Daiichi Makishi Public Market is located on Kokusai Street, Naha, Okinawa and is one of the famous local markets. After a comprehensive renovation in 2023, the market took on a new look and attracted a large number of tourists. The market provides a variety of fresh seafood and meat, and the canteen on the second floor is particularly popular. Visitors can order fresh seafood here or taste the exquisite cooking skills of local chefs. Daiichi Makishi Public Market and Itoman Fish Market have jointly become the must-visit seafood places in Okinawa.
Quick introduction: Basic introduction to Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Makishi Public Market was established in 1951 and attracted about 200 shops. It was closed for renovation in 2019 due to the aging of the building. When I visited in 2019, the environment was indeed old. After the epidemic, it finally reopened on March 2023, 3, allowing nearly The 19-year-old old market has a new look. Of course, you should come to eat and drink when it is at its hottest. Then follow our footsteps to explore the new look.
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What to buy at Daiichi Makishi Public Market?
The market is divided into two floors. The first floor is for seafood, meat, product stalls, etc., and the second floor is the cooking restaurant. First of all, the market is basically a condensed version of Okinawa products that can be seen on Kokusai Street. Here is a list of 10 "Okinawa must-buys (aka Okinawa goodies)" that everyone often hears:
- Okinawa sea grapes
- Okinawa noodles (Okinawa noodles)
- Miyakojima snow salt/snow salt produced in other regions
- Okinawa Awamori pepper (water)
- Okinawa lemon juice
- canned meat
- Brown sugar
- Okinawa limited SAITO cookie sticks
- Okinawa specialty red taro snacks
- Wind Lion God’s special souvenirs
▲ When you walk in, you feel that the seafood market can be very clean!
▲ The selling price is similar to that of International Express, so you can buy it if you want.
What’s delicious at Daiichi Makishi Public Market?
There are also several Japanese beef shops on the first floor, such as "Ishigaki beef" raised in Ishigaki, Okinawa. It is a Kuroge Wagyu breed and has specially selected meat with excellent texture! In addition, the island topography of Okinawa is rich in seafood, including all kinds of shellfish, fish, lobsters, etc. Among them, grouper, tuna, and monodon shrimp (also common in Okinawa barbecue restaurants) are great, and there is another kind that is unique to Okinawa. The "Tsing Yi Fish" has tender and juicy meat. You will definitely see its blue-green figure when you come here.
▲ The size of the lobster is no joke.
Public cafeteria at Daiichi Makishi Public Market
The canteen has a queue on the spot. The food includes Okinawan specialty snacks, as well as everyone's favorite sashimi, charcoal grilled seafood, etc. If you don't want to buy the seafood on the first floor to cook and dine, you can just order what's on the menu. Personally, it's pretty good. I love Okinawa Bitter Melon Scrambled Eggs and Okinawa Okinawa. If you are worried about communication problems when ordering, you can choose "Yan Restaurant" on the far left. It was opened by Taiwanese 40 years ago. They were the first to cook seafood for customers, and the boss lady even took it. "National Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Award"!
▲ It’s this “Yan Restaurant” that supports Taiwanese people together.
Unboxing! Seafood valet cooking in public canteen
Just when our family of three was hesitating which seafood shop to choose, a voice suddenly came out, "Do you want to eat this? It's very fresh." Turning around, the elder sister who spoke Taiwanese greeted her warmly. She was worried that she couldn't communicate. He enthusiastically introduced the seafood features at the stall one by one. Knowing that we just wanted to eat for fun, he helped us choose lobster with two shrimps. If I remember correctly... it cost about 7,500 yen.
She took us to the Yan Restaurant on the second floor. The chef made miso soup for the lobster head, steamed the body, and grilled the two shrimps. Considering that the small burger would make us hungry, we also ordered fried noodles and fried rice, which were also quite delicious! The renovated Makishi Public Market is indeed much better than before. There are also many parent-child customers on site. If you bring children with you during the summer vacation, you can come here to dine. The taste is quite suitable for elders and children.
▲ It’s inevitable to take a group photo.
▲ The taste is quite good and suitable for children.
▲ There is also this pancake shop outside the market, which is also recommended.
How to get there by car? Traffic information and surrounding environment of Daiichi Makishi Public Market
It is about 650 meters away from the Okinawa Monorail "Makishi" station and is a 10-minute walk away. There are various shops on Okinawa Kokusai Street along the way. It is okay to go shopping while walking. It is not recommended to drive here. Parking is not easy in the bustling urban area. In Novice Village, you can choose to stay in a hotel near Kokusai Street. Whether it is shopping for replenishment or dining at Makishi Public Market, it is convenient. Here are a few high-quality hotels where we have stayed for your reference.
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Video introduction: Unboxing video of Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Daiichi Makishi Public Market・なはしだいいちまきしこうせついちば
- Business hours: 08:00～21:00
- Phone: +81 9886 76560
- Official website: https://www.makishi-public-market.jp/
- Address: 2-10-1 Matsuo, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
