Shimoji Supermarket is a local-rooted supermarket in the Irabu village of Irabu Island. Close to Toguchi-no-Hama too, the interior retaining a Showa-era atmosphere has a wide range, from fresh food and daily necessities to bento, deli items and souvenirs. Its greatest specialty is the "Yume-no-Kakehashi handmade ice cream", buyable only at this shop. It is handmade ice cream using brown sugar made from Miyakojima-produced sugarcane, at 380 yen each. The cup lid is printed with "tandiga-tandi", meaning "thank you" in the Miyako language, perfect as a travel memory. Open from 7:30am to 9:30pm with no closing days and long hours, it is convenient for stocking up on the way back from the beach or procuring something to satisfy a small hunger. Why not drop by as a local spot, un-commercialised, where you can feel island life?
Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressAza Irabu 22, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time7:30 to 21:30
- ClosedNone (no closing days)
- FeeFree (entry free; shopping at goods price. The signature handmade brown-sugar ice cream is 380 yen each)
- ParkingAvailable, free (a few spaces)
- Contact0980-78-3693
Visiting tips & what to bring
As it is not a tourist facility but a local supermarket, the facilities are simple. The toilet is in principle for customers only, so it is safer not to expect it as a sightseeing toilet. There may be an eat-in space inside, but when crowded locals have priority. As the signature brown-sugar ice cream melts easily, eat it early after purchase or consider keeping it cool. Parking is limited to a few cars, and it can get crowded at the evening shopping hours. Being a remote-island shop, the range and stock vary by day, and the popular ice cream may sell out. Assume payment is basically cash, and preparing small change is reassuring.For families with small children
You can drop by casually even with children aged 0 to 6. It is a single-storey shop with few steps, convenient for stocking up and procuring drinks and snacks. The signature brown-sugar ice cream pleases small children too. However, as there is no sightseeing nursing room or nappy-change table, taking care of what you need at your lodging is reassuring. As it is a place of local life, be considerate not to let children run around inside.