The Best 9 Must-Buy Souvenirs in Okinawa

Okinawa is very different from the rest of Japan. It’s warm throughout the year and has its own exotic culture that attracts many visitors. There are so many places to go and stories to listen to, Because of this, there are unique souvenirs and gifts you can only get in Okinawa. Let me introduce some of the popular items, to the things not many people know about.

1. Sata andagi

photo by wendy_freddy   /   embedded from Instagram

Sata andagi is popular not only as a souvenir but also as Onkinawa’s most favoured sweet. You see it in coffee shops, markets and basically everywhere in Okinawa. They are made of flour, sugar and eggs then deep-fried in the shape of a ball.

Sata means sugar and Andagi means deep-dry. It is originated from China. They are like doughnuts but crispier. It is popular to use muscovado instead of white sugar and sometimes sesame seeds are added into the mixture.

When you look at them, some of them look like they are smiling at you, Those are regarded as good luck! You have to try them.

2. Chinsuko

photo by komotomo71   /   embedded from Instagram

Chinsuko is like a shortbread biscuit but nowadays they come in different flavors.

Some says this came from China but also said it is originated in Portugal and was brought to Japan by Marco Polo via Silk Road….it sounds exotic, doesn’t it? Maybe this theory is more likely as Chinsuko was only for Okinawa’s royal family years ago.

A shop called “Arakaki” is well-known for Chinsuko and when you see it you know why, they are all Carefully boxed like treasure.

The gold color explains how special they have been for people in Okinawa. They don’t make many a day so it’s better to visit the shop as early as you can!

3. Yukishio Chinsuko

photo by ecogreen5   /   embedded from Instagram

Although Chinsuko is a popular biscuit like shortbread, they have been challenged to be modified, to be more unique. One of the most successful is this Yukishio Chinsuko.

Yuki means snow and shio means salt. The snow-like salt is from a nearby ocean where the salty water flows around corals and limestone.

Nanpudo add Yukishio to their Chinsuko to give a hint of salt in the flavor. They are so unique and so good for someone who likes something a little different.

4. Chinsuko Chocolat

photo by misatiru51219   /   embedded from Instagram

Among those new ly created Chinsuko flavors, Chinsuko Chocolat has been especially popular among young women. The best sellers are Dark-coco, White Chocolate, Dark and Milk Chocolate, High Coco and Matcha flavors.

They are beautifully wrapped individually. Some flavors are limited edition and you may get something really unique and exotic!

5. Chiradama

photo by masa_izu0718   /   embedded from Instagram

Chura is a nickname for Okinawa and Churadama is a bead made of glass deigned like a glass fishing float. As they are all handmade, all ball are one and only, especially for you.

You may see a hint of light during the day and they glow in a dark under moonlight. You can get a color of your birth month. Each color has a spiritual meaning as well. Beautiful accessory to have.

 
You May Also Like:
→TOP 3 Outlet Malls You Must Visit in Okinawa

→The 10 Best Places to Eat in Naha, Okinawa

6. Shikuwasa Juice

Shikuwasa is Citrus depressa grown in Okinawa Islands and Taiwan mainly. It is like a lemon or a lime. Usually sold as concentrate and used for cooking and drinks mainly.

Like lemons and limes, Shikuwasa contains a lot of Vitamin C and E and is very effective for high blood pressure, fatigue and healthy skin. That’s why Okinawa people’s life expectancy is way longer than the rest of the world!

7. Purple Yam Tart

photo by sadako_113   /   embedded from Instagram

They look like sweet potatoes but the color is more like a beet root. If you don’t know what kind of tarts they are you would think the topping is purple icing.

Not only they are good looking sweets but also have some secret healthy ingredients. Just like other purple vegetables like purple cabbage, blue berries, aubergines, or red onions, it contains anthocyanin which is very good for your eyes.

It is said that because people in Okinawa eat purple yam, not many elderly are suffered from long-sight. It makes you want to eat, doesn’t it?

→The Best 10 Dessert Shops You Must Eat in Okinawa

8. Ryukyu glass

photo by hideyosimatuda   /   embedded from Instagram

Needless to say about the beautiful exotic colors Ryukyu glass is a little unique glassblowing. The glass is not always transparent. Some bubbles are carefully left in the process of production which produces unique effects on the items.

There are quite a few workshops you can visit all over Okinawa. Ryukyu glass is mainly used for glasses and vases but you can make your own jewellery or beads. Make your own original glass for the memory of your trip.

9. Goya/Bitter squash

photo by cya1128   /   embedded from Instagram

There is no doubt. Goya is bitter. You shouldn’t like it but once you get used to it, it becomes your guilty pleasure. You either love it or you hate it. In Okinawa, they love it.

They love it so much that they have come up with so many ideas of how to eat it. Okinawa food cannot be done without it. The bitterness is good for keeping your blood pressure down.

It contains vitamin C twice as much as any citrus fruits. Apparently it is effective for diabetes. Try Goya chips first if you are not too keen on bitter taste. They go really well with icy cold beer on a hot day!

→The 10 Best Popular Snacks You Must Buy in Okinawa

Let’s Buy Okinawa Great Souvenirs！

So what do you think? There are so many things to buy in this popular city. Enjoy the tastes of Okinawa and I hope you will find a memento to take home with you.

 
You May Also Like:
→The 11 Best Must-Buy Souvenirs at Naha Airport of Okinawa

→Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Naha, Okinawa