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Street · Naha, Okinawa
Kokusai Street
An avenue of about 1.6 km in central Naha, with shops, restaurants and bars, and covered side streets that lead to the Makishi public market. Rebuilt after the war, it is the center of the city’s urban life.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Kokusai Street in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Kokusai Street
Kokusai Street, Kokusai-dori, runs for about 1.6 km through central Naha, between the prefectural government area and the Asato neighborhood. It was one of the first streets rebuilt after the Battle of Okinawa, when the city lay in ruins, and the rapid growth in the following years earned it the nickname “miracle mile.” The name, “international street,” came from a movie theater that once operated there.
Today the avenue brings together craft shops, clothing stores, Okinawan sweets and drink shops, restaurants and bars with live sanshin music, the island’s three-stringed instrument. On Sundays, for part of the year, part of the street is closed to cars in the afternoon and becomes a pedestrian promenade with performances.
The most interesting features are the covered side streets that head south, such as Heiwa-dori and Ichiba-hondori. They lead to the Makishi public market, with stalls selling colorful fish, pork, seaweed and tropical fruits; on the upper floor, restaurants cook what is bought below. Further on is Tsuboya, the potters’ street, with workshops and an Okinawan ceramics museum.
The street is busiest in the late afternoon and at night, when it’s cooler. For those arriving by monorail, Kencho-mae and Makishi stations are at the two ends.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours, including the market and Tsuboya.
Best time
In the late afternoon and at night, when it’s cooler and the bars are open. Makishi Market is busier in the morning and at lunchtime. Check the days when the street becomes a pedestrian-only promenade.
How to get there
It lies between Kencho-mae and Makishi stations on the Yui Rail monorail, about 15 minutes from the airport.
Tip
Leave the avenue and enter the covered side streets to reach Makishi Market and Tsuboya. At the market, arrange for fish to be prepared before buying and ask how much the upstairs restaurant’s fee is.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kokusai Street
What can you do on Kokusai Street?
Buy Okinawan crafts and sweets, eat at restaurants, listen to sanshin music in bars, and explore the side streets that lead to Makishi Public Market and Tsuboya’s potters’ street.
How does Makishi Public Market work?
On the ground floor you can buy fish, seafood or meat; upstairs, restaurants will prepare what you bought for an additional fee. Check prices in advance.
Which monorail station is near Kokusai Street?
Kencho-mae at one end and Makishi at the other. From the airport it takes about 15 minutes.
Does Kokusai Street close to cars?
At certain times of the year it often becomes a pedestrian zone on Sunday afternoons with performances. Check the local calendar.
Beyond the guide
