Kokusai Street To the Heart of Naha.

Walk Freely Through Naha's Downtown.

Kokusai Street, stretching approximately 1.6 km east to west through the heart of Naha, is Okinawa's premier shopping and gourmet district. Having developed rapidly in just a few years after the war, it earned the nickname "Miracle Mile" and now attracts an enormous number of visitors year-round as Okinawa's largest tourist destination. From classic souvenir shops to long-established stores selling local ingredients, unique cafes and restaurants, sanshin (three-stringed instrument) shops, and awamori specialty stores, a walk along this street where Okinawa's culture, cuisine, and local products converge offers a complete Okinawan sightseeing experience.

Entering the side streets from the middle of Kokusai Street, you'll find arcade-lined neighborhoods brimming with local atmosphere, such as Tsuboya Yachimun Street, Heiwa Street, and Ichiba Main Street. By exploring not just the tourist-oriented main avenue but also the local markets and artisan workshops tucked away in the back alleys, you can experience the authentic everyday culture of Okinawa.

Located near the eastern end of the street, the Naha Makishi Public Market reopened after renovation in 2023 and serves as Naha's kitchen. Its signature experience is the "bring-your-own cooking" service, where you can purchase fresh fish, meat, and vegetables on the first floor and have them prepared at the dining halls on the second floor -- a popular spot for experiencing Okinawan food culture firsthand.

Naha Makishi Public Market, renovated in 2023. Okinawa's kitchen with local ingredients lined up in abundance.

Highlights Around Kokusai Street

Within walking distance from Kokusai Street, there are many attractions to explore. Tsuboya Yachimun Street has been a production area for Okinawan pottery (yachimun) since the Edo period. Kiln-direct shops line the cobblestone lanes, offering uniquely decorated tableware and sundries. Naminoue Shrine is about a 5-minute drive from Kokusai Street, a premier power spot in Okinawa with a shrine perched atop a cliff. Shuri Castle, offering panoramic views of Naha, is also just about 15 minutes away by taxi.

Every Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00, the central section of Kokusai Street becomes a pedestrian zone called "Transit Mall," where you can enjoy street performances, sanshin music, and Eisa dance shows. If visiting on a weekend, timing your visit to coincide with this event is recommended. At night, Okinawan restaurants and bars line the street, creating a lively atmosphere different from the daytime.

Heiwa-dori arcade packed with small clothing shops and local eateries. A back lane just off Kokusai Street where Naha's everyday life still lingers.

Kokusai Street at night. The lively evening scene lined with izakaya pubs and Okinawan restaurants.

Getting to Kokusai Street by Taxi

SUI TAXI's popular "Naha City Sightseeing Starter Plan" takes you directly to Kokusai Street right after airport arrival. Kokusai Street is about 15-20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Store your large suitcases in the trunk and enjoy shopping hands-free. After sightseeing, we'll take you directly to your hotel.

The "Naha City Half-Day Course (3-4 hours)" combining Shuri Castle, Naminoue Shrine, and Kokusai Street from ¥18,600 is highly popular. Even if your shopping bags multiply on Kokusai Street, the spacious trunk of the Alphard has plenty of room.

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