say you can see 5 different shades of blue in the ocean on the best days!
#LifeAtExpedia #beach

Kumoji

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

Kumoji
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Tomari

Tomari is well-liked for its waterfront and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Kokusai Dori and Tomari Port are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Tomari
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum

Omoromachi

Travelers like the museums in Omoromachi, and Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Omoromachi
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Matsuyama

Visitors to Matsuyama enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, Matsuyama Park is worth a stop.

Matsuyama
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
1-5 Kume 2 Chome, Naha, Okinawa-ken
The price is ₩55,085 per night from May 21 to May 22
₩55,085
per night
May 21 - May 22
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! (1,558 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and nice. Beautiful facility"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

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 ₩120,788 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
₩120,788
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay near man shopping street. Everything is within 5 min walk (shopping, food, konbini). 10/10 recommend"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Naha
Hotel Gracery Naha
Hotel Gracery Naha
3.5 out of 5
Matsuo 1-3-6, Naha
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩68,945 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
₩68,945
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"This was a good hotel in an excellent location. The breakfast buffet was very good."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Hotel Gracery 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.
Mr.KINJO in NAHA
Mr.KINJO in NAHA
3 out of 5
Tsuji 1-6-26, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this aparthotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and balconies. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
"I loved staying at the hotel. So close to ahoppings area."

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

Mr.KINJO in NAHA
BiBi Hotel Tomariport
BiBi Hotel Tomariport
3 out of 5
Maejima 3-21-5, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Kokusai Dori and Tomari Port are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
"清潔かつ必要充分な設備で高コスパなお宿でした。受付の方もとても親切で安心して過ごせます。 強いて難点をあげるとすれば、駐車場がない事。 近隣も飲屋街の為、夜は駐車場がどこも満車となる為、車でくる際にはご注意を。"

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

BiBi Hotel Tomariport
Mr.KINJO in Nica’s Makishi Station
Mr.KINJO in Nica’s Makishi Station
3 out of 5
2-19-21 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this apartment in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room soaking tubs, and climate control. Popular attractions Kokusai Dori and Tomari Port are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (196 reviews)
"The rooms are well equipped. The beds are very comfortable. I will definitely be back."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Mr.KINJO in Nica’s Makishi Station
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

Reviews of Naha

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
118
" "5 - Excellent 53.39366515837104%
4 - Good
77
" "4 - Good 34.841628959276015%
3 - Okay
25
" "3 - Okay 11.312217194570136%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.45248868778280543%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 13, 2020

Small city but there are many things to do

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 17, 2020

As a city, nothing that can surprise, not a place for spend more than one day, besides visiting beaches and islands

5/5 - Excellent

MU
Jan 27, 2020

in winter, it’s not bad. not expensive for trip and warm weather

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 1, 2020

Although it’s been cloudy or rainy over the journey, the view is excellent and people are just warm enough.

5/5 - Excellent

Charlie
Dec 27, 2019

Would love to visit again. The atmosphere is very pleasant. The people seem very relaxed and easygoing. Air quality is fantastic and ocean water very nice and clear.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 10, 2019

It’s

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