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

      Comfortable Accommodations

      La Passione Boutique B&B in Naha offers a terrace and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies with city views.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A continental, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Asian breakfast is served, featuring local specialities, warm dishes, pancakes, and fruits.

      Convenient Facilities

      The property provides private check-in and check-out, a lounge, shared kitchen, coffee shop, outdoor seating area, bicycle parking, express services, and luggage storage.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street, attractions such as Naminoue Beach and Tamaudun Mausoleum are nearby. Highly rated for its friendly host and excellent breakfast.
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      Best ever hotel
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Best ever hotel in Naha offers aparthotel-style accommodations with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each unit includes a private bathroom with a bidet, washing machine, and free toiletries.

      Convenient Facilities

      Guests benefit from a lift, full-day security, and free parking. Additional amenities include a work desk, TV, microwave, and electric kettle. The aparthotel is highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the aparthotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach and near attractions such as Yachimun Street. Highly rated for its laundry, kitchen, and convenient location.
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      Hotel Collective
      Luxury

      Prime City Centre Location

      Hotel Collective in Naha offers a 5-star experience in the city centre. Guests enjoy easy access to Naminoue Beach, just 1.8 km away, and Yachimun Street, a 9-minute walk. The Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.

      Exceptional Facilities

      The hotel features spa facilities, a sauna, fitness centre, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a public bath, steam room, hot tub, and electric vehicle charging station.

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Rooms offer air-conditioning, private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and work desks. Executive lounge access and sofa beds enhance the stay.

      Dining Experience

      The family-friendly restaurant serves Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, sushi, international, European, barbecue grill, and Cantonese cuisines. Breakfast is a buffet with a variety of options.
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      Yukureba Maejima Hotel
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Yukureba Maejima Hotel in Naha offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi, private check-in and check-out services, and a lounge.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hotel features a lift, concierge service, family rooms, and bike hire. Additional amenities include a washing machine, work desk, and parquet floors.

      Prime Location

      Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Naminoue Beach (16 minutes) and Yachimun Street (1.7 km). Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum (3.9 km) and Nakagusuku Castle (17 km).

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for room size, comfort, and bathroom amenities, the hotel ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors.
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      The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Naha
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and modern amenities such as streaming services and flat-screen TVs. Additional comforts include sofa beds and executive lounge access.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, paid off-site private parking, and a buffet breakfast.

      Prime Location

      Located in Naha city centre, the hotel is a 13-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Nearby attractions include Yachimun Street and Tamaudun Mausoleum.
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      Southwest Grand Hotel
      Luxury

      Elegant Accommodations

      Southwest Grand Hotel in Naha offers 5-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, balconies, and city views. Each room includes a minibar, TV, and free toiletries.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, terrace, and hot tub. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay.

      Dining Experience

      The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. Breakfast is available as a buffet, and lunch and dinner are served in a modern and romantic ambience.

      Prime Location

      Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and less than 1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Nakagusuku Castle. Guests appreciate the attentive staff, scenic views, and comfortable rooms.
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      Hotel GrandConsort Naha
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Hotel GrandConsort Naha in Naha offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a hot tub, bicycle parking, and luggage storage.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A buffet breakfast with fruits is served daily, providing a perfect start to the day.

      Prime Location

      Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 1.1 km from Yachimun Street. Nearby attractions include Tamaudun Mausoleum and Sefa Utaki.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for its attentive staff, convenient location, and comfortable rooms.
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      Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER in Naha offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a refrigerator, microwave, TV, and free WiFi.

      Dining and Amenities

      Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast with Italian options and a selection of juices. The hotel provides a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage.

      Prime Location

      Located 1.8 km from Yachimun Street and 7 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Naminoue Beach (3 km) and Tamaudun Mausoleum (2.8 km). Guests appreciate the room comfort, convenient location, and nearby shops.
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      Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa
      Luxury
      Offering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.
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      The Naha Terrace
      Luxury
      Located a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport and a 10-minute walk from DFS Galleria Okinawa, The Naha Terrace boasts a seasonal outdoor pool, spa facilities, 3 restaurants, a bar and a lounge in the heart of Naha City. Private parking is available on site. Rooms at The Naha Terrace feature a seating area with a city view, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free WiFi. The en suite bathroom is equipped with free toiletries. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk with concierge service and free luggage storage. Guests can enjoy a variety of beauty treatments on site. There are sauna facilities for male guests as well. At The Naha Terrace, guests can enjoy Japanese, Western and Teppanyaki meals at on-site restaurants. Okinawa Prefectural Museum is just a 3-minute walk from The Naha Terrace, while Kokusai Dori Street is a 10-minute walk away. Shuri Castle can be reached within 15 minutes by car.
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Experiences around Okinawa Island

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