Naha

From Halal Explorer

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Naha (那覇) is the capital of the Okinawa|Okinawa Prefecture in Japan and is the main city on Okinawa Island, with a population of around 700,000 - more than half the total population of Okinawa.

Naha Halal Explorer

Tourist offices

The website of the national travel organisation provides useful information and links.

  • Naha City Naha Tourism Board Center - 那覇市観光案内所, Naha-shi kankōannaijo - 26.216277, 127.689426 Located at the central Kokusai Dōri street, 100m up the road from and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) Coffee. - Have staff fluent in English. Free WiFi available.

Travel to Naha

26.161|127.718 Template:Mapshape Okinawa Monorail - Naha Airport (那覇空港 Naha-kūkō, IATA Flight Code: OKA) is the largest airport in the Okinawa area and the main hub for international and inter-island flights. A new monorail, opened in 2003, connects the airport to the downtown.

Note: There is also a Naha Airport (IATA Flight Code: NAH) in Indonesia, which should not be confused with this!

By ship

Ferry services to Okinawa have been cut drastically, with Arimura Sangyo filing for bankruptcy and RKK Line stopping passenger services entirely. With long travel durations, bumpy seas, frequent cancellations in the fall typhoon season and prices that aren't any cheaper than flying, it's easy to see why this isn't too popular anymore.

As of 2023 and the only survivors are A-Line Ferry, aka Maru-A (マルエー), which runs twice a week from Kagoshima (25 hours, ¥26,000 2nd class one-way) and once a week from both Osaka/Kobe and Tokyo (44 hours, ¥28,000) to Naha, and Marix Line, which runs between Kagoshima and Naha only. All ferries call at various minor islands including Yoron and Amami Oshima along the way. Note that if you don't speak Japanese, you will find it easier to book through a travel agent.

In additional, Star Cruises operates irregular cruises from Keelung, Taiwan to Naha via Ishigaki and Miyako (Okinawa) | Miyako. The service operates in summer months only (June-Sep). Two-night cruises in the cheapest cabin booked in advance start from NT$15,000 for a single traveller.

How to get around in Naha

Okinawa City Monorail - The Naha Monorail

The Naha monorail ( monorail website in Japanese only) links together the airport and the city and Shuri Castle. Tickets cost ¥200-290 depending on distance, or you can get a one-day pass for ¥700. You can also get a two-day pass for ¥2,200.(2023)

For places that are not near the monorail or for people who don't want to use the monorail and there are many buses that travel throughout the city to every area.

What to see in Naha

Shikinaen - Naha Shikinaen garden

  • Shuri Castle - 首里城; Shuri-jō - 26.217, 127.7195 - This castle is the former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, built in the Okinawan gusuku style. Completely destroyed during World War II and the present buildings were rebuilt in 1958 and 1992. No original Ryukyuan castles remain and this is the only site where the castle keep has been rebuilt, so it's an important part of preserving Okinawan history and culture. This is one of the reasons it is listed as part of the World Heritage Site, "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu". Access via the monorail Shuri Station, ¥800 for adults, 20% discount if you have a monorail daily pass.
  • Sonohyan-Utaki - 園比屋武御嶽 - 26.218103, 127.717298 - Free Although it is located within Shuri Castle Park, this sacred grove of trees and plants (utaki) is independently famous as one of Okinawa's World Heritage listings. Situated near the Shureimon Gate, it's not very big or grand so it's quite easy to miss. The Sonohyan Utaki is a place where the Ryukyu kings and queens once came to pray.
  • Tamaudun Mausoleum - 玉陵 - 26.218609, 127.71401 ¥700 A Ryukyuan mausoleum that entombs kings of the Second Sho Dynasty. It was built in 1501. The impressive stone structure is separated into three sections. The central section is where the bodies are brought in and rituals were performed to prepare them to be entombed. The remains of kings and queens were then taken to the chamber on the left. Other members of the royal family were placed in the chamber on the right. The tomb suffered damage during WWII and had to be repaired. There is a small museum at the entrance where you can see pictures, artifacts, and the layout inside the tomb. Today the mausoleum is listed as one of Okinawa's World Heritage Sites.
  • Naha City Museum of History - 那覇市歴史博物館 - 26.213738, 127.679282 ☎ +81 98-869-5266 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 7PM ¥750 A museum housing artifacts from the city. As the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it houses artifacts and belongings of former rulers and important documents outlining relations with foreign nations. They also have special exhibits.
  • Tsuboya Pottery Museum - 那覇市立壺屋焼物博物館 - 26.213883, 127.690889 ☎ +81 98-862-3761¥750 Naha's Tsuboya District has been reknowned for its pottery for hundreds of years and there are many craftsman still there today. The museum showcases historic and exemplary specimens of the pottery.
  • Shikinaen Garden - 識名園 - 26.20495, 127.714821 ☎ +81 98-855-5936 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 6PM (April - Sept), 5:30PM (October - Mar) ¥600 Like many of the mainland gardens, Shikinaen was built by Okinawa's royal family as a detached residence and to entertain guests. The original garden was almost completely destroyed in the fierce battles of WWII, but it was rebuilt in the 1950s. It centers around a pond with beautiful bridges connecting an island to opposite sides in the center.
  • Naminoue Shrine - 波上宮 - 26.220726, 127.671099 - It once served as the main shrine of the Ryukyuan Kingdom. Sitting on a cliff overlooking the sea and the view of the shrine, cliff and water is quite picturesque.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Naha

