You're Going to Love Naha
Naha is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture and the biggest city on Okinawa Island, with a population of 700,000. This is a modern, thriving city - bustling during the day and buzzing at night. Expect a young Japanese crowd of tourists, mingling with American GIs enjoying their leave time and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Naha
1. Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle was destroyed during WWII but painstakingly restored during the 1950s. This former home of the Ryukyu royal family is now a fascinating and beautiful tourist site.
2. The History
Okinawa played a central part in WWII and attractions like Okinawa Peace Park and Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum tell the story of the island's history.
3. Watersports
The beaches around Naha offer lots of watersports, such as kite boarding and scuba diving. Trips to the nearby Kerama Islands are a favorite with divers and snorkelers.
4. Fishing
Big game fishing is superb in the waters around Naha, with mahi mahi, marlin and tuna being regular catches.
5. The Nightlife
The area around Kokusai Street is the place to head for to enjoy the city's best bars and clubs.
When to Visit Naha
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Naha is a year-round destination but summer is the best time to enjoy the beaches and watersports.
How to Get to Naha
Plane
Naha Airport is the main airport for the island and has many domestic and international connections. The monorail into the city center cost ¥330. A taxi will cost around ¥1,000.
Train
There are no train services on the island.
Car
The Okinawa Expressway is the main highway on the island, running from Nago in the north to Naha in the south.
Bus
The island has regular bus services connecting the major towns. The fare from Nago to Naha is ¥1,550 and takes just under two hours.
Airlines serving Naha
Where to stay in popular areas of Naha
Most booked hotels in Naha
How to Get Around Naha
Public Transportation
Naha has a good bus service, with fares from ¥100, depending on distance traveled. The city also has an excellent modern monorail network, with fares from ¥200, again depending on distance traveled.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and well regulated. Flagfall is ¥550 and you will then pay around ¥250 per mile.
Car
Naha and Okinawa in general have an excellent road network, and renting a car is a good way to reach some of the island's tourist sites, as public transport can be limited. Car rental is available from ¥5,500.
Car rental agencies in Naha
Where to Eat in Naha
The hilltop restaurant of Nuchigafu on Tsuboya offers superb views and elegant Okinawan cuisine with dinner from ¥3,000. Mikasa on Matsuyama offers good, basic Okinawan dishes from ¥500.