2 Day Itinerary Naha Okinawa Local Cuisine History Beaches Shopping

Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that sets it apart from the rest of Japan. Here’s a 2-day itinerary to help you explore the best of Naha, including its local cuisine, historical sites, beaches, and shopping districts.

Day 1: Downtown Naha and Local Cuisine

Morning: Kokusai-dori and Makishi Market

Start your day at Kokusai-dori, Naha's main shopping street, which is easily accessible by a 15-minute monorail ride from Naha Airport. This lively street is lined with unique souvenir shops, bars, and local restaurants. Take a stroll through the covered shopping arcades of Heiwa Dori, Mutsumidori, and Ichiba Hondori to escape the sun and find colorful tropical styles known as kariyushi.

Just off Kokusai-dori is Makishi Market, or Kosetsu Ichiba, known as 'Naha's Kitchen'. Here, you can sample fresh local specialties such as seafood, vegetables, and meat like mimigaa (pigs ears). Don’t miss the Okinawan sweets and treats like sata andaagi and kokuto brown sugar cubes. You can also find handmade sanshin (a local snakeskin guitar) and habu-shu (snake wine).

Lunch: Traditional Okinawan Cuisine

For lunch, head to Omorodunchi, a traditional Okinawan restaurant located in the Omoromachi area. Enjoy authentic Okinawan dishes such as jimami tofu, umibudo sea grapes, shima rakkyo pickled shallots, and goya bitter gourd, along with fresh seafood and other island favorites.

Afternoon: Shuri Castle and Okinawa Prefectural Museum

After lunch, take the monorail to Shuri Station and walk to Shuri Castle, one of Okinawa's most iconic World Heritage Sites. Although the main hall was destroyed by fire, the castle walls and gate are still worth visiting. Enjoy some sweet treats at the on-site cafe, like Okinawan zenzai, a dish of shaved ice with red beans and mochi.

Next, visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum, located in the bustling Omoromachi area. This museum offers extensive historical, archeological, natural history, and cultural exhibits that provide a deep understanding of Okinawa's rich history and culture.

Day 2: Historical Sites, Gardens, and Beaches

Morning: Fukushuen Gardens and Naminoue Shrine

Start your day by visiting Fukushuen Gardens, a beautiful classical Chinese garden with landscaped bamboo paths, ponds full of fish and turtles, stone bridges, and a big waterfall. From there, head to Naminoue Shrine, Naha's most famous shrine, perched on a limestone cliff overlooking the ocean.

Lunch: Local Delights

For lunch, consider trying some of Okinawa's unique cuisine, such as soba noodles with slow-cooked pork at a local restaurant like Shimujo. Alternatively, visit Makishi Market again for a variety of local dishes.

Afternoon: Beach Time

Spend the afternoon at Naminoue Beach, which is close to the shrine. This beach offers amenities like food, restrooms, and rental equipment. If you prefer a different beach, Chura Sun Beach in Tomigusuku is another option, accessible by bus from Naha. This beach is known for its clear waters and various amenities.

Evening: Shopping and Relaxation

End your day with some shopping and relaxation. Return to Kokusai-dori for a leisurely evening stroll. Explore the shopping tunnels and arcades, and visit the cat cafe nearby for a fun and relaxing experience. Don’t forget to try some traditional Okinawan snacks and drinks, such as umibudo and awamori.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

• Transportation: Use the monorail to get around Naha, as it is fast, cheap, and convenient. For destinations outside Naha, buses are clean and not too expensive.
• Weather: August can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat.
• Local Specialties: Try unique Okinawan foods like goya, shikuwasa, and purple sweet potatoes. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste habu-shu and sata andaagi.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit the Yachimun no Sato (Yomitan Pottery Village) to see traditional Okinawan pottery being made. This is a great place to buy unique souvenirs.

By following this itinerary, you will experience the best of Naha's history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, making your trip to Okinawa truly unforgettable.