Kokusai-dori

Kokusai-dori Review

You're sure to get caught up in the buzzing, infectious beat of Kokusai-dori, Naha's central hub for commerce, nightlife, restaurants, souvenirs, and people-watching. A day's wander or a night's crawl through Kokusai will give an eye-popping introduction to Okinawa's varied demographics, from the crew-cut military personnel to teenie-boppers out clubbing, the street musicians to octogenarians on shopping trips. The shlock shops can be overwhelming, but those selling everything from high-proof snake-liquor to pickled pig's ears carry an irresistible charm. Ceramic shiisa figurines depicting the fantastic lion creature of Okinawan legend seem to come in every shape and size, although more distinctive statures can be found in remoter locations.

Bypass Kokusai-dori's Starbucks for any of the Blue Sky ice-cream shops that pop up along the strip—a soft-serve swirl of vanilla and purple Beni-Imo potato at an outdoor patio chair is the finest way to beat the heat.