Exploring the long-loved local shops of Ishigaki Island!

A nostalgic neighborhood shop that used to be found everywhere.
In recent years, many large supermarkets and convenience stores belonging to national chains have opened on Ishigaki Island.

However, even now, there are still many shops on Ishigaki Island, and its popularity remains strong among people of all ages, from the elderly to the young.
It's not as large as a supermarket, nor is it open 24 hours like a convenience store, but what is the charm of this shop that continues to be loved by the locals?
Let me introduce you to some shops on Ishigaki Island!

Table of contents
1. Karimata Store Mini Cafeteria
2. Nakama Shoten
3. Chinen Shokai Main Store
4. General Store & General Parlor
5. Maebashi Store
6. Finally

1. Karimata Store Mini Cafeteria

Yoshiwara's Karimata Store is a hidden gem where you can find island vegetables grown by local farmers, all for just 100 yen.
Many customers arrive as soon as the store opens at 14 PM, and sometimes everything sells out early.

In addition to vegetables, mangoes and passion fruit are also sold at reasonable prices depending on the season.

They sell homemade omelets, yakisoba, pork and egg rice balls, and other items that change daily.
There's also an eat-in area in the back, so you can eat inside the shop!

Homemade sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) are available only on Sundays, 3 for 100 yen! (Not available during the summer)
Many people buy 10 to 50 bags at a time, so they often sell out instantly. Get yours early!

Yoshiwara is close to Kabira Bay and Yonehara Beach, so be sure to visit it during your sightseeing trip.
A cute old lady with a charming sign will give you a warm welcome♪

Karimata Store Mini Cafeteria
[Address] 1215-7 Kawadaira, Ishigaki City
[Telephone number] 0980-88-2309
[Business Hours] 14: 00-21: 00
【No regular holiday

2. Nakama Shoten

Nakama Shoten is located right in front of the parking lot at Kabira Bay.
It's popular with both tourists and locals, and the prepared foods and bento boxes sell out very quickly at lunchtime.
I recommend the island tofu and okara croquettes made by Misako-san at the nearby Ohama-so♪

If you're staying in Kabira, it's convenient for buying alcohol and food!
They also sell small daily necessities and island sandals, so it's helpful if you're in a bind after arriving in Kabira.

Since there's a bus stop right in front, you can relax and eat ice cream while you wait for your bus.
If you're visiting Kabira Bay, why not stop by?

Nakama Shoten
[Address] 918-4 Kawadaira, Ishigaki City
[Telephone number] 0980-88-2218
[Business Hours] 9: 30-18: 30
[regular holiday] Tuesday

3. Chinen Shokai Main Store

Chinen Shokai, though called a shop, boasts a selection of goods comparable to a supermarket.
They stock a wide variety of items, from food and daily necessities to tools, and many people visit every day.
They have a wide variety of prepared foods and bento boxes, and are very popular with local high school students!

Onisasa, which was first started by local high school students, has taken root in the community.
Take a rice ball from the prepared food section and add chicken breast cutlets, then season with your favorite sauce or mayonnaise.
Once you've flattened the rice ball so that it spreads evenly, it's done!

It gets packed with shoppers at lunchtime!
Be sure to try Onisasa, a local soul food that has even been featured on TV!

Chinen Trading Company Main Store
[Address] 1249-18 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City
[Telephone number] 0980-82-9664
[Business Hours] 7: 00-21: 00
[Regular closing days] None (closed only on New Year's Day)

4. General Store & General Parlor

At the parlor attached to the general store, the taiyaki (fish-shaped cake) with pie crust is extremely popular!
They come in a wide variety of flavors, including chocolate, caramel, custard, cheese, and curry, making them perfect for a light snack or treat.
Other popular items include waffles, parfaits, and Okinawan zenzai (sweet red bean soup).

The shops inside sell prepared foods, daily necessities, and other items.
The sandwiches made with soft rolls evoke a nostalgic feeling.
At lunchtime, a variety of bento boxes are on display, and it seems that high school students flock to the shop.

There's a high school right in front of the building, and after school, you can often see students chatting and eating snacks.
For the students, it must be a taste of their youth!

Yorozu Store & Yorozu Parlor
[Address] 204-29 Maesato, Ishigaki City
[Phone Numbers] Yorozu Store: 0980-83-0574 / Yorozu Parlor: 090-2765-8047
[Opening Hours] Yorozu Store: 6:00 AM onwards / Yorozu Parlor: 11:00 AM - 21:00 PM
[Regular holiday] Irregular holiday

5. Maebashi Store

It turned out that it was their regular day off! Unaware of this, I had come anyway, but the owner kindly let me in, saying, "If what we have is alright..."
I was so touched by their kindness, and then more and more neighbors started coming in (lol).
"It's our regular day off, but that's okay," said the generous owner, showing his wonderful personality.

Actually, this shop was a filming location for a movie and has also been featured on television.
The table full of side dishes I was looking forward to wasn't available today because it was their regular day off, but I will definitely come back!

This is a down-to-earth shop beloved by the locals.
The friendly owner is also fun to chat with, so please do visit!

Maebashi Store
[Address] 42-1 Ohama, Ishigaki City
[Telephone number] 0980-82-7984
[Business Hours] 7: 00-23: 00
[Regular holiday] Thursday

6. Finally

Each shop had its own unique character, and they were all so charming that I wanted to come back again!
Homemade side dishes and bento boxes contain no preservatives, have the warmth of being freshly made, and evoke a nostalgic feeling, like something your mother would make.

While it may not offer the convenience of a supermarket or convenience store, the heartfelt service and warmth unique to a local shop are likely the reasons why it remains beloved by the community.

While Ishigaki Island is great for enjoying as a resort, why not also visit some of the local shops to get a feel for the everyday life on the island?

[Check these out too♪]
・The most popular "beef soba" restaurant on the island! Arakaki Shokudo | Ishigaki Island
・A hidden gem in Ishigaki Island! "Koi Takoba," a takoyaki bar specializing in octopus dishes.
・For goat dishes, this is the place! Ishigaki Island's "Ikkyu Shokudo" offers goat soba, beef soba, and Yaeyama soba!
・Ishigaki Island's soul food! We'll explore the charm of "Island Bento"♪
・Stay in the tropical mood even after you get home! 10 must-buy souvenirs from Ishigaki Island