Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Naha is the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, known for its tropical climate and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 320,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.0067 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, treated, and generally safe. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au; SIM cards available at the airport. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Japan Post Bank, MUFG, and accept international cards like Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to serviced apartments, with Airbnb frequently available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer various short-stay options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Guest House Naha. Prices start around JPY 2,500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kokusai Dori is the main tourist street, offering dining, shopping, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chuo district provides a good blend of cafes, coworking spaces, and accessibility. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Open Space Naha, located near Kokusai Dori, offers flexible working options. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | SANGO, known for its comfortable atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups or Meetup for expat gatherings and professional meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Naha Expat Meetup Group holds monthly events for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Didi are popular apps for on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Okinawa Smart Rental offers bike and scooter rentals around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Naminoue Beach is just a few minutes from downtown Naha. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Okinawa Air is the main carrier for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | ANA and Japan Airlines frequently operate flights to Naha. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Naha is connected via Route 58 and Expressway 3. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Naha Main Station is the primary transport hub for city and regional services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Okinawa City Bus passes available for unlimited travel in Naha. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for connecting to nearby attractions and islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Okinawa Chubu Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Yoga Studio offers various classes suited for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Naha and Anytime Fitness are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries available throughout the city; many hotels also offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Goya Champuru, a stir-fry with bitter melon and tofu. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Shuri Tofu provides delicious plant-based Okinawan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shuri Sweets offers traditional Okinawan desserts like tofu cheesecake. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Omoromachi Market is ideal for local food and cheap eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kokusai Dori is alive at night with various bars and izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Habu Shōchū is a local spirit company that offers brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Tapas Bar offers a selection of wines along with gourmet tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Kokusai Dori hosts numerous stalls with snacks like taco rice. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Little Hokkaido offers a mix of Japanese and other Asian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Shuri Castle and Tsuboya Pottery District are must-visit historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Okinawa Prefectural Museum offers cultural insights into the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Naha's historical sites include the Okinawa Prefectural Office Building. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Tsushimamaru Memorial offers insights into Okinawa's maritime history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Naha Hari is an annual tradition featuring dragon boat races, held in May. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Makishi Public Market shows the vibrant culinary culture of Okinawa. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Naha City Hall hosts various performances showcasing Ryukyu culture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Makishi Market is famous for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live houses along Kokusai Dori feature local Okinawan music and bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the alleyways of Naha for colorful murals and creative art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Okinawan Cooking Challenge offers hands-on cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Haitai Art Museum showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Naha's historically significant structures include the former Okinawa Prefectural Office. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Prominent cultural symbols include the Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Okinawa World theme park includes a limestone cave and beautiful gardens. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yanbaru National Park offers lush landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Naminoue Shrine Path provides scenic views along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Cape Kyan offers breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center is a spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check with local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Japan Post and Kuroneko Yamato provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Dedicated repair shops are around Kokusai Dori for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Tsuda Language School offers excellent Japanese classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Okinawa Prefectural Library provides quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Naha Community Center hosts cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Denger Gaming House provides a place for gamers to meet and play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Some resorts near Naha contain small gaming halls but no major casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JPY 350,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = JPY 14,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JPY 300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = JPY 12,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JPY 400,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = JPY 24,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JPY 350,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = JPY 21,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JPY 450,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = JPY 36,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JPY 400,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = JPY 32,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan operates on a progressive income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to Japan-resident shareholders. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% on the property trading value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives, but Japan offers a high quality of life and a stable environment. |