[2024 Naha Attraction] Travel Guide for Kokusai-dori (Updated Nov)
No.3 of Best Things to Do in Okinawa Prefecture
Featured Neighborhoods
Address:
Kokusai-dori, Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 hour
Phone:
+81-98-8632755
Okinawa Vacation: Island Vibes, Relaxation, and a Sun-Kissed Tan!
Upon arriving in Okinawa, head straight to the beautiful beaches to enjoy the sun, sand, and water activities. Afterward, visit Kokusai Street to experience the lively atmosphere and savor local delicacies. Then, explore Shurijo Castle to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom and admire the ancient architecture. Finally, relax and unwind in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in Okinawa, making the most of your wonderful vacation. The entire trip typically takes about 3-4 days to fully appreciate the charm of Okinawa.
Lunarrr
Come to Okinawa, eat beautiful meals with interesting people, and visit fun shops
Come to Kokusai Street in Okinawa, the primary task is to shop and eat. Let me recommend a few divine little shops I've visited!
✨Gourmet Section
👉Ryukyu no Gyu
When in Okinawa, how can you not try the authentic Ishigaki beef? Just look at the distinct marbling to know the meat quality is exceptional. It's tender and juicy, and they even provide a Chinese menu, how considerate!
👉Shima Shabu Shabu NAKAMA
Compared to Ishigaki beef, I recommend the Agu black pork here. The portions are generous, the meat is full and absorbs the sweetness of the broth, very authentic. Additionally, their pork patties are also quite delicious.
👉Pork Tamago Onigiri
A popular rice ball in Okinawa, there's always a long line of tourists every time I pass by. Their pork and egg rice ball is quite solid, one is enough to fill you up, making it suitable for breakfast.
👉Blue Seal
High in appearance and taste, the sea salt ice cream is especially popular. It's big, with a rich milky flavor and a slight salty taste, perfect for summer.
👉Nanmura
A ramen recommended by locals, it's said that the broth is made from pork bones simmered for 20 hours, no wonder it tastes so fragrant. The owner is also generous with the ingredients, the large pieces of char siu are very appetizing.
✨Shopping Section
👉Toys "R" Us
A shopping paradise where kids don't want to leave once they enter, the variety of toys is extraordinary. Just the Pikachu products alone are dazzling. Additionally, educational toys suitable for 0-3 year-old babies are worth buying.
👉Nishimatsuya
A one-stop flagship store for mother and baby products, from diapers to strollers, everything is available, making it suitable for moms to shop. Plus, with the current depreciation of the yen, it's even more cost-effective to shop here.
👉Stussy
A local trendy clothing store with reasonable prices. Their clothes not only come in various styles but are also very comfortable to wear. The staff are also very friendly, and I bought several pieces here.
steel_cassian86
Naha city walk, you can't finish walking even if you break your legs
The best way to understand the charm of a city is to measure it with your steps and slowly feel the breath of the city.
Confident in our own physical and walking strength, we put this into practice, but in the end, we still took the bus back to the hotel.
I thought that the small Okinawa Naha would be easy to conquer, but because it was too good to stroll around, the route was too long and we ended up exhausted.
✅ Itinerary:
Kokusai Dori — Makishi Public Market — Tsuboya Pottery Street
✅ Introduction to 【Kokusai Dori】
⭕️ It should be the busiest place in Naha, very close to Naha Airport and the port, shopping and transportation are very convenient.
⭕️ Whether it's Okinawan specialties, various foods, or cosmetics, there's everything you need, and if you don't know what to buy for souvenirs, just look around here.
⭕️ There are many shops selling ceramics and glassware on the street, with relatively uniform styles. If you really want to buy, you can go to the pottery street later.
⭕️ Many shops have glass boxes at the entrance with a coconut crab inside, if you want to eat, you can go to Makishi Public Market later.
⭕️ The purple sweet potato tarts here are quite famous, so we bought a pack to try, they are dry, just taste a little, not recommended.
