Enjoy a live sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) performance at "Goya," a pub in Miyako Island!

On a rainy Tuesday, I went to "Goya," a popular sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) live music pub located in Nishizato, the city center of Miyako Island.
Actually, this is my first time at a live music izakaya (Japanese pub), so I wonder if I'll really be able to fit in with the atmosphere... Because I'm shy...

In conclusion, "Those who dance are fools, and those who watch are also fools; if you're going to be a fool anyway, you might as well dance!"

<Table of Contents>
1. If you're going to Goya, it's best to make a reservation.
2. Rice at Goya
3. The live performance begins!
4. Conclusion

1. If you're going to Goya, it's best to make a reservation.

Located just a minute's walk down a side street from the Nishizato intersection in Miyako Island's downtown area, you'll find "Goya," a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) in Miyako Island.
There is parking space for about 15 cars in front of the shop, and the entrance is where the red tiled roof is adorned with green lanterns.

When I made a reservation by phone a few days earlier, the staff said it wasn't too crowded yet, but when I actually arrived on the day, the restaurant was almost completely full before the live performance even started.
It seems everyone has made a reservation before coming in. This shows just how popular the place is.

The seating consists of three long tables in front of the stage that can seat about 12 people each, and five small tatami-floored tables for four people surrounding the long tables.
In addition, there are four tables that seat six people, four tables that seat two people, plus a counter.

The venue was divided into smoking and non-smoking sections: seats in front of the stage were for smokers, and seats in the back were non-smoking.

Oh, and I found out when I made the reservation by phone that Goya-san is closed on Wednesdays.
The shop's website says they have irregular closing days, but it's possible their closing days change depending on whether it's the on-season or off-season.
For that reason, it's best to make a reservation.
*For detailed information about the store, please see below.4. Conclusion for more information.

2. Rice at Goya

I entered the shop around 19 PM. The sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) live performance was scheduled to start at 19:30 PM.
I'll order my food before the live performance starts.

Looking at the main menu, it has the kind of lineup you'd expect from an Okinawan izakaya (Japanese pub).
The prices are reasonable, ranging from ¥500 to ¥700 per dish, and there are also menu items that young children will enjoy. There are about four tatami rooms, so it's a great place for a family trip!

<Menu example>
Rafute Goya Champuru ¥650
Carrot stir-fry ¥480
Miyako-style Yakisoba ¥680
Changja (spicy fermented seafood) ¥480
Pork and egg ¥580
Sweet potato and taro croquettes ¥450
French fries with skin on ¥480 etc.

The daily specials are listed on a separate sheet.

The daily specials are full of Okinawan and Miyako Island flavors.

<Menu example>
Shrimp clam sashimi ¥1,200
Island fish simmered in salt broth ¥980
Grilled Spanish mackerel (superb) ¥580
Grilled bluefin tuna with garlic and soy sauce ¥780, etc.

I didn't notice it at the time because I was so focused on beer, but they also have a wide variety of drinks, including bitter melon mojitos, peach pudding, and milk awamori, and many unique and distinctive menu items.

We ordered a total of four items this time.
・ Assorted sashimi

Red snapper, mako octopus, island octopus, and tuna. The octopus has a rich and delicious flavor!

- Assorted tempura of white fish and local vegetables from the island

The fish is mahi-mahi, and the vegetables are eggplant, bitter melon, and purple sweet potato.

・Fresh mozuku somen noodles

It was the perfect time for mozuku seaweed (May and June), so I slurped down some thick, plump mozuku in noodle soup! There was a huge amount of it.

Stone-grilled braised pork fried rice

I tried to take a picture, but the shop staff finished it for me... (lol)
The stone-grilled braised pork fried rice was even more delicious than I expected. The sweet sauce, the generous chunks of meat, and the chewy rice were all fantastic!

In addition to the above, there is also an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

While the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) performances tend to grab all the attention, the food is delicious too!
I think I've figured out one of the secrets to its popularity.

3. The live performance begins!

At 19:30 PM, two women in Ryukyuan costumes took to the stage. The first song was "Asatoya Yunta," a familiar folk song, with the interjections "Yui♪ Yui♪."
The second and third songs are also Okinawan songs that I vaguely remember hearing.

A gentleman's whistling added to the Okinawan atmosphere.

Now, let's move on to the choreography lesson!
I secretly observe what the other customers are doing (because I'm shy...).

And to my surprise, everyone was really getting into it!

Even the tough-looking guys and the cool, beautiful ladies are all eager to dance.
Since everyone has made reservations, they must be really looking forward to the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) live performance.
I had a rare worry about what would happen if no one danced, but everyone except the baby sleeping in the stroller was standing and moving their hands.

Stand up, everyone!

We all form a circle and spin around.
Even if you can't do the choreography exactly as you were taught, just moving your hands around makes you feel cheerful.

The climax is "Grandpa's proud Orion Beer."
Following the "Yes," everyone said "Cheers!"

The 50-minute live performance ended in the blink of an eye.
I was able to fully experience the atmosphere of Okinawa and enjoy a unique travel experience.

4. Conclusion

You can enjoy a live sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) performance while eating delicious food.
If you're visiting Okinawa, this is a place I'd definitely recommend you check out at least once.

"Goya"
Address: 570-2 Hirara Nishizato, Miyakojima City
Access: 1 minute walk from Nishisato Intersection. Parking available.
Phone: 0980-74-2358
Business hours: 17: 30 to 24: 00 (LO23: 30)
Closed on: Irregular days (when I visited, it was a Wednesday)
The live performance will start at 19:30 PM and last approximately 50 minutes. Live performance charge: ¥324. Table charge: ¥216.
HP:http://zumi-goya.com/