Local Guide
6 Okinawa souvenirs easily found at supermarkets and convenience stores

In Okinawa, which has established its own unique food culture, you will find many products at supermarkets and convenience stores that you will not find in other areas. Food, drinks, and ice cream are perfect for breakfast and snacks during your stay. Here are six products that you can easily buy as souvenirs, such as seasonings and local dishes. Please look for them during your drive or sightseeing.

Brown sugar sweets with a gentle sweetness that makes you feel relaxed

Simple taste loved by everyone, from children to adults
Simple taste loved by everyone, from children to adults

Tannafakulu is a simple baked sweet made from brown sugar, flour, and eggs. It was born in 1887 (Meiji 20) as a substitute for "kunpen," a Ryukyuan confectionery handed down from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which was expensive and could be enjoyed by the common people. Today, it is widely known as one of Okinawa's representative baked sweets.
The name "Tannafakulu" comes from the nickname of the founder. His surname, "Tamanaha," was combined with "Tannafa" in the Okinawan dialect and "kuru," which means dark-colored, to form "Tannafa kuru.

Pure brown sugar from Iheya Island is rich in minerals and vitamins

Comes with extras as a token of appreciation; 11 pieces per pouch
Comes with extras as a token of appreciation; 11 pieces per pouch

The entire process of making tannahafa kuru is done by hand. The ingredients and the degree of baking are carefully adjusted according to the season and weather. Pure brown sugar from Iheya Island, which is rich in minerals and vitamins, is used, giving it a subtle salty and slightly bitter sweet taste. The brown sugar is the secret of Tannafakulu's delicious taste.
In Okinawa, there is a word for omake, "shibun," and it is customary to give omake to customers as a token of appreciation. Even today, when they are sold in supermarkets, they are still sold in bags of 11 pieces per bag.

Local Guide Comment
The simple taste of brown sugar makes for a delicious snack that will keep you coming back for more. They are also perfect as tea cakes or snacks for children.

Product name/price: "Tannafaklou" 370 yen.
Shelf life: One month after production.
Sold at Marutama, supermarkets in Okinawa, Okinawa product stores, online stores, etc.

Marutama Corporation
  • address (e.g. of house) 709-3 Kuniba, Naha City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. from Naha Airport by Car
  • Business hours 12:00-17:00
  • Regular holiday Open daily except holidays *Please call in advance to confirm
  • TEL 098-853-9719
  • Parking None
  • Memo A direct sales shop is attached to the factory.

A local drink familiar to Okinawa residents

Refreshing taste that is easy to drink even in hot weather
Refreshing taste that is easy to drink even in hot weather

There are several Okinawa-only drinks, but "Morinaga Yogo" is a popular product that was once sold nationwide for a limited time. This drink is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.
In 2016, it was recognized as an excellent prefectural product recommended by Okinawa Prefecture. It has a sweet, sour, and refreshing flavor that is easy to drink in Okinawa, which has a mild climate all year round.

Drink developed to contribute to the health of Okinawa residents

The unique Okinawan paper carton capacity is also noteworthy
The unique Okinawan paper carton capacity is also noteworthy

It was developed by Mamoru Aragaki, the founder of Okinawa Morinaga Milk Industry, with the hope of contributing to the health of the Okinawan people. The unchanged taste has supported the health of the people of Okinawa since ancient times.
What is also noteworthy is the capacity of the Okinawan paper pack. The carton is a remnant of the "gallon" unit used in Okinawa, which was once under U.S. rule, and is now a quarter-gallon, or 946 ml.

Local Guide Comment
There are also several other Okinawa-only drinks, such as Genki-Cool and Malibu, which are only available in the Yaeyama region. It would be fun to purchase several and compare the drinks.

Product name/price: "Morinaga Yogo (946 ml)" 216 yen, "Morinaga Yogo (473 ml)" 118 yen (suggested retail price)
Shelf life: Approximately 15 days from the date of manufacture.
Sold at: Supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. within the prefecture.

