Enjoy Okinawa's Naha with all your senses! Rent a bicycle and enjoy a sightseeing tour around Shuri Castle and the sea
Feel the Okinawan breeze on your skin, breathe history, and enjoy the emerald green sea all at the same time. Why not try such a luxurious experience?
This time, I rode the Okiichi sightseeing pottering course , a new part of CYCLE BALL , a cycling event run by Tour de Nippon. It's a free, self-guided cycling event.
This is a super eco-friendly and free cycling trip that takes you around Naha's narrow roads and hidden scenic spots that you can never experience by car. Here is a detailed report on the trip!
1. The journey begins at "E-Charity Naha Store"
The starting point for this pottering ride is the E-Charity Naha branch, a bicycle rental shop located on Kokusai Street in Naha City. Rent a bicycle here, then launch the Cycle Ball app and check in! You can check the course while riding with just your smartphone, so you can feel safe even on roads you've never been on before.
This time, in addition to my friends and myself, "Marco-san," who happened to be at the shop that day to rent a bicycle, joined us at the last minute and we all hit it off! A lively cycling trip began with a total of four people.
The biggest advantage of renting a bicycle is the mobility to easily go down any alley that catches your eye without having to worry about parking. It's the perfect means of transportation in a city like Naha, which has many hilly roads and many charming backstreets. 
2. Tracing the vestiges of the Ryukyu Kingdom: Kinjo Town Stone-paved Road and Shuri Forest
Our first destination is Kinjocho Stone-Paved Road, located at the foot of Shuri Castle. This was once part of a major road built during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The stones paved underfoot are Ryukyu limestone, brought from the sea, and just walking along it brings to mind the conditions of those days.
A Sunday-only cafe and a break at Kinjomuraya
The road to Kinjo Town is a continuous uphill climb, but with the help of an electric assist bicycle, it's a breeze. Luckily, when we arrived, we found a cafe that's only open on Sundays . We started off with a cup of Okinawan tea. The bitter melon juice was incredibly delicious!
This cafe has a wonderful garden, filled with seasonal flowers. You can see seasonal Okinawan flowers, including the Kanhizakura, the earliest cherry blossom in Japan. The weather was good that day, and it was a wonderful experience to see Okinawa's largest butterfly, the Idea leuconoe, dancing wildly. The Idea leuconoe chrysalis' pupa is golden and very beautiful.
Afterwards, we took a break at Kanagusuku Muraya, a place of relaxation for local people. Here, the symbol of the area, the Hatagashira, is displayed, giving us a sense of Okinawa's unique culture. Resting in a traditional building with a tiled roof, we felt like time was passing slowly. The best part of pottering is being able to experience the local atmosphere in places you would pass by in a car.
The mysterious "Big Akagi Tree in Kinjo-cho, Shuri"
Next, we visited the "Big Akagi" tree, which is said to be over 200 years old. This giant tree, standing in the quiet forest, is truly a power spot. Just a short ride from downtown Naha allows you to come into contact with such deep nature and history, a discovery that can only be made on a bicycle trip.
3. Shuri Castle is undergoing reconstruction: a sight you can only see now
Our next destination was Shuri Castle Park, the symbol of Okinawa.
Shuri Castle is steadily undergoing reconstruction following the fire that occurred in 2019. Currently, as part of a "visible reconstruction," visitors can observe the restoration process up close. On the day we visited, some of the restoration buildings covering the main hall of Shuri Castle were being removed, and we could sense the excitement that completion is finally approaching.
The hands of the craftsmen and the aroma of new wood... all the members were deeply moved by witnessing the process of history being woven once again. The cycleball course is exquisitely designed with spots like these that give a sense of "present-day Okinawa."
4. Be soothed by the Gajumaru trees at Sogenji Temple
After descending the hills of Shuri, we next headed to Sogenji Temple. This is the remains of a temple dedicated to the spirit of the Ryukyu King. The impressive stone gate, which survived the war, and the huge banyan tree that surrounds it are impressive.
The intricately intertwined roots of the Gajumaru tree resemble guardian deities that have watched over the history of the city of Naha. Park your bike in the shade and take a deep breath. The sea breeze and the scent of greenery blend together for a soothing moment on your Naha cycling trip.
5. Feel the sea breeze! Wakasa Seaside Park and Naminoue Beach
After enjoying the history, we head straight for the sea!
Dragon pillar and 23 degree summer day
When we arrived at Wakasa Seaside Park, the blue sea spread out before our eyes! The sight of the giant dragon pillars standing in a row was breathtaking. The temperature on this day was a staggering 23 degrees. It was so warm (or rather, hot!) that it was hard to believe it was February, and some people were even swimming in their swimsuits.
The exhilarating feeling of riding along the coastline while feeling the sea breeze can never be experienced from inside a car. The quiet ride without engine noise and the sound of the waves as background music is only possible on an eco-friendly bicycle trip.
6. Late New Year's visit: Fortune-telling at Naminoue Shrine
We went to Naminoue Shrine, which stands on a cliff right next to the seaside park. It is known as the most prestigious shrine in Okinawa Prefecture. None of us had been able to visit the shrine for the first time this year, so we decided to have a "late first visit of the year" here.
We purified our hands at the temizuya (purification fountain) and prayed for a safe journey ahead. Then, all four of us drew fortune slips! The excitement of getting excited about the results is a fond memory of the trip. Being able to take unplanned detours like this is one of the great things about traveling freely using rental bicycles .
7. Head through the pedestrian-only Kokusai Street to the finish line
The final stop on our trip was Kokusai Street, Okinawa's largest shopping district. It was a Sunday, and a "Transit Mall (pedestrian zone)" was being held on Kokusai Street.
Since I can't ride a bicycle, I hold the handlebars and walk slowly towards the E-Charity Naha store. I enjoy the lively music and the delicious aromas wafting from the store, and reflect on today's journey with my friends.
"I get so annoyed by traffic jams when I'm driving, but riding a bicycle is so much fun." "The Cycle Ball app gives me a sense of accomplishment when I collect stamps!"
While enjoying this conversation, we safely arrived at the starting point , the E-Charity Naha store .
[Summary] After the Naha Okiichi pottering
The distance we ran this time was just over 10km, which was just the right length for even beginners to enjoy.
🚲 Why is Naha Bicycle Rental the Best?
1. Eco-friendly and earth-friendly: No exhaust fumes are emitted, allowing you to travel while protecting the beautiful Okinawan environment.
2. Freedom without traffic jams: You can travel the shortest distance without worrying about traffic jams in Naha city.
3. Your five senses are heightened: The temperature of the wind, the scent of flowers, the song of birds... All of this information that is blocked out in a car is transmitted directly to you.
4. The app gives you a sense of treasure hunting: By using the Cycle Ball app, you can move forward with excitement, wondering where to go next.
🌟 Travel Advice
Naha is a city with surprisingly many hills. We highly recommend renting an electrically assisted bicycle like the one we used this time! You'll be surprised at how easy it is to climb the hills to Shuri Castle.
When it comes to travelling to Okinawa, renting a car is the standard, but on your next trip, why not try the "Okiichi" sightseeing pottering course ? You're sure to see the true face of Naha like you've never seen it before.
Services and spots used this time
・Event: Tour de Nippon "Cycle Ball" (Okiichi Course)
・Bicycle rental: E-Charity Naha store
・Main stops: Shuri Castle, Kinjo Town Stone-paved Road, Sogenji Temple, Wakasa Seaside Park, Naminoue Shrine, Kokusai Street
Next, why not try paddling through this magnificent scenery on your own two feet?
