Kokusai-dori

Kokusai-dori is the name of an approximately 1.6 km street in Naha City, Okinawa. It is Naha’s largest downtown area and is busy with tourists every day. After World War II, this area rose again from burned ruins, becoming a symbolic presence for Okinawans—earning the nickname “Miracle Mile.” The street is lined with facilities for shopping, dining, and even lodging, so it’s fun just to walk around. Every Sunday, car traffic is stopped and it becomes a pedestrian-only zone. As Okinawa’s main street, it also hosts many events; for example, the Shurijo Castle Festival takes place in October. There are also plenty of smaller backstreets, so try exploring to find more “insider” shops. Everywhere you go, it feels distinctly Okinawan—like how you can commonly find sanpin tea even in vending machines, which is uniquely Okinawa. Access is easy: take the monorail from Naha Airport Station and get off at Kencho-mae, Miebashi, or Makishi Station—each is right nearby.