Okinawa
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Okinawa - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Shuri-jo Castle
The Seiden (central hall) of the royal castle Shurijo was destroyed by fire in October 2019; however, the castle walls, gateways, and many buildings still remain of the sprawling, grandiose seat of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle, far more reminiscent of Beijing's Forbidden City than Kyoto's Imperial Palace, is still a marvel for the eyes. The original 15th-century castle was once part of an even more extensive property, but was mostly leveled during World War II when the Japanese Imperial Army made the complex its local headquarters. After reconstruction in 1992, Shurijo was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once again Shurijo will rise like a phoenix from the destruction, supported by both local government and donations from around the world. Reconstruction of the Seiden is underway and is expected to be completed in 2026. It's a 10-minute walk from the Shuri monorail station.
1--2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri-ikehatacho, Okinawa-ken, 903-0815, Japan098-886–2020Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥400 -
2. Chindami Sanshinten
Don't leave Okinawa without hearing the unique sound of sanshin music made from the three-stringed, snakeskin-covered instrument native to Okinawa and the Amami Islands. And you shouldn't leave Naha without taking a peek into one of the most highly regarded sanshin-maker's shops in the country. Higa-san will give you a free lesson, and several ranks of beginner-oriented sets let you choose a good arrangement if you want to take one home. (Buy one made with fake snakeskin, as real snakeskin is illegal in many countries.) Chindami Sanshinten is on the side street off Kokusai-dori.
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3. Kiyomasa Touki
This kiln was started by a distant forebear of the current master, Takashi Kobashikawa, himself a government-designated Master of Traditional Crafts. Mugs and tankards are around ¥5,000, cup and saucer sets from around ¥6,500, and larger bowls and platters range from affordable to astronomical. Wrapping and domestic shipping services are available. From the Heiwa-dori arcade, head 200 yards until a small incline leads you up to the red-and-black sign.
Tsuboya 1--16--7, Naha, Okinawa-ken, 902-0065, Japan098-862–3654 -
4. Kokusai Street
You're sure to get caught up in the buzz of Kokusai Street, Naha's central hub for dining, shopping, and people-watching. It's an eye-popping introduction to Okinawa's varied demographics, from the crew-cut military personnel, Japanese teenagers on high school trips, honeymooning couples, and excited families, all while the local octogenarians do their daily shop at the market. You'll find many similarly laden souvenir shops filled with the local spirit awamori, shisa (lion-dog) figurines, purple sweet potato tarts, brown sugar, and Kariyushi shirts. However, amongst these you'll also find the stores of local craftsman selling traditional lacquerware, fabrics, and ceramics. The street is pedestrian-only on Sunday, making it the best time to visit.
Naha, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
5. Kosetsu Ichiba Market
Three covered shopping arcades run perpendicular to Kokusai Street. The arcades still have many souvenir shops, but they're mixed with food vendors and more practical local stores selling vegetables, everyday clothes, and recycled items. Sample deep-fried doughnuts, leaf-wrapped mochi, and tropical fruit drinks on your way to the Kosetsu Ichiba Market, a five-minute walk from Kokusai Street. Passing between outdoor fruit stalls into an unassuming doorway leads you to a carnival of delightful and grotesque butcher counters, fishmongers, and pickle sellers. Pig faces stare ghoulishly down from racks displaying every other part of the animal (including some you likely never thought anyone could eat). Multicolor shellfish, neon eels, and giant crustaceans are so shockingly exotic they seem like they were pinched from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Naha, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Tsuboya Pottery District
TsuboyaOver 300 years of ceramic tradition are celebrated in this area just a five-minute walk from Kokusai Street. More than 20 workshops produce Okinawa's distinctive pottery, ranging from affordable souvenirs to special pieces for wealthy collectors. The famous Japanese potter Shoji Hamada came here in the 1920s and left with the inspiration for his notable works. The limited space and minimalist design of Japanese homes means that buyers are more likely to invest in a single exquisite piece, and this can be shown in the pricing. Some potters specialize in creating elegant cups and teapots for Japanese tea ceremonies, while others produce more functional coffee mugs. A couple of the workshops have the option for you to try throwing your own pots, which they will fire, glaze, and ship to you. If you're looking for active wood-fired kilns, also check out the Yomitan Pottery Village (Yachimun No Sato) in Central Okinawa Main Island.
Naha, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
7. Tsuboya Pottery Museum
The small but heartfelt Tsuboya Pottery Museum has exhibits illustrating the history of the region's earthenware production, including representative pieces from all periods, and a reproduction of a traditional Okinawan house, showing Tsubo-yaki tableware and kitchen utensils. Next to the museum is an intact 19th-century climbing kiln, called a nobori-gama. Detailed English explanations make the experience more exciting and informative. Located at the edge of the Tsuboya Pottery District, where the cobbled streets begin.
1--9--32 Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa-ken, 902-0065, Japan098-862–3761Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥350, Closed Mon.
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