  • Kiteboarding is feasible year round with the winter months being the best.
  • Kite Club Okinawa - 270-102 Gibo, Tomigusuku-shiAcross from the Tomigusuku Central Hospital Family Mart ☎ +81 98-851-0180, +81 90-6779-9990 (mobile) Opening Hours: W-M 10AM Monday - 8PM Call before coming (Japanese only). Taka-san is a first rate kite-boarder and a very nice guy. Drop by for lessons, supplies, information about vehicle rental, lodging, tours, and such.
  • Scuba Diving. A number of diving businesses offer training courses and diving excursions to the nearby Kerama Islands.
  • Blue Zone - 26.2194, 127.69135 ☎ +81 120-48-1415 Boat trip with two dives ¥11,800; gear rental ¥3,000; extra dive ¥5,000 A diving shop with their own boat. Their very friendly staff offer scuba diving courses and diving trips to the Kerama Islands.
  • Naminoue Beach - 波の上ビーチ nami no ue bi-chi - 26.22123, 127.67199 straight towards the ocean from the southern end of kokusai dōri - Naha actually has one beach, Naminoue. Not the most beautiful beach in Okinawa, but a clean beach for all practical purposes. Also, one has to keep in mind that the swimming area can be very limited depending on the season and the weather.
  • Saltwater Fishing Okinawa - 43538882929201b Okinawa, International Street 15 minutes from Naha Airport ☎ +81 90-3797-9810 This business specializes in offshore big game fishing for marlin, tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, and other fish year-round.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Naha

  • Makishi Market - 牧志 - 26.214594, 127.688293 - Known as "the kitchen of Okinawa", This market started as a kind of black market after WW2. There are more than 400 shops in one floor. You can buy any Okinawa’s traditional foods like dried sea snake (イラブー irabū), Beef (Okinawas say they eat everything except the hooves and the scream), special vegetables not found on the mainland, colorful fish, or edible seaweed. There are some Halal restaurants upstairs, serving traditional Okinawan home cooking. You can bring your own ingredients (fresh seafood or Beef for example) bought downstairs and they will cook it for you for a small fee.
  • Kokusai Doori - 国際通り - 26.215761, 127.686103 - Full of shops that sell a multitude of Okinawan products. It's also a good place to check out the nightlife and youth scene.

Halal Restaurants in Naha

  • Afro Nest - Just off of Kokusai Doori - A reggae themed basement-restaurant with surprisingly good food. Delicious goya champuru and karaage. Try the Afro Rice and Jamaican Jerk Chicken and they're excellent. The staff and clients here are fun to talk to and the menu is a laugh.
  • Warahondo - This cozy, macrobiotic restaurant is one of the few places to get vegan food in Okinawa. The main course changes daily and is always served with fresh brown Rice. You can also buy your organic foods, fruits and vegetables here.

Naha Okinawa Japan Shuri-Castle-02 - Shuri Castle

You can find several establishments in and around Kokusai Street to enjoy the odd drink or two. There's a few clubs about as well; those frequented by local residents, those frequented by US military folks and a mixture of both. Don't try gaining admission (around ¥2,500) wearing sandals.

For the more daring drinker habushu (ハブ酒) is widely available in bars and souvenir shops. Each bottle of fiery shochu drink comes with a venomous snake inside, best drunk down in one as sipping is not recommended!