⭕️ Miyako Island's snow salt ice cream, their ice cream can be sweet or salty, full of milk flavor, those who like the taste of sea salt must not miss it.
✅ Introduction to 【Makishi Public Market】
⭕️ Makishi Public Market is right next to Kokusai Dori, the overall environment is much cleaner and tidier, more like a large fresh supermarket.
⭕️ In terms of price, Tomari Port is more favorable, but Makishi Public Market has many other categories besides seafood, such as beef, pickles, etc.
⭕️ Both markets have seafood stalls that can be processed, and the stalls have Chinese-speaking staff, so don't worry about language barriers.
⭕️ The market is divided into two floors, with sales downstairs and processing upstairs. The processing fee is additional, 500 yen/person, 3 styles, and the delicious seafood porridge only accepts cash💰.
⭕️ In Japan, noctiluca and giant clams are edible, and in the market, you can also see porcupine fish and coconut crabs, just like visiting an aquarium.
⭕️ At Makishi office, we ordered a lobster, a geoduck, and a scallop for a total of 15,900 yen, about 750 RMB, which would cost at least double in China.
⭕️ The lobster was half sashimi and half boiled in soup, the geoduck was sashimi, and the scallop was with garlic. Because they were all fresh, all the cooking methods were extremely delicious.
⭕️ The giant clam, which is often seated in China, has a special stench, and we didn't try it in the end. If you're interested, you can give it a try.
✅ Introduction to 【Tsuboya Pottery Street】
⭕️ Passing through the Makishi office market, you can reach the pottery street.
⭕️ The pottery shops here are not big, small enough to accommodate 7 or 8 people.
⭕️ Each shop has its own characteristics, and I really like the time spent shuttling between these shops.
⭕️ There are several well-known small shops, such as Yacchi & moon, which have their own designed and produced pottery, as well as some mass-produced ones. In short, the pottery here has more design sense.
⭕️ It is said that most of Okinawa's pottery comes from this pottery street. If you pick carefully, there is always one that suits you.
⚠️ Notes:
⭕️ Because the route is quite long, it is recommended to rent a bicycle.
⭕️ Naha has shared bicycles, 1800 yen/day, but there may be no space when returning the bike. Also, there is a shop in Kokusai Dori that rents formal bicycles, but they must be returned before 7 pm, not highly recommended.
⭕️ Okinawa's Wagyu is very famous, you can find a place near Kokusai Dori to try Wagyu, but don't order too much, I'm afraid you'll be overwhelmed by the oil.
oraelia_7184
A person does not rent a car, and plays all over Okinawa in two days on the weekend
Okinawa is really an island that you can visit at any time during a Shanghai weekend, with cheap flights, a short flight time of just over an hour, and reasonable prices.☺️
✅Cost: Airfare 1100+ Hotel 1500+ Gourmet 1000+ Local Transportation 300+ Hot Spring 100, about 4000 in total, you can save a lot on hotels and food
✅Transportation:
📍The city mainly uses monorail (you can use the Suica card, and it's worth buying a day pass if you use it more than 3 times)
📍The central and northern parts can be accessed by bus, car rental (cannot use a Chinese driver's license), or chartered car. It takes over 100 stops by bus, and it's slow. You can't rent a car with a Chinese driver's license, and chartering a car is not cost-effective for one person, so I joined a bus day tour
✅City attractions
1️⃣Kokusai Dori⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's the commercial center of Naha in Okinawa, known as the 'Miracle Mile of the Post-War', it's recommended to book a hotel nearby for convenience, and there's plenty to eat, drink, and play
2️⃣Shuri Castle⭐⭐⭐
A symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it was almost completely destroyed by a fire a few years ago, it's a high point in Naha and you can also enjoy the city view
3️⃣Naminoue Shrine⭐⭐⭐
A shrine built on the beach, the foremost of the eight shrines in Okinawa, where you can pray for safety and others, and there are many people sunbathing on the beach below
✅Central and northern attractions
