Kokusai Dori Naha
Okinawa's premier shopping and entertainment street, buzzing with shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere
Kokusai Dori Naha
Best Time
Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Okinawa's premier shopping and entertainment street, buzzing with shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
"A beautiful street with many shops, offering a unique Okinawan feel."
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Galore
Find unique Okinawan crafts and gifts, but be aware many stores sell similar items.
🍜 Taste Local Delicacies
Sample Okinawan specialties like goya champuru and Okinawa soba from street vendors and restaurants.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kokusai Dori Main Street
Okinawa's premier shopping and entertainment hub, buzzing with shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
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Makishi Public Market
Connected to Kokusai Dori
A lively market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and Okinawan delicacies. A must-visit for foodies!
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Alleyways and Side Streets
Discover hidden gems, local eateries, and unique shops tucked away from the main thoroughfare.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Evening Buzz
Explore Beyond the Main Street
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Galore
Find unique Okinawan crafts and gifts, but be aware many stores sell similar items.
🍜 Taste Local Delicacies
Sample Okinawan specialties like goya champuru and Okinawa soba from street vendors and restaurants.
🚶♀️ Wander the Side Streets
Explore hidden alleys for local eateries and a more authentic vibe.
🌃 Experience Nightlife
Enjoy the lively bars and restaurants that come alive after dark. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Galore
Find unique Okinawan crafts and gifts, but be aware many stores sell similar items.
🍜 Taste Local Delicacies
Sample Okinawan specialties like goya champuru and Okinawa soba from street vendors and restaurants.
🚶♀️ Wander the Side Streets
Explore hidden alleys for local eateries and a more authentic vibe.
🌃 Experience Nightlife
Enjoy the lively bars and restaurants that come alive after dark. +1
🚗 Mario Kart Fun
Consider a Mario Kart tour for a unique way to see the area!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kokusai Dori is a bustling and vibrant street in Naha, praised for its wide array of shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere, especially at night. Visitors enjoy the unique Okinawan feel and the abundance of souvenir options. However, some find that many stores sell similar items, and the street can get very crowded.
"Kokusai Street is one of the liveliest areas in Naha and a must-visit spot for travelers in Okinawa. The street is lined with all kinds of shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores, offering everything from local snacks to handmade crafts. During the day, you can shop for gifts and try different street foods, while at night the street comes alive with bright lights and a vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond shopping and dining, Kokusai Street is also a great place to soak up the local vibe. You’ll often find unique decorations, cultural displays, or events along the way, giving you a true taste of Okinawa’s charm. It can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, so visiting earlier in the day or on weekdays makes for a more relaxed experience.
Overall, Kokusai Street is a convenient and energetic destination where you can shop, eat, and enjoy the local culture. It’s definitely a highlight of any trip to Naha."
Niel J.
"A great place to find various restaurant and buy souvenir. Unfortunately, a lot of shops selling same of similar souvenir. It takes a lot of walking to find different things."
D M
"Nice tourist street in Okinawa with many food shops, confectionary stores and restaurants."
Anthony Plaxen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kokusai Dori is easily accessible in downtown Naha. You can take a monorail to the Makishi or Kokusai Dori station, or a bus to the main street. It's also a popular starting point for exploring the city.
Yes, Kokusai Dori is a mile-long pedestrian-friendly street, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging due to its popularity. It's often easier to use public transport or walk.
Walking is the best way to soak in the atmosphere, browse shops, and sample street food. Consider a guided tour for deeper insights.
Yes, Kokusai Dori is relatively close to Naha Airport. You can take the monorail directly from the airport to stations near the street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kokusai Dori is a public street and does not require an entrance ticket. You can explore it freely.
Shops and restaurants typically open around 10 AM and stay open late into the evening, with many businesses operating until 10 PM or later. +1
The main Kokusai Dori street is free to access. The connected market streets like Makishi Public Market also do not have entrance fees, though you'll pay for any purchases.
