Kokusai Street, Naha
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
We talk about “Kokusai Street” all the time here on this beautiful rock we call home, but some of us only really know is that it’s in Naha and is a fun street on which to shop. And, of course, where they hold the famous Naha Tug-of-War each year. So, here is some basic info on Okinawa’s most famous shopping street—including how to get there and where to park. I realize there are many interesting things to see on the side streets, but this post is mainly about Kokusai itself.
Kokusai Dori is absolutely packed with stores and restaurants—on both sides of the street. It used to be called “The Miracle Mile” because of its rapid recovery after the post-war era. They sell everything from original Okinawa-made crafts to imported souvenir items, expensive to cheap, local artists and major department stores, and everything in-between. I have been there many times, and each time I find something new and exciting to purchase. There truly is a little something for everyone here, including the food. There are as many different places to eat as there are things to buy! We usually walk up one side shopping and then go down the other on the way back. Any time you are hungry, there are plenty of choices to satisfy your cravings.
I’ve eaten at Steakhouse 88 and it was an overpriced greasy spoon diner. If you have 4 hours to spare waiting for food, then eat at Captain’s Group. The service was absolutely horrible and the dinners are overpriced. It’s definitely a tourist trap catered to the typical tourists that have big bucks to spend.
Does anyone know the prices they paid to park and for how long you can park there?
I think we end up paying 100 yen or 200 yen an hour. It isn’t expensive. We park at the parking lot off 222 and walk a block to the main street.
Loved shopping at Kokusai Dori. Never knew what you would find, and there was always something unique and interesting! Also, the festivals where always great.
Sometimes (tug of war day) it’s fun to park near the DFS mall (https://okinawahai.com/2008/05/the-food-court.html) and take the monorail over to Kokusai street. Parking is free at the DFS mall or the neighboring San-A mall. The monorail will cost a few hundred yen, but it is easy to use and adds a new dimension to your day.