1️⃣Manzamo⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The name means a grassland where ten thousand people can sit, there's a cliff that looks like an elephant which is quite beautiful, be aware that the wind is very strong
2️⃣Kouri Island⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A small island in the northern part of Okinawa, passing through the Kouri Bridge connecting Okinawa main island and Kouri Island, you can see the clear, azure sea, and if you're lucky, you might see turtles
3️⃣Ocean Expo Park⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A park that even Crayon Shin-chan has visited, it includes the beautiful Churaumi Aquarium (with an 8-meter-long whale, which Crayon Shin-chan also visited), a folk village (recreating Okinawa's historical folk houses), and Emerald Beach (with shallow and blue water) among other places worth visiting for 3 hours
4️⃣American Village⭐⭐⭐
An American-style town with many bars, it's close to a base so there are many Americans, suitable for shopping and casual strolling, taking photos with exotic scenery, and those who love photography should like it
😒Regret: I didn't make a reservation in advance for a particular Ishigaki beef restaurant I really wanted to try, and was turned away at the door, remember to book in advance for the restaurants you're interested in Kokusai Dori
KINLEY GREGORY
A gathering place of tiny restaurants at Naha City. We were a little hesitant at first not knowing how to approach this but the friendly staff invited us to in and sit down. We had a wonderful meal inside, sitting around the bar with a gentleman on one side, a couple with their little girl on the other side. The gentleman chit-chatted with us in English as he was enjoying his seafood and noodle, making us feel much more relaxed. This must be good if locals come out here to have their Sunday dinner. It was a different experience which I will remember for a long time.
This a great place to wander around and enjoy all the shops. There are many food stalls selling all types of local cuisine. The food is good quality and cheap. If you are in need of any supplies or clothes whilst travelling this is a good place to resupply.
#givethanks
#givethanks
Collegiala015
Okinawa Kokusai Street: A Paradise for Food and Shopping Enthusiasts.
Okinawa Kokusai Street, one of the busiest commercial streets on the island, is undoubtedly a paradise for tourists. Whether you're looking to buy souvenirs, find unique shops, or you're a cat cafe enthusiast, this place has something for everyone.
Walking down Kokusai Street, the first thing you'll notice is the plethora of shops. The variety of handmade stores will keep you captivated, with each item telling its own unique story and cultural background. It's not just a great place for shopping, but also a window into Okinawan culture.
In addition to handmade stores, the cat cafes here allow cat lovers to enjoy close interactions with animals. In these cozy cafes, customers can enjoy their drinks while interacting with adorable cats, providing a relaxing experience that brightens your mood and adds color to your trip.
Of course, the food options on Kokusai Street are equally impressive. Okinawan cuisine is a highlight here, with its unique flavors and ingredients offering delightful surprises in every bite. Whether it's Ishigaki beef yakiniku, Okinawan soba, or fresh seafood, the restaurants here promise an unforgettable culinary experience. If you fancy a drink, the bars offer a variety of beverages, including the local Awamori, allowing you to enjoy Okinawa's nightlife.
In summary, Okinawa Kokusai Street is a fantastic place that combines eating, playing, and shopping. Every corner is filled with vitality and enthusiasm, making it a must-visit spot when traveling to Okinawa. Whether you're looking to shop, enjoy delicious food, or immerse yourself in local culture, this place will meet your expectations and make your Okinawa trip even more perfect.
Miniwater
Must try! Naha's Diverse Lunchtime Delights Okinawa!
#100WaysOfTravel An Unforgettable Lunchtime Experience
Lunchtime on Kokusai-dōri Street is more than just a break from the day—it’s an experience that immerses you in the essence of Okinawan culture.
We dine in one of the traditional restaurants in the Kokusai-dōri street.
