Roadside Station Itoman: A Treasure Trove of Local Gurus Enjoy the charm of Okinawa’s southernmost point!

Located in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, Michi-no-Eki Itoman is known as the southernmost roadside station in Japan and is the largest and most popular in Okinawa Prefecture.

Another attraction of this roadside station is its easy accessibility, being only about 20 minutes from Naha Airport. At this roadside station, you can not only purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood, but also enjoy Okinawa’s unique gourmet food and souvenir selection.

Michi no Eki Itoman is a complex of several facilities.

What is Itoman Roadside Station?

Michi no Eki Itoman is the southernmost roadside station in Japan, located in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, and opened in 2009, it is the largest roadside station in Okinawa Prefecture, boasting a vast area of approximately 9,000 tsubo. As a commercial complex, it has a product center, a direct sales shop for agricultural products, and a fresh fish store, offering a wide variety of local specialties such as fresh local vegetables, marine products, handicrafts, and folk crafts.

Umanchu Market / Fish Center / Information Center / Yushikura / Okinawa-style Island Pork BBQ Bannai
These facilities are located at

Recommended Roadside Stations & Direct Sales Stations in Okinawa! Local spots you must visit at least once!

Roadside Station Itoman Basic Information

name of a storeRoadside Station Itoman
address (e.g. of house)4-20-4 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa 901-0306, Japan
Phone number098-987-1277
FAX number098-987-1278
Business Hours– JA Farmers Market Itoman “Umanchu Market” 9:00-18:00
– Fish Center Weekdays 9:00-18:00, Weekends & Holidays 9:00-19:00
– Okinawa-style island pork barbecue banai 11:00-22:00
– Itoman City Products Center Yushokuraku 9:30-18:00 (varies depending on some tenants)
– Information Center 9:00-18:00
regular closing dayOpen year-round (Information Center). Varies depending on the facility.
parking lotAvailable. Free of charge, 312 vehicles (12 large vehicles, 286 regular vehicles, 14 for disabled persons) available 24 hours a day
accepted cardsVaries by facility
Wi-Fi availabilityAvailable: Be. Okinawa Free Wi-Fi
Universal Information– Wheelchair-accessible restrooms available
– Nursing room and diaper changing area available
– Wheelchairs available for rent

A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!

First thing in the morning is recommended! Get fresh vegetables and fruits at Umanchu Market

The “Umanchu Market” in “Michi-no-Eki Itoman” in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, is crowded daily with people who know all about local foods and tourists seeking fresh Okinawan vegetables and fruits.

The attraction of this market is not just the abundance of new鮀 vegetables and fruits. Here is a deeper look at why a visit first thing in the morning is recommended to experience Okinawa’s unique food culture.

Hours of Operation and Access Information

  • Hours of operation: 9:00-18:00 daily
  • Location: 4-20-4 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture (inside Roadside Station Itoman)
  • Access: 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Along Route 331.

Why first thing in the morning is recommended

Freshness is exceptional

Many of the vegetables and fruits sold at the Umanchu market come directly from local farmers.

By visiting first thing in the morning, you will be able to get fresh produce that has just been harvested that day.

Variety

A wide variety of tropical fruits unique to Okinawa, such as island bananas, papayas, and mangoes, are available.

There are also many vegetables and processed products unique to Okinawa that are rarely seen in mainland Japan, such as huchibar (mugwort), handama (a kind of watercress), and moochie (a kind of rice cake).

The assortment is fun to look at.

Many fruits and vegetables are available when they are in season.

You can directly feel the commitment of local farmers.

At the market, farmers sometimes stand directly to sell their products.

By buying from them face to face, you can hear directly about their commitment to their ingredients and the background of their cultivation.

You may also get cooking advice from them.

Limited and special products

One of the attractions of the store is that you can find limited-edition items that are only available first thing in the morning, or specials that are only available that day.

This is what I mean when I say that getting up early is the best of three worlds.

You will have the opportunity to get great deals on products that you can’t find anywhere else.

