Naha

Naha is the capital of Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, and feels quite different from the mainland. The port is about a 20-minute walk from the centre, or a quick taxi ride. Kokusai Dori, the main commercial street, runs through the heart of downtown, lined with restaurants, souvenir shops selling awamori (local rice spirit), and vendors offering purple sweet potato tarts. Shuri Castle, the reconstructed seat of the old Ryukyu Kingdom, sits on a hill above the city. The complex has been rebuilt several times after fires, most recently in 2019, and reconstruction is still ongoing in parts. The Makishi Public Market, tucked behind Kokusai Dori, has ground-floor fishmongers who will prepare your purchase for cooking upstairs. The subtropical climate means warm weather year-round, so pack light and wear sunscreen.