Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, an archipelago of over 160 islands scattered across the East China Sea with a subtropical climate and unique Ryukyuan cultural heritage. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and ancient castle ruins, Okinawa offers a distinctly different experience from mainland Japan. The islands are also celebrated worldwide for the extraordinary longevity of their residents and a laid-back lifestyle shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Ryukyu Glass
Hand-blown glassware made using a century-old Okinawan technique that originally recycled melted US military glass bottles, now produced from colored cullet to create the distinctive bubbled, bright-hued cups, vases, and bowls sold across the island.
Price: ¥800–¥15,000
Where: Ryukyu Glass Village (Itoman), Naha Main Place craft floor, Kokusai Dori craft shops
Shisa Statues
Paired lion-dog guardian figures placed on rooftops or beside doorways to ward off evil spirits, one with an open mouth to catch good fortune and one with a closed mouth to keep it in. Sold in ceramic, wood, and resin versions from pocket-sized to large.
Price: ¥500–¥20,000
Where: Tsuboya Pottery District, Yomitan Pottery Village, Kokusai Dori souvenir shops
Awamori
Okinawa's indigenous distilled rice spirit, made with black koji mold and Thai indica rice, distinct from mainland Japanese shochu. Aged awamori (kuusu) develops a smoother, sherry-like character over years in clay pots.
Price: ¥1,200–¥10,000+
Where: Specialist awamori shops in Naha, Makishi Public Market, distillery gift shops, Naha Airport duty-free
Bingata Textiles
Vividly colored stencil-dyed fabric bearing motifs of Okinawan flora, fauna, and clouds, historically reserved for Ryukyu royalty. Available as scarves, coasters, table runners, and small accessories.
Price: ¥1,500–¥30,000
Where: Tsuboya district craft studios, Shuri bingata workshops, Naha Main Place
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Makishi Public Market (Dai-Ichi Makishi Kousetsu Ichiba)
Naha's traditional public market, rebuilt after the original was destroyed in WWII, sells fresh Okinawan produce, meats, seafood, and ingredients on the ground floor, with upstairs restaurants cooking the seafood bought downstairs for a small fee.
Where: Off Kokusai Dori, Naha
Hours: 8:00–21:00 (most stalls); closed some Sundays on rotation
Heiwa-dori (Peace Street) Arcade
A long covered arcade running through the middle of Naha's retail district, mixing local food stalls, craft shops, and daily goods at prices lower and more authentic than Kokusai Dori's front-facing souvenir shops.
Where: Naha (covered arcade off Kokusai Dori)
Hours: 9:00–20:00 (most stalls); some close Wednesdays
Yomitan Pottery Village (Yachimun no Sato)
A cluster of pottery studios and kilns in the hills of Yomitan village, the other major ceramic tradition in Okinawa alongside Tsuboya, selling directly from the workshop at prices below Naha retail shops.
Where: Yomitan Village
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (most studios); closed varies by studio