Tips for visiting first thing in the morning

  • Arrive early: the earlier you arrive, the fresher the produce. Visiting as soon as the store opens will allow you to select the freshest ingredients.
  • Bring an e co-bag: Bring an eco-bag or shopping bag to carry your purchased fruits and vegetables.
  • Prepare small change: To facilitate small purchases, it is convenient to prepare small change in advance.

Experience the fresh local flavors and Okinawan food culture to the fullest at Umanchu Market in Itoman, Okinawa. It is the best place to start your morning in Okinawa.

Enjoy Okinawan Gourmet “Itoman City Products Center Yushoku Raku

Located in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, the “Itoman City Products Center Yushokuraku” in “Roadside Station Itoman” is a treasure house of Okinawa’s rich food culture and specialty products.

This facility has a collection of approximately 2,000 carefully selected products from all over Okinawa Prefecture, as well as local specialties from Itoman City.

Here we take a deeper look at the charms of the Itoman City Products Center Yushoku Raku and give you reasons why you should visit.

Hours of Operation and Access Information

  • Business hours: 9:30-18:00 (varies for some tenants)
  • Location: 4-20-4 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture (inside Roadside Station Itoman)
  • Access: 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Easily accessible along Route 331.

Gourmet experiences utilizing local ingredients

food court

At the food court of the “Itoman City Products Center Yushokuraku,” visitors can enjoy dishes made from a variety of fresh local ingredients.

In addition to Okinawa’s famous dishes such as Okinawa soba, bitter melon stir-fry, and taco rice, the restaurant also offers an original menu featuring local specialties from Itoman City.

It is the perfect place to stop by during your travels and enjoy an authentic taste of the area.

Menu using local ingredients

The menu, which utilizes local vegetables and seafood, is a special experience that allows diners to directly experience the bounty of nature in Okinawa.

For example, you can enjoy sashimi made from fresh fish caught in Itoman City, salads with plenty of locally grown vegetables, and other dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Specialty Okinawan Souvenirs

The Itoman City Products Center Yushoku Raku features about 2,000 Okinawan specialties.

A wide range of products are available, from traditional handicrafts to unique Okinawan sweets and even rare Awamori brands.

One of the attractions is that you can find limited-edition products only available here, as well as souvenirs unique to the local area.

Choose a special Okinawan souvenir to commemorate your trip or as a gift for a loved one.

Reasons to visit

  • Abundance of ingredients: A wide variety of ingredients and products from all over Okinawa Prefecture.
  • Local Gourmet: Authentic Okinawan cuisine using local ingredients.
  • Special souvenirs: You can find specialties and limited editions only available here.

Experience the culinary culture of Okinawa and have fun finding special souvenirs at “Itoman City Products Center Yushokuraku”. It is a must-visit spot to enrich your trip to Okinawa.

Fresh seafood on the spot “Itoman Fishery Cooperative Fish Center

The Itoman Fishery Cooperative Fish Center, located in “Roadside Station Itoman” in Itoman City, is known as one of the best spots in Okinawa Prefecture that offers the freshest seafood.

Here, you can purchase and taste seafood freshly landed at Itoman Fishing Port that morning.

We will delve deeper into the charms of the Fish Center, where you can enjoy a rich seafood menu, including freshly grilled kamaboko (fish cake) made by local fishermen.

Hours of Operation and Access Information

  • Hours of Operation:
    • Weekdays: 9:00-18:00
    • Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 9:00-19:00
  • Location: 4-20-4 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture (inside Roadside Station Itoman)
  • Access: 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport on Route 331.

Extensive seafood menu

Sashimi and Kaisen-don

Sashimi and seafood bowls made with seafood landed that day at Itoman Fishing Port are fresh and delicious.

The bright colors and plump texture of this dish make you feel the full richness of Okinawa’s seafood.

freshly roasted kamaboko

Freshly baked kamaboko made by local fishermen is a dish that captivates visitors.

The crispy outside and fluffy inside are enjoyable, and are popular not only for eating on the spot, but also as souvenirs.

eat-in space

There is an eat-in space where you can enjoy your purchased seafood on the spot.

This space, where one can enjoy seafood dishes while gazing at fresh seafood, offers a special experience unique to Itoman City.