With the fresh meal provided and we have find that the care taken in preparing and serving each dish reflects the deep respect Okinawans have for their food and culture.
This respect is passed on to us in every bite, making the meal not just a taste of Okinawa but a connection to its rich heritage.
Recommend🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Umibudo (Sea Grapes) ! A type of seaweed with small, bubble-like clusters that pop in our mouth, often served as a refreshing side dish.
Goya Champuru A stir-fry dish with bitter melon, tofu, pork, and eggs.
💰 average price 1,000-1500 Yen per person
⏰ 10-2300hrs generally open everyday
📮 Kokusaidori Street
🚘 Kokusaidori Street is located right in central Naha. The street stretches from the Naha Bus Terminal to Makishi Station on the Okinawa Monorail or you can take a train as only a few steps away from the monorail's Kencho-mae and Miebashi stations.
#NahaDining #ExploreNaha #okinawa #japan
Slash Ting
Okinawa Free Travel Guide
How to travel in Okinawa without renting a car or joining a tour?
Compared to cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, Okinawa is not particularly convenient for tourists, mainly due to its inconvenient transportation. Most Japanese people come here for summer beach activities like diving and surfing, enjoying a seaside vacation. In terms of cultural attractions, there are indeed fewer compared to other places.
So, if you insist on traveling freely in Okinawa, how should you do it? In summary: casually explore the main island city; frequently check bus schedules when traveling in the central and southern parts; for island trips, go anytime, and it's best to rent a car or bicycle upon arrival!
Accommodation:
1. In the city, it is recommended to book near Kokusai Street, which is close to the airport and has large shopping areas, making transportation relatively convenient.
2. If staying in the northern part, it is recommended to stay near the Churaumi Aquarium, where transportation and dining are relatively convenient, and you won't have trouble finding open restaurants after 5 PM.
Travel Guide + Landmark Check-ins:
DAY1: Since you arrive in Okinawa in the evening, after checking in, mainly visit Kokusai Street for shopping and dining. Kokusai Street is mainly a shopping area with a large shopping district and a landmark lion statue for photo ops.
DAY2-3: Head to Miyako Island.
DAY4: Return to Naha and head north to the Churaumi Aquarium. There is a direct express bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Churaumi, costing 2000 yen and taking 2 hours, no reservation needed.
DAY5: Visit American Village in the morning and Shurijo Castle in the afternoon. Honestly, these two places are subjective; after visiting, my personal feeling is that they are not very impressive. American Village is like a trendy street selling second-hand goods, and the food is not particularly special. Shurijo Castle is still under construction after being burned down, and compared to China's Great Wall and various palaces, this small castle is quite underwhelming.
It takes about 1.5 hours by bus from Naha Bus Terminal to American Village. If you visit in the afternoon or evening, you can take night photos.
DAY6: Visit Naminoue Shrine in the morning. The shrine is near Asahibashi Station, a 10-minute walk away. This shrine is the top of the eight shrines in Okinawa and can be visited in half an hour. The main reason to come here is to buy omamori for safety, with the most popular being the golden luck charm and the triangular safe travel charm. After visiting the shrine, walk out and turn right to reach the bridge opposite, which is the best spot to photograph Naminoue Shrine and is a popular check-in point.
After visiting Naminoue Shrine, I booked a whale watching tour in the afternoon through a travel platform. They can pick you up from a hotel in Naha, and whether you see whales in the 2-hour tour depends entirely on luck. I recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, motion sickness medicine, and preferably binoculars.
In summary, if you are looking for a quiet seaside vacation with diving in Okinawa, it is quite good. However, if you are interested in cultural attractions, Okinawa does fall short compared to Tokyo and Osaka, so it depends on personal preference.
Oliver Cook 890.
Naha's Longest Shopping Street! Kokusai Dori is a great place to shop, eat, drink, play, and take photos
Naha's Longest Shopping Street! Kokusai Dori is a great place to shop, eat, drink, play, and take photos.
