Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Makishi Public Market is a public market located near Kokusai Street in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, and is a kind of kitchen. Established shortly after the war, it brings together local ingredients and traditional Okinawan foods, and has become popular with both Naha residents and tourists alike. Its greatest appeal is its lively atmosphere, lined with a variety of seafood, Okinawan vegetables and preserved foods, delicatessens selling fried foods and side dishes, dried goods stores, and souvenir shops.
Additionally, the "buy and eat" culture is popular with tourists, as seafood purchased here can be cooked at the cafeteria on the second floor or at nearby restaurants. Makishi Public Market is unique in that it allows you to experience the essence of Okinawa with all five senses, with fresh fish, rare shellfish, sea grapes, island scallions, Okinawan tempura, and more. In recent years, the building has been renovated and some parts have been redeveloped, making it a spot where history and new activity blend together.
Highlights
- Fresh seafood: An assortment unique to the market, including fish and shellfish caught in the waters off the prefecture, spiny lobster, and tuna.
- Okinawa ingredients section: Sea grapes, mozuku seaweed, bitter melon, island scallions, purple sweet potato and other seasonal Okinawan ingredients.
- Okinawa Tempura and Side Dishes: Freshly fried tempura and snacks such as sata andagi are popular.
- Buy-and-cook restaurant: Purchase seafood and have it cooked on the spot, allowing you to enjoy its freshness (cooking fees apply).
- A lively scene in front of the store: A photogenic scene with spirited shouts, interactions with the store owner, and colorful arrangements of products.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
The hotel is located in the Kokusai Street area in the center of Naha City, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
- Nearest station: About 2 minutes walk from Makishi Station on the Yui Rail (along Kokusai Street).
- Other: 10-15 minutes walk from Yui Rail "Kencho-mae Station".
- Bus: It is convenient to take a local bus from any direction in Naha city and get off at a bus stop near Kokusai Street.
- Car/Parking: There are paid parking lots in the area, but they are limited in number and tend to fill up during the tourist season. We recommend using public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Quick tour: 30 minutes to 1 hour (including taking photos and purchasing snacks while walking).
- Shopping + Dining: 1.5-2 hours (including purchasing ingredients, cooking requests, and eating and drinking in the cafeteria).
- If you want to take your time looking around: 2 hours or more (if you want to sample food at multiple stores and choose souvenirs).
Nearby spots
- Kokusai Street: Naha's main street lined with shopping and restaurants. Perfect for a stroll along with the market.
- Tsuboya Yachimun Street (Pottery Street): This area is lined with shops selling Okinawan yachimun (pottery) and is recommended for finding souvenirs.
- Shopping street around Daiichi Makishi Public Market: A local atmosphere with a concentration of local retail stores and restaurants.
- Tomari Iyumachi: A fresh fish wholesale market, it's worth a visit for fish lovers (it's convenient to get there by car).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, consecutive holidays, and during the tourist season. The narrow passageways tend to get crowded especially at lunchtime and on weekends, so it's best to avoid going at different times.
- Photography: It is good manners to ask the store owner before taking photos of the storefront or products. Some stores may not like you being photographed, so please be considerate.
- Cash: Many small stores only accept cash, so it's convenient to have coins on hand. Recently, more and more stores are accepting card and QR code payments, but not all stores accept them yet.
- Confirm cooking request: If you wish to have the fish or shellfish you purchased cooked on the spot, be sure to confirm in advance the cooking fee, waiting time, and whether or not you can bring your own food.
- Hygiene/Raw Food: Eat raw food at your own risk. In the summer, pay particular attention to freshness and storage conditions, and consume raw food as soon as possible.
- Barrier-free access: Due to narrow aisles and steps in some areas, it may be difficult to move around with strollers or wheelchairs.
- Odor prevention measures: If you are concerned about the smell of raw fish or processed foods, take measures to prevent odors from accumulating in your clothes and bags (smells are especially likely to build up in hot weather).
Makishi Public Market is a place where you can experience Okinawa's food culture with all five senses. If you're visiting as a tourist, be sure to enjoy conversations with the locals and your shopping, while also keeping the above points in mind to ensure a pleasant experience.
