You want to see Kokusai-dori and Shuri Castle while you are in Naha, but you are worried about driving a rental car in the city: where will you park, and will you be able to find a space at all?
This guide covers the best-known sights in central Naha (Kokusai-dori, Makishi Public Market, Shurijo Castle Park, Naminoue Shrine and Fukushuen Garden) together with a practical way to think about parking. We give capacities and fees only for parking lots that we could confirm on official websites. Prices at private coin parking lots change often, so we do not list them. We also explain the morning and evening bus lane rules published by the Okinawa Prefectural Police, and how to combine your car with the Yui Rail monorail.
Sightseeing in Naha: Car, Yui Rail and Your Own Feet
Do not try to drive to everything
The sights in central Naha are close together, but the streets are narrow, with many one-way roads and pedestrian-friendly areas. Kokusai-dori and Makishi Public Market are within walking distance of each other, so the simplest approach is to park your car in one place and get around by Yui Rail and on foot. That saves you from circling for a space.
On the other hand, sights in the south, centre and north of the island are much easier by car. Plan a half day to a full day in Naha, and take your longer drives on other days, and the trip stays relaxed.
Only a few official car parks could be confirmed
To be upfront: among the Naha sights in this article, the only places where we could confirm capacity and fees on an official site were Shurijo Castle Park (the Suimuikan car park) and Naminoue Shrine. Makishi Public Market has no car park of its own, and the official pages for Kokusai-dori and Fukushuen Garden did not list parking capacity or fees.
For those places you will need to use a nearby pay-by-the-hour lot, such as a private coin parking lot. Rates and availability vary a lot by place and time of day, and lots can be full, so we do not quote numbers here. Check the signs at the lot itself or the operator’s official information.
About the information in this article
Opening hours, fees and regulations are based on what the official websites (Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Shurijo Castle Park, Naminoue Shrine, Yui Rail and the Okinawa Prefectural Police) showed as of October 2026. Details can change, so please check the official sites before you go.
Kokusai-dori and Makishi Public Market
Kokusai-dori
Kokusai-dori is a tourist street about 1.6 km long that starts near the Okinawa Prefectural Office. It is lined with souvenir shops, general stores, izakaya, cafes and restaurants, and there are many hotels nearby. Because it recovered faster than the rest of Naha after the Second World War, it has long been called the “Miracle Mile.”
If you are driving, it is safer not to plan on parking along Kokusai-dori itself. As explained below, the street is subject to a “bus-only road” regulation. The basic approach is to park in a pay lot near the street and walk in.
| Location | Naha, Okinawa (the street running from around Kenchokitaguchi intersection) |
|---|---|
| Length | About 1.6 km |
| Parking | No capacity or fee information on the official guide page. Use a nearby pay-by-the-hour lot (check availability and rates on site) |
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport (local roads; tourism-site estimate). About 3 minutes on foot from Kencho-mae Station (Yui Rail), about 1 minute from Kencho-kitaguchi bus stop |
The Sunday transit mall: no cars at midday
On Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00, the roughly 1.3 km stretch of Kokusai-dori from the Kenchokitaguchi intersection to the Saionbashi intersection is given over to pedestrians, and general vehicles cannot enter (it is cancelled in rainy weather). Open-air cafes, street performers and markets appear, and the street feels lively.
During these hours, buses that normally use Kokusai-dori may be rerouted. If you try to drive through on a Sunday afternoon you will not be able to, so to reach places along the street you will need to approach from outside the closed section. Whether it runs can change from day to day, so if you are going on a Sunday, check the latest information from Naha City or the Kokusai-dori shopping street association.
Makishi Public Market
This market near Kokusai-dori is known as “Naha’s kitchen.” It opened in 1950 and was rebuilt in March 2023. A popular way to enjoy it is to pick fish or meat on the first floor, have it cooked for you, and eat it in the second-floor dining area.
