When planning a trip to Okinawa, many people consider the Daiichi Makishi Public Market an essential destination. It’s a popular spot among both domestic and international tourists for souvenir shopping during Okinawa sightseeing. In this article, we introduce the Daiichi Makishi Public Market in Okinawa, nearby activities, and essential rental car information for your trip. Use this article to help plan your Okinawa travel itinerary.
Enjoy Shopping and Gourmet Delights at Daiichi Makishi Public Market
If you’re visiting Naha in Okinawa, Daiichi Makishi Public Market is a must-visit. However, many people might not know what kinds of shops there are or how to enjoy the shopping and food. This article focuses on how to enjoy the shopping and gourmet offerings. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning visitor, use this guide to enjoy shopping at Daiichi Makishi Public Market.
What is Daiichi Makishi Public Market?
Since its establishment in 1950, it has been beloved as the “kitchen of Okinawa” and a popular tourist destination. Due to aging infrastructure, reconstruction began in 2019, and it reopened in 2023 after a full renovation. The new three-story facility includes nearly 70 shops on the first floor selling fresh meat, seafood, processed foods, and dried goods. The second floor is lined with restaurants. The third floor is a multi-purpose space for cooking classes and events for residents. The shopping and dining areas are located on the first and second floors, which we’ll explain in more detail below.
Enjoy Shopping on the First Floor
On the first floor, you’ll find Okinawa-exclusive colorful seafood, pork products like “Agu” pork, and even “chiragā” (pork face skin).You can have the ingredients you purchase on the first floor cooked for you at restaurants on the second floor—this is called the “Bring-Up System.” Being able to eat freshly prepared ingredients on the spot is a huge draw.Shipping services are available, making it perfect for sending souvenirs home to family or friends. The processed food section also offers plenty of take-home items like dried foods, sweets, and Jimami tofu. If you want to enjoy Okinawan flavors at home, be sure to stock up here.
Enjoy Gourmet Dining on the Second Floor
The second floor features a variety of eateries serving Okinawan dishes like Okinawa soba, chanpuru stir-fry, taco rice, and fresh seafood prepared through the “Bring-Up System.”With such a wide selection, it’s recommended to order a variety and share them with your group. You’ll also find dessert shops offering treats like gelato and sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts), making it a satisfying experience for both your stomach and soul. Enjoy food and souvenir shopping in Okinawa’s vibrant public market.
Activities to Enjoy Around Daiichi Makishi Public Market
When you visit Okinawa, you probably want to try some marine activities, right? This time, we’ll introduce a recommended marine activity near Daiichi Makishi Public Market—Okinawa Whale Watching Tours—and show you how to book activities and rental cars.
Okinawa Whale Watching Tour (Departing from Naha)
Okinawa is known for its ocean, but did you know you can see humpback whales? The tours usually run from late December through early April, andthey boast an incredible 98% encounter rate. If you don’t see whales, you’ll get a full refund. The refund policy applies from early January, so please take note. A professional whale guide will lead the tour, allowing you to learn about whales while enjoying an exciting experience.Hotel pickup is available for tours departing from Naha, so please inquire in advance if interested.
Book Marine Sports with GO!GO!
If you want to enjoy the Okinawan sea, we highly recommend GO!GO! Activities! Including the marine sports introduced here, they offer more than 10 different experiences. Additionally, you can get a discount by booking with GO!GO! Rent-a-Car! Be sure to check out GO!GO! Activities for click-worthy travel deals!
Rent a Car with GO!GO! Rent-a-Car
Okinawa is one of Japan’s smaller prefectures in terms of area. As a result, the number of rental cars is far lower than in mainland Japan. For your Okinawa trip, a rental car is essential. In such cases, we recommend GO!GO! Rent-a-Car, which has cars in stock every day! With excellent support for tourists and a smooth booking system, it’s easy to choose a car that suits your needs. Make your Okinawa trip more comfortable with GO!GO! Rent-a-Car.
Conclusion
Daiichi Makishi Public Market is a must-visit spot for shopping and gourmet experiences. With nearby marine activities available, you can make the most of your time. Whale watching season is a hidden gem period for travel, helping you save money while enjoying Okinawa. For bookings, use GOGO Tour, which allows you to search by area and category. GOGO Tour also operates GOGO Rent-a-Car, a comparison site essential for Okinawa travel, so give it a try if you want to save on car rentals.
