Just like beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, savoring local ingredients and specialties is one of the joys of traveling.

This time, we'll introduce roadside stations, markets, and other places where you can fully enjoy Miyako Island.

Enjoy Miyako Island's food culture and seasonal delights at roadside stations and markets!

Provided by: AQUA BASE

We offer marine activities that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind, focusing on Miyako Island's two major marine spots, "Yabiji" and "Pumpkin Cave."
Last-minute and same-day reservations are welcome! We also have excellent facilities including parking and hot showers!Formula HPBooking through us is the most economical option!

The best of the best

The distinguishing features of Shima no Eki Miyako are the abundance of fresh local fruits and the fact that it also functions as a restaurant.
The store has an eat-in space and is lined with restaurants such as "Chojiya," which serves Miyako soba and is popular with locals for lunch; "Shokupan no Nishizato," which is popular for its soft, raw bread made with Miyako Island's snow salt; and "Hisamatsu Tempura," which serves piping hot tempura that is perfect for a light snack.

In the produce section, you'll find freshly picked vegetables and fruits every day, with producers placing their freshly harvested produce on the shelves.
Be sure to try the island's seasonal vegetables and fruits during your stay, or buy some as souvenirs!

Irabu Ohashi Sea Station

"Irabu Ohashi Sea Station" is located near the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, which connects Miyako Island and the neighboring Irabu Island, and is a place where you can enjoy shopping and dining while gazing at the beautiful ocean.
The first floor houses a shop featuring specialty products from Irabu Island and Miyako Island, while the second floor is a restaurant.

Irabu Island's specialties include seafood such as tuna and bonito. In addition to the famous dried bonito flakes and bonito tsukudani (simmered bonito), there are many unique souvenirs available, such as Nagasakiya's black sugar castella cake (sold only at Nagasakiya's main store) and brown sugar kinako bitter melon!
Of course, we also have a wide selection of classic souvenirs, awamori (Okinawan liquor), and handicrafts.

The restaurant on the second floor offers a menu centered around traditional home-style dishes from the island, such as authentic Soki Soba, Aasa Soba, and Butadon (pork rice bowl).
The restaurant offers a spectacular ocean view overlooking the Irabu Bridge!
If you're feeling a little hungry after buying souvenirs, be sure to stop by!

Check out the markets in Miyako Island too!

Miyako Island offers more than just roadside rest areas. Its markets are also bustling spots, attracting both locals and tourists.

3-1. JA Okinawa Farmers Market Miyako Atarasu Market

If you want to enjoy the local ingredients of Miyako Island, you absolutely must visit "Atarasu Market".

The produce brought in by farmers affiliated with JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) is well worth the trip. A wide variety of Miyako Island vegetables and fruits, such as pumpkins and winter melons, which change with the seasons, are lined up and are popular not only with tourists but also with locals.

In addition, processed goods such as miso made by the JA Women's Association using domestically produced soybeans, fruit jelly, and island tofu are also popular.
Located just a 5-minute drive from Miyako Airport, it's the perfect place to stop by on your way back.

3-2. Miyakojima City Public Market

Miyakojima City Public Market is conveniently located in the central business district of Hirara, at the intersection of Market Street and Shimozato Main Street.

This area has long been a beloved kitchen for the people of Miyako Island, and it houses over a dozen shops, including restaurants and souvenir shops.
While the market has a relaxed, old-fashioned atmosphere, recently there are also shops selling stylish and new products made with local island ingredients.

There are so many interesting shops to discover, including "Magotofu Public Market Store," a popular tofu specialty shop on the island that was chosen as the best in Japan; "Natural Protein," a specialty shop for natural protein made with fruits and vegetables from Miyako Island; and "Kurima Island Miki," which offers a stylish and easy-to-drink miki smoothie, a traditional Okinawan beverage!
If you want to catch up on both the old and new gourmet information of Miyako Island, be sure to check out the Miyako Island Public Market.

Points to note when visiting roadside rest areas and markets

You can only buy freshly made, warm tofu in Okinawa.

If you want to get Miyako Island's ingredients and specialty products at roadside stations or markets, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First of all, one of the attractions of Miyako Island's markets and roadside stations is that many products change with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy seasonal specialties. Therefore, even if you want to buy mangoes, they won't be available at the market if it's not the season. It's a good idea to check in advance what vegetables and fruits are in season at that time of year.

Also, popular items such as vegetables, island tofu, and bread often sell out. If you have a specific item in mind, it's best to visit in the morning.

Final thoughts

Miyako Island's markets and roadside stations are fascinating spots where you can not only sample local ingredients and specialties, but also experience the island's climate and culture. When you visit Miyako Island, be sure to stop by the markets and roadside stations and buy lots of wonderful souvenirs unique to Miyako Island to create lasting memories of your trip!