Naha — 3-Day Guide | ThreeDayGuides

Naha is the capital of Japan's most distinct island culture — the Ryukyu Kingdom's UNESCO castle, WWII peace memorials, the world's second-largest aquarium and the Kerama Blue reefs among Asia's finest coral.

Also explore Naha for:

📋 General guide ⭐ Highlights

Shuri Castle UNESCO, Makishi Market & Awamori

WWII Peace Memorial, Himeyuri Museum & Churaumi Aquarium

Kerama Islands Coral Snorkel & Ryukyu Dance

📋 General 3-day guide ⭐ Highlights

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Language	Japanese and Uchinaaguchi (Ryukyuan language); English at major tourist sites; less English than mainland Japan's major cities
Currency	Japanese Yen (JPY); ICOCA or Suica IC card useful; cash essential at markets and local restaurants
Transport	Yui Rail monorail connects Naha Airport to Shuri (15 min); bus network for beaches and Peace Park; car rental strongly recommended for northern Okinawa and aquarium; ferry to Kerama Islands from Tomari Port
Best time	Mar–May and Oct–Nov best (warm, less humid); Jun–Sep typhoon season and very hot; Nov–Mar whale sharks at Kerama; Jan–Mar humpback whales
Getting in	Naha Airport (OKA) — domestic flights from Tokyo (2.5 hrs), Osaka (2 hrs); international flights from Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Shanghai
Tipping	No tipping anywhere in Japan
Safety	Extremely safe; beach rip currents in typhoon season; habu (venomous snake) in northern jungle trails — follow trail markers; no-swimming flags to be respected
Budget tips	Shuri Castle reopening phased — check current ticket areas; Makishi market raw fish selection then upstairs cooking is best value; beni-imo ice cream ¥350; Peace Park admission very low; monorail day pass ¥700