The latest] Special feature on popular souvenirs from Okinawa! Introducing 20 sophisticated and delightful souvenirs!

 

 Introducing a wide range of souvenirs from standard souvenirs to limited edition Okinawan souvenirs!

Many people have a hard time choosing the right souvenirs when they visit Okinawa.

In fact, Okinawa offers such a wide variety of souvenirs, from standard items to limited editions that can only be purchased locally, that you will surely find yourself in a dizzying array.

In order to ensure a smooth souvenir shopping experience there, it is a good idea to know what souvenirs are available and make a list of them before you visit.

In this issue, we have compiled a list of Okinawa souvenirs, focusing on popular souvenirs. If you are looking for limited edition or unusual Okinawan souvenirs, please check here. Hey!

 

Food] 5 Popular Okinawan Souvenirs

One of the most popular souvenirs to give away to friends or at work are foods unique to Okinawa.

While such items as chinsuko (a type of sweet) and sweets made from brown sugar are becoming standard items, here we have picked up some popular food souvenirs that are not standard items.

Food souvenirs are appreciated if you buy many kinds and give them in small portions.

 

　Toro Nama Mango Pudding" using Okinawa-grown mangoes

A popular Okinawan souvenir that tastes better than mango pudding is Toro Nama Mango Pudding.

This pudding, made with plenty of Okinawan apple mangoes, once won the runner-up prize in the "National Snack Ranking.

The coconut-flavored sauce accentuates the mellow, rich sweetness of the mango pudding and will fill your mouth with a tropical taste. This souvenir is like a mango version of pumpkin pudding, and the texture of the rich, chunky pudding is a delight to enjoy.

 

　Popular with men and women of all ages! Red Imo Rare Cake "Shuri

This cake named "Shuri" (Shuri) is made with red potatoes on top of "Festivaro Lovely," a popular sweet from Festivaro, a Karaimo confectionery specialty store in Kagoshima. In Okinawa, purple sweet potatoes are called "beni imo" (red potatoes).

This product, characterized by its purple color, which was considered a noble color in the Ryukyu Dynasty, is a cake with a smooth and gentle flavor that melts in the mouth.

This cake was made to commemorate the Okinawa Summit held in the summer of 2000, and is an exquisite two-layer sweet made of Kagoshima karaimo sweet potatoes and red potatoes. It can be purchased at Naha Airport and can be carried around for 6 hours if a refrigerant is attached.

It is a very popular souvenir of Okinawa for men and women of all ages, so be sure to purchase it.

 

　Okinawan Style Confectionery Shop! Fresh Caramels from Mersin Michel

Mersin Michel's fresh caramels are becoming a staple of Okinawan souvenirs.

Mersin Michel is a fresh caramel specialty store in Okinawa, and the Mersin Michel Cafe in Okinawa Prefecture is also a tourist spot where visitors can enjoy tea and sweets.

The name of the store, Marsan, means "delicious" in the Okinawan dialect. As the name suggests, the raw caramel is so delicious that when you put it in your mouth, you can't help but say "māsan," making it very popular.

 

Limited to Okinawa! Houki-boshi Brown Sugar Canulé

The brown sugar canele is a popular sweet at Houkihoshi, the first brown sugar canele specialty store in Okinawa.

The nine original brown sugar canulés, made with locally sourced ingredients, are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

The souvenirs are stylish in appearance, with an attractive design that looks like a row of canelees, or planets, inside a space-inspired box.

 

Ryu-Q, the finest butter made with Okinawan pineapple.

Ryu-Q LuQu, a tropical-flavored butter made with Okinawan pineapples, is a fruit butter in a jar.

The butter is sweet and juicy because Okinawan pineapples, which are considered to have better color and aroma than pineapples produced overseas, are harvested when they are fully ripe.

 

Sundries] 5 Souvenirs of Okinawa with a Sense of Style

If you want matching souvenirs with those you travel with or for yourself, you may want to buy some sophisticated sundries as souvenirs.

It is recommended to make accessories using shisa and Ryukyu glass at workshops as souvenirs, but if you don't have time, you can also buy them at general stores.

 

Cute and fun "seersucker masks" for friends and couples

The "Shisa Mask" is a sophisticated souvenir featuring the Shisa, an ornament commonly seen in Okinawa.

The pack is filled with beauty essence and has a seersucker print on it. Anyone can become a seersucker by using this pack, making it a popular souvenir that is unique to Okinawa.

This souvenir is a great way to heal tired and sunburned skin.

