Nestled in the heart of Naha City, Okinawa, Kokusai Street, literally “International Street” (國際通), is a vibrant stretch of culture, commerce, and culinary delights. Spanning 1.6 kilometers, this bustling street is fondly known as Okinawa’s Miracle Mile. With its blend of postwar history, traditional culture, and modern shopping conveniences, Kokusai Street is a must-visit destination for food lovers and shoppers alike.
Watch the following video on Kokusai Street in Japan’s Okinawa for more interesting images.
With direct flights and cruise routes connecting Taiwan to Okinawa, the island has become a particularly accessible getaway destination for Taiwanese travellers. The abundance of affordable, high-quality health products has made it a shopping paradise for Taiwanese visitors.
History of Kokusai Street
The roots of Kokusai Street trace back to post-World War II Okinawa, when much of Naha lay in ruins following the devastating Battle of Okinawa. The street rose from the ashes of conflict, symbolizing the region’s resilience and rebirth.
Its name comes from the “Ernie Pyle International Theater,” a now-vanished movie theater that once stood along the road. The theater was named in honor of American war correspondent Ernie Pyle, who lost his life in Okinawa during the war. Over time, the street that housed the theater became known as “International Street (國際通),” or Kokusai-dori in Japanese.
In the early 1950s, particularly after construction along Makishi Road, small shops began to gather here. By 1954, the street had been widened to accommodate the growing traffic. It soon flourished into a full-fledged shopping avenue. With the urban planning concept of creating a “people-friendly, walkable city,” Kokusai Street was designed not only for transportation, but also for experience.
About Kokusai Street
Kokusai Street is the most iconic street in Okinawa. Bustling from morning to night, it’s the perfect place to soak in the island’s atmosphere — whether you’re savoring grilled Okinawan specialties, sipping on awamori, or simply people-watching over a cup of local coffee. With its traditional charm and modern flair, Kokusai Street is often compared to Tokyo’s Shibuya or Osaka’s Dotonbori. Still, it stands apart with its warm island spirit and laid-back pace.
The street begins near the Okinawa Prefectural Office, anchored by the RYUBO Department Store, and stretches about 1.6 kilometers through central Naha. Along this lively corridor are nearly 600 businesses — from souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, and convenience stores to drugstores, cafés, and izakayas (居酒屋). Weekends and holidays bring the street to life with even more energy, drawing visitors from around the world and across Japan. It’s not just a tourist destination — it’s where Okinawan culture, commerce, and community meet.
Whether strolling for souvenirs, indulging in street food, or joining the lively Sunday performances, Kokusai Street offers an unforgettable experience that blends history, shopping, and Okinawan culture in a walkable, welcoming space. It truly lives up to its nickname — the Miracle Mile — and is a highlight for anyone visiting Okinawa.
A foodie’s playground
Kokusai Street is a culinary haven where food lovers are truly spoiled for choice. The flavors are bold and unforgettable from the award-winning Namenore Ramen and melt-in-your-mouth Ishigaki beef to Okinawa’s signature taco rice and sizzling steaks at Heki Teppanyaki. Don’t miss a scoop of Blue Seal ice cream, featuring unique local flavors you won’t find anywhere outside the U.S. Add the beloved pork and egg rice balls, inventive taco-style bites, and nostalgic American A&W root beer, burgers, and onion rings. You will have a perfect blend of traditional Okinawan tastes, American fast food, and street food delights.
A paradise for drugstore shoppers
Japanese drugstores are a major draw for Asian tourists — especially those from Taiwan, South Korea, and China — and Kokusai Street is lined with them. There’s something for everyone, from skincare and cosmetics to health supplements, trendy snacks, and souvenirs. Many shops offer tax-free purchases and multilingual support, making it a convenient and irresistible stop for savvy international shoppers.
Drugstores on Kokusai Street are popular with Taiwanese tourists and offer top-selling Japanese health products, such as Strong Wakamoto (Wakamoto 強力若元胃腸錠), a digestive aid; Alinamin EX Plus, a vitamin supplement that combats fatigue; “Yukakusan Herbal Powder (龍角散),” a favorite for throat relief; and the classic “Mentholatum Ointment (曼秀雷敦),” which treats minor aches and congestion. These compact, effective items make great souvenirs or travel essentials.
Highlights of Kokusai Street
One of the most prominent drugstore chains along Kokusai Street is Daikoku Drug (大國藥妝), renowned for its competitive prices and extensive product selection. With three branches conveniently spaced less than 200 meters apart, it’s easy for shoppers to pop into one, then another, to compare deals or find specific items. From cosmetics and health supplements to snacks and household goods, Daikoku Drug offers excellent value, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals seeking to stock up on Japanese essentials. Some branches also offer duty-free shopping and accept major payment methods, adding even more convenience for international visitors.
Marked by its iconic big yellow sign, Don Quijote (唐吉訶德) on Kokusai Street is a must-visit shopping haven for tourists. Open late and offering tax refunds on purchases over 5,500 yen (including tax), this five-story megastore — from basement to 4F — carries everything from cosmetics, snacks, and stationery to home appliances. The first floor even houses Okinawa’s largest souvenir section, making it nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.
Okashigoten (御菓子御殿) on Kokusai Street is a delightful confectionery shop renowned for its original beni-imo (purple sweet potato) tarts, offering freshly baked treats, a cozy café, and a wide selection of Okinawan souvenirs in a setting reminiscent of Shurijo Castle. With its striking red-tiled roof and ornate façade, Okashigoten’s Matsuo branch on Kokusai Street resembles a miniature Ryukyuan palace. Inspired by the design of Shurijo Castle, the building blends traditional Okinawan architecture with playful modern touches, like vivid purple accents and a giant display of its signature sweet potato tart, making it a standout sight amid the lively energy of downtown Naha
Cultural events and a Sunday pedestrian paradise
What makes Kokusai Street especially lively are the weekly and seasonal events. Every Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., the street transforms into a car-free pedestrian zone during the “Pedestrian Kingdom.” Street performers, musicians, dancers, and local artists take over, creating a festive open-air cultural space for everyone to enjoy.
In August, the street hosts the vibrant 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade, where youth groups from across Okinawa perform traditional Eisa dances in colorful costumes. It’s one of the island’s most anticipated summer events and a spectacular display of Okinawan pride and heritage.
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