Naha

Naha, Japan, is the capital of Okinawa and is famed for Shuri Castle, once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom where karate is said to have been invented. An interesting adventure for the whole family is to take a karate history tour. The city's Tsuboya district is famous for its ceramics, in particular the famed shiisaa figurines of lion-dogs. The main street in Naha, Kokusaidori, is a major commercial district that's lined with restaurants, teahouses and independent boutique stores offering everything from high fashion to souvenirs.

Popular sites in Naha include the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum, where you can explore traditional art and the history of the islands. To enjoy some meditative serenity, many visitors fall in love with the Shikinaen gardens, dating to the Ryukyu era. Shuri Castle, a designated World Heritage Site, is a popular attraction and is influenced by Chinese architecture. It has a long history of decline and repair before its designation.