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Port of Naha
Naha Port developed 500 years ago as the gateway to the Ryukyu Kingdom, and it traded prolifically with China, Southeast Asia, Korea, and the Japanese mainland. It was devasted in 1944 by the destruction of the Second World War, but with the post-war revival of the Okinawan economy, it now serves as a base of distribution. Separated from the Okinawan mainland by 410km is the Yaeyama island group, which is home to Ishigaki, Japan's most southerly port of special importance. Ishigaki operates liner routes to the Japanese mainland, Okinawa, and China.
Sightseeing highlights of surrounding area
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- Tamaudun and Kinjo-cho cobblestone roads in Shuri Region
- You will feel transported back to the days of the Ryukyu dynasty amongst the unchanged cobblestone roads of Kinjo-cho and Tamadun, the mausoleum of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
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- Shikina-en Garden
- Built in 1799 at the Ryukyu king's largest mansion, this strolling garden was used as place of recreation for the royal family and reception for Chinese envoys and emperors.
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- Old underground naval headquarters
- These underground tunnels were dug with hoes and pickaxes by soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa. The original command and operation rooms are preserved to this day.
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- Tsuboya Pottery Museum
- This museum is situated in Tsuboya, known since the Ryukyu dynasty as the village of pottery. It introduces the history and techniques of Tsuboya-yaki and other Okinawan pottery.
Culture
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- Foods >
- Okinawa soba (noodle)
- Unlike regular soba, Okinawa soba is made solely from wheat flour (no buckwheat flour is used). Standard toppings are pork ribs, kamaboko (fish paste) and pickled ginger.
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- Shisa (lion-shaped roof ornament of Okinawa)
- Shisa are roof ornaments shaped as a legendary lion-like beast. These good luck charms protect against evil and can be placed inside your home as well.
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- Event >
- Eisa (July 13-15 on the old calendar)
- Eisa is a form of folk dance unique to the people of the Ryukyu (Okinawan) Islands and performed during the Obon season. In August, large-scale festivals associated with Eisa are held in Okinawa City and Naha City.
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- Heritage >
- Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
- Nine historical ruins of the Kingdom of Ryukyu (1429 －1879), which existed on the Island of Okinawa, have been registered as World Cultural Heritage Sites. Five gusuku sites are included among the 9 properties. For gusuku, the Japanese word shiro (“castle”) is usually used in translation. However, the “gusuku” of Ryukyu are completely different from the typical Japanese castle, like Himeji Castle, although both are categorized as World Heritage Sites. Gusuku is a kind of fortress very unique to Ryukyu.
Excursion information
| 2 hour course | Tour around Okinawa's symbolic Shuri Castle |
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| 4 hour course | Reflect on the importance of peace at the old underground naval headquarters |
| 6 hour course | The complete experience of shopping and world heritage sites |
Passenger terminal information
Tourist Information Center, exchange counter (set up at a temporary tent at time of entry in to port).
| Welcome event | Welcome ceremony (bouquets/presentation of plaque etc), welcome and send-off with traditional Eisa dancing (available at undetermined times) |
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Facilities for the disabled
No facilities
Location
2-1 Tondo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa, 900-0035
Access
| Nearest station | Monorail: Kencho-mae Station (15 mins on foot, 5 mins by taxi) |
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| Airport | Naha Airport (20 mins by taxi) |
Tourist information center
Naha City Tourist Information Center (near Monorail Miebashi Station)
2-1-4 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa, 901-0131
TEL : +81-98-868-4887
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