 

Yachimun," uniquely designed tableware from Okinawa

Yachimun, tableware with sophisticated designs and patterns that give an Okinawan feel, can be purchased by strolling along Tsuboya Yachimun Street.

Yachimun is an Okinawan dialect word meaning "pottery. The potteries' chubby forms and warm colors make them very popular as gifts.

Many people purchase these tableware designs that depict the nature of Okinawa as souvenirs for themselves.

 

SuiSavon-Shuri Soap" is also recommended as a gift

SuiSavon-Shuri Soap is sold by an Okinawan skincare brand that handcrafts skin-friendly soaps filled with the nature of Okinawa.
These soaps are made with Okinawan plants and fruits, expressing Okinawan culture and atmosphere, and are very popular because of their cute appearance.
Colorful soaps with marbled patterns are daily necessities that make everyday life a little richer.
There is such a wide variety of colors and sizes to choose from that it is hard to choose just one. Many people purchase large quantities, and they are well received by women who give them as souvenirs.
The package looks like a stylish box of chocolates, so it is a good idea to give it with a word of advice to avoid eating it by mistake.
The gallery store on Kokusai-dori in Naha City offers hand creams and skin care products in addition to soaps.
We also recommend visiting to enjoy the forest-like interior of the restaurant.

 

If in doubt, try this for now: "Okinawa Lulurun".

Okinawa Lulurun is a limited edition beauty face mask made with precious Okinawan ingredients.
It is also a recommended souvenir to use during your trip, as it contains beauty extracts that moisturize your skin after it has been exposed to the strong Okinawan sun.
It has the aroma of sea squash, acerola, shell ginger, and aloe, all of which have an Okinawan flavor.
There are also two hair mask sets, one with a passion fruit scent and the other with an herbal bouquet scent, to moisturize hair that is dry from sun exposure.
If you are in doubt about what to buy as a souvenir from Okinawa, please buy this one.
The packaging also has an Okinawan pop design, making it a popular souvenir to distribute to multiple people.

 

　THE KUCHA, a very popular skincare product only available in stores

THE KUCHA skincare products, available only at stores in Okinawa (some mail order available), are an additive-free cosmetic brand that focuses on ingredients.
Kucha means "mud" in the Okinawan dialect.
These skin care products are made from fine-grained Okinawan mud, which is rich in calcium and minerals and charged with negative ions, and are widely loved souvenirs by people of all ages.
No synthetic surfactants, parabens, synthetic colorants, synthetic fragrances, ethanol, or antioxidants are used, making it safe to use.
Another attractive feature is its simple, modern design.
It is a souvenir that will be greatly appreciated by beauty fanatics and those who are concerned about additives on a daily basis.

 

Five unusual souvenirs that can only be found in Okinawa

Here are some rare souvenirs that can only be found in Okinawa.
Some products are available at product fairs, but they are only available for a limited time or in limited quantities, so be sure to get the ones you are interested in in Okinawa.
Buy one for yourself or give one to a loved one.
We have picked out five popular and unusual Okinawan souvenirs for your reference.

 

Snack Pineapple

The snack pineapple is an Okinawan fruit that is a size smaller than the common pineapple and is characterized by large gaps in its flesh.
It is said to have originated in Taiwan, but is now grown and sold mainly in Okinawa.
It is a rare and valuable fruit that is often introduced on TV. Its sweet aroma with little acidity makes it a very popular souvenir from Okinawa.
These souvenirs are ready to eat a few days after being harvested, so it is best to buy them on the last day to take home as souvenirs.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
It is delicious eaten as is, but we also recommend adding it to fruit punch, salads, or drinking it in smoothies.

 

 35coffee

35coffee (Three Five Coffee) is a coffee shop in Okinawa.
This store has Okinawan coffee made from weathered skeletal coral that is heated and roasted.
There are three types of blends available for purchase: Island Blend (a basic blend with no peculiarities), JFK Blend (a darker blend), and Island Ice Special (a blend suitable for iced coffee).
In fact, did you know that just by drinking this coffee, you are doing your part to help the environment in Okinawa?
When you buy a cup of coffee here, 3.51 TP3T of the proceeds will be used for the Baby Coral Restoration Project in Okinawa.
If you have visited Okinawa on vacation and discovered the charm of the beautiful Okinawan sea, we recommend that you help the Okinawan environment by purchasing this coffee.
You can take it home as a souvenir and tell your friends and family about this story.
For those who do not like coffee, a similarly roasted hibiscus tea is also available.