Yes, various tours are available that cover Kokusai Dori and its surrounding areas, offering guided experiences and insights into local culture.
The main street is generally flat and accessible, but some of the older market alleys might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check specific accessibility for any particular venue.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of souvenirs, including Okinawan crafts, local snacks, clothing, and unique trinkets. Be mindful that many shops offer similar items.
Don't miss trying Okinawan soba, goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), and fresh seafood from the Makishi Public Market. Street food vendors also offer delicious snacks.
Absolutely! Kokusai Dori and its side streets are packed with restaurants serving authentic Okinawan dishes. Look for places specializing in local ingredients.
Prices vary, but you can find budget-friendly street food and souvenirs. Higher-end restaurants and specialty shops will naturally be more expensive.
While the focus is on Okinawan and Japanese cuisine, you can find some international options, especially in restaurants catering to tourists.
📸 📸 Photography & Vibe
Golden hour before sunset and the vibrant evening lights offer fantastic photo opportunities. The street is also photogenic during the day with its colorful shops.
It's a lively, bustling street with a unique blend of Japanese and tropical vibes, especially vibrant at night with music and crowds.
Look for the colorful signage, the entrance to the market streets, and the unique alleyways for interesting photographic subjects.
Yes, the constant flow of people, diverse shops, and vibrant atmosphere make it an excellent location for street photography.
Kokusai Dori has a distinct Okinawan charm, with a more relaxed, tropical feel compared to the bustling metropolises of mainland Japan.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main street is generally accessible, navigating crowded areas with strollers might require some patience. The Makishi Public Market can be a fascinating sensory experience for kids, showcasing a different side of local life. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, and take advantage of the many benches for breaks.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some shops sell higher-priced items, you can find many affordable souvenir options. Look for local crafts, keychains, and snacks. The main attraction – the street itself – is free to wander, making it an excellent free activity. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for potentially better deals.
couples
Discover hidden alleyways together, find unique souvenirs that remind you of your trip, and enjoy the local Okinawan cuisine. The energetic nightlife can also be a fun experience for couples looking to enjoy a night out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Naha: Kokusai Dori's Charm
+2Beyond the main shops, Kokusai Dori is also known for its interconnected network of alleyways and market streets, such as the famous Makishi Public Market. These side streets offer a more local and sometimes chaotic experience, with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and local snacks. Exploring these hidden corners can lead to unexpected culinary discoveries and a deeper appreciation for Okinawan daily life.
+1Many visitors find Kokusai Dori to have a distinct feel compared to mainland Japan, offering a more relaxed, tropical vibe. It's a place that encourages leisurely exploration, whether you're hunting for the perfect souvenir, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking in the energetic atmosphere. The street is a testament to Okinawa's unique cultural identity, blending Japanese traditions with island influences.
Culinary Adventures on Kokusai Dori
Beyond the market, the street is lined with countless restaurants and street food vendors. Be sure to try iconic Okinawan dishes like goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon with tofu and egg), Okinawa soba (a hearty noodle soup), and rafute (braised pork belly). For those seeking unique experiences, some eateries even offer cold Okinawan noodles, a refreshing twist on a local favorite.
+1Evenings on Kokusai Dori are particularly exciting for dining, as many izakayas (Japanese pubs) and restaurants come alive, offering local drinks like Awamori and a wide selection of small plates perfect for sharing. The lively atmosphere, combined with delicious food, makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Unique Experiences Beyond Shopping
For those interested in a more immersive cultural experience, exploring the labyrinthine alleys connected to Kokusai Dori is highly recommended. These side streets can lead you to hidden temples, traditional pottery shops in the Tsuboya Pottery Street area, and charming local eateries that offer a glimpse into the everyday life of Naha residents.
The street itself often features live music and street performers, adding to its vibrant and festive atmosphere. Simply strolling along, taking in the sights and sounds, and perhaps enjoying a traditional Okinawan performance can be an experience in itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit