A trip to discover Okinawan cuisine at "Michi-no-Eki Itoman"!

One of the joys of traveling is discovering the unique local cuisine of that place.

Many people probably think, "Since I'm going all the way there, I want to enjoy some Okinawan cuisine that you can only taste there!"

For those people, I recommend a place where you can find delicious local food. That's right, a roadside station!

This time, we'll introduce "Michi-no-Eki Itoman," one of the many roadside stations in Okinawa, which boasts excellent access from Naha Airport!

<Table of Contents>
1. What kind of place is "Michi-no-Eki Itoman"?
2. Recommendations for "Michi-no-Eki Itoman"
2-1. "Fish Center" where you can eat fresh seafood on the spot.
2-2. A Farmers Market Full of Okinawa Island Vegetables
2-3. A truly satisfying culinary experience at "Yakiniku Bannai"
2-4. If you're looking to buy souvenirs, head to "Local Products Center Yu-Shoku-Rai".
2-5. "Michi-no-Eki Itoman Information Center" - A great resource for your Okinawa trip.
3. Access & Detailed Information
4. Places that will make you love Okinawa even more

1. What kind of place is "Michi-no-Eki Itoman"?

"Michi-no-Eki Itoman" is the southernmost roadside station in Japan, located in Itoman City, about a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport. It features five main facilities within its grounds, making it remarkably spacious!

Besides souvenirs and gourmet food, many locals also visit this market to buy fresh fish and vegetables. Seeing the unusual Okinawan ingredients and the bustling atmosphere, you get a strange feeling, almost like you're in a market overseas...

One of the biggest attractions of "Michi-no-Eki Itoman" is that you can experience everyday life in Okinawa, something you can't find in ordinary souvenir shops.

2. Recommendations for "Michi-no-Eki Itoman"

Now, let's get started and introduce the highlights of each facility!

　2-1. "Fish Center" where you can eat fresh seafood on the spot.

At the "Fish Center," as the name suggests, you can enjoy plenty of delicious seafood!
In fact, Itoman City, where "Michi-no-Eki Itoman" is located, is one of Okinawa's leading fishing port towns. Needless to say, it is a place where fresh seafood gathers, and it is also famous for its freshly made kamaboko (fish cake) using delicious fish.

It's fun just looking at the fish with unfamiliar names and the huge kamaboko (fish cake), but...you really want to eat them, right?

The "Fish Center" has tables and chairs for eating in, so you can enjoy eating while browsing the shops.
You can make your own seafood rice bowl with fish of your choice, or enjoy freshly grilled seafood!

Of course, you can purchase them as souvenirs or have them delivered to your home. (Please check with each store regarding delivery availability.)
I recommend the luxury of carefully sampling the different flavors and then taking your favorite home as a souvenir.

[Fish Center]
■ Business hours: 10: 00 ~ 19: 00

2-2. A Farmers Market Full of Okinawa Island Vegetables

When it comes to Okinawan food, you can't forget the vegetables.
"JA Farmers Market Umanchu Market" is truly the kitchen of Okinawa, offering a wide variety of delicious Okinawan produce, mainly vegetables and fruits.

Bitter melon has become quite familiar, but Okinawa has many vegetables with unusual names, such as fuchiba, handama, nsunaba, and more!
I've heard that traditional vegetables grown and eaten in Okinawa for centuries are called "island vegetables," and that they are the secret to Okinawa's health and longevity.
I see, that's intriguing!

In addition, you'll find vegetables and fruits that are hard to find on the mainland, as well as Okinawa's proud specialties such as sausages made with locally produced pork and mozuku seaweed, all over the place!
Just taking a stroll around the store will lead to lots of new discoveries!

Of course, even if you end up buying a lot, we can deliver it all, so please don't worry. (※Some items cannot be delivered.)

[JA Farmers Market Itoman]
■ Business hours: 9: 00 ~ 19: 00

　2-3. A truly satisfying culinary experience at "Yakiniku Bannai"

Whether you're shopping or just strolling around, if you're feeling hungry after all that walking, we recommend "Yakiniku Bannai".
This is a buffet-style restaurant with all-you-can-eat options, perfect for those with a big appetite!

Their original brand of pork, "Junboku Island Pork," and other dishes have become popular among foreign tourists for their delicious taste, and the restaurant is often fully booked.
Moreover, it's so popular that "Junboku Island Pork" is currently in short supply. (Of course, there are many other delicious meats available!)

Furthermore, Yakiniku Bannai operates as part of an employment support program for people with disabilities. Therefore, on weekdays, they only accept group reservations, and on weekends and holidays, their operating hours are limited, so it's best to call ahead to check before visiting.

However, it's human nature to want to try something the rarer it is. If you come to Michi-no-Eki Itoman, this is definitely a gourmet dish you'll want to try!

[Yakiniku Bannai]
■Opening hours: Lunch 11:00 - 16:00
Dinner 16: 00 ~ 22: 00
■Business days: Weekdays / Group reservations only
Weekends and public holidays / Please call to confirm
■ TEL: 098-987-0549

　2-4. If you're looking to buy souvenirs, head to "Local Products Center Yu-Shoku-Rai".

Fish and vegetables are tempting, but I still want some classic Okinawan souvenirs!
In such cases, head to "Yukura," a local products center.

Here you can purchase local specialties from Itoman and popular Okinawan souvenirs. There's also a shipping center on-site, so you can buy in bulk.

The facility also has a food court where you can easily grab a meal.
I especially recommend "Ichiman Gozen Minami no Eki Shokudo." Here you can enjoy classic Okinawan dishes♪
With a wide variety of dishes that truly embody Okinawan cuisine, such as Okinawa soba and Inamuduchi, it's hard to choose just one!

The comforting taste of Okinawan home cooking warms the heart. It's no wonder it has so many local fans.

[Local Products Center: Play, Eat, and Visit]
■ Business hours: 9: 30 ~ 19: 00

　2-5. "Michi-no-Eki Itoman Information Center" - A great resource for your Okinawa trip.

As I've explained, "Michi-no-Eki Itoman" is packed with all the best things about Okinawa.

But if you're thinking, "There's so much to do, I don't even know what to do in Okinawa!", then try asking for advice at the "Itoman Roadside Station Information Center"!

Here, you can get helpful information for your trip to Okinawa, and if you make a reservation at least two days in advance, you can also get a guided "town walking experience" that will allow you to explore Itoman in more depth!
(See the URL below for details)

[Itoman Roadside Station Information Center]
■ Business hours: 9: 00 ~ 18: 00
■ TEL: 098-987-1277
■Details of the walking tour experience:http://www.okinawa-itoman.jp/

3. Access and detailed information for Michi-no-Eki Itoman (Roadside Station Itoman)

[Access]
It takes approximately 20 minutes from Naha Airport via National Route 331.

【Detailed information】
■Business days: Open all year round
(Note: Some facilities may be closed for New Year's holidays, etc.)
■Parking: 392 spaces (including 2 spaces for electric vehicles)
■ TEL: 098-987-1277
■Address:4-20-4 Nishizakicho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture

4. Places that will make you love Okinawa even more

Finally, we would like to thank Mr. Miyagi from the information center who helped us out this time.
"We'll always be waiting for you with a smile. Just let us know and we'll do our best to meet your needs!" We received this wonderful message, delivered with a smile that truly reflected their words.

Delicious food, wonderful souvenirs, and vibrant people with warm smiles. The more time you spend there, the more you'll love Okinawa—that's Michi-no-Eki Itoman!

A typical Okinawa trip just isn't enough...
In that case, why not discover the unique charm of Okinawa that you can only find here at "Michi-no-Eki Itoman"?