 

 Umipote Eartha Mars Flavor

Umipote Eartha Mars flavor is a diced snack developed by Calbee that is only available in Okinawa.
This product was developed to create a staple of Okinawan souvenirs, and is flavored with artha (aosa) and mace (Okinawan salt shima mace), giving it a taste like an Okinawan version of nori (seaweed) salt.
The package color is light blue, reminiscent of the beautiful Okinawan sky and sea, making it a perfect souvenir of Okinawa.
The shape of the product makes it unbreakable when carried, so it can be taken home in hand luggage.
It is popular as a souvenir that allows you to easily enjoy the flavor of Okinawa with its light and refreshing taste.

 

Orion beer nuts

Orion Beer Nuts is recommended for beer lovers.
These nut snacks are produced by the company that makes Orion Beer, a popular beer in Okinawa, and are made using beer yeast that is produced during beer production.
The three flavors, almond cheese, taco chili, and turmeric curry, are packed in small portions and can be eaten individually or mixed together.
Of course, this souvenir goes well with beer, so it would be a good idea to give it as a set with Orion beer.
The taste is addictive and has a long shelf life, so you can rest easy for a while if you buy more.
The nuts are manufactured using a non-fried process, so you can eat them without worrying about calories.

 

 coral beer

Coral Beer is a beer produced using "coral water," which is the underground water of Gyokusen-dong made of coral.
There are a total of five types of this rare and highly prized beer, lavishly using coral water and hops pumped up from 100 meters underground.
Saison (fruity and sour with low alcohol content), Alt (rich in minerals and characterized by elegant bitterness and reddish brown color), Kölsch (fruity flavor like white wine), India Pale Ale (commonly known as IPA, characterized by citrus aroma and bitter hop taste), Black Ale (black beer, a light type of black beer with an easy drinking reputation). Black Ale (black beer, a light type of black beer with a reputation for being easy to drink), each of which has different characteristics.
Some products are available by mail order, but some beers are available in limited quantities, so it is safer to purchase locally.
It is a popular souvenir to buy for those who like to drink.

 

 Five classic Okinawan souvenirs you can't miss

Although we have introduced some non-standard souvenirs, many people may still want to purchase stable, standard souvenirs as well.
We have picked out five classic souvenirs for those who are interested.
The characteristics and types of each will also be introduced.
If you can't miss out on the standard souvenirs, check them out.

 

 Okinawan sweet

Chinsuko is a famous Okinawan confectionery that one can instantly recall just by hearing its name.
A traditional snack made in Okinawa since the Ryukyu period, it is baked with lard and flour and is characterized by its crispy texture.
Chinsuko currently sold in Okinawa comes in a wide variety of flavors.
Made with brown sugar, red sweet potatoes, snow salt, mangoes, pineapple, and oats, which are unique to Okinawa, the densko is a perfect souvenir.
In particular, the snow-salt chinsuko is very popular because it melts in the mouth, moist and tender.
You can buy them at product fairs, but it is worthwhile to buy them as they are a nice souvenir.

 

　Red Imo Tart

The tart made with purple sweet potatoes is the Red Imo Tart.
There are many red imo tarts sold in Okinawa, and at the "Gokashi Goten of the Original Red Imo Confectionery Honpo" located throughout Okinawa, you can experience making your own red imo tart by hand.
We recommend that you compare red potato tarts locally and buy the tasty ones as souvenirs, so please try different red potato tarts.

 

 Okinawa rice noodles

Okinawa Menbei is an Okinawa-only version of Fukuoka's popular souvenir "Menbei.
Menbei is a rice cracker with mentaiko (cod roe) and seafood flavor, and Okinawa Menbei comes in a set of rafte and seekwasser flavors.
The flavors of mentaiko (cod roe) and rafta and seekwasa (Okinawan sea squirt) combine to make this a snack that will keep you coming back for more.
In addition to raftae and seekers, there are also island chili mayonnaise flavored products, so if you like spicy food, this is a good choice.
Since these souvenirs are often out of stock through mail order, it is a good idea to purchase island chili mayonnaise menbei when you find them.

 

sata andagi

Sata andagi are doughnuts shaped like a glue stick and made with Okinawan sugar or brown sugar.
Sata andagi, which means "sugar tempura," is made with simple ingredients and a warm flavor.
They are very popular as souvenirs because they last a long time and are easy to carry.
If you try to buy sata andagi at a popular store, you may find that there is a line or that it is sold out quickly.
If you want to buy sata andagi from a popular restaurant, check in advance.
Sa-ta andagi, kaboten no nakasone, Unarizaki, Matsubaraya confectionery, and Ryukyu confectionery Ryugu are especially popular.
There is a wide variety of flavors, including brown sugar, plain, coconut, red sweet potato, banana, and pineapple, so it is a good idea to consider your own preferences and those of the recipient before purchasing.

