Naha (那覇市, Naha-shi, Japanese: [naꜜha], Okinawan: Nāfa or Nafa) is the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, the southernmost prefecture of Japan. As of 1 June 2019, the city has an estimated population of 317,405 and a population density of 7,939 persons per km2 (20,562 persons per sq. mi.). The total area is 39.98 km2 (15.44 sq mi).
Naha is located on the East China Sea coast of the southern part of Okinawa Island, the largest of Okinawa Prefecture. The modern city was officially founded on May 20, 1921. Before that, Naha had been for centuries one of the most important and populous sites in Okinawa.
Naha is the political, economic and educational center of Okinawa Prefecture. In the medieval and early modern periods, it was the commercial center of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
*Kiteboarding is possible year round with the winter months being the best.
You can find several establishments in and around Kokusai Street to enjoy the odd drink or two. There's a few clubs about as well; those frequented by locals, those frequented by US military folks and a mixture of both. Don't try gaining admission (around ¥2,500) wearing sandals.
For the more daring drinker habushu (ハブ酒) is widely available in bars and souvenir shops. Each bottle of fiery shochu liquor comes with a venomous snake inside, best drunk down in one as sipping is not recommended!
Naha's budget accommodations are famously cheap, but you tend to get what you pay for and some can be incredibly dirty.
The Yui-rail (aka Okinawa City Monorail) (monorail website in Japanese only) links the airport, the city and Shuri Castle. Tickets cost ¥230-370 depending on distance, or you can get a 24 hour pass for ¥800. You can also get a 48 hour pass for ¥1,400 (2024). There are also many buses that travel throughout the city to every area.
