The royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of the Gusuku Sites). The castle was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and reconstructed in the 1990s. The striking red Seiden main hall is decorated with Chinese and Japanese architectural motifs unique to Ryukyu. A 15-minute walk from Yui Rail Shuri Station. Admission to the main hall ¥830 (some areas free).

Naha's main drag — a lively 1.6-kilometre street lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés. Great for Okinawan soba, goya champuru, tacos rice, and sata andagi (local fried doughnuts). Also the place to stock up on Okinawan awamori spirits, Ryukyu glassware, and hand-painted shisa lion figurines. Nearest stations: Yui Rail Makishi or Kencho-mae.

Just off Kokusai-dori, the Makishi Public Market is Okinawa's most celebrated food market. The ground floor is piled high with colourful tropical fish, sea grapes (umibudo), island vegetables, and pork products unlike anything seen on the Japanese mainland. You can buy your picks at the ground floor stalls and have them cooked in the second-floor restaurants for a small fee (from ¥400 per dish). An authentic and lively Okinawan experience.

South of Kokusai-dori, the Tsuboya district is the historic centre of Okinawan pottery (yachimun). The cobblestone Yachimun Street is lined with workshops, galleries, and cafés selling earthy red Okinawan ceramics with bold, colourful designs. A peaceful contrast to the bustle of Kokusai-dori, and a good place to find a handmade souvenir.

The only natural beach within Naha city, about 15 minutes on foot from Yui Rail Asahibashi Station. A surprisingly clear stretch of Okinawan sea in the middle of the city. Adjacent Naminoue Shrine — the oldest shrine in Naha — sits dramatically on the clifftop above the beach. Showers and changing rooms available in summer.

Okinawa has a strong steak culture inherited from the American military era — you can get a surprisingly large, quality steak at very reasonable prices. Alternatively, settle in at an izakaya on or around Kokusai-dori for Okinawan staples: rafute (slow-braised pork belly), tofu champuru, and a glass of awamori. A great way to round off the day.