Reasons to visit

  • Fresh seafood: Seafood landed at Itoman fishing port on the same day is used.
  • Handmade by local fisher men: Enjoy local delicacies such as kamaboko made by local fishermen.
  • Taste on the spot: Enjoy purchased seafood on the spot at the eat-in space.

At the Itoman Fishery Cooperative Fish Center, you can taste the bounty of Okinawa’s rich sea directly.

It is a must-visit spot for those seeking fresh seafood and for those who enjoy the handmade food products of local fishermen.

Okinawa-style Island Pork Yakiniku Bannai: All-you-can-eat Taste of Okinawa

Located at Itoman Roadside Station, Okinawa-style Island Pork Yakiniku Bannai is an all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurant featuring Okinawan pork.

It is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Especially on weekends, it is one of the best places to stop by when visiting Okinawa, as it can easily accommodate even one person.

Store Details

  • Name: Okinawa-style Island Pork Yakiniku Bannai
  • Address: 4-20-5 Nishizaki, Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan
  • Phone number: 098-987-0549
  • Hours of Operation:
    • Lunch: 11:00-16:00
    • Dinner: 16:00-22:00
  • How to use:
    • Weekdays: Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance for groups of 20 or more people.
    • Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: Available from 1 person; for parties of 20 or more, please make a reservation at least 3 days in advance.
  • Closed: No regular holidays
  • Parking: Parking lot / large buses allowed

Recommended menu for all-you-can-eat

Pork in general

The signature pork from the island’s pork barbecue menu is produced in the prefecture and is characterized by its tender and juicy flavor.

You can enjoy a variety of parts such as belly, thigh, gouya (arm), loin, shoulder, tongue, and pork tenderloin.

kimchi

Kimchi is an excellent accompaniment to yakiniku.

Okinawan-style island pork yakiniku bannai kimchi has an authentic spiciness and flavor that enhances the taste of the pork.

Other Menu

In addition to barbequed meat, there are sausages, salads, grilled vegetables, soups (such as Soki soup), and curries.

The drink bar includes frozen drinks, and for dessert, you can enjoy jellies and straw rice cakes, making for a very satisfying meal.

Days and hours of availability

On weekdays, only group reservations of 20 or more people are accepted, and on weekends (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), reservations are accepted from one person.

This unique business format is particularly attractive because of its flexibility to accommodate large parties, families, and tourists.

They can accommodate up to 120 people!

Okinawa-style Island Pork Yakiniku Bannai” is a restaurant in Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa, where you can enjoy yakiniku made with rich local ingredients.

They offer all-you-can-eat meals at reasonable prices, and we encourage you to experience them when you visit Okinawa.

Itoman Roadside Station Access Information

Itoman Roadside Station can be conveniently accessed by car or public transportation.

Access by car

From Naha Airport to Michi no Eki Itoman, by car, head south on Route 331. Passing through Tomigusuku City, head toward Itoman City and continue in the direction of Nishizaki Town to reach Michi no Eki Itoman.

The drive takes about 20 minutes.

Parking information:

  • Free parking available
  • Large vehicles can be parked
  • Parking capacity: Approximately 400 vehicles (including 12 large vehicles, 286 regular vehicles, and 14 for disabled persons)
  • 24-hour support

Access by public transportation

When using public buses from Naha City, the following routes are convenient.

Access by bus:

  • From Naha Bus Terminal, take Itoman Line #89 (via Nishizaki), get off at Nishizaki 2-chome or Nishizaki Kogyo Danchi Iriguchi, and walk about 3 minutes.
  • From Naha Airport, take the Itoman Airport Line #189, get off at “Michi no Eki Itoman” and walk about 1 minute.

Other access

  • Take Tokyo Bus TK01 or TK02 from Naha Airport, Kokusai-dori Entrance or Akamine Station, get off at “Michi no Eki Itoman” and walk 0 minutes.

access point

  • From Naha Airport, take National Route 331 and head south, arriving in about 20 minutes.
  • Roadside Station Itoman is located in Nishizaki Town, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture.
  • When using public buses, access from Naha Bus Terminal or Naha Airport is convenient.