  • Bar Dick - For a less frantic, more intimate time, you could do worse than check out this American-style bar that's verging on refined. Take care not to be too noisy as it will only upset the otherwise friendly and attentive staff. Bar Dick is the premier whiskey and scotch bar on the island, with expert bartenders, some of whom have been featured in magazines and received awards at national level competitions.
  • Rehab International bar- Kokusai-dori - Canadian owned Bar with English speaking staff. The clients are mostly English teachers and Expats and quite a few Japanese nationals. Very friendly place. Limited food menu.
  • Smugglers Irish Pub - 1 block from Kokusai Street - Really nice place to drink. The staff speaks English. One bloke lived in London for 5 years. Lots of friendly local residents. Food is good and they had Union Rugby on the T.V. Just walk up the hill from Ryubo Shopping Centre on Kokusai Street. It is on the left side.
  • Campnou Bar - Aka Football Bar - Paradise Dori. Behind JAL Hotel on Kokusai Dori. - Great Place to watch Football. The owner, Hiro-san is a lovely guy and Football Mad. He can speak enough English to get by and is foreigner friendly. He is often open odd hours to accommodate matches held in different time zones.
  • Paddy Macs - On BC street, just off of "gate 2" street, outside of Kadena airbase, this Irish pub is second to none for a good time. Martin and the Irish expat owner, is always a wonderful host who keeps the atmosphere lively and upbeat. Paddys also has the distinction of being the preferred drinking hole of Okinawas own Hash House Harrier group.Any true party animal's Okinawa experience would be incomplete without a night on the town with these local larrikins.
  • Cafe Bar Moon Bow - Matsuo 2-5-15 turn off a sidestreet opposite Hotel JAL City Naha. Look for driftwood and fairy lights outside ☎ +81 98-869-8588 Carpenter Takeshi Yamamoto moved out to Okinawa from Tokyo for a more chilled out lifestyle. This bar is filled with beautiful driftwood structures made by Yamamoto. In summer he sometimes constructs tree house bars out on the beaches of nearby islands. He's really friendly as are the regulars who are mostly local residents. You'll need to speak Japanese to enjoy this place though.
  • Bakku - Just off Kokusai-dori, around the junction from Afro-nest. Located on the 2nd floor - A friendly, homely bar with great staff and a good crowd. The selection of soft drinks is nice and the food is delicious. Try Haruka's Raftee! It also has Strongbow, for people trying to find some cider.
  • The DOJO bar - www.dojobarnaha.com - Asato 101, Naha City On Sogenji-dori 1 block east from Shureido karate store, 5 mins walk from Kokusai-dori. Closest station is Makishi. ☎ +81 989113601 Okinawa's only karate and kobudo theme bar, The DOJO opened in 2011 and is owned and run by James, a local resident and long-time karate fan! The DOJO features draft soft drinks, fruit cocktails and a delicious food menu. The English and Japanese speaking staff are knowledgeable about all aspects of activities and places on the island including local dojos to for karate and kobudo training.
  • Utahime - 歌姫 - 26.213438, 127.675566 - Live minwa performances in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Can sit at the bar or on sofas. If you are familiar with any minwa songs and they take requests.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Naha

Naha - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Naha, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Naha. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Naha and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Naha. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Naha. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNaha: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Naha.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Naha: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Naha, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Naha.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Naha, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Naha, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Naha and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Naha, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Naha, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Naha without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Naha is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Naha.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Naha is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Naha, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Naha Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Naha

eHalal Group Naha is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Naha. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Naha.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Naha ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Naha. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Naha, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Naha are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Naha's good accommodations are famously cheap, but you tend to get what you pay for and some can be incredibly dirty.

  • Chanpurusou 3-6-3 Makishi, Naha GPS 26.214343,127.689442 ☎ |fax= Checkin: 1 PM|checkout=11AM - ¥1,500 - ¥1,800| . Women 1500 yen, male 1800 yen. There's free internet and a 24-hour shop nearby.
  • Grace Naha Hotel - Small family-run guest house. Inexpensive, incredibly friendly and spotlessly clean.
  • Sora House - Near Miebashi Station.

Inexpensive, friendly hostel. The staff speaks little English, but they are very friendly and helpful. The staff seems to arrange trips around Okinawa. If you get a chance to attend to one, you probably should.

  • Base Okinawa - 1-17-5 Wakasa 15-20 minutes walk from the Kencho-mae monorailway station ☎ +81 868-2968¥1,000 Checkout: 11AM Ten dorm rooms and a couple of lounge rooms make this a really nice place to stay when on a budget. There is also free Internet, laundry, bikes, etc. If you want to get there, walk up the street from the Kencho-mae monorailway station towards Wakasa. After passing Wakasa-dori, turn left at the first crossing without a traffic light (there's a very small sign there that says "BASE").
  • Hotel Marine West Naha - 1-8-15 Kumoji, Naha 26.2132, 127.6728 Near the Asahibashi monorailway station ☎ +81 98-863-0055 One night plus breakfast ¥3,500; washing machine ¥200; drier ¥200 Checkout: 11AM A business hotel that is suitable for divers. It has drying space for scuba diving gear and free parking. There is free internet. Room prices include Japanese breakfast. Staff are friendly, though they only speak (Japanese).
  • Osaruno Oyado Naha (Monkeys Inn) - Naha-shi, Wakasa 3-24-3 ☎ +81 98-963-7252~1500 yen/night Check-in: 1500 / Check-out: 1200very friendly and clean hostel with English speaking stuff which creates a welcoming and family like atmosphere for all guests. You can use bicycles for free, wash and dry for 100y and the hostel is located directly next to the Okinawa ferry port, with connections to the smaller islands near Okinwawa island. Also the host cooks from time to time in the evening for 300-400 yen. There's a small beach and you can reach Kokusai dori in ~ 10 minutes.They have Dorms and Private Room.

Cope

Consulates in Naha

United States United States | Naha@ 2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City ☎ +81 98-876-4211, +81 98-961-1800 (After hours emergency) +81 98-876-4243

News & References Naha


Travel Next

  • Itoman
  • Kitanakagusuku
  • Nago
  • Nanjo
  • Okinawa City|Okinawa (Koza)
  • Onna
  • Tomigusuku
  • Urasoe
  • Uruma
  • Kerama Islands - Regular ferry connections are available between Naha harbor and this nearby group of islands. Great for a day trip or a few days to experience a more isolated tropical experience.
  • Akajima - the smallest of the Kerama Islands and makes a great snorkeling day trip.
  • Zamami - famous for whale watching and sea turtles.



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