Okinawa Food Guide

Live music at a restaurant along Naha's Kokusaidori Street

Okinawan cuisine differs significantly from Japanese cuisine due to the islands' unique history, during which its food culture was influenced especially by China, South East Asia, Japan and the United States, and due to the different climate with its effects on agriculture and appetite.

Okinawan dishes are widely available at restaurants throughout the prefecture. For trying out a variety of dishes, we recommend a visit to a local izakaya, where multiple smaller dishes are shared at the table. Some establishments offer live Okinawan music to further enhance the dining experience, especially in tourist districts like Naha's popular Kokusaidori Street.

Meals

The following three meals, especially Goya Champuru and Okinawa Soba, are omnipresent across Okinawa. They are popular not only among tourists, but also in home cooking:

  • Champuru
    Champuru means "stir fry" in the Okinawan language and refers to a dish which was prepared by stir frying various ingredients. By far the most popular champuru variety is goya champuru, in which the bitter goya vegetable is stir fried with tofu, eggs and pork or spam. Other variations of champuru include fu (wheat gluten) champuru, tofu champuru and papaya champuru.
  • Okinawa Soba
    Although they share the name with soba noodle dishes found on the Japanese mainland, Okinawa Soba are a completely different dish. They are made of wheat rather than buckwheat flour, and therefore resemble udon noodles more than soba noodles. Similar to ramen noodles, Okinawa Soba are served in a bowl of broth with a number of toppings. A common topping is soft boiled pork, in which case the dish is called Soki Soba, but there are other varieties. The dish generally also includes green onions, kamaboko (fish cake) and red ginger.
  • Taco Rice
    A result of the American presence in Okinawa, taco rice is a unique dish that is popular as an inexpensive, filling meal. The meal's exact origins are uncertain, but it appeared in Okinawa sometime after the end of the war. A bowl of taco rice consists of typical taco ingredients, such as ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa, served over rice. Other taco ingredients like cheese or onions can also be included. The meal is typically eaten with a spoon rather than with chopsticks.

Small dishes

Like on the mainland, there are many izakaya style restaurants in Okinawa where diners share a number of small dishes instead of eating one main meal each. Among the most famous are:

  • Rafute
    Rafute is a pork dish featuring thick cuts of meat from the pig's belly that have been boiled to become very soft. It was originally part of the cuisine of the Ryukyu royal court, but has since become a common dish. An order of rafute typically comes with one to three pieces of meat, but each piece is quite thick. The meat is cooked in soya sauce and fish broth, and sometimes awamori as well. The pieces of rafute are sometimes served with a bit of mustard as seasoning. The taste of the meat is usually very rich and savory.
  • Mimiga
    Another pork dish, Mimiga consists of thinly cut pig's ear that is boiled or steamed. It comes with a crunchy texture and is usually seasoned with a ponzu sauce, salt or a peanut dressing.
  • Umibudo
    Umibudo literally means "sea grapes" in Japanese, and this type of seaweed does indeed resemble grapes on a miniature scale. Each little umibudo ball has a soft skin that releases a salty liquid when bitten. Umibudo is usually served with little preparation, with only a bit of vinegar or soya sauce.
  • Tofuyo
    Another derivative of the versatile soya bean, tofuyo is the result of fermenting and aging regular tofu. It is a powerful and pungent dish that is served in very small portions and commonly eaten with toothpicks. Tofuyo is often compared to strong cheese because of its similar texture and taste. The tofu is soaked in malted rice and awamori during the fermentation process, which takes a few months to complete. A red yeast is added in the process that gives the tofuyo its distinctive color. A glass of awamori is said to complement the taste of tofuyo nicely.
  • Yagi Sashimi
    Yagi sashimi is raw goat meat, one of Okinawa's more challenging dishes. The slices of raw goat meat are presented and eaten in a similar fashion as regular seafood sashimi. The meat has a rather strong goaty flavor and is somewhat chewy.

