Without a doubt, the most famous street in southern Japan is Kokusai-Dori.
"I'm currently on Kokusai-Dori. Whether you're interested in eating, shopping or going out, this street has it all. This is the main drag for tourists and Okinawans alike."
Kokusai-Dori means "International Street" and cuts through the heart of central Naha. It got it start when the widows of World War II began setting up small shops to sell handmade goods, fruits and vegetables.
Today, this mile long strip of shops and restaurants sometimes called "The Miracle Mile" is a top tourist destination, as well as a hub of Okinawan culture. On a daily basis thousands of Okinawans come here to take care of their day-to-day business surrounded by the constant buzz of traffic, pedestrians, and colorful signs and statues.
Several times a year, the street is shut down for festivals and parades and people from around the island show up to celebrate. If you are looking for something to eat, then there are options for many different cuisines and price ranges. There are even a couple of options for people who miss their fast food and French vanilla lattes.
For visitors, there are no shortage of souvenir shops selling all sorts of Okinawan goodies like Shisa dogs and the island's famous distilled rice liquor Awamori. One tip, you can buy the same Awamori at a local carryout for a fraction of the price. Although you could spend an entire day just walking through the cheesy souvenir shops like here and here and here, there are many other cool places to shop like the famous Mitsukoshi Department Store and other shops that sell traditional Okinawan goods like the three-stringed Okinawan Sanshin.
I, for instance, was able to find several cool pieces of pottery while shopping on Kokusai-Dori. The street does not shut down at sundown, and for the night owls, there are a variety of clubs available and hotels to crash in. I'd recommend stopping here at least once to soak up the vibe. Kokusai-Dori is a fun street and a great starting point for exploring other places in Naha.
In our next episode, we explore some of Okinawa’s proud musical traditions. For more videos about Okinawa and beyond, StrayCompass.com, a travel adventure website. Thanks for watching. I’m James Knott. Goodbye.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services