This is a shopping paradise that is not inferior to Tokyo or Osaka. How can you get the must-buy items in Okinawa? First of all, Okinawa brown sugar is highly regarded for its unique flavor and health benefits, and the unique glass products, finely crafted and colorful, also make excellent souvenirs. Furthermore, traditional awamori is a local specialty spirit that is suitable to be brought back as a souvenir. How to choose specialty products that reflect the Okinawan style and have commemorative value? This article is compiled for your reference.
Recommended must-buy items in Okinawa in 2024
A must-see for newbies! Recommended list of authentic products, souvenirs and snacks
First of all, Okinawa brown sugar and red taro are must-buy options for sweet tooth lovers, because from restaurants to souvenirs, Okinawa people are very good at using "local ingredients" to create unique products, which are worth trying for newbies! Awamori is also a traditional spirit, and paired with unique Ryukyu glass crafts, the whole set is quite commemorative. You can also try Ishigaki beef related products such as beef jerky and canned beef, but please note that the meat is not allowed to be brought back to Taiwan!
- Okinawa red taro｜The specialty purple potato is very popular because of its bright purple color and sweet taste. It is often used to make various delicacies, such as red taro tart, red taro ice cream and red taro biscuits. It is rich in nutrition and healthy, and is a delicious and healthy food. Food that has both.
- Calbee Okinawa limited potato chips｜The flavors include Okinawa lemon and Ishigaki salt. The former has the unique sweet and sour aroma of lemon, while the latter is a good companion for watching TV or drinking wine.
- pumpkin pie｜This is a pumpkin grown on Kouri Island and then processed. It has a dense texture and moderate sweetness. It is only sold at Kouri Ocean Tower. You can try it on site. I personally think it is more delicious than the red taro tower.
- MELLOWHICH Pound Cake｜Fresh pound cake made with nuts and local fruits, comes in 12 flavors and 40 styles of packaging. It’s so cute and small that I bought some and ate them directly. It was really moist and dense, and super delicious!
- Taste candy, Marble balloon gum｜It focuses on Okinawa’s unique lime and pineapple fruit flavors, and is also an Okinawa-limited product.
- Lime juice, lime wine, dried fruit｜Okinawa lemon is famous for its rich aroma and unique sweet and sour taste. It is rich in vitamin C and has the effect of improving immunity and beautifying the skin. We buy juice to mix at home. It is very refreshing to drink iced in summer.
- handmade jam｜It is quite common in the market, emphasizing no additives and purely natural flavors, such as mango, pineapple and other summer fruit flavors.
- Okinawa noodles (そば)｜It contains noodles and seasonings made in Okinawa. I fell in love with it this time and bought a set to eat back in Taiwan! (Braised pork yourself XD)
- Ben Gin Restaurant Ishigakijima Spicy Oil｜This spicy oil is carefully made from fresh Ishigaki Island peppers, garlic, sesame oil, etc. It has a moderate spiciness and rich aroma. It is a must-have product that I need to replenish every time.
- Okinawa chili pepper water｜This is a new discovery on this trip. It is eaten with Okinawa noodles and has the aroma of wine and chili. It is made from Okinawa's specialty small chili peppers and soaked in rice vinegar or awamori. It is a must-buy!
- Miyakojima snow salt｜Clear seawater from Miyako Island is made at low temperatures through a special process. It is named for its fine snow-like texture and subtle sweet flavor, producing a variety of flavors and used for cooking, baking and seasoning.
- Snow salt crackers, snow salt soda｜Both of them recommend buying Miyakojima Snow Salt Soda. You need to replenish water when visiting Okinawa during summer vacation. The slightly salty soda is delicious!
- Awamori｜Using rice as the main raw material, it is made through long-term fermentation and distillation. It usually has a high alcohol content and a unique flavor. It has a strong rice aroma and a rich sense of layering. It can be drunk alone or used to prepare various cocktails.
- Brown sugar｜Made from sugar cane juice, it is processed through traditional methods. The process makes the color of the sugar darker and the taste more intense. Brown sugar usually comes in different grades, from light to dark, and each color has its own unique flavor and uses.
- Okinawa brown sugar plum wine｜I personally like fruity wines. It has the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the refreshing sourness of plums. It blends perfectly. I can’t help but move back to Taiwan. (laugh)
- summer fruits｜It is strongly recommended to eat more fruits sold in supermarkets when visiting Okinawa during summer vacation. If you want to eat cheap cantaloupe in Okinawa, you should seize the opportunity.