Kokusai Dori in Naha is a great place for shopping.
There are many unique shops here, as well as distinctive snacks. It's a must-visit spot in Japan for souvenirs and shopping.
Unlike Tokyo, it's not overly crowded, and the leisurely atmosphere of casually strolling around lets me experience the fresh vibe of Naha.
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【Delicious Snack Shops】
💙Blue Seal Ice Cream Shop
A famous ice cream and beverage shop in Okinawa, known for its bright colors and variety of flavors. The most classic is the blue and white sea salt flavored ice cream, made with Okinawan sea salt.
Many people love it because of its refreshing blue color, which feels like swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Okinawa.
•
💙Heisei 20 Cheese Tart
I was attracted by this big tart, with its soft and chewy filling, and the cheese stretches as long as your arm.
The process of buying this cheese tart is also interesting, with a small machine where you press buttons to select your dessert, and then it prints out a ticket.
•
💙Hateruma Izakaya
There is a very popular izakaya on this pedestrian street called Hateruma, which is the southernmost island of Japan. The dining atmosphere is great, with live singers to set the mood! Be sure to try Okinawa's bitter melon scrambled eggs and sweet potato fritters, which are Okinawa exclusives.
-
【Special Souvenirs】
Okinawan green onions, peanut-flavored tofu pudding, and purple sweet potato desserts.
MICHAELA COLE
#okinawatrip
Best trip #okinawa #kokusaidori #parasailingathappyisland
Honeymoon trip of my life
Can create happy memories
Angel Phu
Prosperous shopping street in Naha
The Skytrain makes reaching the busiest street in Naha City incredibly convenient, taking just 15 minutes. However, self-drivers are advised to avoid the congested traffic after 4 o'clock and opt for peripheral roads for parking nearby. Once parked, exploring the three famous shopping streets, especially the main Kokusai Street, with its array of restaurants, souvenir shops, animation shops, local product stores, and pharmacies, is recommended. Allocate a day to fully experience them all, as the scenery and atmosphere drastically change at night.
#winhkflight
Ng Johnathan
Shop until you drop in Kokusaidori Street
Shopping lovers must pay a visit here- Kokusaidori Street! The bustling street has it all. You may find a variety of souvenirs, local products, crafts, food and so on. Kokusaidori Street is located right in the centre of Naha and stretched 1.6 km length through the city centre.If you take a monorail, you may stop at Makishi station, Prefecture Office Station or Kencho- mae Station. Take a stroll along the street and shop until you drop!##Okinawa
PEICHAN
The famous street in Naha
#2024wish
Kokusaidori is a fun and touristy street in Naha. I highly recommend everyone visiting come to Kokusaidori Street. From here there are so many other streets to branch off to. Most shops here cater to tourists, you can find many souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and other fun stores here. The street was pretty clean and well maintained. I was here on a Saturday afternoon and it was pretty crowded. I recommend walking up one side and down the other and then venturing off to other streets and parts of the city.
In 2024, I want to travel to the Philippines.
Anything travels
International street in Naha
#2024wish
Kokusaidori is Naha's main tourist and shopping street, stretching for roughly two kilometers through downtown Naha. The street takes its name from the former "Ernie Pyle International Theater", a movie theater that was built along the road after the war. Starting around the Naha Bus Terminal and the Okinawa Prefectural Office, Kokusaidori is lined by restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, boutiques and department stores. Many shops remain open until 10pm, and live Okinawa music is played at several restaurants.
In 2024, I want to travel to the Philippines.
Anything travels
Kukosai Dori Street
Kokusai Dori, located in Naha, Okinawa, is a popular and vibrant street that offers a unique blend of local culture and international influences. Here's a review of Kokusai Dori:
1. Shopping: Kokusai Dori is renowned for its numerous shops, boutiques, and markets, making it a shopper's paradise. You can find a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and local Okinawan products.