The point to remember is that the market has no parking of its own. Naha City’s official page lists parking as “none.” If you come by car, use a nearby pay-by-the-hour lot, or take the Yui Rail. The same official page also notes that the roads nearby are often congested.
| Address | 沖縄県那覇市松尾2-10-1 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00 to 22:00 (varies by shop). Last order for cooking first-floor meat and seafood is 19:45; last order at second-floor restaurants is 20:00 |
| Closed | 4th Sunday of each month (except December), January 1 to 3, and the Old Bon holiday (16th and 17th of the 7th lunar month). Some shops have additional closing days |
| Parking | None (use a nearby pay-by-the-hour lot) |
| Access | About 9 minutes on foot from Makishi Station, about 10 minutes from Miebashi Station (Yui Rail) |
Hours differ from shop to shop, and some shops are said to close earlier than the official hours. If you plan to go in the evening, check the hours of the shop you have in mind to avoid disappointment.
Shurijo Castle Park and the Area Around It
Shurijo Castle Park
Shuri Castle was the residence of the Ryukyu kings, and the castle site is part of the World Heritage listing “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” The usual route is to pass through Shureimon Gate and climb the stone-paved slope through the castle grounds. It is a hilltop site, so it is pleasant on a clear day, but there are many slopes and steps, and comfortable shoes are a good idea.
As of October 2026, the main hall (Seiden) is not yet open to the public. The official site announces public opening on November 23, 2026. In connection with this, the park is closed all day on Sunday, November 22 and in the morning of Monday, November 23. Entry to the main hall is also announced as requiring a reservation with a date and time, so if you are visiting in late November or after, check how to reserve on the official site. For tips on a rainy day, see the rainy-day guide on our blog.
| Hours | Free area within the castle grounds 8:00 to 19:30 / paid area 8:30 to 19:00 (last ticket sales 18:30). As of October 2026; hours vary by season |
|---|---|
| Closed | All day on Sunday, November 22, 2026 and the morning of Monday, November 23 (temporary closure). Check the official site for other closing days |
| Admission | The paid area requires admission (entry to the main hall is by reservation with a set date and time; check the official site for fees) |
| Parking | Suimuikan car park (P1 and P2). Details in the next section |
| Contact | Shurijo Castle Park service desk 098-886-2923 (9:00 to 17:00) |
How to use the Suimuikan car park (P1 and P2)
Shurijo Castle Park has an official car park called the Suimuikan car park. It is on basement level 1 (P1) and basement level 2 (P2). According to the official site, when no bus reservations are using the space, up to 58 general vehicles (such as rental cars) can park on each of P1 and P2. That is not a large number, so the car park can fill up at busy times.
| Hours | April to November 8:30 to 19:30; December to March 8:30 to 18:30 |
|---|---|
| Fees (small cars) | First 60 minutes 500 yen, then 250 yen per 30 minutes, maximum 1,000 yen |
| Parking time limit | Within 3 hours |
| Reservations | Not available for general vehicles (depends on space on the day). Large buses must reserve in advance |
| Payment | Cash, JCB, VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club |
| When full | You may be directed to nearby private car parks |
What to remember is that parking is limited to 3 hours and general vehicles cannot reserve ahead. If you plan to take your time in the paid area, leave yourself enough margin. The official access guide also says the car park can be full in the morning and recommends public transport. On busy days, consider the option in the next section.
Walking from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail
The nearest Yui Rail station to the park is Shuri Station. The official site says it is about 15 minutes on foot from Shuri Station to Shureimon Gate. A route via Uenoke Park reaches Kyukeimon Gate in about 6 minutes, and both routes involve climbing a slope. From Naha Airport Station to Shuri Station takes about 27 minutes, and the fare is 360 yen for adults and 180 yen for children.
Even if you are driving, when the car park is full it is calmer to leave your car somewhere else in the city in advance and go by public transport than to keep approaching the Suimuikan car park. If you take a route bus, the “Shurijo-mae” stop is about 1 minute on foot from Shureimon Gate, according to the official site.
Naminoue Shrine and Fukushuen Garden
Naminoue Shrine
Naminoue Shrine stands on a cliff jutting out over the sea and is known as the “chief shrine of Okinawa.” It is right next to the city centre, and Naminoue Beach spreads out below the cliff, so even in the middle of the city you feel close to the sea. After your visit, it is nice to take a short walk along the beach below.
