Closed: Uoichiba Ichiwa (now Sarahama Dining Ichiwa) | Seafood Bowls by the Port (Irabu, Miyako)

This is a seafood-bowl and fresh-fish eatery right in front of Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island. The shop name has been renewed to "Sarahama Dining Ichiwa", but it still operates unchanged as a popular spot where you can taste fish landed fresh locally. Its signature is the "oke-mori don", a bowl piled with sashimi overflowing from its wooden tub, generous with tuna and bonito. Part of the appeal is enjoying a change of flavour partway through by adding condiments or bonito stock. "Sarahama soba", unique to Sarahama where bonito fishing thrives, is also well regarded, and the stock-rich bowl is perfect for lunch. From inside you can glimpse the fishing-port scenery and feel the liveliness of the fishing town. Located right after crossing the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, it is also easy to drop by mid-sightseeing. Business centres on lunch, and as the closing day varies, confirming the operating status by phone before visiting is reassuring.

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 Ikemazoe 6-19, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening timeLunch 11:00 to 15:00 (some days run an izakaya and retail in the evening; confirm)
ClosedIrregular (Thursday closing reported; phone confirmation before visiting recommended)
FeeOke-mori don from 900 yen (approx US$6) regular to 1,300 yen (approx US$9) large; Sarahama soba 650 yen; Sarahama soba set 900 yen, etc. (reference)
ParkingAvailable, free, about 3 cars in front of the shop (when full, use the Sarahama Fishing Port communal car park)
Contact0980-78-3909

Visiting tips & what to bring

Being an indoor eatery it is little affected by weather, but with lunch-centred business there is a chance of selling out or temporary closure. As it is popular, it crowds at lunchtime, and signature items such as the oke-mori don may run out early. The car park in front has only about 3 spaces, so when full use the Sarahama Fishing Port communal car park. The roads around the port are narrow with slopes and one-way sections, so take care driving. As the closing day is irregular, phone confirmation in advance is strongly recommended.

For families with small children

With table seating for indoor dining, it is relatively easy to use even with children aged 0 to 6. For children who dislike fresh sashimi, there are stock-rich Sarahama soba and set meals to share. However, the car park in front is small and it tends to crowd at lunchtime, with limited pushchair-entry space and kids facilities. Shifting your visit time is reassuring.

FAQ

Q.What are the opening hours and closing days?

A.Lunch is basically 11:00 to 15:00. The closing day is irregular, with reports of Thursday closing. Some days run evening business or retail, so confirming by phone (0980-78-3909) before visiting is reliable.

Q.What are the signature dishes and budget?

A.The flagship is the oke-mori don with sashimi overflowing from a wooden tub, about 900 yen (approx US$6) regular to 1,300 yen (approx US$9) large. Sarahama soba 650 yen and a 900 yen set meal, unique to bonito-rich Sarahama, are also popular, enjoyable for around 1,000 yen.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is free parking for about 3 cars in front of the shop. When full, you can use the adjacent Sarahama Fishing Port communal car park. The roads around the port are narrow, so please drive with care.

Q.How do you get there?

A.About 5 minutes by car after crossing the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, right in front of Sarahama Fishing Port. From Miyako Airport it is just over 20 minutes via the bridge. As public transport is infrequent, visiting by hire car is convenient.

Q.What times are crowded?

A.Around noon is busiest. As the signature oke-mori don may sell out, the 11 o'clock hour just after opening or a late lunch after 14:00 are good targets.