Heiwa Dōri (平和通り, Peace Street) is a covered shopping arcade and tourist attraction in Naha, Okinawa. The entrance to the arcade is on Kokusai Street, opposite Mitsubishi departmeant store.[1] The name Heiwa Dōri was chosen in a public competition in 1951, and is linked to the Heiwa-kan cinema which use to be located in the mouth of the arcade.[2]
In the early 2000s Heiwa Dōri had become dated, with few customers, and many empty shops. More recently though, the Naha Ichiba market association and a new generation of younger shop owners have worked to revitalise the arcade. An influx of bars and restaurants has created a dining and nightlife scene, while also causing some issues due to the number of inebriated patrons.[3]
The street features many gift shops selling Okinawan products that range from stone Shisa dogs - traditional statues placed on the roofs of many Okinawan homes, Awamori, a traditional Okinawan alcohol,[4] various foods, colored Ryukyu glassware, Kariyushi shirts (similar to Hawaiian shirts) and geta clogs.[2]
The Heiwa Dōri arcade is open from 10am to 8:30pm every day.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Heiwa Street/Okinawa Island Guide". www.oki-islandguide.com. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ a b "Heiwa-dori Street". Feel Okinawa. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ "Tired Naha shopping arcade evolves into city's best dining spot". The Japan Times. 2023-09-04. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ "Shopping in Naha: Kokusai and Heiwa Streets | Japan Experience". www.japan-experience.com. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
- ^ "Heiwa Dori - Opening Hours, Reviews & Photos [2024]". TRIP.COM. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
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