I tried making purple sweet potato tarts at Okashi Goten Onna Village store!

When it comes to Okinawan souvenirs that everyone will love, there are chinsuko cookies, sweets made with tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, and of course, "purple sweet potato tarts."

Many people have probably bought it themselves or received it as a souvenir and thought, "I've eaten this before!"

Now, the company that makes this familiar sweet potato tart is "Okashi Goten," the original sweet potato confectionery shop.

This is also a popular souvenir spot for those traveling to Okinawa, but...

"If you visit the Onna branch of Okashi Goten, you can have a unique and slightly special experience."
We caught wind of this intriguing rumor.

So, in order to verify the truth, I went undercover to the Okashi Goten Onna store for an investigation!

What kind of experience awaits us at this super-famous, must-see spot? Let's get started with our report!

<Contents>
1. Basic knowledge of Okashi Goten
2. I tried the "Purple Sweet Potato Tart Making Experience," which is only available at the Onna store!
3. I thoroughly enjoyed the superb cafe "Diamond Blue"!
4. We searched for great Okinawan products at "UMIMACHI"!
5. I bought lots of souvenirs!
6. Access to Okashi Goten Onna Store
7. It was even better than I expected!

1. Basic knowledge of Okashi Goten

First, let's start with a brief overview of the basics of Okashi Goten.

As mentioned earlier, Okashi Goten is famous as the original shop for sweet potato tarts and a popular souvenir spot.

In addition to having directly managed stores in several locations within the prefecture, you can also find Okashi Goten items at souvenir shops and convenience stores.

Its popularity is now on a major level, and if you're unsure what souvenir to buy, you can't go wrong by going to Okashi Goten.

"Have you ever been to a restaurant in a corny shop? (Have you?)"
This song, which you're likely to hear at least once during your trip to Okinawa—at the airport, on Kokusai Street, or on the car radio while driving—is incredibly memorable, isn't it?

In other words, if you've ever been to Okinawa, you could say that you "already know" about Okashi Goten.

This makes me even more curious about what kind of "great experience" I can expect at the Onna store!

2. I tried the "Purple Sweet Potato Tart Making Experience" which is only available at the Onna store!

I heard that this is the only experience you can have at Okashi Goten's Onna store, so I decided to try the much-talked-about "Purple Sweet Potato Tart Making Experience."

That's right, at the Coco Onna store, you can apparently "make your own" the popular sweet potato tart, a classic souvenir.

I'm a bit worried because I'm admittedly clumsy, but according to additional information, "homemade sweet potato tarts are uniquely delicious."

Appetite is truly the strongest motivator... my expectations are rising!

The "Sweet Potato Tart Making Experience" corner is located on the second floor of the store.

Beyond the large window lies the blue sea. A sweet, fragrant aroma fills the sparkling kitchen.

Hmm, just being in this space makes me feel happy♪

The experience is by reservation only. (See below for details.)
Apparently, this spacious kitchen is sometimes fully booked, but on this day, I had almost a one-on-one session with the instructor.

The entire process, from the start of the experience to receiving your finished tart, is estimated to take about two hours.
After washing your hands and listening to a brief explanation, we'll start by making the tart dough!

Using a familiar-shaped griddle, stretch the dough with your fingers.

It felt similar to playing with clay as a child. Before I knew it, I was working silently and completely absorbed in the task.

"You can really see a person's character in how they make tarts! Surprisingly, many adults get really absorbed in it," the teacher said, and I found myself agreeing with her.

It's been years since I've been so engrossed in a task... While I was having this strange moment of self-reflection, the dough making was finished.

Next, we'll pipe in the sweet potato paste, the star of the tart!

Because the paste is thick, it's quite a strenuous task, more so than it looks.

With the teacher's guidance, I'll narrow it down to one or two options.

While there are theoretical ways to refine the design, the basic principle is that you are free to create any shape you like.

Once you've narrowed it down about halfway and gotten used to it, you'll want to assert your originality by saying, "Let's make an interesting shape!" (though this probably depends on your personality).

Once the paste is piped out, it's time to put it in the oven. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

The last step is making the boxes for packing the tarts.

Participants will personalize their boxes by writing travel memories, messages, and illustrations.

There are plenty of box-making examples provided, so even those who aren't confident in their drawing skills can rest assured.

Once the box is complete, the experience is finished!

The tarts are individually packaged after baking and then boxed, so all you have to do is wait to pick them up.

You can take commemorative photos or go look at souvenirs while you wait!

And so, I ended up getting more engrossed in the "Sweet Potato Tart Making Experience" than I had anticipated.

It's great for families and friends to participate together, but it's also wonderful for couples and married couples to participate and exchange the things they've made with each other.

Above all, it's wonderful when something you made yourself becomes a memory and a souvenir!

By the way, the freshly baked purple sweet potato tart was much tastier than the ones you buy at souvenir shops, with a crispier crust! (Although the moist ones are delicious too.)

