Okinawa Prefecture is made up of more than 150 islands lying south of mainland Japan. Its capital, Naha, is not only the largest city but also the region’s main gateway — accessible both by air and by sea.
Visitors arriving by plane are greeted at Naha International Airport, while those traveling by ferry or cruise ship disembark at Naha Port. This article focuses on the latter. So if your cruise itinerary has a port of call in Naha, get ready for a day packed with history, culture, and local flavor.
Here are some of the best things to do in this laid-back yet vibrant Okinawan port city. We also provided a sample itinerary you can follow for a half- or full-day onshore exploration.
Things to Do in Naha
1. Kokusai-dori
Regarded as the city’s main tourist hub, Kokusai-dori (International Street) is the main artery of downtown Naha. Stretching 1.6 kilometers, it’s flanked by restaurants, bars, cafés, hotels, souvenir stores, and shopping centers, including the ever-popular discount chain Don Quijote (Donki).
Branching from Kokusai Street are other smaller souvenir shops and food spots housed in Heiwa Shopping Avenue (Heiwadori) and Shijo Hondori, a couple of covered shopping arcades.
Address: Kokusai-dori, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
How to Get to Kokusai-dori: From Naha Cruise Terminal, you can take a taxi. But if you are on a budget, make your way to Wakasa-odori Bus Stop (across Matsuyama Park), which is a 10-minute walk from the port. Take Bus 5 to Kokusai Dori Bus Stop (JPY 260).
2. Shuri Castle
Explore the historic Shuri Castle, Naha’s most iconic landmark and the former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 14th to the 19th century. Although it has been razed by fire on several occasions, including during World War II (the Battle of Okinawa) and most recently in 2019, the castle still serves as a poignant reminder of Okinawa’s rich history and culture.
Restoration efforts are ongoing, with the castle’s reopening slated for fall 2026. In the meantime, you can still visit and appreciate the castle park grounds. Shuri Castle is part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, which gained a UNESCO World Heritage status.
Address: Shurijo Castle Park, 1-2 Kinjocho Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (April-June/October-November); 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM (July-September); 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (December-March)
Entrance Fee: Adults, JPY 400; Students, JPY 160-300; Children (Below 6 y/o), FREE
How to Get to Shuri Castle: From Kokusai-dori, take Bus 14 to Shuri Castle Bus Stop (JPY 240). Travel time is 15-20 minutes.
3. Shikina-en Royal Garden
Built in the late 18th century, Shikina-en Royal Garden was once used as the second home of the Ryukyu royal family. The buildings and structures showcase architectural styles and designs that reflect both Japanese and Chinese influences.
The focal point of the lush circular garden is the pond, dotted with stone bridges and Rokkakudo, a quaint Chinese-style pavilion. Overlooking the pond is Udun, the wooden statehouse with a red-tiled roof. The Shikina-en Garden is also part of the UNESCO-recognized Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Address: Shikinaen Royal Garden, 421-7 Maji, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April-September); 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (October-March); Wednesdays, CLOSED
Entrance Fee: Adults, JPY 400; Students, JPY 200
How to Get to Shikina-en Royal Garden: From Kokusai-dori Bus Stop, take Bus 5 to Shikinaen Bus Stop (JPY 260). The travel time is 20 minutes.
4. Okinawa Soba
While in Naha, make sure to try Okinawa’s comfort food — soba. Unlike the soba found in mainland Japan, which is made from buckwheat, Okinawa soba uses wheat flour. Its noodles are much thicker and typically served in a flavorful broth made with pork, seaweed, and bonito flakes. The usual toppings are fish cake, scallions, pickled ginger, and braised pork belly.
But there’s a popular variation called soki soba, which swaps the pork belly for stewed pork spare ribs. We tried both versions at Kintiti (Kinchichi) Soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi Shokudo, just a short walk from Kokusai-dori. I had the Sanmainikumori Okinawa Soba (Pork Belly Okinawa Soba), while Yosh ordered the Hon Soki Soba (Pork Spare Ribs Soba), which is limited to only 15 servings per day.
If you’re more of a ramen fan, you can check out Ramen Danbo Naha Makishi, conveniently located near JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom in the Kokusai-dori area.
Address: Kintiti (Kinchichi) Soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi Shokudo, ハウスTr 1F 2 Chome 5−14, Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
Price: Sanmainikumori Okinawa Soba, JPY 1300; Hon Soki Soba, JPY 1500
5. Blue Seal Ice Cream
“Born in America, Raised in Okinawa”
While its origins date back to 1948, when US military troops stationed in Japan sourced milk and dairy products from Okinawa, Blue Seal Ice Cream is proudly an Okinawan brand. Today, you’ll find its shops scattered across Naha, with several branches strategically located along Kokusai Dori.
