Kokusaidori, Naha (must see)
Kokusai dori, aptly named "International Road," is a bustling thoroughfare, extending over approximately two kilometers through the heart of downtown Naha. Its moniker derives from the historic "Ernie Pyle International Theater," a cinematic gem erected along its path in the post-war era.
As you embark on your journey along Kokusaidori, the tapestry of experiences unfolds. Commencing near the Naha Bus Terminal and the imposing Okinawa Prefectural Office, the avenue invites you to immerse yourself in a symphony of culinary delights, caf茅 culture, eclectic bars, cozy hotels, charming souvenir emporiums, fashionable boutiques, and well-established department stores.
Kokusai dori's enchantment is further illuminated by the fact that many of its establishments keep their doors open until the late hours, offering the perfect backdrop for nocturnal exploration. Harmonizing with this lively ambiance, the air resonates with the enchanting melodies of live Okinawan music, serenading patrons from several of its welcoming eateries.
For those seeking an even deeper dive into retail therapy, a kaleidoscope of vibrant, covered shopping arcades beckons. Meandering away from Kokusaidori, you'll encounter Heiwadori, Mutsumidori, and Ichiba Hondori, all branching off from Kokusaidori near the intersection with Okieidori, around the midway point of the avenue. These delightful alleyways host an array of smaller shops, often operated by passionate local entrepreneurs, offering an intimate shopping experience.
Venturing further into these charming arcades, the touristy atmosphere gradually yields to a more authentic, local vibe. Amidst the labyrinthine streets, you'll discover not only an array of bars and eateries but also clothing boutiques and hardware shops. The sensory journey takes an exotic turn as well, with fruit shops offering an array of tropical delights, including succulent pineapples, juicy mangos, and luscious passionfruit. Each establishment possesses its unique character, and their hours of operation reflect the rhythm of the locale, with some bars and eateries extending their services well into the night.
As you embark on your journey along Kokusaidori, the tapestry of experiences unfolds. Commencing near the Naha Bus Terminal and the imposing Okinawa Prefectural Office, the avenue invites you to immerse yourself in a symphony of culinary delights, caf茅 culture, eclectic bars, cozy hotels, charming souvenir emporiums, fashionable boutiques, and well-established department stores.
Kokusai dori's enchantment is further illuminated by the fact that many of its establishments keep their doors open until the late hours, offering the perfect backdrop for nocturnal exploration. Harmonizing with this lively ambiance, the air resonates with the enchanting melodies of live Okinawan music, serenading patrons from several of its welcoming eateries.
For those seeking an even deeper dive into retail therapy, a kaleidoscope of vibrant, covered shopping arcades beckons. Meandering away from Kokusaidori, you'll encounter Heiwadori, Mutsumidori, and Ichiba Hondori, all branching off from Kokusaidori near the intersection with Okieidori, around the midway point of the avenue. These delightful alleyways host an array of smaller shops, often operated by passionate local entrepreneurs, offering an intimate shopping experience.
Venturing further into these charming arcades, the touristy atmosphere gradually yields to a more authentic, local vibe. Amidst the labyrinthine streets, you'll discover not only an array of bars and eateries but also clothing boutiques and hardware shops. The sensory journey takes an exotic turn as well, with fruit shops offering an array of tropical delights, including succulent pineapples, juicy mangos, and luscious passionfruit. Each establishment possesses its unique character, and their hours of operation reflect the rhythm of the locale, with some bars and eateries extending their services well into the night.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Naha. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Kokusaidori on Map
Sight Name: Kokusaidori
Sight Location: Naha, Japan (See walking tours in Naha)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Naha, Japan (See walking tours in Naha)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Naha, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Naha
Creating your own self-guided walk in Naha is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Naha Introduction Walking Tour
Naha, the dynamic capital of Okinawa, Japan, although small a city as such, does contain a plethora of historic attractions. Recognizing it as the birthplace of Okinawa karate also adds greatly to the city's appeal among sports enthusiasts.
Naha derives its name from the word "Naba," which references a large stone shaped like a mushroom that once graced the city but over time... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Naha derives its name from the word "Naba," which references a large stone shaped like a mushroom that once graced the city but over time... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Shuri District Walking Tour
Once an independent city and the esteemed royal capital of the Ry奴ky奴 Kingdom, Shuri has been a district in the city of Naha since 1954. Originally established as a castle town surrounding the royal palace, Shuri's status as the capital ceased with the dissolution of the kingdom and its incorporation into Japan as part of Okinawa prefecture. Renowned for its historical significance, today... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles