Naha’s cruise terminal at Wakasa Berth has you covered with free Wi-Fi, shops, and places to exchange money.

For other Japan Cruise destinations check out our Japan Cruise Ports Guide page.

Getting around is easy – grab the ÂĄ240 shuttle to Kokusai-dori for shopping, hop on Bus 32 to downtown, or ride the island monorail.

Don’t miss Shuri Castle (just 20 minutes away) or the bustling Makishi Market.

While you’re exploring this cool mix of Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American vibes, make sure to taste local dishes like Goya Champuru or those weird-but-delicious Umibudo sea grapes!

Map of Okinawa (Naha) Cruise Ship Port

Port Location and Transportation Options

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Sitting right on the southern coast of Okinawa Island, Wakasa Berth (Tomari No. 8) gets you nice and close to everything worth seeing in Naha. The famous shopping street Kokusai-dori is just a quick 10-minute drive, and the old Shurijo Castle is only 20 minutes away.

Getting around won’t give you any headaches. Hop on Bus 32 from the terminal nearby to reach downtown, or take a 15-minute stroll to either Asahibashi or Kencho-mae monorail stations. Free shuttle buses run every half hour to Kokusai-dori (costs ÂĄ240 for a round-trip). If you want door-to-door service, grab a taxi for about ÂĄ1,000 or download the GO TAXI and DIDI apps on your phone.

Cruise Terminal Facilities and Services

Since opening in 2014, Wakasa Berth (Tomari Wharf Berth 8) has become a full-service cruise terminal with everything you need. The 340m pier can handle big ships, and there’s a handy boarding bridge that takes you straight to the terminal.

Once inside, you’ve got free Wi-Fi, tourist info in multiple languages, ATMs, currency exchange, and duty-free shopping. CIQ processing happens smoothly on the second floor, while the third floor has an observation deck with amazing views. Make sure to check out the traditional Okinawan crafts that showcase the local culture.

Getting around is easy too – there are wheelchair ramps and elevators throughout the whole place.

Getting Around Naha Independently

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Getting Around Naha Independently

Ready to ditch the cruise terminal and explore Naha your way? You’ve got some solid transportation options that other travelers rave about.

  1. Monorail – Cruise through 19 stations from Naha Airport to Tedako-Uranishi in just 37 minutes. Drop ÂĄ800 for a 24-hour pass and catch some sweet views of the Kerama Islands from up high.
  2. Public Buses – Stretch your yen with day passes (ÂĄ800) for cheap exploring, but heads up – English signs are pretty scarce.
  3. Taxis & Rentals – Cabs start at ÂĄ600, while renting wheels (ÂĄ5,000-ÂĄ10,000/day) gives you the freedom to hit those northern spots. Just don’t forget to pack your international driver’s permit!

Must-See Attractions Near the Port

When you pull into Naha Port, you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw from Okinawa’s coolest spots. Kokusai Dori is right around the corner – it’s this awesome 1.6 km stretch packed with shops, places to grab a bite, and loads of local flavor. Shuri Castle is a must-see too – yeah, they’re fixing it up right now, but this UNESCO site still gives you a real taste of the old Ryukyu Kingdom.

Got a thing for seafood? Hit up Makishi Public Market for some crazy-fresh local stuff. History nerds should check out the Former Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters – it’s pretty heavy with all the war exhibits. And if you want killer views, hop over to Senaga-jima Island where Umikaji Terrace serves up ocean panoramas that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, plus some decent food options.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Kanazawa for a different Japan Cruise destination.

Local Dining and Shopping Experiences

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Hungry? You’ll love Okinawa’s food scene when your cruise docks. The island cooks up a storm with dishes that mix Japanese cooking with Southeast Asian and American twists – stuff you can’t get anywhere else in Japan.

Want to eat like a local? Check these out:

  1. Dig into Goya Champuru – this bitter melon stir-fry is what Okinawan grandmas make at home, and it’s super good for you too
  2. Pop some Umibudo sea grapes – locals call ’em “green caviar” and they burst with ocean flavor when you dip them in ponzu
  3. Knock back some Awamori – this strong rice booze ages in clay pots and makes a killer souvenir

Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers

Ready to hit Okinawa from your cruise ship? Here’s what you need to know. Grab those transportation apps (DiDi works great for taxis) since there aren’t any port shuttles hanging around. The terminal’s got your back with free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and basic tourist info.

Most cool spots are just 20-30 minutes from where you dock. Watch your timing though—it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the shopping action on Kokusai-dori, and only 15 minutes to hop on the Monorail.

Download those offline maps before you go—English signs can be pretty scarce. And hey, mind your manners at pottery spots and shrines. Throw on something modest when checking out religious places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naha Port Affected by Typhoon Season?

Yes, Naha Port definitely gets hit during typhoon season (June-November). The port typically sees 3-4 typhoons each year, with August being the worst month – lots of cruise cancellations happen then. If you’re planning to visit, just know operations often get delayed when storms roll through. It’s all about keeping everyone safe, but it can mess up your travel plans.

Can I Store Luggage at the Cruise Terminal?

Sorry, the Naha Cruise Terminal doesn’t offer luggage storage facilities. You’ll need to check out other spots nearby – maybe try the coin lockers at the Tourist Information Center (about a 20-minute walk) or use Yamato Transport’s service over at Naha Airport if you’re looking to stash your bags.

Are There Beach Options Within Walking Distance of the Port?

Naminoue Beach is definitely your best bet – it’s only a 15-20 minute stroll (about 0.9 miles) from the cruise terminal. It’s the closest beach where you can actually swim, with lifeguards keeping an eye on things from April through October. Got nice white sand too, plus all the basics like showers and lockers when you need to rinse off or store your stuff.

What Cultural Etiquette Should I Observe in Okinawan Establishments?

When you visit Okinawan places, kick off your shoes before entering homes or spots with tatami mats. It’s nice to bow slightly when meeting locals, call them by their last name with “san” added, and skip the tipping – it’s not expected here. Go ahead and make some noise when eating noodles (slurping is actually polite!), say “itadakimasu” before you dig in, and try to keep your voice down in public spaces.

How Reliable Is Mobile Internet Coverage Throughout Naha?

Mobile coverage in Naha? Pretty sweet! You’ll get killer 4G/5G all over the city, with NTT Docomo crushing it at 9.1/10. If you’re wandering outside downtown, Au’s your best bet for staying connected without dropping calls.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Ishigaki Cruise Ship Port.