Shuri Castle is the symbol of Okinawa’s history and culture and was the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It served as the royal palace where the king lived, governed the kingdom, and conducted important spiritual rituals. Built on a hill and surrounded by elegant curved stone walls, the castle complex includes open courtyards, sacred sites, and distinctive architecture influenced by both Chinese and Japanese cultures. Facing west, its layout is unique among Japanese castles. Shuri Castle was not only a political center but also a cultural one, where music, performing arts, and traditional crafts flourished. Walking through the castle grounds offers a deep and immersive experience of Okinawa’s rich heritage.

Shurijo Castle Park was developed to restore Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa that was lost during the war, and to preserve Okinawa’s rich history and culture. Today, it is one of Okinawa’s most important cultural and historical landmarks.

Kokusai Street is the lively heart of Naha and one of Okinawa’s most popular destinations. This open-air shopping street is lined with Okinawan restaurants, stylish cafés, souvenir shops, and local boutiques, making it the perfect place to experience everyday Okinawan culture. With around 600 shops and businesses, the street is always full of energy and attracts visitors from all over the world. Many hotels and guesthouses are located nearby, which makes Kokusai Street an ideal base for exploring Okinawa. It’s also a great area for relaxed street photography, capturing local life, colors, and smiles.

Tsuboya Yachimun Street is a charming historic area in Naha, famous for Yachimun, traditional Okinawan pottery with over 300 years of history. Located just a short walk from Kokusai Street, this quiet stone-paved street offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s lively center. The street stretches about 400 meters and is lined with around 50 pottery studios, specialty shops, galleries, and cafés. Yachimun pottery is known for its warm, rustic feel, sturdy shape, and vivid designs inspired by the Okinawan sea and subtropical plants. Originally established in 1682, when the Ryukyu Kingdom gathered potters from across the islands into this area, Tsuboya remains the heart of Okinawan ceramic culture today. It’s an ideal spot for relaxed strolling and photography, capturing traditional craftsmanship, textured streets, and the calm atmosphere of old Naha.

Okino-gu Shrine (Okinomiya Shrine) is one of the guide’s favorite hidden spots in Naha. According to the Ryukyu-koku Yuraiki (1713), a mysterious shining object was once seen in Naha Port. When the Ryukyu King ordered it to be retrieved, it turned out to be an extraordinary piece of driftwood, believed to be a sacred tree from Horai (a mythical paradise). A shrine was built to enshrine it, and since then, Okino-gu has been worshipped as a guardian shrine for safe voyages. Today, the shrine offers a calm and intimate atmosphere that feels deeply Japanese. Beautiful lanterns hang quietly, koi swim in the water, and the surrounding greenery creates a peaceful scene in the middle of the city. It’s not just a place to visit, but a place to experience—serene, photogenic, and perfect for capturing timeless moments.

Okino-gu Shrine (Okinomiya Shrine) is one of the guide’s favorite hidden spots in Naha. According to the Ryukyu-koku Yuraiki (1713), a mysterious shining light once appeared in Naha Port. When the Ryukyu King ordered it to be retrieved, it turned out to be an extraordinary piece of driftwood believed to be a sacred tree from a mythical paradise. A shrine was then built, and it has long been worshipped as a guardian shrine for safe voyages. The shrine is also known for enshrining the deity of Karate, making it a meaningful place for those interested in Okinawa’s martial arts culture. Today, Okino-gu offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere that feels deeply Japanese. Softly hanging lanterns, koi swimming in the water, and lush greenery create a calm and photogenic setting. It’s a quiet escape within the city—and a perfect place to capture serene, timeless photos.

Shikinaen Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former royal villa of the Ryukyu Kingdom, completed in 1799. Located in Naha, it was once used by the Ryukyu kings for relaxation and to welcome important guests from China. The garden features a peaceful strolling pond design centered around a heart-shaped pond, with traditional red-tiled Ryukyuan buildings and a distinctive Chinese-style pavilion. Blending Okinawan, Japanese, and Chinese influences, Shikinaen offers a calm, elegant setting that reflects the refined culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom—and provides a beautiful, timeless backdrop for photography.

Located on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Naha City, Naminoue Shrine is the top shrine among the Ryukyu Eight Shrines and is known locally as “Nanmin-san”. Visitors come for blessings for love, family safety, and safe travels. The shrine’s red-tiled roofs and Shisa statues give it a charming, tropical Okinawan atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for both culture and photos.