Okinawa Prefecture is made up of greater than 150 islands mendacity south of mainland Japan. Its capital, Naha, shouldn’t be solely the most important metropolis but in addition the area’s foremost gateway — accessible each by air and by sea.
Guests arriving by aircraft are greeted at Naha Worldwide Airport, whereas these touring by ferry or cruise ship disembark at Naha Port. This text focuses on the latter. So in case your cruise itinerary has a port of name in Naha, prepare for a day filled with historical past, tradition, and native taste.
Listed here are a number of the finest issues to do on this laid-back but vibrant Okinawan port metropolis. We additionally supplied a pattern itinerary you possibly can comply with for a half- or full-day onshore exploration.
Issues to Do in Naha
1. Kokusai-dori
Thought to be the town’s foremost vacationer hub, Kokusai-dori (Worldwide Road) is the principle artery of downtown Naha. Stretching 1.6 kilometers, it’s flanked by eating places, bars, cafés, motels, memento shops, and procuring facilities, together with the ever-popular low cost chain Don Quijote (Donki).
Branching from Kokusai Road are different smaller memento outlets and meals spots housed in Heiwa Buying Avenue (Heiwadori) and Shijo Hondori, a few lined procuring arcades.
Deal with: Kokusai-dori, Naha Metropolis, Okinawa, Japan
The best way to Get to Kokusai-dori: From Naha Cruise Terminal, you possibly can take a taxi. However if you’re on a funds, make your technique to Wakasa-odori Bus Cease (throughout Matsuyama Park), which is a 10-minute stroll from the port. Take Bus 5 to Kokusai Dori Bus Cease (JPY 260).
2. Shuri Fortress
Discover the historic Shuri Fortress, Naha’s most iconic landmark and the previous seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 14th to the nineteenth century. Though it has been razed by hearth on a number of events, together with throughout World Warfare II (the Battle of Okinawa) and most just lately in 2019, the fort nonetheless serves as a poignant reminder of Okinawa’s wealthy historical past and tradition.
Restoration efforts are ongoing, with the fort’s reopening slated for fall 2026. Within the meantime, you possibly can nonetheless go to and respect the fort park grounds. Shuri Fortress is a part of the Gusuku Websites and Associated Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, which gained a UNESCO World Heritage standing.
Deal with: Shurijo Fortress Park, 1-2 Kinjocho Shuri, Naha Metropolis, Okinawa, Japan
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (April-June/October-November); 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM (July-September); 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (December-March)
Entrance Charge: Adults, JPY 400; College students, JPY 160-300; Kids (Under 6 y/o), FREE
The best way to Get to Shuri Fortress: From Kokusai-dori, take Bus 14 to Shuri Fortress Bus Cease (JPY 240). Journey time is 15-20 minutes.
3. Shikina-en Royal Backyard
Constructed within the late 18th century, Shikina-en Royal Backyard was as soon as used because the second residence of the Ryukyu royal household. The buildings and constructions showcase architectural types and designs that mirror each Japanese and Chinese language influences.
The focus of the luxurious round backyard is the pond, dotted with stone bridges and Rokkakudo, a quaint Chinese language-style pavilion. Overlooking the pond is Udun, the picket statehouse with a red-tiled roof. The Shikina-en Backyard can be a part of the UNESCO-recognized Gusuku Websites and Associated Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Deal with: Shikinaen Royal Backyard, 421-7 Maji, Naha Metropolis, Okinawa, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April-September); 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (October-March); Wednesdays, CLOSED
Entrance Charge: Adults, JPY 400; College students, JPY 200
The best way to Get to Shikina-en Royal Backyard: From Kokusai-dori Bus Cease, take Bus 5 to Shikinaen Bus Cease (JPY 260). The journey time is 20 minutes.
4. Okinawa Soba
Whereas in Naha, ensure that to attempt Okinawa’s consolation meals — soba. Not like the soba present in mainland Japan, which is constituted of buckwheat, Okinawa soba makes use of wheat flour. Its noodles are a lot thicker and sometimes served in a flavorful broth made with pork, seaweed, and bonito flakes. The standard toppings are fish cake, scallions, pickled ginger, and braised pork stomach.
However there’s a well-liked variation known as soki soba, which swaps the pork stomach for stewed pork spare ribs. We tried each variations at Kintiti (Kinchichi) Soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi Shokudo, only a quick stroll from Kokusai-dori. I had the Sanmainikumori Okinawa Soba (Pork Stomach Okinawa Soba), whereas Yosh ordered the Hon Soki Soba (Pork Spare Ribs Soba), which is proscribed to solely 15 servings per day.
For those who’re extra of a ramen fan, you possibly can try Ramen Danbo Naha Makishi, conveniently positioned close to JR Kyushu Lodge Blossom within the Kokusai-dori space.
Deal with: Kintiti (Kinchichi) Soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi Shokudo, ハウスTr 1F 2 Chome 5−14, Makishi, Naha Metropolis, Okinawa, Japan
Value: Sanmainikumori Okinawa Soba, JPY 1300; Hon Soki Soba, JPY 1500
5. Blue Seal Ice Cream
“Born in America, Raised in Okinawa”
Whereas its origins date again to 1948, when US army troops stationed in Japan sourced milk and dairy merchandise from Okinawa, Blue Seal Ice Cream is proudly an Okinawan model. As we speak, you’ll discover its outlets scattered throughout Naha, with a number of branches strategically positioned alongside Kokusai Dori.