- kelp sprouts｜Grown in the sea around Okinawa, it has rich nutritional value and unique flavor, and is low in calories. It is a healthy ingredient that can be brought back to Taiwan.
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▲ Red taro snacks are available everywhere. You can buy some to eat first, and if you like them, buy more to give to your relatives and friends.
▲ The box on the right is red taro x Disney characters. Are you good at co-branding? !
▲ Healthy and delicious pound cake.
▲ There are many "Okinawa-exclusive" goodies on the main island of Okinawa.
▲ I highly recommend this lime juice, it’s delicious and natural.
▲ Natural flavored jams and dried fruits.
▲ A must buy for those who like spicy food.
▲ Okinawa chili pepper water is also suitable for Taiwanese noodle soup to enhance the flavor!
▲ There are so many flavors of snow salt, lemon, matcha, and grapefruit are all worth buying.
▲Brown sugar produced from various regions.
▲ The favorite of small burgers..."sea grapes".
▲ Come on! Super sweet~
Shopping Guide for Okinawa Limited Brands and Fine Crafts
Finally, with sea salt as the main theme, a series of condiments, snacks, sodas, and even skin care products are included in the "Made in Japan" category, easy to use and not expensive! Okinawan handicrafts, such as red-dyed cloth and pottery, reflect local traditional culture and art. These souvenirs not only show the characteristics of Okinawa, but are also a good choice for sharing travel memories. Next, I will help you sort out a list. I hope it will be of some help.
- Orion souvenirs｜Orion is a beer brand produced locally in Okinawa. It is famous for its refreshing taste and elegant flavor, and is suitable for drinking in hot climates. It is authorized to produce peripheral products with the brand LOGO, ranging from beer mugs, bags of various sizes, fans, mobile phone cases, clothes, etc. My personal recommendation is canvas bags and shopping bags, which are durable and easy to use.
- Orion Watta｜Orion Beer Company has launched a cocktail drink. Watta combines the unique fruit flavors of Okinawa, such as pineapple, orange and pomegranate, with refreshing carbonic acid. The taste is light and full of fruity aroma. There are boxed sets available in the market for purchase!
- Wind Lion small things｜Representing the patron saint of Okinawa, the open-mouthed shisa is responsible for driving away evil spirits, while the closed one is used to protect happiness. These statues have various shapes and vivid expressions. They range from clay ornaments to small rhinestone pendants for mobile phones to door curtains. They are very cute.
- Coca-Cola Okinawa limited edition bottle｜Coca-Cola has launched a series of city-limited bottles in Japan. Unlike Coca-Cola, which is very difficult to buy on the main island, Coca-Cola looks like an Okinawa wind lion. It is easy to buy, and it is also available in boxes as souvenirs.
- red stain｜Okinawa’s traditional craftsmanship, with its unique patterns and rich colors, is used in Okinawa totems and characteristic culture. The process requires repeated dyeing and etching. In addition to clothing accessories, its patterns are also printed on various small items.
- 門簾｜There are some shops in the Kokusai Market selling special noren curtains with patterns related to Shiisa, Benigata, Orion, etc. Most of them are made in Japan, and are of high quality and not expensive.
- Blue Seal souvenirs｜Okinawa's specialty ice cream brand, like Orion beer, has many special items, including gashapon.
- Marine (biological) objects｜This is why Little Hamburger and I particularly love Okinawa. It is full of blue, shells, and marine life, which can be made into household items, decorations, clothes, dolls, pendants, etc. The six-month hot weather in Taiwan is just the best. Count on them to cool your mood.
- Okinawa glass products｜Because a large amount of glass bottles and other waste were left on the island after the war, local craftsmen used the waste materials, recycled them, and created unique glass handicrafts. Nowadays, skilled craftsmen have used techniques for many years to produce glassware, jewelry, and decorations. The bright colors and detailed textures made me buy a lot during this trip back to Taiwan.
- Shuri stone soda｜This is a brand we discovered when we first rinsed it. It uses sea mud and natural ingredients to gently cleanse the face. The key point is that the face will not feel tight after washing. One bottle can be used for a year, and the second rinse is just in time to replenish the stock!
- Okinawa limited skin care products｜I bought a ChuChura hibiscus flower mask. There are four pieces in a box and I can use it on my skin after cooling it at night. It is non-sticky, refreshing and very easy to use.
- 3C gadgets｜Take the mobile phone case as an example. The drawing style is quite American and interesting, making it suitable for young people to buy!
