From Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, Japan is a country with significant variations in food culture, language, and music among its regions.
This time, I would like to take you on a journey through Naha, a popular tourist destination in Okinawa.
Let’s Start with a Walk on Kokusai Street
A tour in Naha must begin with Kokusai Street, where you can shop for souvenirs.
I had meals in “Yatai Village” and “Noren Street,” enjoying unique Okinawan dishes such as island shallots and Awamori, making for a meaningful time.
The Deep Atmosphere of the Back Alleys
On the south side of Kokusai Street, there are many eateries and souvenir shops operated by locals. At night, the area becomes more vibrant, similar to the atmosphere in Thailand or Indonesia.
I had sashimi and sushi, which tasted fresher and different from the seafood in Hokkaido.
The Popular Churaumi Aquarium
Next, let’s venture beyond Naha City!
The Churaumi Aquarium is a popular destination for many tourists, bustling with students and families.
Having visited once on a school trip, I found that experiencing it as an adult offered a different perspective.
Information
| Name | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium(Churaumi Suizokukan) |
| Adress | 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, 905-0206, Japan |
| Business hours | Off season/8:30～18:30*Last admission 17:30 Peak season/8:30～20:00 *Last admission 19:00 *Peak season for this fiscal year (until 31/Mar/2024) has ended. *The Peak |
| Website | https://churaumi.okinawa/en/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/kaiyohaku_churaumi/ |
Don’t Miss the Popular Moyashi Soba
Okinawa is also famous for its soba, which differs from the typical Japanese soba and tastes more like pho. I tried coriander moyashi soba at “Okinawa Soba Eibun.” The flavor transforms dramatically when you mix in the provided spices.
The restaurant is busy, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and put your name on the reservation list.
Information
| Shop name | Eibun Okinawa Soba |
| Adress | 1-5-14 Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, 902-0065, Japan |
| Business hours | 11:00-16:00（While Supplies Last) |
| Website | https://sobaeibun.okinawa/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/soba_eibun/ |
A Short Walk to Naha City Hall
While most city halls in Japan look like office buildings, Naha City Hall has a unique atmosphere.
Various Accommodations
There are various accommodations in Okinawa, not limited to hotels. It’s convenient that many hotels are located relatively close to Naha Airport.
This time, I stayed at “Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa.” I was satisfied not only with the quality of the room but also with the abundant amenities and the availability of WIFI.
Information
| Name | Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa |
| Adress | 1-9 Asahimachi, Naha, Okinawa, 900-0029, Japan |
| Access | 5 stops and 10 minutes by monorail from Naha Airport. Directly connected to the hotel via a pedestrian bridge from Asahibashi Station |
| Website | https://www.rihgaroyalgran-okinawa.co.jp/en/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/rihgaroyalgranokinawa/ |
The Compact Naha Airport
Naha Airport is a small and compact airport, making it unlikely to get lost. However, it can get quite crowded during peak seasons. My visit was in January, so there were fewer tourists and the journey went smoothly.
I hope this article helps you enjoy your trip to Japan!
【Okinawa’s Music】How to sing Shimanchu Nu Takara by Begin.
Honey Music School / Representative
I’m from Machida, Tokyo. I made my debut as a composer at the age of 23 and as a lyricist at 28.
With hands-on experience in recording studios, I have worked on a wide range of projects, including music production for anime, TV programs, and gaming-related content, as well as sound engineering for major artists.
I have also spoken at government-hosted seminars and produced city promotion videos. Through my work, I aim to contribute to local communities and society through music.
I am currently based in Fukuoka City, Japan. In my free time, I enjoy watching baseball and spending time at home.
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