🌺 Kokusai-dori Shopping Street Guide

—— The editor takes you to Okinawa's most bustling tourist avenue

📍 Where is International Pass?

Kokusai Dori (國際通り) is located in the heart of Naha, Okinawa Prefecture. It is Okinawa's busiest commercial street and tourist hub. Stretching approximately 1.6 kilometers, it stretches from near Asahibashi Station in the south to Asato Station in the north. Along this stretch are restaurants, souvenir shops, department stores, cafes, and entertainment facilities, earning it the nickname " Miracle Mile ."

This title comes from the miracle of post-World War II recovery: Okinawa was nearly destroyed after the war, but Kokusai-dori was rapidly rebuilt in just a few years, becoming a thriving commercial street. The first time I walked into Kokusai-dori, I truly felt it was the "heart" of Okinawa. The bustling crowds and rich southern charm made me fall in love with this street instantly.

🌟 The unique atmosphere of Kokusai-dori Shopping Street

🏝️ Southern charm and urban bustle

• It's a shopping paradise during the day and a vibrant city of music, dancing and neon lights at night.
• The architecture combines American, traditional Okinawan and modern styles to create a unique atmosphere.
• Occasionally, you can see sanshin (a traditional Okinawan musical instrument) and dance performances on the streets.

🛍️ Shopping, culture, and food all in one place

• There are more than 600 shops on both sides, ranging from large department stores to small grocery stores.
• Not only can you buy Okinawa-style souvenirs, but you can also experience local culture and nightlife.

I feel that Kokusai-dori is like Okinawa’s “business card.” A visit here is a must when visiting Naha to truly experience Okinawa.

🍣 Must-try food recommendations

There are so many delicious foods in Kokusai-dori that I have compiled a list of must-try foods for you:

🍜 Okinawa specialties

• Okinawa noodles (渄そば) : Chewy wheat noodles paired with pork bone broth and pork, the most representative Okinawa flavor.
• Raftie : Braised pork that melts in your mouth.
• Bitter Melon Scrambled Egg (ゴーヤーチャンプルー) : A representative dish of Okinawa, bitter and fragrant.
• Taco rice (タコライス) : A creative dish influenced by American military culture, with Mexican taco ingredients spread on white rice.

🍡 Snacks and desserts

• Brown sugar products : ice cream, pastries, rich and sweet.
• Red taro tart : an Okinawa specialty, made from purple sweet potatoes, very popular.
• Snow Salt Ice Cream : A unique flavor that blends salty and sweet.
• Awamori : A traditional Okinawan distilled liquor with a strong flavor.

My favorite combination is: first have a bowl of Okinawa noodles, then buy the red taro tart for dessert, and finally have Awamori in the evening , perfect!

👗 Shopping and specialty shops

🎁 Must-buy souvenirs

• Red taro desserts : tarts, cookies, cakes.
• Brown sugar : Okinawa brown sugar in a variety of flavors, perfect for gift giving.
• Sea salt : Miyakojima snow salt is the most famous.
• Ryukyu Glass : Colorful, handcrafted, each piece is unique.
• Lion (シーサー) ornaments : The guardian deity of Okinawa, used for both decoration and protection.

🛍️ Shopping Highlights

• Department stores : such as Don Quijote, a must-see for tourists.
• Grocery store : sells handmade accessories, T-shirts, and Okinawa limited edition products.
• Traditional Market : Makishi Public Market , which extends from Kokusai-dori, is a great place to buy fresh produce and local snacks.

Editor's note: Compare prices before shopping, as some stores may offer special discounts for tourists.

🎎 Historical and cultural background

⚔️ The miracle of post-war recovery

• After the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Naha was virtually destroyed.
• In 1946, Kokusai-dori began to be rapidly rebuilt, with shops springing up on both sides of the street.
• Because of its astonishing development speed, it is called the "Miracle Mile".

🎭 Cultural and Entertainment Center

• The post-war stationing of American troops brought with it the influence of American culture, creating a unique "Ryukyu-American fusion" atmosphere.
• Today, Kokusai-dori remains the core of Okinawa culture, food, and shopping, and is an important window for tourists to understand Ryukyu culture.

I think the most fascinating thing about Kokusai-dori is that you can experience the unique charm of the coexistence of "Ryukyu tradition" and "American style" at the same time.

🚉 Transportation

It is very convenient to get to Kokusai-dori:

• Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) :
  • Get off at Kencho-mae Station or Miebashi Station and walk about 5 minutes to the destination.
  • The north end can be accessed from Asato Station.
• It takes about 15 minutes by monorail from Naha Airport.

Our editor recommends entering Kokusai-dori from Kencho-mae Station and strolling all the way to Asato Station to fully experience the charm of the entire street.

💡 A friendly reminder from the editor

✨ We recommend planning a full day for shopping during the day and experiencing the lively nightlife at night.
✨ Summer is very hot, please remember to prepare water and sunscreen.
✨ Makishi Public Market is a great place to experience the local food culture.
✨ Remember to prepare cash, as some small shops may not accept credit cards.
✨ Don’t miss the street music and dance performances in the evening, the atmosphere is amazing!

🌟 Editor's summary

Kokusai-dori is a representative street in Okinawa , combining shopping, food, culture, and history . It's not only a tourist paradise, but also a part of daily life for Okinawans.

For me, Kokusai-dori is the heartbeat of Okinawa. Here, you can savor classic Okinawan cuisine, buy unique souvenirs, experience the history of postwar reconstruction, and experience the vibrant energy of the southern nightlife. 🎉

Next time you visit Okinawa, remember to set aside a whole day for Kokusai-dori, because this is not just a street, but a microcosm of Okinawan culture! 🌺🍜🍹