 

　Ryukyu glass

Ryukyu glass is a traditional Okinawan craft with a history of about 100 years.
Many glasses are decorated with motifs of Okinawan nature and scenery, and those with wave-like cutouts are also popular.
The experience of making your own Ryukyu glass at workshops is also popular, so if you have time, we recommend making your own glass.
The beautiful Ryukyu glasses are also popular as souvenirs for loved ones.
Buy them as a pair or present them in a paulownia wood box for a special souvenir.

 

Where can I buy Okinawan souvenirs?

There are many sightseeing spots in Okinawa, and if you participate in activities, time will quickly run out.
To avoid forgetting to purchase a souvenir, it is a good idea to save time for souvenir purchases all together.
Here are some of the best places to buy souvenirs from Okinawa.
All of these places are available for purchase while sightseeing or on your way home, so be sure to stop by.
Save a little more time than expected, as you will often spend more time than you thought you would in selecting souvenirs.
If you plan your trip with plenty of time to spare, you will have more time to spend in cafes and other places in your spare time.

 

Naha Airport

Naha Airport, the gateway to Okinawa, is a great place to buy souvenirs.
Although it is good to buy souvenirs as soon as you arrive, you can enjoy sightseeing more efficiently if you leave more time to buy souvenirs on your way home.
The souvenir shops in the airport include JAL's directly managed stores BLUE SKY, INTERLINK OKINAWA, Jimmy, Marmiya Kamaboko, Itosan, and Fukugiya, where you can purchase most of the souvenirs introduced in this article.
Many stores offer tastings, so make sure to go around and enjoy your souvenir selection.

 

 International Street

There are also many souvenir shops on Kokusai-dori, a tourist attraction in Naha City.
Window shopping and strolling around the area will make you dizzy, so be selective about the souvenirs you buy.
On Kokusai-dori, you can buy Ryukyu glass goods, Shisa goods, T-shirts, cosmetics, and many other fashionable souvenirs.
If you are looking for a sophisticated souvenir, you will find something wonderful on Kokusai Dori.

 

 roadside station (government-designated rest area)

There are 13 roadside stations in Okinawa, each with its own regional characteristics.
It is a fun place to visit not only to select souvenirs, but also to enjoy gourmet food.
The most popular roadside stations are Michi no Eki Kusuda (No. 1 in the national ranking of roadside stations), Michi no Eki Yui Yui Kunigami (Okinawa's northernmost roadside station), Michi no Eki Kana (with a view of an air force base), and Michi no Eki Itoman (popular for its vegetables and seafood), each with different characteristics.
Many specialties and other items that can only be purchased here are also recommended as a stopover during a road trip.

 

Don Quixote

Don Quijote on Kokusai Dori is a souvenir spot frequented by tourists.
Don Quijote is often crowded with foreigners who are looking to buy souvenirs, but if you want to buy souvenirs in bulk for dispersal, go there.
There are also a wide variety of story-related souvenirs, including candy, cosmetics, food, alcohol, stationery, and more.
There are also many Okinawan local character goods, so it is popular among those who collect such character goods.
The atmosphere of the souvenirs available for purchase on the first and second floors is different, and time passes quickly when looking at them.
If you visit, please allow plenty of time for your visit.
If you buy too much, there is a nationwide shipping service available, so don't be afraid to buy a bomb of souvenirs.

 

Okinawa Supermarket

Local supermarkets in Okinawa are ideal for selecting souvenirs because you can buy original products that can only be found in that store.
Sanei Naha Main Place, in particular, is a large shopping mall with an extensive souvenir section.
This local supermarket is popular on social networking sites, so be sure to visit.
Town Plaza Kanehide" is another popular local supermarket that attracts many tourists.
This supermarket, which has 58 stores in the prefecture, offers a wide variety of fresh and rare island vegetables and tropical fruits.
You can often get a better deal than you can in tourist areas.

 summary

In this issue, we introduced souvenirs from Okinawa.
We have picked up a wide range of souvenirs, from the standard to the unusual, but it is also a good idea to purchase original souvenirs at stores you visit on a whim.
Meeting people on the road can be a memorable part of the trip.
We recommend that you buy souvenirs you think are good at the places you visit before you regret it.