This deliciousness can only be experienced here, so it was a really great experience!

[Details of the Sweet Potato Tart Making Experience]
■Dates: Every day
■Time: 10:00/13:00/16:00
■Age: Elementary school age and above
■Price: 12 pieces for 2,160 yen (tax included)
8 pieces 1,540 yen (tax included)
■Reservations: Reservations are required (※Reservations must be made by 17:00 PM the day before)
■ TEL: 0120-539-510
■HP:http://www.okashigoten.co.jp/handmade/

3. I thoroughly enjoyed the superb cafe "Diamond Blue"!

Having finished our highly satisfying tart-making experience, we moved on to the second of our "slightly nice experiences": the beach cafe terrace "Diamond Blue."

This cafe is said to offer "delicious food while enjoying a fantastic view."

Hmm, this looks like a good place to take a break.

The cafe is located on the first basement floor of the Okashi Goten Onna store.

On a trip to Okinawa, where travel time tends to be long, being able to go to a stylish cafe without needing a car is a great advantage!

You can reach "Diamond Blue" directly from the parking lot via the stairs, or you can use the stairs located at the back right of the store.

Because Okashi Goten Onna Store is located slightly above the coast, when you go down to the basement, the blue horizon stretches out at eye level!

While the cute pastel-colored interior is tempting, on sunny days, I recommend the terrace seating where you can enjoy the sea breeze.

And, as is essential for a stylish cafe, they also have a wide selection of stylish menu items.

From sweets to savory dishes, the menu is packed with Okinawan flavor and is a feast for the eyes. You'll want to brag about it to everyone!

In fact, many people who come to Diamond Blue take photos and upload them to social media.

"Enjoy a stylish meal at a stylish cafe with an ocean view."

This is a dream scenario that you'll want to experience at least once during your trip to Okinawa.

I now understand why this cafe is popular with stylish women both within and outside the prefecture...

This is a cafe where conversations flow easily, and you'll find yourself lingering longer than you intended!

[Beach Terrace Cafe Diamond Blue]
■Business Hours: Regular hours / 11:00 - 18:00 (Last Order 17:00)
August to September / 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Last Order 6:00 PM)

4. We searched for great Okinawan products at "UMIMACHI"!

Once your stomach and heart are full, the next thing you'll want is a souvenir!

So, we headed to "UMIMACHI," a select shop located at the top of the stairs inside Diamond Blue.

While classic souvenirs are fine, it's always exciting to find a unique and stylish gift that stands out from the crowd.

This shop is said to offer "carefully selected items that are all about the best of Okinawa."

This raises expectations even more!

If Okashi Goten's regular stores are like a "lively paradise of sweets," then this one feels more like a "calm paradise for adults."

The store is filled with items that are all about "Okinawa," from organic cosmetics made in Okinawa to seasonings made with Okinawan ingredients!

If this shop has a flaw, it's that, despite being supposedly curated, "there are so many things I want that I end up agonizing over my choices." What a luxurious form of torture.

This place is highly recommended for anyone who wants to carefully choose souvenirs in a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere.

I've come to realize that Okashi Goten is amazing not just for its sweets!

This is a shop you should definitely visit if you come to the Onna store.

5. I bought lots of souvenirs!

Now that we've looked at various things, just like the other directly managed stores, this Okashi Goten Onna store also has a sweets paradise!

It's common to feel uneasy during a trip if you haven't decided on souvenirs yet, but here, all those worries will be solved.

For colleagues, family, friends, and even yourself. From individual items to boxed sets, choose the perfect souvenir for any occasion!

We offer nationwide delivery. Once you've decided on your souvenirs here, you can enjoy your trip hands-free.

In addition to the UMIMACHI mentioned earlier, the store also boasts a wide selection of miscellaneous goods, including a corner featuring classic Okinawan souvenirs.

Say goodbye to the worry of putting off souvenir shopping and rushing at the last minute!

6. Access to Okashi Goten Onna Store

Okashi Goten Onna Store is located along National Route 58, which runs north-south through Okinawa Island.

Its convenient access, making it easy to stop by while driving or traveling, is a major plus.

The souvenir shop is open from early morning until late at night, which makes it easy to fit into your schedule.

[Access from Naha Airport]
From Naha Airport, take the Okinawa Expressway to Yaka Interchange, then take Prefectural Road 88 (towards Nago) → National Route 58. Estimated travel time: Approximately 60 minutes by car.

[Access from Kyoda area]
Take National Route 58 towards Onna Village. From near Kyoda Interchange, it takes about 20 minutes by car.

[Store details]
■Business Hours: Regular / 8:30 AM - 19:30 PM
May-September / 8: 9-8: 30
■Closed days: Open all year round
■ TEL: 098-982-3388
0120-539-510 (toll free)
■Address: 100 Seragaki, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
■Parking: Available (free)
■Store website:http://www.okashigoten.co.jp/onna-shop/