Dining spots on Iriomote Island that are easy to visit even with children
Iriomote Island, the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island, is a 40 to 50-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island. Registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021, it is rich in untouched nature. After playing to your heart's content in the great outdoors, be sure to taste the island's delicious food. Here are some dining spots that are easy to visit with children.
1kitchen inaba
The first restaurant established on Iriomote, also offering a children's plate
A restaurant located right near Tudumari Beach. It is said to be the first restaurant ever opened on Iriomote Island. It boasts a diverse menu using seasonal ingredients, including fresh seafood unique to the island.
Among them, the signature dish is the pasta made with "mangrove crab" (a rare type of crab), which is offered in limited quantities. It is an exquisite dish with an irresistible, rich crab broth. For children, there is a "Kids' Plate" available. It is served as a single plate featuring popular items like hamburger steak, fries, and fried chicken.
There are also days when you can hear the owner play the sanshin
The name of the restaurant, Inaba, comes from the village where the owner was born and raised, located in the middle reaches of the Urauchi River. The owner says they named it this to preserve the name of the village, which is now abandoned. They say they want to serve delicious food they ate as a child, such as "bamboo shoot chanpuru," prepared in the traditional way.
The owner is also known as a sanshin player, and on days they are at the restaurant, they may play for the guests. Enjoy your meal along with a live sanshin performance.
Local
Supporter
The owner is also the chairman of the Iriomote Island Ecotourism Association, and along with island songs, they will teach you about the nature, culture, and history of Iriomote Island.
- kitchen inaba
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742-6 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Take the bus from Uehara Port and get off at "Urauchi," then walk for about 1 minute.
18:00–21:00
Mondays and Thursdays
0980-84-8164
Free
2Ichitaka
A restaurant serving authentic kiln-baked pizza and local fish, a rarity on the island
An izakaya located in the Sumiyoshi settlement that is always bustling with locals. Opened in 2019 based on the island-born owner's desire for people to "taste the ingredients of Iriomote," the restaurant serves fresh island fish, meat dishes, appetizers using island vegetables, and authentic pizza baked in the only wood-fired oven on the island.
The pizza dough is prepared from scratch and baked in the oven only after an order is placed. It has a flavor unique to a wood-fired oven, baked crispy at high temperatures.
Full of menus and spaces that are great for those with children
The menu is extensive, even including rice dishes for the end of the meal, with options like "Yaeyama Soba" and "Rafute Fried Rice" that are also recommended for children. The owner's family runs a farm growing pineapples and mangoes, so there are also drinks made with plenty of fresh, home-grown fruit. You can also enjoy island-specific sweets like "Beni-imo (purple yam) Baked Cheesecake."
In addition to table and counter seating, there is also tatami seating, making it an easy place to visit with children. If you are staying at an inn in the western part of the island, they can also provide transportation, which is very convenient.
Local
Supporter
It is a fun restaurant with an energetic staff. Since it is cool at night, we also recommend relaxing and having a meal at the veranda seats.
Local supporter in charge of this article
Iriomote Hotel
Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture
A resort hotel nestled on Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site. You can spend a luxurious time surrounded by great nature.
Access 10 minutes by shuttle bus from Iriomote Island Uehara Port
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥6,000