Bijashi | A Family-Run Izakaya with Sarahama Local Fish (Irabu, Miyako)

"Bijashi" is a family-run izakaya in Maezato-soe in the Sarahama area of Irabu Island. The name means "beautiful, lovely" in the Miyako dialect, and the cosy space of 4 counter seats and 4 tatami tables always overflows with smiles and energy. Its appeal is a comfort like visiting a local's home, and it is a hidden gem cherished by tourists and islanders alike. The signature is sashimi platters of outstanding freshness. Local fish landed at Sarahama Fishing Port line up, such as tuna, bonito, akajin grouper, seika squid and giant clam. Okinawan home cooking is full too, such as sea grapes, goya champuru, fried chicken, and chicken-neck stir-fried with garlic sprouts, and you can enjoy local awamori such as Miya-no-Hana and Kiku-no-Tsuyu. With conscientious prices, it is a shop perfect for travellers who want to casually taste local Miyako cuisine.

Full article about this spot

Uoichiba Ichiwa: The 900-Yen Tub Sashimi Bowl by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island (Miyako)

A review of Uoichiba Ichiwa by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island near Miyakojima: a now-closed diner famous for a 900-yen tub-piled tuna and bonito sashimi bowl with four ways to eat it.

Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressAza Maezato-soe 588-98, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time11:00 to 14:00 / 18:00 to 23:00 (day and evening operation)
ClosedThursday and Sunday
FeeFree (dining cost separate. Izakaya items are at a reasonable price band, generally in the 500 to 1,000-yen range per dish)
ParkingNo information (park in front of the shop or nearby; confirm the number)
Contact0980-78-3444

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is a small indoor izakaya with only 4 counter seats and 4 tatami tables, so it tends to fill up at night and advance booking is reassuring. As it is closed Thursday and Sunday, take care with your visit day. Located within the Sarahama village, the surroundings have narrow roads with many slopes and winding lanes, so drive slowly with a hire car. As whether there is dedicated parking is unclear, confirming by phone before visiting is reliable. With tatami seats, you can enjoy a meal at a relaxed pace.

For families with small children

With tatami seats, even with small children you can relax with shoes off. Centred on Okinawan home cooking, it has easy-to-eat menu items for children such as fried chicken and champuru. However, the seats are few and the interior is cramped, so consideration is needed for handling a pushchair when crowded. As it becomes an izakaya atmosphere at night, for family use the relatively quiet just-after-opening or daytime hours are recommended.

FAQ

Q.Please tell me the opening hours and closing days.

A.The hours are a two-part system of day 11:00 to 14:00 and evening 18:00 to 23:00. The closing days are Thursday and Sunday, so take care with your visit day. It is reassuring to confirm the latest information by phone before visiting.

Q.Do I need to book?

A.It is a small shop with only 4 counter seats and 4 tatami tables, and at night it bustles with locals and tends to fill up, so booking in advance at 0980-78-3444 is recommended especially at dinner time.

Q.What are the recommended menu items?

A.The signature is sashimi platters using Sarahama local fish. You can enjoy fresh items such as tuna, bonito, akajin grouper, seika squid and giant clam. Okinawan dishes such as sea grapes, goya champuru and fried chicken are plentiful too.

Q.Where is it? What is the access?

A.It is in Maezato-soe in the Sarahama area of northern Irabu Island. From Miyakojima, cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and it is within the village heading toward Sarahama Fishing Port. Access by hire car is convenient.

Q.What is the budget?

A.It is a reasonable izakaya at local prices, with a la carte generally centred on the 500 to 1,000-yen range. You can enjoy local awamori brands such as Miya-no-Hana and Kiku-no-Tsuyu affordably too.