It offers an impressive selection of flavors grouped into Okinawan, American, Blue Seal Standard, and Allergy-Friendly categories. According to their official website, the top five flavors are Okinawan Salt Cookies, Blue Wave, Vanilla & Cookies, San Francisco Mint Chocolate, and Almond Pistachio.
We stopped by one of the branches along Kokusai-dori to sample a few flavors. I went for a single scoop of Ryukyu Tea Warabi Mochi, while Yosh enjoyed a double scoop — Salty Caramel & Apple and Okinawan Pineapple Coconut.
Official Website: www.blueseal.co.jp/en/
Price: Single Scoop, JPY 400; Double Scoop, JPY 670
6. Okinawa Peace Park Memorial
Situated in Itoman, a neighboring city south of Naha, the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park honors the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Perched on Mabuni Hill, this vast park serves as a powerful reminder of the island’s resilience, the atrocities of war, and the importance of valuing peace.
Within the park are monuments, memorials, and museums, each offering a glimpse into Okinawa’s wartime past. Notable landmarks include the Peace Memorial Museum, Cornerstone of Peace, Okinawa Peace Hall, Flame of Peace, and National War Dead Peace Mausoleum.
Address: Okinawa Peace Memorial, 444 Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa, Japan
Opening Hours: Park Grounds – 24/7; Peace Memorial Museum – Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Park Grounds, FREE; Peace Memorial Museum – Adults, JPY 300; Children, JPY 150
How to Get to Okinawa Peace Park Memorial: From Naha Bus Terminal, board Bus 89 to Itoman Bus Terminal (JPY 590, 1 hr). Then, take Bus 82 and alight at Heiwakinendō-iriguchi (JPY 540, 20 mins). Note that Bus 82 departs hourly.
7. Himeyuri Cenotaph and Museum
Also located in Itoman, along the main road and near the Okinawa Peace Park, the Himeyuri Cenotaph commemorates the young Okinawan students and the teachers who took the role of nurses and caregivers during the Battle of Okinawa.
At the adjacent Himeyuri Peace Museum, you can learn more about this dark chapter in history and the plight of the students and teachers through various exhibits, including photographs, video testimonies, and the diorama of the caves where they once sought refuge.
Address: Himeyuri Cenotaph and Museum, 671-1 Ihara, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0344, Japan
Opening Hours: Museum – Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:25 PM
Entrance Fee: Museum – Adults, JPY 450; Students, JPY 150-250
How to Get to Himeyuri Cenotaph and Museum: From Naha Bus Terminal, board Bus 89 to Itoman Bus Terminal (JPY 590, 1 hr). Then, take Bus 82 and alight at Himeyuri-no-tō-mae (JPY 320, 20 mins). Note that Bus 82 departs hourly.
Sample Naha Day Trip Itinerary
You can’t visit all if you’re on a cruise because you’ll most likely be given only a day, usually 8-10 hours. To maximize your time, it’s best to focus on Naha’s highlights. Here’s a sample itinerary you can follow:
09:00 AM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, ¥260 (Bus 5)
09:10 AM – Kokusai-dori to Shuri Castle, ¥240 (Bus 14)
09:30 AM – Shuri Castle, ¥400
10:30 AM – Bus to Shikina-en Royal Garden, ¥240 (Bus 14)
10:45 AM – Shikina-en Royal Garden, ¥400
12:00 PM – Bus to Kokusai-dori, ¥260 (Bus 2, 4, 5, 14)
12:20 PM – Kokusai Dori: Food Trip and Shopping
04:00 PM – Taxi to Naha Cruise Terminal, ¥1200-1500
DIY vs Shorex Tour
We’ve visited Okinawa through three cruise lines — StarCruises, Royal Caribbean, and Costa Serena. Whichever cruise line you are sailing with, you’ll have two ways to explore at every port of call:
Go D-I-Y
If you’d rather explore at your own pace, you can go for a D-I-Y trip. This option gives you full control over your itinerary and is often more budget-friendly. Just make sure to manage your time carefully because the ship will leave as scheduled, with or without you. It’s always safer to return to the port early to avoid being left behind.
Join a Shorex Tour
These are group tours arranged by the cruise companies in partnership with local tour operators. Everything is taken care of — transportation, itinerary, and usually lunch. All you need to do is show up on time. Pre-booking a shore excursion is cheaper than those sold on board. Shorex Desk is on Decks 4 and 5.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive essential details before getting off, including return instructions, port name, and port address. Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of your passport’s biopage, too.
Updates Log
2025 10 23 – First uploaded
Photos by: Asta Alvarez, Yosh Dimen, and Hannah Manalo
