Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressAza Ikemazoe 249-1, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time9:00 to 17:00 (factory tours require phone booking by 17:00 the day before; about 30 minutes; free)
- ClosedIrregular
- FeeEntry free; factory tour free (goods are paid)
- ParkingAvailable (parking space for a few cars in front of the shop)
- Contact0980-78-5778
Visiting tips & what to bring
It is not a restaurant but a direct shop of processed products. It centres on tasting and retail, and the interior is not large. If you wish for a factory tour, phone booking by 17:00 the day before is needed (same-day walk-in tours are not possible). The Sarahama area has many slopes and narrow lanes, so take care passing other cars when visiting by car. As operation is irregular, confirming operation by phone in advance is reassuring when visiting from afar. Namari-bushi and the like include goods needing refrigeration or freezing, so if the carry-home time is long, cooling measures are good. Ordinary easy-to-walk shoes are fine.For families with small children
It is a direct shop centred on in-store tasting and souvenir choosing, with no dangerous equipment, droppable for a short time even with children aged 0 to 6. However, the shop is compact and pushchair movement inside is somewhat cramped. The factory tour is a workshop handling wood fire and machinery, so when with small children, take safety care such as holding hands. As there is no nappy-change space or dedicated facilities, it is not suited to a long stay. It is recommended to use it as a souvenir-buying drop-by spot.FAQ
Q.Can you do a factory tour? Is booking needed?
A.A tour is possible, but advance phone booking (0980-78-5778) by 17:00 the day before is needed. It takes about 30 minutes and is free, and you can watch the baikan process of smoking bonito. Note that same-day walk-in tours are not possible.
Q.What goods can you buy?
A.Centred on bonito namari-bushi and katsuobushi, there are chicken-bushi, squid-bushi, pork namari-bushi, and house-made Irabu Island ponzu and ponzu pickles. You can taste too, and enjoy choosing souvenirs unique to the island.
Q.Is there parking?
A.There is parking space for a few cars in front of the shop. The Sarahama area has narrow roads and many slopes, so when driving take care passing other cars and of pedestrians.
Q.Please tell me how to get there.
A.From Miyakojima, cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and it is on high ground about 5 minutes by car toward Sarahama Port. As public transport is infrequent, visiting by hire car is convenient.
Q.What are the closing days and hours?
A.The hours are 9:00 to 17:00, with irregular closing days. When visiting from afar, confirming the operating status by phone in advance is reliable.