Koza Gate Street

Serving as the gateway to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa’s main street is located here at the Koza Gate Street. It is filled with various shops owned by foreigners, doing business for foreigners. This area was developed after the end of World War 2 following the establishment of the US Army base in Japan. Its original name was “Airport Street”.

The street retains its American culture influences, yet mixes Okinawan culture making it a hybrid between the two. Shops include apparel, souvenirs, live houses and more. Visitors can enjoy live music and Okinawan folk music. The “Koza Music Town” features space for live performances, as well as shops. The “Okinawa Post-War Cultural Material Museum” features WW2 related artifacts. There are other tourist spots as well.

During the 70s and 80s, many of the stores were catering to foreigners, and the street is still crowded with many foreigners. Some photogenic spots include shop signage and colorful murals. Just walking through the street is like traveling overseas.