Okinawa Morinaga Milk Industry Co.
  • TEL 098-871-9000

Product created in collaboration with "Aragaki Chinsuko

The texture of the chinsuko inside accents the taste
The texture of the chinsuko inside accents the taste

Ice cream is indispensable for cooling the body in hot Okinawa. There are many ice cream products available at convenience stores and supermarkets that are only available in Okinawa. Introduced here is "Niigaki Chinsuko Ice Cream" made from traditional "Niigaki Kashiten" chinsuko.
The rich salted vanilla-flavored ice cream contains finely crushed chinsuko. The sweet and sour taste makes you want to eat it more and more during the sweaty summer season. The texture of the densely packed densko inside the ice cream is fun and Okinawan.

The yellow package is the trademark of Aragaki Chinsuko

The packaging is the same as that of Aragaki Chinsuko, easily recognizable by those who love Chinsuko.
The packaging is the same as that of Aragaki Chinsuko, easily recognizable by those who love Chinsuko.

Niigaki Chinsuko refers to the chinsuko of Niigaki Confectionery, a family of cooks from the Ryukyu Dynasty who preserve tradition and spread Ryukyu confectionery. It is a classic chinsuko with a trademark yellow and red package with a boat logo. The packaging of Niigaki chinsuko ice cream is the same as that of chinsuko, so it is eye-catching even in the ice cream section.
Okinawa Meiji Dairies produces a variety of Okinawan ice cream products under the name "okimei," and other products such as "Beniimo Tart Ice Cream," "Zenzai Bar," and "Seekwasa Ice Cream" are also very attractive.

Local Guide Comment
Salted vanilla lacto ice cream is rich yet refreshing. Try this delicious combination with chinsuko on a hot day.

Product name/price: "Aragaki Chinsuko Ice Cream" 162 yen (suggested retail price)
Best-before date
Sold at: Supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. within the prefecture.

Okinawa Meiji Dairies Corporation
  • TEL 098-877-5274

Warranted by the Royal Family of Ryukyu. Traditional miso from Shuri

For a simple taste, we recommend the
For a simple taste, we recommend the "Kachuyu," which is made by pouring hot water over dried bonito flakes and miso paste.

Miso (fermented soybean paste) from a long-established brewery that has been in business since the end of the Ryukyu Dynasty. Although the factory, located in the lap of Shuri Castle, was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa, it was rebuilt because the pillars and beams with the family's koji on them did not burn, and the company continues to maintain the traditional skills passed down from generation to generation and the pride of being the official purveyor to the Ryukyu royal family.
Koji making, called seigiku, is an important process in which the quality of the koji directly affects the taste of the miso. Most of the process is done by hand, and the koji is carefully grown according to the temperature and humidity of the day. It is one of the few miso breweries in Okinawa that performs the entire process in-house, from koji making to brewing.

Safe and secure additive-free miso made with care

Natural brewing method that makes the most of Okinawa's climate
Natural brewing method that makes the most of Okinawa's climate

The brewery's miso is made using the natural brewing method, in which steamed whole soybeans are mixed with shimamasu (salt) and homemade koji, and then fermented and aged. Taking advantage of the hot, humid, subtropical climate of Okinawa, with an average annual temperature of 23°C, miso is brewed and shipped in three to four months in the summer and six to seven months in the winter.
The natural balance of sweetness, saltiness, and sourness created by the short fermentation period is the result of homemade koji and the microorganisms and yeast that live in the factory. No preservatives or chemical seasonings are used, so you can enjoy this delicious food every day with peace of mind.

Local Guide Comment
It has a mild flavor and sweetness. It is perfect not only for miso soup, but also for dipping vegetable sticks for a simple taste or stir-frying.

Product name/price: "Miso for the Dynasty" 929 yen
Shelf life: 6 months after manufacture.
Sold at: Supermarkets in Okinawa, online stores, etc.

