The political and industrial center of Okinawa, Naha 那覇 is the primary entry point for most visitors to the archipelago. It has a colorful history, with archaeological evidence showing that people lived in the port town starting in the Stone Age. There are signs of flourishing trade with Korea and Japan back to the 11th century. Naha was Commodore Perry’s first entry point in Japan. Unfortunately, most of the city was destroyed in WWII. It then became the headquarters of the US Military Governor of the islands until 1972.
Shuri Castle Park, Okinawa
Today this city of 300,000 is a thriving metropolis with many points of interest, including museums, monuments. Shuri Castle, which was the residence of the Ryukyu kings. Shikinaen Garden is a beautiful garden which was the second residence of the former Ryukyu kings. Tamaudun is a historic mausoleum for the former Ryukyu royal family. Okinawa Prefectural Museum is a great place to learn more about Okinawa’s unique history and culture.
Shuri Castle, Okinawa
For shopping and people watching in Naha, Tsuboya District is famous for the pottery shops. Kokusai-dori, International Street, is a 1.6 kilometer (1 mile) avenue bustling with visitors to the numerous and varied stores and restaurants.
Kokusai-dori
The climate is subtropical in the Naha, Okinawa area, seldom getting below 15 degrees Celsius (about 58 degrees Fahrenheit at the coldest season in January. August is the hottest month, with average temperatures reaching up to about 30.9 degrees Celsius (about 88 degrees Fahrenheit). However, there is high humidity, making it seem much hotter.
Tsuboya Pottery Street
Okinawa Prefectural Museum
To get to Naha, there are several options, the easiest from the Naha Airport is the Okinawa Urban Monorail called ‘Yui Rail’ which is a monorail that runs into town.
photos by:
mdid &
Kabacchi,
robizumi,
rapidtravelchai,
rapidtravelchai