- miniPOCHI｜It is a Japanese brand that makes good use of soft silicone bags. It can easily accommodate small items such as coins, credit cards, cash, etc. It is also waterproof and dustproof. It sells Okinawa-limited styles that are worth buying.
- Karasu Kobo Nagasashichiya｜Selling firefly glass jewelry, a specialty of Okinawa, which is made using a special technology that combines silver foil (or phosphorus) and glass. All works are made in our own workshop, and we recommend the original work "Nanami" that reproduces the various colors of the Okinawa sea.
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▲ This cocktail is not introduced in Taiwan Tongtong, so it is worth buying!
▲ Cotton T-shirts are easy to wear and have a good fit!
▲ The image of the Wind Lion can be seen everywhere.
▲ Wind Lion God x Tofu Shark, super cute!
▲ The children’s dinner plates also have a strong Okinawan style.
▲ Many Japanese-made clothing accessories.
▲ The application of red dyeing makes the pattern quite cute!
▲ Later I also bought a door curtain made of red dye and Okinawa shisa.
▲ Ice neck wrap is a must-have item in summer.
▲ Coasters made of cotton and linen.
▲For those who like marine life, this is a great place to buy!
▲ The glass products show the name of the craftsman who made them. I like this one very much!
▲ Shuri Shika’s stores have also expanded to shopping malls and Senagajima.
▲ I also bought this small wallet, which is a Mount Fuji style.
▲ Beautiful firefly glass jewelry.
What must-have items I bought in Okinawa?
Although this trip to Okinawa lasts for 30 days, there is not enough luggage space, so we have to choose between them! (Crying) Most of them chose Okinawa’s authentic products, as well as items purchased on behalf of club members, such as Okinawa-limited SAITO biscuit sticks, lime juice, pumpkin cakes, Okinawa instant noodles, chili water, etc., as well as various Orion souvenirs and limited editions. The facial mask and cleansing mud prove to be a must-buy list for Xinshou Cun, and they are really good things.
There is one item that is a "must buy in Okinawa" during the summer vacation, but it cannot be brought back to Taiwan!
It's "Hanabi". We saw a comprehensive package of fireworks in some supermarkets and bought one to prepare for the hamburger. We went to the Okinawa Tourism Association to check where there are qualified launch sites. Most of them suggested asking about the private beaches of star-rated hotels, and the parks have administrators. And they are not allowed to be set off. In addition, when there are fireworks activities during the summer vacation, the beach at the American Village can also be set off. Most of our comprehensive packages are fairy sticks. After the end, clean up and take away the garbage.
▲ I ate this shrimp cake in a restaurant and it was so delicious. I bought it immediately after seeing it.
▲ Kouri Ocean Tower sells pumpkin cake exclusively, you must buy it!
▲ The candies that Little Hamburger bought at DMM Aquarium are so cute, aren’t they?
▲ This mask is so easy to use, I will bring more of it next time.
▲Ocean coasters and decorations sold at stores in Senagashima, Okinawa.
▲ This is the photo frame made by Little Hamburger himself.
▲ A little note for teachers.
A surprise for shopping in Okinawa!
Get CITIZEN’s limited edition Sea of Colors watch
Before departure, I saw that CITIZEN will release a series of "Sea of Thousand Colors" watches in 2023, which use a special printing method to show the changing colors of the ocean. They will not be available in Taiwan until October, and the price is double that of Japan. In early June Ask my sister to go to Tokyo to help find it, because the limited edition model is sold out. I thought I would check it out at several watch stores in Okinawa in July, and sure enough! I found him in a watch shop near the museum. He is really beautiful! (Tax refund is also available)
Okinawa model: Starbucks regional limited crystal ball cup
In addition, when I was about to return to Taiwan, Little Hamburg and I were walking around a hotel. We also found a Starbucks next to the library in Naha City. We found a crystal ball cup that was limited to the region. At that time, most Starbucks clubs were hard to find. Without saying a word, I immediately packed up the two items on the shelf and took them away! Then I went to Hokkaido in mid-July, and the two of us found the Hokkaido-limited model at the Hakodate Red Warehouse. We were super lucky.
Where can I buy Yushou, the most popular schoolbag for primary school students?
This time I did my homework and saw a primary school student's tamori, which is unique to Namigami Palace. It comes in two small and exquisite schoolbags, black and red. On the first trip, I just bought it purely for Little Hamburger as a souvenir, letting him choose his favorite color. Unexpectedly, after sharing it in the fan group, my little sister also wanted one, okay! Then go to the group buying club and ask to see if any members want it, and simply buy it together. So... it took several trips to buy everything. I remind Novice Village not to miss it.
