Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Naha, Okinawa

Naha city, the gateway to the wonderful tropical islands of Okinawa, has unique and popular touristic places. You can lightly enjoy everything from the ocean and nature to world heritages. Here is for you a list of some very fascinating touristic sites in Naha.

1. Ryukyu Glass Village

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Ryukyu Glass is a typical product of Okinawa. An attraction for many people, all hand-made products with a unique color shade and texture. At the Ryukyu glass village (Ryukyu garasu mura), you can see how those traditional handicrafts are made.

Moreover you can have an opportunity to experience it in first person. Make your original and unique glass for an excellent gift to make happy an important person!

2. The Tower of Lillies

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The tragic histories of Okinawa are still visible and coexist with its beautiful nature. The Tower of Lillies (Himeyuri no tou) was built for the ultimate victims of World War II who worked in the army hospital and died by concentrated fire.

This is now a place where we can see this island from a different angle, thinking about the importance of life and the horror of war.

3. Ashibinaa

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Tourism means also shopping. There are outlets all over Japan, but in Okinawa you can find one of the biggest; the “Ashibinaa – Okinawa outlet mall”. Here you can choose your souvenirs, swim suits, Okinawa shirts.

Good for families with children and couples, here is the perfect touristic venue when bad weather hits during your vacation.

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4. T Galleria Okinawa

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Do you want to purchase branded goods at low prices? T Galleria Okinawa by DFS is popular in Okinawa for shopping lovers and it is also the only place in Japan where you can do shopping without passport.

No problem if your hands are already busy with shopping bags! The T Galleria Okinawa is directly connected with Naha airport by monorail. Moreover purchased products will be given to you at the airport, so no need to carry bulky bags.

5. Naminoue beach

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Even if Okinawa is famous for its wonderful beaches, this is the only one in Naha. It is anyway great to have a possibility to swim in this beautiful ocean in a city full of touristic sites and shopping venues.

Very close to the airport (only 10 minutes!) it is the perfect destination to reach when you have a little time, on your arrival or on your departure day, or if you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Do not miss this occasion.

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6. Tsuboya Yachimun Street

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In the Tsuboya Yachimun Street (Tsuboya Yachimun Dori) you will find unique workshops for traditional potteries existing from the Ryukyu era and whose name is Tsuboya. This is also an interesting place for window shopping.

Alongside of stone-flagged streets, there are cozy coffee shops that utilize Tsuboya potteries, so you can relax while thinking of potteries with brilliant colorations to buy as a souvenir.

7. Manko Park

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Okinawa doesn’t mean only gorgeous beaches, there is another natural treasure; the mangroves. In more remote islands of Okinawa Prefecture, coast lines covered by mangroves are not rare, but you can actually see the mangroves in the developed city of Naha as well.

Manko Park (Manko Kouen) with its rich ecological system, is the right place to see the mangroves as well as rare wild birds and aquatic organisms. You will admire its nature. Do not miss the chance to lightly experience the nature of Okinawa.

8. Kokusai Dori Street

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Kokusai Dori Street is one of the representative and best touristic places to buy souvenirs of Okinawa. Approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of shops where you can enjoy an exotic atmosphere.

Also restaurants and bars are open until late night. A touristic site visited by so many people that we strongly suggest you.

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9. Shurijyo Castle Park

Now registered as a world heritage, Shurijyo, Sui Gushiku in local langage, was the castle of Ryukyu Kingdom. This King-living castle prospered as the center of politics and culture.

Built on the top of a scenic hill, this red elegant castle will immediately fascinate you. So if you love history, visit this site and bask in the afterglow of the gorgeous Ryukyu Kingdom.

10. Makishi Public Market

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If you are interested in the daily diet of the locals, Makishi Public Market (Daichi Makishi Kousetsu Ichiba) is a must! Now a famous touristic spot in Naha, “the kichen of Okinawa”, as it is commonly called, was originally a market for locals to sell foods including pig’s head and ear and colorful fishes. Even if just for watching is worth to go.

In the same area there is a facility to cook what you have just bought, so you can taste fresh Okinawan dishes. Experience the local life here!

Let’s fly to Naha!

What do you think about Naha? There are a lot of charming places, even if you have a short time for sightseeing or have no time to visit other more isolated islands. Make your own plan and have fun!