What to Buy in Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost tropical island of Japan which attracts millions of visitors every year by its beautiful beaches, nature and their very own culture. Okinawa is also a great place to shop since their tradition and food culture are pretty unique comparing to the rest of Japanese cities. If you are thinking what to buy in Okinawa, here is the list of must-buy souvenirs!

1. Shisa Statue

Shisa (シーサー) is a traditional statue of the creature from Okinawan mythology. They are believed to protect people from evils. Pairs of Shisa are often placed on rooftops or gates of local’s houses in Okinawa.

2. Beniimo Tart

The best selling souvenir of 2016. Beniimo Tart is made with Beniimo (purple sweet potatoes) which are Okinawa’s local specialty.

3. Orion Beer

Orion beer is Okinawa’s local beer which are sold at every convenience store or liquar stores at local. In fact, it’s the 5th largest beer company in Japan.

4. Blue Seal Ice Cream

Blue Seal is a franchised ice cream shop from Okinawa, offering varieties of ice cream flavours using local ingredients. It’s more common than Baskin Robbins in Okinawa.

5. Okinawa Soba

One of significant local dishes in Okinawa is Okinawa Soba. If you like it, don’t forget to take some home!

6. Hi-Chew

Soft candy “Hi-Chew” is very popular sweets in Japan and often sold with local-limitedly flavours at many regions. In Okinawa, you can find them in Pineapple, Mango and Shikuwasa (local citrus fruits) floavours.

7. Chinsuko

Chinsuko is Okinawa’s traditional biscuits and has been the most popular souvenir for many decades.

8. Sata Andagi

Sata Andagi is traditional sweets from Okinawa. It’s deep fried bun dough and similar to doughnuts.

9. Rafute

Rafute is Okinawa’s local dish often cooked at home. It’s stewed skin-on pork rib, often served on Soba, too.

10. Shisa Sheet Mask

Sheet Masks are one of must-buy items in Japan. Why not to try Shisa version while you are in Okinawa?? 😉

In case you are wondering if we can get all these Okinawan specialties without travelling to Okinawa.. Yes, it is possible! Visit the “Ginza Washita Shop” which is Okinawa regional shop in Tokyo and you can check hundreds of Okinawa products 🙂

Ginza Washita Shop

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/r16yMMn9ouwdSkH59

Access: 1 min walk from JR Yurakucho Station

Hours: 10:30~20:00

Going to Okinawa soon? Then you may wanna check out these articles!

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