Naha-Shi, Japan

Most people find themselves passing through NAHA at some time on their visit to the islands, and though its mix of municipal blocks and parades of souvenir shops catering to the constant stream of Japanese holiday-makers isn't overly attractive, there are a couple of sights to aim for. For more than four centuries Naha was the capital of the Ryūkyū kingdom, and it makes much of its royal heritage, though virtually everything was destroyed during the war. The beautifully reconstructed Shuri-jō, the king's small, solid castle, constitutes the city's major sight and is well worth visiting, while the Shuri area also contains a moderately informative prefectural museum, as well as some original royal graves and stone-paved lanes.