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▲ The one I bought is the second one from the left, it’s so beautiful!
▲ When I bought it, I couldn’t help but cheer again and again.
▲ If you are interested in collecting Starbucks cups, remember to buy them!
▲ Unexpectedly, this Yushou was so popular that it took me four trips to buy enough for all members of the club.
Where can I buy the "must-buy in Okinawa" products?
Okinawa has a wealth of shopping options, allowing first-time travelers to experience the local product style. Novice villagers can buy all the "must-buy" items at Kokusai Street, shopping malls, American Village, outlets and regional product stores. Didn’t buy a souvenir? At the last level, you can also replenish the stock of various souvenir shops at Naha Airport domestically, allowing you to easily find your favorite Okinawan souvenirs.
- international｜The shopping street with a total length of 1.6 kilometers gathers markets, shopping streets and restaurants. It is recommended that novices start the itinerary first and do shopping here in the last two days.
- Okinawa T Galleria｜The duty-free shopping mall under DFS has more than hundreds of boutique brands. It is recommended that fathers take their children to play and let mothers have a good time shopping.
- large shopping mall｜The most commonly recommended stores by clubs are "Okinawa AEON MALL" and "AEON MALL Ryukyu Village", which cover a variety of products and entertainment facilities, including the Pokémon Center in the latter.
- The Hall of Enlightenment (Don Quixote)｜There are five branches in total, and I recommend the Tsubogawa store. The Tokyu Stay Hotel is just upstairs, which is super convenient for replenishing supplies.
- Makishi Public Market, Itoman Fish Market｜Provides fresh seafood, Okinawa brown sugar, various sauces, etc., suitable for planning a half-day of eating, drinking and shopping.
- american village｜It is a comprehensive commercial district full of American style, located in Chatan Town, with a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
- Orion Brewery｜I often see Orion’s various co-branded products, but there are also exclusive souvenirs sold in tourist workshops. The quality is so good that I bought some as gifts for relatives and friends.
- Ryukyu Village｜It specializes in glass blowing and handicraft courses. The glass products sold in the shops inside are very exquisite and beautiful. We bought two necklaces as gifts for the teachers at Little Hamburger
- Nago Pineapple Garden, Kouri Ocean Tower｜Listing two attractions that also sell products, such as the unique pineapple wine in the pineapple garden, and the super delicious lime juice at Kouri Ocean Tower
- Stores in star hotels|Yes! Many star-rated hotels have shops offering all kinds of well-known Okinawa snacks, instant noodles, and wine, which are suitable for newbies to replenish their supplies.
- Supermarket, supermarket｜If you are not sure whether it tastes good or not? I recommend newbies to buy individual pieces to eat and enjoy. If it tastes good, buy a whole box or multiple portions to give away!
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▲ Domestic flight to Naha Airport is your last stop for restocking.
▲ LOFT is a good place for us to dig for treasures.
▲ The shopping mall is also suitable as a rainy day attraction.
▲ 95% of international general supplies are must-buys in Okinawa.
▲ If you want to buy Okinawa glaze products as gifts, you can have a good stroll around Glaze Village.
▲ There are also all kinds of shops in the hotel.
▲ There are also all kinds of goodies to be found at tourist workshops and attractions.
▲ There are many handicraft shops in the alleys of American villages.
▲ Overview of Kouri Ocean Tower Product Center.
Okinawa accommodation area
| Okinawa Division | place to stay | Introduce the topic |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Okinawa | Naha City toyomi city Itoman City Nanjo City | 💯Naha City Hotel Reservation Guide |
| Central Okinawa | Urasoe City Ginowan Chatan Town Yomitan Village Onna village | 💯American Village Booking Guide 💯Onna Village Booking Guide |
| Northern Okinawa | Nago Kouri Island | 💯Motobu Town Booking Guide |
Recommended reading➡️㊙️2024 Okinawa Hotel Reservation Guide: 10+ latest resorts, star hotels, affordable hotels, apartments and B&Bs
Okinawa Accommodation Types
| Type of accommodation | Main options | Introduce the topic |
|---|---|---|
| Star Hotels | XNUMX star resort holiday villa city hotel | 💯Okinawa star hotel guide |
| apartment house | Serviced Apartments Apartment for rent Guesthouse | ❤️Okinawa service apartment guide |