According to the official site, there is a free car park for about 20 vehicles. When it is full, visitors are asked to use a nearby pay car park. With so few spaces, it is wise to think about combining the Yui Rail on weekends, holidays and busy periods such as New Year.
| Address | 沖縄県那覇市若狭1-25-11 |
|---|---|
| Amulet counter / prayers | Amulet counter 9:00 to 16:45 / prayer reception 10:00 to 15:30 (official information as of October 2026) |
| Parking | Yes (about 20 spaces, free). When full, use a nearby pay car park |
| Access | About 15 minutes on foot from Asahibashi Station (Yui Rail); about 10 minutes from Naha Airport Station to Asahibashi Station |
Fukushuen Garden
Fukushuen is an authentic Chinese garden built with traditional Fuzhou techniques. It is divided into three areas, named “Ming,” “On” and “Ka” (明, 穏, 華), and you can stroll past ponds, bridges, pavilions and a waterfall, with seasonal trees and flowers. It suits anyone who wants a quiet walk between Kokusai-dori and shopping.
Naha City’s official page does not give parking or access information. If you are driving, use a nearby pay-by-the-hour lot, or ask the Fukushuen management office (098-869-5384).
| Address | 沖縄県那覇市久米2-29 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 to 18:00 |
| Closed | Wednesdays (the next day if Wednesday is a public holiday) |
| Admission | Adults 200 yen, children (junior high school and under) 100 yen |
| Parking | Not listed on the official page (ask the Fukushuen management office) |
Traffic and Bus Lanes in Naha
Some lanes are closed to ordinary cars in the morning and evening
In central Naha there are “bus-only lanes” that only buses and certain other vehicles may use in the morning and evening. We cover the rules in more detail in our blog article on Japanese driving rules, but according to the Okinawa Prefectural Police guide map (valid from May 2, 2025), the outline is as follows.
| Regulated hours | Morning 7:30 to 9:00 / evening 17:30 to 19:00 |
|---|---|
| Days without regulation | Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, January 2 and 3, and when buses are not running |
| Ordinary vehicles (such as rental cars) | May not use the bus-only lane (drive in the other lanes) |
| Inquiries | Okinawa Prefectural Police Traffic Regulation Division 098-862-0110 (ext. 5172) |
When you drive on Route 58 and similar roads on weekday mornings and evenings, check the road signs and road markings for the location and hours of bus lanes. The rules can change, so confirm the latest information with the Okinawa Prefectural Police.
Kokusai-dori has a different type of regulation
The Okinawa Prefectural Police page describes two types of bus lane regulation. One is the “bus-only lane” on roads with several lanes, such as Route 58, applied to the first lane on the sidewalk side. The other is the “bus-only road” on roads with one lane in each direction, such as Kokusai-dori. The signs and rules differ between the two, and drivers are asked to check carefully.
We could not confirm the regulated hours or how ordinary vehicles are treated on Kokusai-dori from the text of the police page. We therefore do not state the details here; we only note that Kokusai-dori is subject to a different type of regulation and that you need to check the signs. Rather than driving along Kokusai-dori, parking outside the street and walking is easier and less stressful.
Tips for avoiding city traffic
Okinawa has no railway apart from the Yui Rail, and many people depend on cars, so the main roads in and around Naha are said to get busy at commuting hours. The official page for Makishi Public Market also notes that nearby roads are often congested.
For sightseeing, we recommend avoiding movement within the city from 7:00 to 9:00 on weekday mornings and from 17:00 to 19:00 in the evening. On the day you leave from the airport, or when your flight is close, give yourself extra time.
