Introducing Naha
Although it was completely flattened during WWII, the prefectural capital of Naha was rapidly rebuilt and is presently in the midst of a population explosion. Today, the city sports a swish new overhead monorail and a rapidly expanding skyline of modern high-rise apartments. However, the heart of the city is still very much Shuri-jō, the castle ruins of the erstwhile Okinawan capital that grace the backside of the new¥2000 bill.
Naha also has a reputation for its boisterous (if at times scandalous) nightlife. Of course, this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as American GIs, mainland tourists and college students make for quite a heady mix. The action centres on Kokusai-dōri (International Blvd), a colourful and energetic 2km main drag of hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and just about every conceivable type of souvenir shop.
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