Naha in Step: A Walking Tour Through History and Island Life

Explore Naha's rich history and culture on a guided walking tour. Visit the historic pottery district of Tsuboya, the bustling Makishi Market, and the serene Shikina-en Garden.
Begin your journey at Makishi Monorail Station, where you’ll meet your guide — a local storyteller whose soft smile and easy manner set the tone for the day. A small sign bearing “GetYourGuide” ensures the meeting is effortless, and a brief introduction follows beneath the shade of a flowering tree.

Set off on foot, leaving behind the modern rhythm of the station and stepping slowly into Naha’s old streets, where life has a different tempo — slower, friendlier, and wonderfully human.

From the first few steps, the contrasts of Okinawa begin to reveal themselves. Wooden houses with tiled roofs lean comfortably beside modern shopfronts; narrow alleys are filled with the fragrance of freshly baked sata andagi — the island’s beloved doughnuts — and the hum of conversation drifts out from family-run cafés.

The guide pauses often, pointing out details that a visitor might otherwise overlook: a guardian shisa lion perched on a gatepost, a weathered wall patterned by coral limestone, or a lantern painted with characters that speak of old Naha’s devotion and craft.

The walk naturally leads towards Tsuboya, the historic pottery district that has shaped Okinawan culture for over three centuries. Here, every turn offers a glimpse into the island’s creative heart. The narrow lanes are lined with pottery studios, each one displaying its own expression of the famous yachimun ceramics — rich glazes of turquoise, ochre, and deep ocean blue that mirror the colors of the island itself.

Inside one workshop, watch an artisan shaping clay on a hand-turned wheel, his hands steady and rhythmic as he explains how this tradition survived through wars and rebuilding. The air carries the earthy scent of fired clay and wood smoke, and for a moment, time feels suspended between centuries.

Leaving Tsuboya, continue downhill toward the bustle of Heiwa-dori and Makishi Market, where the cultural layers of Naha overlap in sound and color. Here, the energy quickens — fishmongers call out the morning’s catch, and the stalls overflow with tropical fruits, seaweed, awamori bottles, and vivid fabrics. Yet, amid the lively trade, there remains a feeling of warmth and community.

The guide leads the way through the maze of aisles, introducing vendors who have worked here for generations. Stop at a small stand for a taste of local flavors — perhaps a cup of fresh sugar-cane juice, or a bite of rafute, tender pork simmered in sweet soy sauce. Every flavor tells a story of Okinawa’s openness to influence, its centuries of trade with China and Southeast Asia, and the island’s remarkable ability to make each borrowed element its own.

Beyond the market, the streets quieten again. Follow your guide into the Shuriyama area, once the noble heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Although the grand Shurijo Castle suffered destruction in modern times, its gates and restored walls still convey a powerful dignity.

Para garantir a disponibilidade, reserve o mais cedo possível. A reserva antecipada vale a pena considerar especialmente se você estiver planejando a viagem durante a alta temporada, como feriados ou fins de semana.

Esta excursão você pode cancelar sem custo até 24 horas antes do início da viagem. Se você cancelar após 24 horas ou não comparecer à excursão, ainda será cobrado o preço total da atividade. Chegar atrasado na coleta ou partida será considerado como não comparecimento.