Okinawa's historical districts differ dramatically from mainland Japan. This region experienced the most brutal fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II, followed by over two decades of American military administration, and still maintains the world's highest concentration of military bases. These distinctive experiences have shaped Okinawa's historical districts with multiple layers—war memories, base culture, and Ryukyu identity—making this not merely a stroll through an old town, but a window into East Asian modern history.
Featured Highlights
The defining characteristic of Okinawa's historical districts lies in the tension between "conflict and reconciliation." Kokusai Street in Naha was once a bustling entertainment district filled with bars and hostess clubs catering to the U.S. military during the base era, but has since transformed into a commercial tourism hub, though traces of the base economy remain visible in the alleys. The Peace Memorial Park on the Mabuni Hills in the south represents the opposite extreme—originally the site of the Japanese army's final command headquarters at the end of World War II, it now serves as a memorial park for the 200,000 civilian and military deaths. Visiting these districts, one deeply feels the unique Okinawan interpretation of the "war and peace" narrative—a vitality impossible to find anywhere else in Japan.
Recommended Destinations
【Peace Memorial Park (Mabuni)】
Located on the Mabuni Hills in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, the park covers approximately 30 hectares and was built to commemorate the Okinawan residents who died during World War II. The park features the Peace Memorial Monument, the Statue of Peace, and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. The Statue of Peace depicts a white-haired elderly man pointing toward the sky, said to commemorate the former Governor of Okinawa Prefecture. The museum displays extensive wartime photographs and relics, with the most striking feature being the entrance wall covered with the names of the deceased—200,000 names representing 200,000 broken families. A minimum visit of two hours is recommended, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
【Former U.S. Military Base Transformed District—American Village, Chatan Town】
Located in Mihara, Chatan Town, Nakagami District, the site was originally an R&R center for U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War. After Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, the number of U.S. military personnel drastically decreased, and the area gradually transformed into a mixed-use community combining commerce and residences. American Village today retains numerous American-style restaurants, vintage secondhand shops, and beaches, making it an excellent case study for understanding the evolution of U.S. military base culture. A notable observation: signage here mixes Japanese and English, eating habits show clear American influence, but residential areas still maintain strong Japanese living atmosphere—this "border between two worlds" is uniquely Okinawan cultural landscape. Free admission, some restaurants range from ¥1,500-3,000 per person.
【Shuri Castle Area (Shuri)】
Located in Shuri, Naha City, this was the political center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for six hundred years. Although the main hall is still under reconstruction after the 2019 fire, the surrounding Tama udun, Sonohyan-utaki, and Shinmachi stone paving remain worth exploring deeply. The traditional Ryukyu Kingdom culinary experience "Shuri Tenchi" within Shuri Castle Park offers traditional cuisine at approximately ¥2,500 for all-you-can-eat. Key point: Shuri is not merely a tourist town—it remains a living community where private homes, elementary schools, shrines, and heritage sites coexist in the alleys. This "living heritage" atmosphere differs drastically from Kyoto or Nara—it reminds you that history is not a sealed exhibit but a breathing daily life.
【Yomitan Village "Yachimun no Sato"】
Located in Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, this is the origin of the traditional Ryukyu craft "Yomitan-yaki" pottery. The workshops are concentrated on a slope at approximately 150 meters elevation, with about twenty small kilns. Unlike mass-producing tourist factories, Yomitan Village has preserved the traditional "front shop, back kiln" model, allowing visitors to observe masters hand-throwing clay and feel the sensation of earth taking shape in their hands. Workshop experience courses cost approximately ¥3,000-5,000 (including finished work firing and mailing). This district is quite niche but represents the essence of understanding Ryukyu craft aesthetics—they do not pursue perfection but embrace the uncertainty of "natural glaze variations," an aesthetic fundamentally different from the "artisan spirit" of mainland Japan.
【Naha City "Tsuboya Pottery Street"】
Located in Tsuboya, Naha City, this is another important center of Ryukyu ceramics, but unlike the mountain scenery of Yomitan Village, this is an urban living area. The street is approximately 300 meters long, lined with low-rise machiya townhouses rebuilt after the war, mixed with private homes and small shops. Tsuboya pottery features thick, sturdy clay and bold patterns, once serving as tribute items for the Ryukyu royal family. Several long-established shops still adhere to handcraft production, such as "Tama-ya" under the Tsuboya Pottery Preservation Society, with works ranging from ¥3,000 to several hundred thousand yen. This street sees far fewer tourists than Shuri Castle, ideal for those wanting a quiet stroll and to experience "everyday Okinawa."
Practical Information
Regarding transportation, Naha Airport is the main entry point, with the monorail "Okinawa Urban Monorail" reaching Shuri Station (¥330). To reach Peace Memorial Park, take Ryukyo Bus route bus 31 or 32 and get off at "Peace Memorial Park" stop (¥560). For American Village in Chatan, renting a car or taking Okinawa Bus Route 120 to "Chatan" station and walking ten minutes is recommended. For Yomitan Village, driving is recommended as public transportation runs very infrequently.
Regarding costs, most of the attractions above offer free admission, with only Shuri Castle Park admission at ¥1,000, Peace Memorial Museum at ¥500, and workshop experiences at ¥3,000-5,000. Dining costs approximately ¥1,000-2,500 per person. For accommodation, business hotels in Naha City range ¥8,000-15,000, Mihara resort areas range ¥15,000-30,000.
Opening hours vary significantly: Peace Memorial Park outdoor areas are open 24 hours, the museum is 09:00-18:00 (closed Mondays), Shuri Castle Park is 07:00-22:00, Tsuboya Pottery Street shops typically 10:00-18:00, Yomitan Village workshops 10:00-17:00. Avoiding Mondays is recommended as most indoor facilities are closed.
Travel Tips
First, Okinawa's historical districts are not "ancient towns" but "post-war rebuilt cities." If you expect the quaint old-world charm of Kyoto, you will be disappointed; but if you want to understand the wounds and reconciliation of East Asian modern history, this is an irreplaceable textbook. Second, flight connections between Okinawa and China directly affect your itinerary—as trends show, when Japan-China relations are tense, flights may be reduced; it is recommended to confirm your tickets three weeks in advance and have a backup plan. Third, summer (June to October) is typhoon season in Okinawa, and historical district visits may be affected; strongly recommend purchasing refundable tickets. Fourth, Okinawan identity differs subtly from mainland Japanese identity—they refer to themselves as "Okinawans" rather than "Japanese," and this subjectivity is often felt in the historical district commentaries. This is not a political stance but the natural outcome of six hundred years of Ryukyu Kingdom history.
