Naha One Day Course Shurijo and Kokusai Dori

This plan covers Naha, the gateway to Okinawa, comfortably by monorail and on foot. It links Shurijo Castle, where the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom remains, with a lively market and a shopping street in one smooth route. You walk a fair amount, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Shuri Station on the Yui Rail Head to Shuri in the cool morning hours. It is about a 15 minute walk from the station to Shurijo Castle Park. 9:30 Explore Shurijo Castle Park Visit the Shureimon gate and the stone walls of the castle. The ongoing restoration of the main hall is also worth seeing. 11:30 Visit Tamaudun A royal mausoleum near the castle. As part of a World Heritage site, it lets you feel history in quiet surroundings. 12:30 Move to Makishi Station by monorail and have lunch Head to the Daiichi Makishi Public Market. A local custom is to buy fresh fish on the first floor and have it cooked on the second floor. 14:30 Stroll the market arcade and Heiwa Dori Browse island ingredients and souvenirs in the covered shopping streets. 15:30 Wander Kokusai Dori This main street runs about 1.6 km. Enjoy shisa figures, crafts and purple sweet potato sweets. 17:30 Finish at Kencho Mae Station A dinner of Okinawan cuisine on the evening Kokusai Dori is a fine way to end.

Highlights

Shurijo Castle was the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, with striking vermilion buildings and stone walls. The Daiichi Makishi Public Market is called the kitchen of Naha, lined with colorful fish and island tofu. Kokusai Dori is the heart of street food and shopping and stays busy into the night.

Access and Tips

The Yui Rail monorail is convenient, and a one day pass is good value. The streets around the market are a maze, so use a map app. The summer sun is strong, so drink water often.

A Quick Tip

Doing hilltop Shuri in the morning and the flat downtown in the afternoon helps you avoid uphill walks and is easier on your legs.