Experience Okinawa's traditional culture and learn about its history by visiting museums and Shurijo Castle. Go see the Ryukyu side of Okinawa.
Learn about Naha's ancient history
and culture at the museum located within the city.
The motif of the museum is to introduce the "Dynasty Culture and History of the City" through national treasures that have been passed down through the Sho family, who was the Ryukyu Kingdom's royal family.
Access | Next to Prefectural Office Station |
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Address | Palette Kumoji 4F, 1-1-1 Kumoji, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-869-5266 |
Operating Hours | 10:00-19:00. |
Holidays | Thursdays, New Years, Maintenance Days |
Admission Fee | Adults¥350, Groups (20 or more people)¥280 Free for students in university or younger (student ID required) |
Website | http://www.rekishi-archive.city.naha.okinawa.jp/en/ |
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Learn how to make Okinawa's
traditional Tsuboya Pottery at the pottery themed museum. Afterwards, take a stroll down Tsuboya Yachimun (Pottery)Street. to look for pieces of Tsuboya Pottery that you like.
Naha Municipal Tsuboya Pottery Museum introduces the various Okinawan potteries chronological order. There is a kiln exhibit and a display room that provides information on "Tsuboya-yaki", an Okinawan traditional craft. You can also watch a movie (18min.) about the skills and lives of potters.
Access | 10 min. walk from Makishi Station. |
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Address | 1-9-32 Tsuboya, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-862-3761 |
Operating Hours | 10:00-18:00 (Final Admission: 17:30) |
Holidays | Mondays (except holidays) and New Year (12/28-1/4) |
Admission Fee: | Adults: ¥350 Groups of Adults: ¥280 (20 or more people) *Free for university students or younger |
Website | http://www.edu.city.naha.okinawa.jp/tsuboya/English-top.html |
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Many of Okinawa's traditional Tsuboya pottery kilns and shops are located along the Tsuboya Yachimun-dori St., which is behind Kokusai-dori St.
Pottery classes are available. The very little traffic on the stone paved street makes the street perfect for a nice stroll.
Access | Approx. 15-min. walk from Makishi Station |
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Experience Okinawa's nature, history, culture, and beauty!
The museum exhibit Okinawan culture, history, and nature. The art museum features an exhibit that focuses on works by Okinawan artists. The permanent exhibition at the museum is "The Bridge of Nations Bell" which is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. You can try on Ryuso (traditional clothes for royalty during the Ryukyu Kingdome Era) free at the Touch & Experience Room and learn about Okinawan culture through experience kits.
Access | 10 min walk from Omoromachi Station |
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Address | 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-941-8200 |
Operating Hours | 9:00-18:00 (Until 20:00 on Fri. and Sat.) *Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time. |
Holidays | Mondays (open on national holidays, substitute holidays, and Irei no Hi (6/23, Okinawan Memorial Day) and clos ed on the following weekday) |
Website | https://okimu.jp/en/ |
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Shurijo Castle is a World Heritage
Site that is complimented by the beautiful surrounding cityscape of red roof tiles.
You can see the Seiden after passing through a number of castle gates, and it is the largest wooden structure in the Ryukyu Kingdom. *Scheduled for restoration by 2026.
The unique architectural style and masonry techniques that combine Chinese and Japanese castle-building styles have high cultural and historical value, and it has been registered as a World Heritage Site. Other cultural assets are scattered throughout the park, including the Shureimon Gate, Stone Gate of the Sonohyan Shrine, and the Ruins of Enkakuji Temple.
A fire that broke out before dawn on October 31, 2019, destroyed nine buildings, including the main hall of Shuri Castle, which is a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the pride of the Okinawan people. Shuri Castle has been destroyed by fire four times since it was originally built through the end of World War II, and every time the people come together to restore the castle. Currently, the Striking Reconstruction Project is underway to open the restoration site and process to the public with the aim of restoring the main hall by 2026. Wouldn't you like to see the ever-changing ruins of Shuri Castle?
Access: | 15-min. walk from Shuri Station or 5-min. from bus No.7 & 8 (Shuri Castle Town Line, ¥150) |
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Address | 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-886-2020 (Shurijo Castle Park Management Center) |
Operating Hours | Free area: Kaikai-mon, Kobiki-mon, Kyukei-mon April-June: 8:00-19:30 July-September: 8:00-20:30 October November: 8:00-19:30 December-March: 8:00-18:30 |
Holidays | Paid Areas and Suimuikan are closed 1st Wed. & Thurs. of July |
Admissions Fee | Individuals Adults: ¥400, High School: ¥300, Junior High and Elementary School: ¥160 Groups (20 or more people) Adults: ¥320, High School: ¥240, Junior High and Elementary School: ¥120 (*last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time) |
Website | https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/en/ |
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Ryukyu Kingdom historical site Designated as a national historical site Castle residence of King Eiso
The ruins of Urasoe Castle. Designated as a national historic site, it was built in the 13th century and became a large-scale castle around the 14th century, and was the stronghold of the rulers of the time. It was the center of politics, culture, and diplomacy until the Ryukyu Kingdom moved its base to Shuri Castle. Located on a hill overlooking the city on one side and the west coast of the island on the other, it is one of the most valuable historical sites in Okinawa.
