Okinawa's Biggest Shopping District! - A Guide to Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street

Kokusai Dori is the name of the street in Naha that spans approximately 1.6km from the Palette Kumoji commercial complex's intersection all the way to Asato's three-way junction. In 1993 it was originally a road that connected Shuri to the former Naha city center in the shortest distance. After the war, a theater called "Ernie Pyle International Theatre" was built in the center of the city, which is where the name "Kokusai Dori" (Meaning International Street" came from. Also, after the war ended, with the total distance of the road being 1 mile, it's also sometimes known as the "Miracle 1 Mile".

Using Okinawa Monorail's "Yui Monorail" you're able to visit 4 stations, Asato, Makishi, Kencho-Mae (Prefectural Office), and Miebashi. On the street itself you'll find restaurants, cafes, department stores, general goods stores, hotels, souvenir shops, and more totaling 600 stores. If you don't make any detours along the way, you can walk the entire street in around 30-40 minutes. However, if you're taking your time and taking breaks in between, it's been known for some people to take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours!

If you're wanting to try some of Okinawa's local foods, head to Kokusai Dori's Yataimura. There are a host of restaurants that offer Ryukyu Awamori and Okinawan dishes such as Okinawa Soba, Ryukyu Oden, Ryukyu Emishi​ Sushi, and more. Some of these restaurants offer lunch menus, while others offer a wide range of dishes throughout different times of the day.