SUI TAXI · NAHA SIGHTSEEING
Kokusai Street To the Heart of Naha.
Naha City Sightseeing | Makishi Public Market | Shuri Castle
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 1682, in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. 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 ¥21,000 is highly popular. Even if your shopping bags multiply on Kokusai Street, the spacious trunk of the Alphard has plenty of room.
— Leave Your Bags in the Trunk: Kokusai Street has so many souvenir shops that before you know it, your hands will be full. With SUI TAXI, you can leave your belongings in the car and explore hands-free. Being able to move around smartly even after shopping is the greatest advantage of a private charter taxi.
Charter Fares for Kokusai Street
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private 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 Naminoue Shrine) | ¥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
Makishi and Kumoji area, Naha (approx. 1.6 km long)
Shopping
Souvenirs, yachimun pottery, awamori, sanshin, and more
Gourmet
Okinawa soba, taco rice, goya champuru, and more
From Naha Airport
Approx. 15-20 minutes
Access Information
| Area | Makishi, Kumoji, and Matsuo area, Naha |
| Pedestrian Zone | Every Sunday 12:00-18:00 (Transit Mall) |
| Makishi Market | 8:00-22:00 (Closed 4th Sunday monthly, except Dec) |
| From Naha Airport | Approx. 15-20 min (short walk from Monorail "Kencho-mae Station") |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi around Kokusai Street cost?
A private charter of 3 hours from Naha 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. Shuri Castle or Naminoue Shrine fit in the same 3 to 4 hour slot.
Does the driver wait while we shop?
Yes. Waiting time is covered by the charter fare. The street runs 1.6 kilometres, so we can drop you at one end and collect you at the other.
Can we come straight from the airport?
Yes, 15 to 20 minutes from Naha Airport. Large bags stay in the car, so you can start your trip without going to the hotel first.
Can we add Makishi Public Market or Tsuboya Yachimun Street?
Yes. The market is just off the street and Tsuboya is a 10-minute walk. Walk the lot and we will pick you up once your hands are full.
What about the Sunday pedestrian zone?
Vehicles cannot enter between noon and 6pm on Sundays, so you are dropped and collected just outside the closed section. Let us know when you book if you are travelling on a Sunday.
Ready to book?
Recommended Combination Courses
Naminoue Shrine
Okinawa's greatest power spot
Stay 30–60 min
Shuri Castle
World Heritage Site of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Stay 30 min+
Naha Airport Transfer
Smooth access from the airport
Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market
About 10 minutes from Kokusai Street. Sashimi bought at the counter, eaten on the spot.
Stay 30–60 min