Best things to do in Naha

A designated World Heritage Site, Shurijo Castle boasts a long history dating back to the 14th century, when it served as stronghold to the Chuzan polity. Starting in 1429 and for the subsequent 450 years, the castle was headquarters of the Ryukyu Kingdom, before its conversion to barracks for the Japanese army and a Japanese military base during World War II. A US warship destroyed the national treasure, but in the early 1990s a reconstruction restored the edifice. Enter the castle's buildings through a number of gates, including the elaborate red Shureimon gate. Wander through the administrative halls, including the bright interior of the seiden, or main hall. Audio Tours, leaflets, and computers will inform you about the site's history as you take in the brilliant colors and details. Stop for tea and pastries in the onsite tearoom.

Experience buying and eating seafood like a local at Makishi Public Market, which offers fresh fish, meat, and other general merchandise on the first floor. When you satisfy your inner shopper, bring your purchases upstairs to the restaurants on the second floor, where chefs will charge a small fee to prepare a meal for you. Though sushi and seafood remain among the most popular foods here, you will also find noodle stands and many other Okinawan culinary options.

Packed with eateries, entertainment venues, bars, and stores, Kokusaidori represents the city's busiest thoroughfare. Stroll down the busy sidewalks to browse the wares sold by stands and shops along the way, which range from hole-in-the-wall outlets to upscale chain stores offering big-name brands. Pop into the shopping arcades that split off from the main street to enter a world of fruit stands, clothing shops, and other establishments, generally operated by small-time owners. Afterwards, grab a drink at one of the many surrounding bars and enjoy some live music or karaoke.

Situated on the site of the 1975 World's Fair, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium continues to attract millions of visitors with its world-class variety of marine life. Touch tanks near the entrance of the three-story aquarium allow you to get up close and personal with starfish and seashells. Daily feedings and shows are open to the public; check ahead for relevant times. Make sure you stop at the massive Kuroshio Tank to see manta rays and giant whale sharks.

A winding cobbled lane flanking the south side of Shuri Castle, Shrikinjocho Stone-Path Road once represented a major thoroughfare frequented by high-ranking samurai. Constructed during the 16th century to link Shuri with the Naha port and southern side of Okinawa, the path was originally 10 km (6.2 mi) long. Today, only 300 m (984.2 ft) of this historic route remains. Tread carefully along uneven ground, past 300-year-old akagi tree groves. At the base of the slope, take a break at the open-air rest house, where you can relax on tatami mats and listen to the soothing sounds of the nearby spring.

Visit Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum to fully grasp the process of development of Okinawan art, culture, and folk life. Opened in 2007, the museum building, designed as a gusuku (castle), features a construction of local Okinawan limestone. A common lobby serves as entrance to both the art museum and history/natural history museum; you can purchase admission to one or the other, or both. Inspect reproductions of two traditional-style Okinawan buildings, learn about the geological origins of the Ryukyu archipelago, and examine numerous artifacts, works of art, and native musical instruments. Impassioned researchers can visit the extensive library to delve deeper into Okinawan history and heritage.

See the impressive setting and learn about the rich history of Naminoue-gu Shrine, a place of worship set high on a bluff overlooking the ocean and a beach. Legend has it a fisherman founded the shrine here to mark the spot where he caught a glowing stone that improved his hauls. Given its dramatic coastal position, the Shinto shrine's dedication to the sea and nirai kanai, the source of life, makes sense, as does its historical connection with fishermen and sailors, with maritime workers coming here to ask for protection and safe passage. Dating back to at least the 14th century, the shrine was destroyed during the battle of Okinawa in 1945, and has been rebuilt and added to during the post-war era.