What's Naha City like?

Great Access! The Perfect Base for Your Okinawa Trip

Home to Naha Airport, the gateway to Okinawa’s main island, it is the largest city in the prefecture and attracts many domestic and international travelers. The Okinawa Urban Monorail, known as the “Yui Rail,” runs throughout the city, allowing even those who don’t drive to easily access major tourist attractions. With a wide range of accommodations—from large hotels to guesthouses—and a bus terminal serving routes to the northern and southern parts of the main island, it is the most popular area to use as a base for your travels.

The History of the Ryukyu Islands and Their Vibrant Local Culture

"Kokusai-dori," lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, is bustling with people day and night. Step just one block off the main street, and you’ll find the retro shopping district around Makishi Public Market and the off-the-beaten-path "Senbero" (where you can get completely drunk for 1,000 yen) neighborhood where locals gather. If you venture out to the Shuri area, you can experience the charm of cobblestone streets and the magnificent historical romance of Shuri Castle—it’s a captivating town where modernity blends with the culture of the good old days.

Getting to Naha City

"Naha Airport," located within the city, serves as a hub for travelers from other prefectures and overseas. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes by car from the airport to the city center (the area around Kokusai Street). Additionally, using the Okinawa Urban Monorail “Yui Rail,” you can travel comfortably and directly from the airport to major areas within the city (such as Kencho-mae, Omoromachi, and Shuri). The city also boasts the most extensive bus network on the main island, and the “Naha Bus Terminal,” which serves tourist destinations throughout the prefecture, is located in the city center. You’re unlikely to feel inconvenienced even without a rental car, making it a stress-free travel experience, even for first-time visitors to Okinawa.