Michi-no-Eki Itoman is located along Route 331 at the southernmost tip of Okinawa Prefecture, and is an ideal starting point for sightseeing in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island.

You can purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and Okinawan specialties, as well as enjoy local food. If you visit Okinawa, be sure to stop by.

Roadside Station Itoman Sightseeing Spots Nearby

Ryukyu Glass Village

At this studio in Itoman City, Okinawa, visitors can experience making Ryukyu glass, a representative of Okinawa, with their own hands.

The attraction is that you can see the craftsmen’s skills up close and personal, as well as make your own original glasses.

A variety of craft experiences are available, perfect for families.

Peace Memorial Park

The Peace Memorial Park, which preserves the memory of the Battle of Okinawa, a fierce battleground during the Pacific War, is an important place to pass on the tragedy of the war to future generations.

It is a space to mourn all those who died in the Battle of Okinawa and to pray for world peace. Visitors can learn about the history of the war through tours of the battle sites and exhibits in the museum.

Daitohama Beach (John Man Beach)

This is the historic beach where John Manjiro landed when he returned to Japan at the end of the Edo period.

The beach is rich in nature, with clear, beautiful waters and sea turtles that come to lay their eggs in summer.

It is ideal for recreation with family and friends, and marine activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Beautiful Beach Itoman

Known for its barbecue, this beach offers a wide range of facilities for marine activities as well as beach volleyball and picnics.

It is a recommended spot to enjoy family-friendly facilities and the beautiful ocean of Okinawa.

Awamori Masahiro Gallery

This historic Awamori brewery was established in 1883. Visitors can learn about the Awamori production process while tasting and purchasing award-winning old and pure Awamori.

This is a must-see spot for those who want to experience traditional Okinawan culture.

Himeyuri Tower and Himeyuri Peace Prayer Museum

Himeyuri Tower, which commemorates the female students and teachers who died in the Battle of Okinawa, and the Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum, which highlights the reality of war and the importance of peace.

It is a place where you can learn the preciousness of peace and recognize the tragedy of war.

Roadside Station Itoman Summary

Located in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, Michi-no-Eki Itoman is the southernmost roadside station in Japan.

The largest of its kind in Okinawa Prefecture, this roadside station is a true treasure house of travel, offering a wide variety of local products, delicious gourmet food, and warm local charm.

First thing in the morning is recommended! Get fresh vegetables and fruits at “Umanchu Market

The “Umanchu Market,” bustling from early morning, offers a variety of fresh local vegetables and fruits.

From vegetables unique to Okinawa to fresh fruits picked in the morning, you can enjoy the freshness and taste that can only be found here.

Enjoy Okinawan Gourmet “Itoman City Products Center Yushoku Raku

The Itoman City Products Center Yushoku Raku offers Okinawan cuisine that uses plenty of local ingredients.

This place, where about 2,000 Okinawan specialties, traditional sweets, and other Okinawan souvenirs are gathered, is a place where the joy of eating and the pleasure of shopping come together.

Fresh seafood on the spot “Itoman Fishery Cooperative Fish Center

The Fish Center offers fresh seafood from Itoman City, one of the best fishing port towns in Okinawa.

You can taste seafood freshly landed at Itoman Fishing Port on the spot, and fully enjoy the bounty of the sea, such as seafood rice bowls and freshly grilled kamaboko (fish cake).

Enjoy all-you-can-eat Okinawa-style island pork barbecue banai

At “Okinawa-style Island Pork Yakiniku Bannai,” you can enjoy all-you-can-eat yakiniku, especially local Okinawan pork.

You can enjoy various cuts of pork, grilled vegetables, kimchi, and even desserts to your heart’s content.

Roadside Station Itoman is more than just a place to rest.

In addition to selling fresh produce, the restaurant will provide a special experience for all visitors, as a place where they can experience local culture and warmth.

When you visit southern Okinawa, please visit this rich roadside station. Your trip will be even richer.

Climate and Clothing by Month

Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year

If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!

special feature article

Okinawa Roadside Stations and Direct Sales Stations

Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!

Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!

Okinawa Beach

Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!

The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.

Typhoon Okinawa

Typhoon Okinawa

We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.