A blogger based in Okinawa, @owncolorstravel , shares travel tips and lifestyle insights with visitors from outside the prefecture and international travelers interested in Japanese culture. The blog focuses on recommended sightseeing spots and helpful advice for enjoying a trip to Okinawa.
This time, we’ll dive into the highlights of Kokusai Street in Naha, the heart of Okinawa’s main island. Be sure to use these tips to make the most of your stay and sightseeing in Naha.
▼For tips on how to spend time at Naha Airport, click here▼
・Okinawa Naha Kokusai Street
Kokusai Street, located in the heart of Naha City, is about 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by Yui Rail from Naha Airport, making it highly accessible and a must-visit spot.
This 1.6 km shopping street is a vibrant hub of activity, popular with both tourists and locals. It offers a mix of shopping, dining, sightseeing, and street life, making it an excellent starting point for visitors traveling to Okinawa from other parts of Japan. Its lively atmosphere and variety of attractions make it one of the top destinations on the island.
The entrance to Kokusai Street is marked by a pair of Shisa statues, iconic guardians of Okinawan culture. Cross the intersection at the street’s entrance, and you’ll find the RYUBO Department Store, a convenient spot for shopping and exploring local products.
On Kokusai Street, bus lane regulations are enforced during weekday mornings and evenings. During these times, the designated lanes are restricted to buses, and general vehicles (excluding motorcycles) are prohibited from traveling in the regulated direction. If you’re visiting with a rental car, make sure to be aware of these restrictions to avoid any inconvenience.
Step off the main street of Kokusai Street and wander into the side alleys to discover hidden spots that exude the nostalgic charm of old Okinawa. Here, you can stumble upon traditional-style café houses and hidden gem shops, offering a delightful experience of exploring beyond the bustling main street.
・Souvenirs You Can Buy on Kokusai Street
Kokusai Street is lined with numerous shops, including boutiques and souvenir stores. You’ll find a wide variety of items, from traditional Ryukyuan goods to modern products, making it easy to pick up the perfect Okinawan souvenirs here.
Okinawa’s signature souvenirs include Ryukyu glassware, traditional Okinawan pottery known as yachimun, and beverages like awamori (a distilled liquor) and Orion Beer.
For sweets, popular options include chinsuko (traditional Okinawan cookies) and beniimo tarts.
Beniimo tarts are a famous Okinawan treat made with purple sweet potatoes. These tarts are mildly sweet, with a moist texture and rich flavor, making them a favorite among both locals and tourists.
・Conveniently Located Hotels Around Kokusai Street
For those planning to stay near Kokusai Street in Naha, here are some highly accessible and convenient hotels:
Naha boasts many newly opened hotels, especially ideal for those looking to explore and shop.
Hotel Collective
Address: 〒900-0014 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha City, Matsuo 2-5-7
Opened in 2020, Hotel Collective is a five-star luxury hotel located along Kokusai Street. It features an outdoor pool, fitness room, sauna and bathrooms, and the first wedding chapel along Kokusai Street. Its prime location makes it the perfect base for exploring Okinawa.
Southwest Grand Hotel
Address: 〒900-0015 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha City, Kumoji 3-29-52
Opened in June 2023, Southwest Grand Hotel is a five-star hotel located just steps away from Kokusai Street. While not directly on the street, it’s only a 1-minute walk, making it highly convenient.
This hotel features a heated jacuzzi, pool, and on the top floor, a sauna where you can relax and soak in the tropical breeze—a perfect retreat for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Hotel Gracery Naha
Address: 〒900-0014 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha City, Matsuo 1-3-6
Hotel Gracery Naha offers a more casual and budget-friendly stay along Kokusai Street. It’s well-located as a base for exploring the area, but note that it doesn’t have its own parking, so nearby coin parking is recommended.
Depending on the season, rates can sometimes go below 10,000 yen per night, so be sure to check.
A bit farther from Kokusai Street, Hotel Strata Naha is another stylish option. It’s located just 30 seconds on foot from Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail, making it ideal for travelers who prefer not to rent a car during their stay.
While slightly removed from Kokusai Street, Sesoko Island is a serene destination just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport. This island offers the perfect opportunity for a relaxing stay at a hotel with hot springs, where you can unwind in a tranquil environment away from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat while still enjoying the convenience of proximity to the airport.
・Enjoying the night in Okinawa with traditional Shimauta live performances.
How to Spend Your Time After Checking into the Hotel: Dinner and Enjoying Okinawan Culture
Kokusai Street is lined with countless izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties, so you’ll be spoiled for choice! You can indulge in Okinawan cuisine such as Okinawa soba, goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon), soki soba (pork rib soba), and umi-budo (sea grapes). These dishes offer a true taste of Okinawa’s unique culinary culture.
If it’s your first trip to Okinawa, I especially recommend dining at a restaurant that serves Okinawan cuisine while enjoying a live performance of traditional folk songs.
Okinawan Cuisine Chinuman Kokusai Dori Makishi Branch 1-2-26 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture 900-0013
For those looking to immerse themselves in the Okinawan experience, Chinuman, a restaurant serving Okinawan cuisine, is the perfect choice. It’s a popular spot among tourists where you can also enjoy live performances of traditional island folk songs. Plus, it’s conveniently located near any of the hotels mentioned above, making it a highly recommended option.
The interior offers a variety of seating options, including counter seats, tables, sunken kotatsu-style seating, and traditional tatami seating. When friends from outside the prefecture visited, I joined them, and the lively atmosphere was evident—the place was nearly full and bustling with energy.
The menu caters to a wide range of tastes, from those who want to fully enjoy authentic Okinawan cuisine to those craving the comforting flavors of Okinawan home-cooked meals. Highlights include shabu-shabu course meals featuring premium Agu pork and fresh seafood dishes made with ingredients directly sourced from morning markets at local fishing ports.
To enhance the tropical vibe, they offer an extensive selection of tropical cocktails and awamori, along with shochu and sake.
One of the standout recommendations is the seafood dishes made with the fresh catches displayed prominently at the front of the restaurant. Fresh fish from within Okinawa Prefecture is delivered in large quantities daily. Since the lineup of seafood changes daily, you can ask the staff for their top recommendations of the day!
As we were dining, a live performance of Okinawan folk songs began.
It seems that live performances of Okinawan folk music, including traditional island songs, are held here daily.
The live performance ranged from traditional folk songs to Okinawan pop, creating a vibrant atmosphere that really set the tone for the night. There was a great sense of connection with the audience, making it easy to enjoy the unique music of Okinawa. Even as someone who lives here, I felt like a tourist soaking in the experience!
With Orion beer in hand, we all joined in with cheers and toasts, making it a night to remember.
Since this place is pretty popular, I’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time!