Access | 15-minute walk from Urasoe-Maeda Station |
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Address | 2-53-1 Nakama, Urasoe |
Phone | 098-874-9345 (Urasoe Gusuku & Yodore Museum) |
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Interact with locals in the lively city to enjoy shopping and delicious cuisine.
If you are looking to take home
souvenirs and gifts, head to Naha's main street, Kokusai-dori St.
The 1.6km long street that runs from the intersection in from of Palette Kumoji to Asato Sansaro Street is filled with a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants. On Sundays the street turns into a pedestrian zone with free, live performances in five locations.
Access | 3-min. walk from Prefectural Office Station, 5-min. walk from Miebashi Station, and at Makishi Station |
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Pedestrian Zone | Most Sunday 12:00-18:00 (Excluding events) |
Web Site | https://naha-kokusaidori.okinawa/en/ |
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Go to the 2nd floor cafeteria with ingredients purchased at the market and they will make you a delicious lunch.
Okinawa has a unique food culture,
that differs greatly from mainland Japan. Okinawa locals get their energy from the various ingredients unique to the southern island, such as the traditional "Island Vegetables" showered with bright sunlight, tropical fruits, brand name pork and beef, and colorful seafood.
Makishi Public Market has temporarily moved to what was formally known as Nigiwai Square due to rebuilding. This temporary market provides Okinawa's kitchens with fresh meat, fish, dried food, and pickled dishes every day. Also, the second floor of the market contains restaurants where you can purchase fresh ingredients from the first floor and have them prepared for you on the spot.
Access | 8-min. walk from Miebashi Station and Makishi Station |
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Address | 2-7-10 Matsuo, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-867-6560 |
Operating Hours | 8:00am-9:00pm |
Holidays | Fourth Sundays (Except December, New Year's Day,Monday and Tuesday and Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, Bon Festival) |
Web Site | https://makishi-public-market.jp/en/ |
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There are duty free stores with the best brands from around the world, large shopping centers, and a variety of delicious restaurants.
The only Duty Free Stores in Japan you can enjoy shopping even for domestic travel. More than 140 of the top brand stores in the world gathered together in a luxury space. There are restaurants and Okinawan souvenir stores.
Access | Connected to Omoromachi Station |
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Address | 4-1 Omoromachi, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 0120-782-460 |
Operating Hours | 11:00am-8:00pm |
Holidays | None *Business hours differ between stores and seasons. Please see https://www.dfs.com/ for details. |
TGALLERIA.COM | https://www.dfs.com/ |
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Ameku Ryubo Rakuichi is a strip mall, with a supermarket, 100 yen shop, large sports store, MUJI store, UNIQLO, household appliances store, and popular restaurants. The supermarket and 100 yen shop is open 24 hours.
Access | 15-min. walk from Omoromachi Station |
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Address | 1-2-1 Ameku, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-941-1188 |
Operating Hours | Supermarket and 100 yen shop are open 24 hours. Operating hours vary with each store. |
Holidays | None |
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Never get bored spending the entire day at the massive, convenient shopping center that is comprised of a large super market, a large variety goods store, popular brand shops, cafes, restaurants, a movie theatre, and other popular locations.
Access | 5-min. walk from Omoromachi Station |
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Address | 4-4-9 Omoromachi, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-951-3300 |
Operating Hours | 9:00-23:00 (exceptions may apply) |
Holidays | None |
Web Site | https://www.san-a.co.jp/en/ |
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A shopping complex with a toy store, steak restaurant, and a large supermarket. The supermarket is filled with locals everyday and famous for its delicacies.
Access | 10-min. walk from Omoromachi Station |
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Address | 3-3-1 Omoromachi, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-941-8020 |
Operating hours | 9am-10pm (Differs from store to store) |
Holidays | None |
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Yamada-Denki Tecc Land takes pride in having Okinawa's largest selection of household appliances. Find reasonable prices on brand new electronic appliances as well as various electronics, household goods, and toys.
Access | 10-min. walk from Omoromachi Station |
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Address | 2-5-33 Omoromachi, Naha-shi |
Phone No. | 098-851-5040 |
Operating Hours | 10:00am-20:00pm |
Holidays | January 1 |
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Pair renowned gourmet cuisine with delectable sake at the old fashioned market.
Located near Asato Station, the market street is lined with meat and seafood butchers, shops selling ready made dishes, clothing stores, restaurants, and Japanese style izakaya dining. Always lively with locals and tourists, the friendly market hosts many events and even has a large fan base.
Access: | 2-min. walk from Asato Station |
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Phone Number | 098-886-3979 (Sakaemachi Ichiba Market Promotion Association) |
Operating hours | vary with each store |
Holidays | vary with each store |
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Access: | 12-minute walk from Urasoe-Maeda Station and 6-minute walk from Kyozuka Station |
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Address: | 1143-1 Maeda, Urasoe |
Phone: | 098-876-6000 |
Business Hours: | 9:30 am – 12:00 pm and 12:45 pm – 5:45 pm |
Closed: | Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays |
Web Site | https://www.jica.go.jp/okinawa/english/office/index.html |
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Visit the Three Traditional Distilleries around Shurijo Castle Town. Awamori is Okinawa's world famous spirit. There are Three traditional distilleries in the area surrounding Shurijo Castle. Stop by these distinctly historical distilleries and taste the aromatic flavors within the stringently produced Awamori.
Website | https://www.zuisen.co.jp/english |
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