Day Trip to Naha • 7 Best Things to Do in Okinawa’s Capital

Okinawa Prefecture It consists of more than 150 islands located south of mainland Japan. Its capital, NahaNot only is it the largest city, it is also the main gateway to the region, accessible by air and sea.

Visitors arriving by plane are welcomed at Naha International Airport, while those traveling by ferry or cruise ship disembark at Naha Port. This article focuses on the latter. So, if your cruise itinerary includes a port in Naha, prepare for a day filled with history, culture, and local flavor.

Here are some of them Best things to do In this quiet and vibrant coastal city in Okinawa. We also presented a Sample itinerary You can proceed on a half- or full-day wilderness exploration trip.

Things to do in Naha

1. Kokusai Dori

It is considered the main tourist center of the city. Kokusai Dori (International Street) is the main artery of downtown Naha. It extends over 1.6 kilometers, surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, souvenir shops and shopping malls, including the famous discount chain Don Quixote (Donkey).

Other small souvenir shops and places to eat branch off from Kokusai Street Hiwa Shopping Street (Hewadori) and Shijo HondoriAnd two covered shopping arcades.

address: Kokusai Dori, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
How to get to Kokusai-dori: From the cruise terminal in Naha, you can take a taxi. But if you’re on a tight budget, head to Kumi Koshibyo-mae Bus Station (opposite Matsuyama Park), which is a 10-minute walk from the port. Take bus number 5 or 15 to Kokusai-dori Bus Station (JPY 260).

2. Shuri Castle

Historical exploration Shuri CastleNaha’s most famous landmark and former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Although it has been destroyed by fire on several occasions, including during World War II (Battle of Okinawa) and more recently in 2019, the castle still serves as a poignant reminder of Okinawa’s rich history and culture.

Restoration efforts are still ongoing, and the castle is scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2026. In the meantime, you can still visit and enjoy the castle park grounds. Shuri Castle is part of Gosoku sites and properties related to the Ryukyu Kingdomwhich received an A UNESCO World Heritage condition.

address: Shorijo Castle Park, 1-2 Kenjocho Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
working hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM (April-June/October-November); 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM (July-September); 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (December to March)
Entry fees: Adults 400 JPY; Students, 160-300 JPY; Children (under 6 years) free
How to get to Shuri Castle: From Kokusai-dori, take bus 14 to Shuri Castle Bus Station (JPY 240). Travel time 15-20 minutes.

3. Shekina on Royal Garden

Built in the late eighteenth century, Shekina on Royal Garden It was once used as the second home of the Ryukyu royal family. The buildings and structures display architectural styles and designs that reflect Japanese and Chinese influences.

The focal point of the lush circular garden is pondIt is dotted with stone bridges RokakudoAn attractive Chinese-style pavilion. Overlooking the pond Udona wooden state building with a red tiled roof. Shikina-en Garden is also part of the UNESCO-recognized Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

address: Shikinen Royal Garden, 421-7 Magi, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
working hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April-September); 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (October to March); Wednesday, closed
Entry fees: Adults 400 JPY; Students, 200 JPY
How to get to Shekina on Royal Garden: From Kokusai-dori Bus Station, take bus No. 5 to Shikinaen Bus Station (JPY 260). Travel time is 20 minutes.

4. Okinawa soba

While in Naha, be sure to try the Okinawan comfort food – soba. Unlike soba found in mainland Japan, which is made from buckwheat, Okinawa soba Wheat flour is used. The pasta is thicker and is usually served in a flavorful broth made of pork, seaweed, and bonito flakes. The usual toppings are fish cake, scallions, pickled ginger and braised pork belly.

But there is a common formula called Suki sobawhich replaces pork belly with cooked pork ribs. We’ve tried both versions on Kintiti (Kinchichi) Soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi ShokudoJust a short walk from Kokusai-dori. I had Sanmainekomori Okinawa Soba (pork belly Okinawan soba), while I ordered the yosh Hon Suki Subba (Pork Spare Ribs Soba), which is limited to only 15 servings per day.

If you are a ramen lover, you can check it out Ramen Danpo Naha MakishiIt is conveniently located near the JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom in the Kokusai-dori area.

address: Kintite (Kinchichi) Soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi Shokudo, ハウスTr 1F 2 Chōmei 5−14, Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
price: Sanmainekomori Okinawa soba, ¥1,300; Hon Suki Soba, ¥1,500

5. Blue Seal Ice Cream

“Born in America and raised in Okinawa”

While its origins date back to 1948, when US military forces stationed in Japan sourced milk and dairy products from Okinawa, Blue Seal Ice Cream It is proudly an Okinawa brand. Today, you’ll find its stores spread throughout Naha, with many branches strategically located along Kokusai-dori.