It presents a formidable number of flavors grouped into Okinawan, American, Blue Seal Normal, and Allergy-Pleasant classes. In response to their official web site, the highest 5 flavors are Okinawan Salt Cookies, Blue Wave, Vanilla & Cookies, San Francisco Mint Chocolate, and Almond Pistachio.
We stopped by one of many branches alongside Kokusai-dori to pattern a couple of flavors. I went for a single scoop of Ryukyu Tea Warabi Mochi, whereas Yosh loved a double scoop — Salty Caramel & Apple and Okinawan Pineapple Coconut.
Official Web site: www.blueseal.co.jp/en/
Value: Single Scoop, JPY 400; Double Scoop, JPY 670
6. Okinawa Peace Park Memorial
Located in Itoman, a neighboring metropolis south of Naha, the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park honors the lives misplaced through the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Perched on Mabuni Hill, this huge park serves as a robust reminder of the island’s resilience, the atrocities of conflict, and the significance of valuing peace.
Throughout the park are monuments, memorials, and museums, every providing a glimpse into Okinawa’s wartime previous. Notable landmarks embrace the Peace Memorial Museum, Cornerstone of Peace, Okinawa Peace Corridor, Flame of Peace, and Nationwide Warfare Lifeless Peace Mausoleum.
Deal with: Okinawa Peace Memorial, 444 Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa, Japan
Opening Hours: Park Grounds – 24/7; Peace Memorial Museum – Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Charge: Park Grounds, FREE; Peace Memorial Museum – Adults, JPY 300; Kids, JPY 150
The best way to Get to Okinawa Peace Park Memorial: From Naha Bus Terminal, board Bus 89 to Itoman Bus Terminal (JPY 590, 1 hr). Then, take Bus 82 and alight at Heiwakinendō-iriguchi (JPY 540, 20 minutes). Notice that Bus 82 departs hourly.
7. Himeyuri Cenotaph and Museum
Additionally positioned in Itoman, alongside the principle highway and close to the Okinawa Peace Park, the Himeyuri Cenotaph commemorates the younger Okinawan college students and the lecturers who took the position of nurses and caregivers through the Battle of Okinawa.
On the adjoining Himeyuri Peace Museum, you possibly can study extra about this darkish chapter in historical past and the plight of the scholars and lecturers by way of numerous displays, together with pictures, video testimonies, and the diorama of the caves the place they as soon as sought refuge.
Deal with: Himeyuri Cenotaph and Museum, 671-1 Ihara, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0344, Japan
Opening Hours: Museum – Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:25 PM
Entrance Charge: Museum – Adults, JPY 450; College students, JPY 150-250
The best way to Get to Himeyuri Cenotaph and Museum: From Naha Bus Terminal, board Bus 89 to Itoman Bus Terminal (JPY 590, 1 hr). Then, take Bus 82 and alight at Himeyuri-no-tō-mae (JPY 320, 20 minutes). Notice that Bus 82 departs hourly.
Pattern Naha Day Journey Itinerary
You possibly can’t go to all should you’re on a cruise since you’ll most certainly be given solely a day, normally 8-10 hours. To maximise your time, it’s finest to concentrate on Naha’s highlights. Right here’s a pattern itinerary you possibly can comply with:
09:00 AM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, ¥260 (Bus 5)
09:10 AM – Kokusai-dori to Shuri Fortress, ¥240 (Bus 14)
09:30 AM – Shuri Fortress, ¥400
10:30 AM – Bus to Shikina-en Royal Backyard, ¥240 (Bus 14)
10:45 AM – Shikina-en Royal Backyard, ¥400
12:00 PM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, ¥260 (Bus 2, 4, 5, 14)
12:20 PM – Kokusai Dori: Meals Journey and Buying
04:00 PM – Taxi to Naha Cruise Terminal, ¥1200-1500
DIY vs Shorex Tour
We’ve visited Okinawa by way of three cruise strains — StarCruises, Royal Caribbean, and Costa Serena. Whichever cruise line you might be crusing with, you’ll have two methods to discover at each port of name:
Go D-I-Y
For those who’d quite discover at your individual tempo, you possibly can go for a D-I-Y journey. This selection offers you full management over your itinerary and is commonly extra budget-friendly. Simply ensure that to handle your time fastidiously as a result of the ship will depart as scheduled, with or with out you. It’s at all times safer to return to the port early to keep away from being left behind.
Be part of a Shorex Tour
These are group excursions organized by the cruise corporations in partnership with native tour operators. All the pieces is taken care of — transportation, itinerary, and normally lunch. All it’s worthwhile to do is present up on time. Pre-booking a shore tour is cheaper than these bought on board. Shorex Desk is on Decks 4 and 5.
Irrespective of which possibility you select, you’ll obtain important particulars earlier than getting off, together with return directions, port identify, and port tackle. Don’t neglect to deliver a photocopy of your passport’s biopage, too.
Updates Log
2025 10 23 – First uploaded
Photographs by: Asta Alvarez, Yosh Dimen, and Hannah Manalo