2. Dining: The street is dotted with restaurants and eateries serving a variety of cuisines, from traditional Okinawan dishes to international fare. It's a great place to sample local delicacies and street food.
3. Cultural Experience: Kokusai Dori provides a glimpse into Okinawa's culture and history. You'll find traditional Ryukyuan goods, including colorful textiles, pottery, and crafts, offering a taste of the local heritage.
4. Nightlife: The street comes alive at night, with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that cater to both tourists and locals. It's a lively place for evening entertainment.
5. Street Performers: You might encounter street performers, musicians, and artists, adding to the street's vibrant atmosphere.
6. Crowds: Kokusai Dori can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, so be prepared for busy streets.
7. Accessibility: It's easily accessible by foot and is a great place for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to explore the city's heart.
Overall, Kokusai Dori is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Naha, Okinawa. It offers a delightful mix of shopping, dining, cultural experiences, and a lively atmosphere. However, it's important to note that the experience can vary depending on the time of day and year due to the presence of tourists.
fishingrabbit
come to okinawa and let’s explore the chinese culture here.
Nakaoji azis
Kokusaidouri-Okinawa
AK@Oki
We came to International Street, which is the most anticipated stop for the Okinawa trip. International Street is the most important street in Naha, the most prosperous place in Naha.
On the way around 1.6 km, there are department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, coffee, small bars, etc., all of which are exquisite. After the end of the war, the rapid development of the Sparks, so called, "1 mile of miracles."
This one-way road is from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning and 17:30 to 19:30 in the evening (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, except January 2 and 3). It is a bus-only road. Pass.
In the international communication, you can basically find all the popular items of Okinawa, such as the lion in Okinawa, the salt house selling Okinawa salt, the brown sugar in Okinawa, and the sea salt ice cream with local characteristics. Originally, a trail that can be completed in more than 20 minutes, because of the dazzling array of goods, may make you not enough to stroll for a long time.
Exquisite merchandise is really a favorite, super want to pick up, just hate wallet ah~
Rachel Yu.
International Avenue, the most prosperous place in Naha, the largest city in Okinawa. At the intersection of Kumagai and the three forks of Anri, about 1.6 kilometers along the way, there are department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, coffee, small bars and so on. After the end of the war, the rapid development of the Sparks, so called the "miracle of 1 mile"
international street side of the department stores, restaurants, the sale of US military grocery stores, souvenir shops, fashion stores, and so on, The price is reasonable. If you want to go shopping and want to experience the folk customs of Okinawa at the same time, this is a very good choice. There are tall palm trees on both sides of the street, and a variety of exquisite shops are fascinating, and Japanese-style food shops are also spread across the streets. The entire international fashion is not lacking in retro, faintly filled with a touch of Okinawa culture. Many drugstores on both sides of the grocery store are just a paradise for women. You can find almost all the popular souvenirs and souvenirs of Okinawa, such as the mascot Shinsai, Okinawa Salt, Brown Sugar, which can be seen everywhere in Okinawa. , soaked in wine, sea salt ice cream, etc. International drug store, many Japanese net red products can be bought here.
Yumi.
International Express is also known as the "miracle of a miracle", with a total length of 1.6 kilometers. After the Second World War, Okinawa became a ruin. However, the locals established a market on this land with a strong will to survive, and recovered their vitality in a very short period of time. Since then, it has become the main street symbolizing Okinawa. It has always maintained the style of the day. The streets are lined with major department stores, gourmet restaurants, boutique clothing stores, shopping malls, various entertainment venues and all kinds of latest fashions. Information and goods, reasonable price guarantees make you return home. The fashion complex and gourmet restaurant here are popular places to start, but the retro style is also faintly visible. This is the street that best represents Okinawa culture. The snow salt ice cream here is also good! (I won't tell you, don't add more matcha powder, it will die.) So late, there is a grandmother who looks at the palm of his hand.