Kokusai‑dori Street

Stretching 1.6 km through the heart of Naha, Kokusai‑dori (International Street) is the city’s main shopping and entertainment strip. Lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and music venues, it buzzes late into the night. Many businesses stay open until 11 p.m., and the area transforms into a pedestrian zone on Sunday afternoons【939287374451551†L655-L748】. Look for local crafts at Heiwa‑dori arcade, sample Okinawan dishes such as taco rice and experience live folk music. Keep an eye out for shisa statues guarding storefronts and taste the herbal liqueur habushu if you’re feeling adventurous【939287374451551†L655-L748】.

The street was originally a simple track before World War II and was named after the Ernie Pyle International Theater. Today it’s easily accessible by monorail from Naha Airport and is a convenient base for exploring nearby sites such as Shuri Castle and the Tsuboya pottery district.