Sakurazaka is one of the several local neonlit night life districts on okinawa where bars, clubs and eating establishments are abundant. It is located in Naha, and a part of it fronts Kokusai-dori from the Makishi Police Box to the Kokusai Shopping Center. Once the place for drinking, it has a history of its own.

In 1952 a movie theater opened on a hill on the back streets of Naha and about 100 cherry trees were planted along the hillsides. The existence of cherry trees (sakura) on the slopes (saka) was probably how Sakurazaka got its name. As the cherry trees came to bloom yearly, many bars and restaurants also sprouted along the streets in the surrounding area. Sakurazaka is now a maze of very narrow and winding streets where drinkers making the rounds often urinate on the waysides, giving the area a particular aroma.

In its heyday Sakurazaka was the meeting place for military government leaders, civilian administrators and politicians who met to discuss and make decisions. Talking and joking over drinks may have resulted in many ideas and new directions for okinawa. The older generation, remembering those times, may feel a little ashamed of their behavior during drinking bouts.

After the okinawa Reversion in 1972, Sakurazaka did not attract young people as they moved to the Maejima and Matsuyama areas because those areas had more modern drinking establishments. However, older men are still fond of Sakurazaka. Maybe the curious visitor will go there to experience a part of the local okinawa atmosphere. It was and still is an aspect of local culture.