SUI TAXI · NAHA · SHURI
Kinjo Ishidatami Quietly Walking the Ancient Ryukyu Stone-Paved Road.
Shuri, Naha | Ryukyu Limestone Pavement | Prefectural Historic Site
The Ancient Stone-Paved Road Built by the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road (Shuri Kinjo-cho Ishidatami Michi) is an ancient stone-paved road from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, preserved in the Shuri district of Naha City. Designated as an Okinawa Prefectural Historic Site and Scenic Spot, this carefully laid Ryukyu limestone path has approximately 238 meters remaining today. It was part of the "Madama Michi" (Pearl Road) connecting Shuri Castle to the southern regions, built around 1522 during the reign of King Sho Shin. With approximately 500 years of history, the stone pavement quietly lives on within Naha City.
Both sides of the stone-paved road are lined with old stone walls, and great Akagi trees (designated National Natural Monuments) spread their branches overhead. These great Akagi trees are said to be approximately 300-years old and serve as symbolic features of the stone-paved road. The gentle curves of the slope and stone arrangement create scenery that changes with every step, producing a sensation of having traveled back in time. The path is accessible on foot after visiting Shuri Castle, with about a 10-15 minute walk from Shuri Castle Park to the entrance of the stone-paved road.
Located within Naha City, it is easily accessible from the airport and Kokusai Street. As a "Shuri / Naha History Course" combined with Shuri Castle, Shikinaen Garden, and Naminoue Shrine, it is especially recommended for those who want to deeply savor Okinawa's historical culture. Unlike the busy interior of Shuri Castle Park, the Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road offers the charm of a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for a leisurely walk.
The stone-paved road of carefully laid Ryukyu limestone. The flanking stone walls and greenery create a unique atmosphere.
Highlights of the Stone-Paved Road and Surrounding Areas
Walking from entrance to exit covers only about 300 meters and takes 15-30 minutes depending on pace. However, points of interest abound along the way, and we recommend walking slowly with frequent stops. Restored in 1983, the Ryukyu limestone pavement has a distinctive texture, with the play of light varying by time of day. Walking the stone-paved road in the light of early morning or late afternoon offers a different atmosphere from midday, making it a popular spot among photography enthusiasts as well.
Near the stone-paved road is Kinjo Muraya, a former traditional house serving as a rest area where you can learn about the history and origins of the stone-paved road. Nearby attractions include Shuri Castle (World Heritage Site), Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum (World Heritage Site), and Shikinaen Garden (World Heritage Site), and many visitors come as part of a half-day course touring Shuri's World Heritage Sites. The area around the stone-paved road is still a residential neighborhood where people live, so please walk quietly as a matter of courtesy.
The great Akagi tree, a designated National Natural Monument. A approximately 300-year old giant that has watched over the stone-paved road.
A landscape of limestone walls and stone pavement. Still blending into the quiet residential area of Shuri today.
Shuri / Naha History Course by Taxi
From central Naha (Kokusai Street / airport area) to Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road is about 20-30 minutes by SUI TAXI. The "Shuri Course (3-4 hours)" offers a fulfilling Shuri sightseeing experience: visit Shuri Castle (World Heritage Site), then walk the Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road, adding Tamaudun or Shikinaen Garden. Parking near the stone-paved road is limited, making the area inconvenient for private car travel. With a charter taxi, there is no travel burden and you can focus on your walk.
The stone-paved road is a sloped hill path, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. With SUI TAXI, the driver waits during your walk, so you can leave your belongings in the vehicle and walk hands-free. We provide the time to slowly trace the vestiges of Ryukyu history that remain in the heart of Naha.
— Early morning walks are most recommended: Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Road is at its quietest and most beautiful in the early morning before tourists begin arriving around 10 AM. The scene of morning light streaming onto the stone pavement is exceptional. SUI TAXI offers early morning course plans combined with Shuri Castle.
Kinjo Ishidatami Tour Fares
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha (3 hours) | ¥21,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥4,200 per person. Expressway tolls and parking charged separately |
| Naha half-day course (3–4 hours, with Shuri Castle and Tamaudun) | ¥21,000〜 | The same time slot can be rearranged to suit. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels in Naha (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels in Naha → Naha Airport (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
Charter fares are time-based at ¥7,000 per hour (¥3,500 per additional 30 minutes booked in advance). Extensions made after departure are ¥4,200 per 30 minutes. Admission, expressway tolls and parking are charged at cost. For charters of 6 hours or more we take a 30% deposit when you book, and the balance is paid on the day. Minimum booking times depend on where you start: from 3 hours in the south and central area, 4 hours in Onna Village and 6 hours in the north, and 8 hours for trips that cross between the south and the north. Where a long transfer is involved, the transfer fare for that stretch is the floor for the price.
Location
Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Naha (Stone-Paved Road)
Admission
Free (open for walking all day)
Cultural Designation
Okinawa Prefectural Historic Site and Scenic Spot
From Naha
Approx. 20-30 min by taxi
Access Information
| Location | Kinjo-cho 2-3 Chome, Shuri, Naha |
| Admission | Free |
| Cultural Designation | Okinawa Prefectural Historic Site and Scenic Spot |
| Path Length | Approx. 238 m remaining (original full length approx. 300 m) |
| From Naha | Approx. 20-30 min by taxi |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Naha to Kinjo Ishidatami cost?
A round-trip charter of 3 hours starts from ¥21,000. That is the price for one Alphard carrying up to five guests, so with five people it works out from ¥4,200 each. Walking the stone-paved road is free.
Is the slope hard going?
The paved road is steep. Getting out at the top, walking down and being collected at the bottom means you never walk uphill; just say so when you book.
How far is the walk?
About 238 metres of the original paving survives, so 15 minutes downhill with photo stops. Forty minutes covers the Kanagusuku well and the great akagi tree as well.
Can we combine it with Shuri Castle?
Yes. The top of the road is about 10 minutes on foot from the castle. Adding Tamaudun and the Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate fills a half day in Shuri alone.
Can we walk it in the rain?
The stones get slippery when wet. Wear shoes with grip and keep to the handrail side. In heavy rain we can move the indoor parts of Shuri Castle earlier instead.
Ready to book?
