Okinawa
Okinawa, Japan is a captivating island paradise and the southernmost prefecture of Japan. Its capital, Naha, serves as the primary cruise port and offers a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and indigenous Ryukyuan cultures. With a subtropical climate, stunning coastal scenery, and a history as a vibrant trading hub, Naha is the perfect gateway to explore Okinawa's beautiful beaches, ancient castles, and distinctive cuisine. The city itself is a lively urban center, making it easy for cruisers to discover its unique charm.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock at the Naha Port, which is located in the city center. While the port is a large and busy commercial hub, it is also well-equipped to handle cruise ships. You can walk right off the ship and onto a pier that leads to the cruise terminal area. The walk from the pier to the terminal is on a flat, well-paved surface. From there, you are just a short walk to the main city center. Some ships may dock at the Naha Port 2nd Cruise Berth, which is a bit further from the main downtown area, but a shuttle service is typically available.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Naha Cruise Terminal is a modern, spacious, and well-equipped facility. It is a permanent building with a variety of amenities for your comfort. The walk from the ship to the terminal is short and easy, and once you are in the terminal, you are right at the edge of the city.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has restrooms, a tourist information desk with friendly staff who can provide maps and directions, and a few small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. You'll also find a currency exchange service and ATMs that accept international cards. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminal.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Japanese. While you will find that English is spoken in the main tourist areas, especially on Kokusai Street, it is not as universally spoken as in some other countries. It is highly recommended to have a few basic Japanese phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Konnichiwa (kon-ni-chi-wa) - Hello
Arigatou (a-ri-ga-to) - Thank you
Sumimasen (su-mi-ma-sen) - Excuse me
Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (ei-go o ha-na-se-ma-su ka) - Do you speak English?
💰 Money
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). While credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops, cash is still the preferred method of payment at many small shops, local markets, and for street food. It is highly recommended to have some Yen on hand. ATMs that accept international cards can be found in the terminal, at post offices, and in convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
🚗 Transportation
Naha's downtown is very walkable, and its main attractions are clustered in the city center.
Walking: The best way to explore downtown is on foot. The historic streets, shops, and restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the cruise docks. The famous Kokusai Street is about a 20-minute walk from the terminal.
Monorail: The Okinawa Urban Monorail, or "Yui Rail," is a great way to get around the city. The monorail station is a 15-minute walk from the terminal, and it can take you to all the main attractions, including Shuri Castle and Kokusai Street.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. The rates are metered, but they can be expensive for longer trips.
Public Bus: The city has a safe and reliable public bus system, but the routes and schedules can be a bit daunting for tourists, as signs may not be in English.
♿ Accessibility
Okinawa has an accessibility rating of 5 out of 10. The cruise terminal is modern and fully accessible, with ramps and elevators. The city has made a great effort to make its public transportation system and main attractions accessible. However, some of the historic areas may have uneven surfaces and stairs that can be challenging to navigate.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town from the cruise port is to simply walk. The port is located right in the heart of the city's waterfront, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions. If you want to get to the main shopping street, Kokusai Street, you can take a shuttle bus or walk.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms are generally available and clean in Naha, especially at major tourist attractions, train stations, and shopping centers. They are free to use. Both Japanese-style squat toilets and Western-style toilets are available. It is not common to find paper towels or hand dryers, so it's a good idea to carry some tissues.
💊 Drugstore
Matsumoto Kiyoshi: This is a major drugstore chain that you can find on Kokusai Street, a short walk from the cruise port.
Welcia Drugstore: This is another major drugstore chain that you can find in the city.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk Kokusai Street and Explore the Tsuboya Pottery District: For a taste of the city's unique culture, take a walk down Kokusai Street, a bustling main thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and local markets. From there, you can wander into the Tsuboya Pottery District, a charming neighborhood with many small, independent pottery shops.
Dine on Local Okinawan Cuisine: The cuisine in Okinawa is unique due to its blend of Japanese, Chinese, and indigenous Ryukyuan influences. Seek out a local restaurant and try a dish of goya chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry) or soki soba (pork rib noodle soup).
Visit Shuri Castle, the Former Ryukyu Palace: Shuri Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. While the castle was heavily damaged in a fire, restoration efforts are underway, and you can still admire the impressive castle gates and stone walls.