It offers a great selection of flavors grouped into Okinawan, American, Blue Seal Standard, and Allergy categories. According to their official website, the top five flavors are Okinawa salt cookies, blue wave, vanilla and biscuit, San Francisco chocolate mintand Pistachio almond.

We stopped at one of the branches along Kokusai-dori to sample some flavours. I went for one scoop of Ryukyu Te Warabi MochiWhile Yosh enjoyed a double scoop – Salted caramel and apple and Okinawa pineapple and coconut.

Official website: www.blueseal.co.jp/en/
price: One scoop, 390-400 JPY; Double scoop, 650-670 yen

6. Okinawa Peace Park Memorial

It is located in Itoman, a neighboring city south of Naha Okinawa Peace Memorial Park It honors the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Located on Maponi Hill, this expansive park serves as a powerful reminder of the island’s resilience, the horrors of war, and the importance of appreciating peace.

Within the park are monuments, memorials and museums, each offering a glimpse into Okinawa’s wartime past. Highlights include Peace Memorial Museum, Cornerstone of Peace, Okinawa Peace Hall, Flame of Peaceand National Peace Shrine for the war dead.

address: Okinawa Peace Memorial, 444 Mapuni, Itoman, Okinawa, Japan
working hours: Park grounds – 24/7; Peace Memorial Museum – daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Entry fees: Park grounds, free; Peace Memorial Museum – Adults, 300 JPY; Children: 150 JPY
How to get to Okinawa Peace Park Memorial: From Naha Bus Station, take bus 89 to Itoman Bus Station (590 JPY, 1 hour). Next, take bus No. 82 and get off at Heiwakinendō-iriguchi Station (540 JPY, 20 minutes). Note that bus 82 leaves every hour.

7. Himyori Memorial and Museum

It is also located in Itoman, along the main road and near the Okinawa Peace Park Himyori Memorial It commemorates the young Okinawan students and teachers who assumed the role of nurses and caregivers during the Battle of Okinawa.

In the vicinity Himyori Peace Museumyou can learn more about this dark chapter in history and the plight of the students and teachers through various exhibitions, including photographs, video testimonies and dioramas of the caves in which they once took refuge.

address: Himeori Memorial and Museum, 671-1 Ihara, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0344, Japan
working hours: Museum – daily, 9:00 am – 5:25 pm
Entry fees: Museum – Adults, 450 JPY; Students, 150-250 JPY
How to get to Himyori Memorial and Museum: From Naha Bus Station, take bus 89 to Itoman Bus Station (590 JPY, 1 hour). Next, take bus No. 82 and get off at Himyori-no-to-mae (JPY 320, 20 minutes). Note that bus 82 leaves every hour.

Sample Naha day trip itinerary

You can’t visit all the places if you’re on a cruise because you’ll likely only be given one day, usually 8-10 hours. To maximize your time, it’s best to focus on Naha’s highlights. And here A Sample itinerary You can follow:

08:45 AM – Walk to Kume Koshibyo-mae Bus Stop
09:00 AM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, 260 yen (Bus 5)
09:10 AM – Kokusai-dori to Shuri Castle, 260 yen (Bus 14)
09:30 AM – Shuri Castle400 yen
10:30 AM – Bus to Shikina on Royal Garden, 260 yen (Bus 14)
10:45 AM – Shekina on Royal Garden400 yen
12:00 PM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, 260 yen (Bus 2, 4, 5, 14)
12:20 PM – Kokusai Dori: A Food and Shopping Journey
04:00 PM – Bus back to port then walk, 260 yen (or taxi to Naha Cruise Terminal, 1200-1500 yen)

DIY Tour vs Shorex

We visited Okinawa with three cruise lines – StarCruises, Royal Caribbean, and Costa Serena. Whichever cruise line you sail on, you’ll have two ways to explore at each port of call:

• DIY. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can go on a DIY trip. This option gives you full control over your itinerary and is often more budget-friendly. Just be sure to manage your time carefully because the ship will leave on schedule, with or without you. It is always safe to return to port early to avoid being left behind.
• ShureX Tour. These are group tours organized by cruise companies in partnership with local tour operators. Everything is taken care of – transportation, itinerary, and usually lunch. All you have to do is show up on time. It is cheaper to book a shore excursion in advance than one sold on board. Shorex’s office is located on floors 4 and 5.

No matter which option you choose, you will receive basic details before checkout, including return instructions, outlet name and outlet address. Don’t forget to bring a copy of the vital page of your passport as well.

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Photos by: Asta Alvarez, Yosh Damen, and Hanna Manalo