Combining Your Car with the Yui Rail
Yui Rail fares and Free Passes
The Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail) connects 19 stations from Naha Airport Station to Tedako-Uranishi Station. From Naha Airport Station to Shuri Station takes about 27 minutes, at 360 yen for adults and 180 yen for children. If you will get on and off many times, a Free Pass can be used.
| 1-day Free Pass | Adults 1,000 yen / children 500 yen (valid for 24 hours from purchase) |
|---|---|
| 2-day Free Pass | Adults 1,800 yen / children 900 yen (valid for 48 hours from purchase) |
| Sold at | All Yui Rail stations |
Most of the sights in this article are within walking distance of a Yui Rail station: Kokusai-dori (about 3 minutes on foot from Kencho-mae Station), Makishi Public Market (Makishi and Miebashi stations), Shuri Castle (Shuri Station) and Naminoue Shrine (Asahibashi Station). On a day when you will ride many times, a Free Pass can be easier to use. Fares vary by section, so judge whether it is worthwhile by looking at the sections you will ride.
Tedako-Uranishi Station park and ride
As a car park for switching from your car to the Yui Rail, there is the “Tedako-Uranishi Station Park and Ride car park,” run by Okinawa Prefecture. According to the official site, it is a multi-storey car park with 992 spaces (including 12 wheelchair spaces). However, Tedako-Uranishi is the terminal station in Urasoe City, away from central Naha.
The official site says that for new commuter-pass use, the number of pass vehicles has reached its limit and registration on a waiting list is required. The fee table also has a “general use” category, but we could not confirm, from the official page, the conditions for short-term parking, the fees or the opening hours. If you are thinking of using it, please check the Okinawa Prefecture official page or ask the operator (098-870-5811).
UMUI Rent a Car Omoromachi and the Yui Rail
UMUI Rent a Car’s Omoromachi location is a 3-minute walk from a Yui Rail station and is open 9:00 to 18:00. The Naha Airport location offers a free shuttle from the airport and is open 8:00 to 20:00, every day of the year. You can also keep sightseeing in Naha to the train and on foot, and rent a car only on the days you drive to the south or north.
A Half-Day Plan for Naha, and FAQ
A half-day route in this order
Here is one example of a half-day route that covers the city efficiently. It is built within the opening hours we could confirm from official information.
| Morning | Shurijo Castle Park (the car park can be full in the morning, so consider the Yui Rail. Parking is limited to 3 hours) |
|---|---|
| Midday | Yui Rail to Makishi Station, then lunch at Makishi Public Market |
| Afternoon | Stroll along Kokusai-dori (pedestrian priority on Sundays 12:00 to 18:00) |
| Evening | Return to your car before the rush (17:30 to 19:00 on weekdays is a bus lane regulation period) |
The Shurijo Castle Park car park is limited to 3 hours, so it is not a good place to leave a car for a long time if you plan to keep walking around the market and Kokusai-dori afterwards. Consider splitting the day: do Shuri Castle first by car or Yui Rail, then leave your car somewhere else for the rest of the city.
Can I reserve parking in the city?
General vehicles at Shurijo Castle Park cannot reserve a space in advance. Other car parks in the city have different conditions depending on the private operator or facility. Check each car park’s information to see whether reservations are possible.
Is it OK to drive in the city if I am not used to it?
In Japan, cars drive on the left. Central Naha has one-way streets and many pedestrians, so it can feel stressful for first-time drivers. Avoid the morning and evening bus lanes and traffic, and plan so that you do not rush. For the overall picture of the rules, see our blog article on Japanese driving rules.
Are there times when I cannot drive onto Kokusai-dori?
On Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00, general vehicles cannot enter the roughly 1.3 km from the Kenchokitaguchi intersection to the Saionbashi intersection (cancelled in rainy weather). For other times, and for the bus-only road regulation on Kokusai-dori, check the signs.
In Naha, Kokusai-dori and Shuri Castle are both within a short distance of each other, and combining the car, the train and your own feet makes getting around much easier. One option is to enjoy the city by train and on foot, and use a rental car for your drive to the south or north. UMUI Rent a Car is available at the Naha Airport and Omoromachi locations to suit your travel plans.
* Opening hours, fees, regulations and other information in this article are as of October 2026. They may change, so please check the official websites of each facility, local government and the Okinawa Prefectural Police before you go. Travel times are estimates without traffic. Parking capacities and fees are listed only where we could confirm them on official websites.
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5 / CC BY 4.0 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public domain). Photographers are credited in each photo caption.
