Naha Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Okinawa showing a sandy beach and swimming as well as a large group of people
Naha
Shurijo Castle showing a river or creek
Naha which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Shurijo Castle featuring art, heritage architecture and outdoor art

With its energetic artisan districts, lively restaurant quarters and attractive coastline, laid-back Naha is one of Japan’s attractive capital cities. 

Year-round good weather, unique Okinawan culture and stunning scenery are popular reasons to spend time in Okinawa’s biggest city. Tour the restaurants and eat delicious fresh fish and local pork dishes. Explore the glassblowing and ceramics districts to learn about the island’s artistic heritage.

A great place to start is the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in the northern part of Naha. Concealed within a huge limestone castle, the museum documents the island’s past from prehistoric times to modern days. View fossils, ancient skeletons and interactive exhibits about the 500-year history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Nearby find a smaller art gallery, which features abstract and contemporary works from some of the island’s most talented artists.

Take a short ride south on the monorail to the famous Tsuboya District. This area has been home to the city’s pottery production since the end of the 17th century. Browse the shops and purchase a ceramic shisa. This mythological animal, a cross between a lion and a dog, is believed to provide protection from evil. Visit the Pottery Museum where displays show exquisite glazed and unglazed pieces along with old pottery wheels and tools.

Enjoy a break from the city centre at Shikinaen. Here stroll through a sub-tropical garden and have great views of the city. Admire the Ryukyu villa and hexagonal Chinese pavilion that overlook a serene pond.

Lively Kokusai Dori is one of the best places to go when you get hungry. Try the local specialty of pig’s ears or choose from a tantalizing selection of sushi dishes. Many of the restaurants and bars along this 1.5-mile (2-kilometre) road hold regular cultural shows. Stay for a while and you may find yourself taking part in a traditional Okinawan dance.

Naha is located close to the southeastern coast of Okinawa. The most popular method of transportation here is the modern and efficient monorail, though buses are also available. Find accommodation in numerous hotels as well as self-catering apartments across the city.

Where to stay in Naha

Okinawa featuring rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4/5(18 area reviews)

The parks and historical sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street 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
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Tomari

The waterfront and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Tomari. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are a few top places to visit.

Tomari
Tsuboya Pottery Museum showing a small town or village and street scenes

Makishi

You might enjoy the shopping while in Makishi. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Makishi Station or Miebashi Station to see more of the city.

Makishi
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Kumoji

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

Kumoji
International Street which includes street scenes, a sunset and signage

Matsuo

If you're spending some time in Matsuo, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Makishi Public Market are top sights worth seeing.

Matsuo
Ishigaki featuring diving and colourful reefs

Izumizaki

If you're spending some time in Izumizaki, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Okinawa Prefectural Office are top sights worth seeing.

Izumizaki
Hewitt Resort Naha
Hewitt Resort Naha
3.5 out of 5
Asato 2-5-16, Naha, Okinawa Prefecture
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (372 reviews)
"We really like breakfast."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Hewitt Resort Naha
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Naha
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Naha
4 out of 5
2-16-1 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa
The price is NZ$236 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$236
4 Aug - 5 Aug
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,359 reviews)
"Room and public areas are clean. Staffs are friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Naha
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
1-5 Kume 2 Chome, Naha, Okinawa-ken
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! (2,159 reviews)
"Thank you for a lovely visit. Our room was comfortable and spacious with a full sized bath. The onsen in the basement was also good. Would very much recommend."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
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.
Randor Residence Naha Okinawa
Randor Residence Naha Okinawa
3.5 out of 5
Wakasa 2-4-13, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Tomari Port and Kokusai-dori Shopping Street ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (38 reviews)
"Property was very clean and accessible. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Randor Residence Naha Okinawa
B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car
B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car
3.5 out of 5
2-chome-11-11 Nishi, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly apartment in Naha. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (178 reviews)
"Easy to check in and out, well kept, close to convenient stores and 5-7minute walk to monorail."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car
Hotel Airportview Naha
Hotel Airportview Naha
3.5 out of 5
3-39-1, Naha, okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
"For the price you get a modern hotel suite in the city. Very quite area despite close to airport. Bed is a little stiff tho."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Hotel Airportview 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.

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Cities near Naha