Koza
コザKoza26°20′ N 127°48′ ENeighbourhood
Koza is the old centre of Okinawa City around Gate 2 Street, Goya crossroads and Park Avenue, where bilingual bar signs and live music keep the streets busy after dark. Its name comes from the US Army's Camp Koza of 1945.
Koza grew out of a refugee camp and a field hospital the US military set up in 1945, and through the Vietnam War its bars and clubs served tens of thousands of American personnel. The street signs still come in two languages along Gate 2 Street and Park Avenue, and the Koza riot of December 1970 broke out here.
Today Koza Music Town on Gate 2 Street holds a live hall and the Eisa Kaikan, Guitar Lounge Alhambra in Uechi plays acoustic sets nightly, and Charlie's Tacos on Park Avenue has served its sauce-drenched tacos for more than 50 years. Okinawa City's tourism association runs guided walks of the back streets called Koza Machimaai.
Restaurants and cafés
Eat in Koza食べる
Bars, awamori and coffee
Drink in Koza飲む
See and do
Things to do in Koza遊ぶ
FAQ
Quick answers about Kozaよくある質問
Why is it called Koza?
Koza takes its name from Camp Koza, which the US military set up in 1945. The name is thought to blend the local place names Koja and Goya, or to come from a misread English spelling.
Is Koza good for nightlife?
Yes. Koza is the old centre of Okinawa City, with bars and live music around Gate 2 Street and a live hall in Koza Music Town. Its soba shops stay open into the early morning.
Is Koza a good place to stay?
Koza suits travellers who want local bars and live music within walking distance of the hotel. It is a short drive from the Chatan coast.
How do you get to Koza?
Goya crossroads on Route 330 marks the start of Gate 2 Street.
Within 12 km
Stay nearby宿
Within 12 km
Beaches and swims nearby浜
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Line up the trip around Koza
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