Craft Beer Tourism in Japan- Sakurazaka Brewery, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

After getting off at Makishi Station on the Yui Rail, head toward Kencho-mae Station by walking down the lively Kokusai Street. Just a few minutes in, you’ll spot a large intersection. On the left side beyond it is Tembusu Naha, a building that houses the Naha City Tourist Information Center and opens up into a small plaza.

Turn left at the intersection and walk down the gentle slope. On your right, you’ll pass Kibougaoka Park. Just beyond that, take a narrow sloping street to the right—this is Sakurazaka. The road is barely wide enough for a single car, and as you stroll downhill, you’ll eventually spot Sakurazaka Brewery on your left.

Sakurazaka Brewery
Address: 3-6-3 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa

Once you reach the bottom of Sakurazaka, you'll find yourself at Heiwa Street, a covered shopping arcade full of shops and character. Just another 2–3 minutes on foot from here will bring you to the famous Makishi Public Market. This entire area is bustling with energy, filled with souvenir shops, street food vendors, and a great local vibe—it’s a fun place to explore.

Now, Sakurazaka Brewery itself is solely a production facility and doesn't serve beer on site. However, you can enjoy their craft beer just across the street at a cozy spot called Kariyushi Coffee and Beer Stand. This café-bar is entirely counter seating, and because it sits on a street corner, two sides of the space are open to the road, creating a breezy, open-air feel. When I visited in May—just before the start of Okinawa’s rainy season—the weather was warm but not too hot, making it incredibly pleasant to sit there. The relaxed, open setup almost feels like the entire street is part of the shop.

That day, the only beer available was a variety made with shikuwasa, a citrus fruit native to Okinawa—how fitting! Naturally, I had to try it.

Craft Beer Tourism Starting from Sakurazaka Brewery in Naha, Okinawa

Sakurazaka Brewery is perfectly located—within walking distance of the ever-popular Kokusai Street and Makishi Market, and easily accessible from the Yui Rail. It also serves as a great starting point for exploring other breweries in the area.

From the bottom of Sakurazaka, walk into the Heiwa Street Arcade, then take a left into Ichiba Chuo Street, a narrow covered alley that branches off into the market area. At the end of the arcade on the left-hand side, you’ll find Ukishima Brewing—it’s located on the third floor.

Back on Kokusai Street, tucked behind the Royal Palm Hotel, is Heavy Sasori Brewing. As of May 2025, they hadn’t yet started brewing due to licensing, but preparations seemed to be well underway.

If you're up for a slightly longer walk (about 10 minutes from Sakurazaka), you’ll find MAHOWBREW along Himeyuri Street, another worthy stop for beer lovers.