Drinks

The following uniquely Okinawan drinks are very popular and widely available:

  • Orion Beer
    Orion Beer is by far the most popular beer in Okinawa, but outside the islands it is quite uncommon. It has a light taste similar to Asahi Superdry, and is quite refreshing, making it a good drink for the beach in hot weather. It is widely available across the prefecture canned, bottled and as draft beer. A brewery in Nago is open to tourists.
  • Awamori
    Awamori is a distilled spirit unique to Okinawa with an alcohol content usually between 30-40 percent. It is similar to but differs from shochu in that it is made from long-grained thai-style rice and uses a black koji mold indigenous to Okinawa. Awamori and Awamori-based cocktails are widely available across Okinawa.
  • Sanpin-cha
    Sanpin-cha is the Okinawan name for Jasmine tea, and is widely popular across Okinawa. The tea is available at supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines and at restaurants and is drunk hot or cold. Sanpin-cha was originally introduced from China and is generally flavored milder than its Chinese counterpart.

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Hotels around Okinawa Island

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      La Passione Boutique B&B
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, La Passione is a secluded bed and breakfast in Naha. Guests can take a 10-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori or go to Jogaku Park, a 4-minute walk from the property. Bicycle hire is available upon reservation. All rooms have an electric kettle and a refrigerator, while some rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. A hairdryer is provided on site. Extra amenities include face tissues, cotton buds, hand soap, body soap, hair shampoo and conditioners. Guests can enjoy Western-style breakfast at La Passione. Luggage storage is available on site. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 500 meters away from La Passione, while Makishi Public Market and Yachimun Street are both a 10-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, a 20-minute taxi ride from the property.
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      Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts-
      Mid-range
      Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts- features accommodation within 700 metres of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.4 km from Naminoue Beach. The accommodation offers a lift and full-day security for guests. At the aparthotel, every unit comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the aparthotel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts-.
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      Hotel Collective
      Luxury
      In a prime location in the centre of Naha, Hotel Collective offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a kids' club, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel, every room has a wardrobe. The units in Hotel Collective are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an American breakfast. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from Hotel Collective, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.
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      Living Inn Nahakoumae
      Mid-range
      Living Inn Nahakoumae offers accommodation within 1.2 km of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge and kitchenware. It is set 1.3 km from Naminoue Beach and features a lift. The aparthotel has family rooms. All units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and kettle. All units feature a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 5.4 km from the aparthotel, while Sefa Utaki is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Living Inn Nahakoumae.
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      Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER
      Luxury
      Conveniently located in the centre of Naha, Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER offers buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Guests can enjoy city views. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER all rooms have bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 2.8 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 17 km from the property. Naha Airport is 7 km away.
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      Hotel GrandConsort Naha
      Luxury
      Located in the centre of Naha, Hotel GrandConsort Naha is situated 1.5 km from Naminoue Beach and 4.2 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel GrandConsort Naha every room comes with bed linen and towels. Sefa Utaki is 20 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 21 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.
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      JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha
      Luxury
      JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha offers accommodation in Naha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is completely non-smoking and fully equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each of the hotel's carpeted rooms is air-conditioned and soundproofed. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV. The bed is equipped with a Simmons pocket coil mattress. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, clothes rack and refrigerator. The rooms have a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels, bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries are also provided. There is also a safety deposit box and a laptop safe. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Drinks vending machines and a free trouser press are available on site. Paid massages and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is a 1-minute walk from Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping District and a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Naha Airport is within 30 minutes by train.
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      Okinawa EXES Naha
      Luxury
      Set in Naha, 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, Okinawa EXES Naha offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. This 5-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is 4.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, and within 700 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Okinawa EXES Naha all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 22 km away. Naha Airport is 4 km from the property.
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      Ryujin Hotel Ukishima
      Mid-range
      Ryujin Hotel Ukishima features accommodation within 600 metres of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a toaster. With city views, this accommodation offers a terrace. The aparthotel has family rooms. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is a private bathroom with bath in all units, along with a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the aparthotel, all units are soundproof. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from the aparthotel, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Ryujin Hotel Ukishima.
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      The Kitchen Hostel Ao
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, The Kitchen Hostel Ao is situated 5 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum, 20 km from Nakagusuku Castle and 22 km from Sefa Utaki. The 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The property is 700 metres from the city centre and 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Guests at the hostel can enjoy an American breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are ready to help around the clock. Zakimi Gusuku Castle is 30 km from The Kitchen Hostel Ao, while Katsuren Castle is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
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Experiences around Okinawa Island

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