Naha

The modern capital city of Naha, population 307,000, is the main entry point for travelers to Okinawa and is well connected to islands farther south.

The main cultural sight in Naha, which was also the ancient Ryukyu capital, is the wonderfully reconstructed Shuri-jo, a World Heritage Site. A strong pottery tradition also thrives here, and many shops specialize in that craft, as well as textile arts. Lively food markets selling gastronomic eye-openers should be explored, and Naha has the largest variety of dining and drinking establishments in the prefecture.