3 recommended insta-worthy spots with a calm atmosphere located in the heart of Naha City

In Okinawa prefecture, the temperature has been over 20 degrees for many days and some beaches have already opened. Or, this season is perfect to explore Okinawa on foot. Why not go on a trip here to find various insta-worthy spots such as a stunning view created by the sea and tropical plants, cityscape frozen in time and architectures allowing you to feel the history of Ryukyu and streets where Okinawan culture and American one are mixed?

This time, we’re going to introduce 3 spots easing your heart from instagrammable ones which you can feel free to stop by while strolling around the heart of Naha city.

“Naha City Hall Main Building” designed to be environmentally friendly and blend into nature

“Naha City Hall Main Building” has an impressive and unique structure by using intricate white pillars. Built with a concept of ‘city hall filled with greenery,’ this architecture has about 90 kinds of tropical plants such as royal poinciana and garcinia spicata, hibiscus and bougainvillea surrounding the outer wall and its grounds. So, the appearance looks like a labyrinth towering in the jungle. In addition to the exterior, the interior designed to take advantage of natural energy including sunlight and wind is also attractive. By the way, there is a restaurant on the 2nd floor, which offers various Okinawan local dishes. You can enjoy Okinawa soba and Champuru, Hechima Miso and Yushidofu etc for approximately 600 yen.

Opening Hours	8:30AM – 6:00PM Closed on weekends and holidays, Okinawa Memorial Day (23rd July), New Year’s Holidays (from 29th December to 3rd January)
Address	1-1-1 Izumizaki, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	A 5-min walk from Hotel Gracery Naha
URL	https://www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/admin/cityhall/annai/honchousha.html

“Naminoue Shrine” with over 600 years of history looking just like Palace of the Dragon

“Naminoue Shrine” is located on a cliff close to Naminoue beach which is the only beach open to the public in Naha city. Once upon a time, it seemed that Okinawan people visited this cliff, regarded as a sacred place, to pray for a good harvest and a big catch to god living in the country of the sea god called ‘Niraikai.’ Then, during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, Naminoue Shrine was specially treated by the kingdom government, and now, it’s regarded as the most prestigious shrine in Okinawa. Stepping into the precincts, the beautiful vermillion worship hall welcomes you. It’s also known to bring you good luck of realizing matchmaking, so how about praying while thinking about anyone you fancy? It might also be a good idea to pull a fortune slip available in 4 languages, buy Okinawan-style charms suitable for souvenirs and so on.

Opening Hours	Open all year round ※Reception hours for praying is from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Address	1-25-11 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	A 3-min walk from Nishinjo Bus Stop where it takes 7 mins by bus from Kenchomae ※Kenchomae Bus Stop is different from Kenchomae Station on the Yui Rail.
URL	http://naminouegu.jp/english.html

“Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum” where you can feel as if you’re exploring the old castle

“Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum” was constructed out of local limestone and sea sand in the motif of Okinawan old castle ‘Gusuku’ and its stone walls. Also called ‘Okimyu,’ this museum consists of 2 museums and is Okinawa’s largest cultural facility: Museum introducing a great variety of Okinawa’s history and culture, Art Museum mainly exhibiting artworks related to Okinawa. The interior is stylish as well as the exterior, and its Okinawan-style space full of openness and a relaxing atmosphere spreads out. Besides, don’t forget to visit the traditional Okinawan house (displayed outside) whose roof is covered with red tiles! There are a guest room, a kitchen and so on where furniture and cooking utensils are installed. Take your shoes off, enter the house, and let’s take lots of photos.

Opening Hours	Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 9:00AM – 6:00PM Friday, Saturday 9:00AM – 8:00PM Closed on Monday and New Year’s Holidays (from 29th December to 1st January) ※When Monday is a holiday or Okinawa Memorial Day, the next weekday will be closed. ※It may be closed due to maintenance, so please check closed days on the official website.
Address	3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	Close to Hakubutsukan Mae Bus Stop where it takes 15 mins by bus from Kenchokitaguchi
URL	https://okimu.jp/en/