Tamanaha Miso Soy Sauce
  • address (e.g. of house) 1-41 Shuri-Onaka-cho, Naha City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 30 min. from Naha Airport by Car
  • Business hours 9:00-17:30
  • Closed Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
  • TEL 098-884-1972
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Products can be purchased at the factory. Parking space is available behind the store.

Tastes different from both tacos and taco rice

Okinawan gourmet food perfect for breakfast or when you are hungry
Okinawan gourmet food perfect for breakfast or when you are hungry

FamilyMart in Okinawa has many original products unique to Okinawa. Among them are Awamori Coffee, Sanpin Tea, Pork Tamago Omusubi, Uema's Okinawa Tempura, and Goya Chanpuru Bento, but the most popular item is the Taco Roll.
Taco rice is originally served with taco meat on top of rice, but the taco roll, which is a thick roll of taco meat, is an original product of Okinawa FamilyMart and has been a long-seller for over 20 years.

Just the right volume when you are a little hungry

The thick rolls are packed with ingredients for a satisfying experience!
The thick rolls are packed with ingredients for a satisfying experience!

The combination of vinegared rice and taco meat has been continuously researched to meet the tastes of the times, and the exquisite balance is the secret of the delicious taste that no other restaurant can imitate. The tasty taco meat is seasoned with spices, but is not so spicy that even children can eat it. The rich cheese sauce with fresh lettuce is a perfect match for the taco meat. The thick roll makes it a perfect meal. Since it is easy to eat without getting your hands dirty, we recommend choosing it as a substitute for onigiri (rice ball).

Local Guide Comment
Taco rolls with vinegared rice and a refreshing taste make you want to eat them even when you don't have an appetite. They are also perfect on a hot day. This product has a strong following among both men and women, so please give it a try.

Product name/price: "Taco roll (2 rolls)" 320 yen
Shelf life: -1 year
Sold at FamilyMart stores in the prefecture.

Okinawa Family Mart Co.
  • TEL 098-867-2084（contact at head office)

A local Okinawan dish indispensable for celebratory occasions

Soup containing pork innards, konnyaku, shiitake mushrooms, etc.
Soup containing pork innards, konnyaku, shiitake mushrooms, etc.

In Okinawa, people often eat pork, and it is said that they "eat everything but the squeal" because they use every last bit of the meat in their cooking. The internal organs of the pig, such as the large intestine, small intestine, and stomach, are called "chumi," and "chumi soup," a simple dish made with chumi as a garnish in a clear bonito broth, is an essential local dish for New Year's and other celebratory occasions.
Grated ginger accents the flavor, and despite the use of guts, it has a refreshing taste. It is sometimes eaten as "Nakami Soba" with Okinawa soba noodles.

A taste of Okinawa that can be enjoyed easily at any time in a pouch

It can be stored at room temperature and has a long shelf life, so it can be stocked as an emergency ration.
It can be stored at room temperature and has a long shelf life, so it can be stocked as an emergency ration.

Since this soup has a simple flavor, it is one of the most time-consuming dishes to make at home, as it requires careful preparation to remove the fat and odor of the guts. Okiham's "Okiham Nakami Soup" is an easy way to enjoy this kind of soup.
It comes in a retort pouch that can be heated up to enjoy the taste of Okinawa right away. The well-prepared and melt-in-your-mouth Nakami soup is tasty and has no unpleasant taste. We recommend adding grated ginger to taste.

Local Guide Comment
The retort pouch series includes a variety of local Okinawan dishes such as "Soki Soup," "Goat Soup," "Squid Soup," and "Inamuduchi," making it easy to take Okinawan cuisine home with you.

Product name/price] "Nakami soup" 503 yen
Best before date of expiration: 1 year after manufacture.
Sold at supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. in the prefecture.

Okinawa Ham General Foods
  • address (e.g. of house) 2822-3 Zakimi, Yomitan-mura, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 60 minutes from Naha Airport by Car
  • Business hours 8:30-17:30
  • Closed Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
  • TEL 098-958-4330
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo There is a store on the head office premises.
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.