Naha Highlights & Leisure

OVERVIEW

Explore the city of Naha, the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture, and former capital of the Ryukyu kings. Drive to Shuri Castle, the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu royal family for over 400 years, until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. Due to the fire on October 31st 2019, Shurijo Castle was burned to the ground, and more than 400 precious arts and crafts are estimated to be lost.Now you can become entering the Shuri Castle’s paid admission area and Seiden main hall. Also, reopening is a section in the Seiden where visitors can see the underground ruins of the original castle structure, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also see have a chance to take a photo of the ornate Shurei Gate known as the Gate of Courtesy, it typifies Okinawan architecture and serves as a symbol of modern day Okinawa. Visit Shikinaen Garden, known as one of the best Japanese Style Gardens in Okinawa and listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Although its style follows that of most Japanese gardens, its architecture and flora give it a uniqueness that is unmistakably Okinawan. Before heading back to the port, you’ll enjoy time at leisure at Kokusai-dori, Naha's main street, stretching for roughly one mile through downtown. Stroll through the neighborhood on your own, exploring fashionable shops and restaurants offering local products such as exquisite bingata fabrics, colorful tsuboya-yaki pottery and awamori liquor made from long-grained rice.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.