Owais Crawford
Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan, is a great place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. From symbolic sweet treats like the Beniimo Tart to local crafts such as Ryukyu Glass, there's something for everyone. For those looking for a tipple, Orion beer and Awamori, an alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa, are available. If you're after something non-edible, the Shisa Statue, based on Okinawan mythology, is a popular choice. For those looking to shop beyond the airport, Naha offers a range of shopping experiences, from upscale malls to local markets, and is known for its traditional crafts and local produce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Local alcoholic beverages | Orion beer, Awamori |
| Local crafts | Shisa statues, Ryukyu Glass, Okinawan pottery |
| Local snacks | Beniimo Tart, Okinawa Pretzel, Sata Andagi |
| Local food | Okinawa Soba noodles |
| Shopping areas near Naha Airport | T Galleria by DFS, Saion Square, Sakaemachi Arcade, Kokusai Dori, San-A Naha Main Place, Palette Kumoji, Tsuboya Yachimun Street |
| Duty-free items | Purses, fragrances, electronics, alcohol |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Okinawan snacks and drinks
Okinawa has a range of unique snacks and drinks that can be purchased at Naha Airport. One of the symbolic souvenirs and one of the most popular things to buy is Beniimo Tart, a tart made with purple Okinawan sweet potatoes, which are a local specialty. Okinawa Pretzel is another highly recommended snack for souvenirs. These biscuit sticks are flavoured with regional ingredients, including purple sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and salt.
For those who enjoy savoury snacks, Sata Andagi is a traditional fried snack from Okinawa that has been loved by locals and visitors alike for a long time. Okinawa Soba Noodle is another popular choice, similar to Okinawa's Ramen, and can be easily cooked with instant items.
In terms of drinks, Orion Beer is Okinawa's local beer, which has gained popularity across Japan, becoming the 5th largest beer company in the country. Awamori is an alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa, Japan. It is similar to Shochu (a distilled spirit) but has a more mellow and refined flavour.
Airports in Europe: Reopening Dates and Travel Plans
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Local crafts
Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan, is the perfect place to pick up some local crafts and souvenirs. Okinawa is known for its unique and vibrant culture, and its local crafts reflect this.
One of the most iconic souvenirs you can buy at Naha Airport is the Shisa Statue. The Shisa is a creature from Okinawan mythology, typically placed in pairs on rooftops or gates, believed to protect locals from evil spirits. These statues come in various sizes and colours, making them a great decorative piece for your home or garden.
If you're looking for something more functional, Ryukyu Glass is another local craft to look out for. These brightly coloured, gradational glasses and tableware have a distinctively rough surface, giving them a rustic yet elegant charm. Ryukyu Glass products can range from drinking glasses to vases and bowls, making them both beautiful and practical souvenirs.
For those interested in Okinawan history and traditional crafts, Tsuboya Yachimun Street, just a short walk from the main street, Kokusai Dori, offers a unique experience. This picturesque paved street is known for its well-preserved buildings, which miraculously escaped much of World War II's destruction. Here, you can find numerous pottery workshops, sellers, and boutique cafés. You can learn about the history of Okinawan pottery, watch craftsmen at work, and even visit the Tsuboya Pottery Museum to delve deeper into this traditional craft.
Lastly, Okinawa is also known for its unique alcoholic beverages. Awamori, an indigenous drink similar to Shochu, has a mellow and refined flavour. It's the perfect souvenir to enjoy a taste of Okinawa at home and pair with local snacks like Beniimo Tart, made with purple Okinawan sweet potatoes, or Sata Andagi, traditional fried snacks loved by locals and visitors alike.
O'Hare Airport: Chicago's Busy Illinois Hub
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Duty-free luxury goods
Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan, is a great place to buy duty-free luxury goods. The airport itself has a range of duty-free stores, including fragrances, electronics, alcohol, and purses. However, if you're looking for a wider range of luxury goods, there are several other great options near the airport.
One such place is T Galleria by DFS, a duty-free shopping mall located next to San-A Naha Main Plaza. It's easily accessible by public transport, with Omoromachi Station just outside. Here, you'll find a range of duty-free luxury goods, including purses, fragrances, electronics, alcohol, and international luxury brands such as Saint Laurent, Hermes, Swatch, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.
If you're looking for a more traditional Okinawan shopping experience, head to the nearby Kokusai Dori, the main street in central Naha. Here, you'll find a variety of local markets and duty-free department stores. For a truly unique Okinawan souvenir, visit Tsuboya Yachimun Street, just a short walk from Kokusai Dori. This picturesque paved street is known for its traditional pottery workshops and sellers, as well as boutique cafes.
For a combination of shopping and cultural exploration, Saion Square, located at the northeastern end of Kokusai Dori, is a popular spot. This public square offers a variety of community services, a hotel, and a compact mall. You'll also find a small planetarium, a public library, a fitness gym, and an automobile rental agency here.
Lastly, for a lively local marketplace experience, visit Sakaemachi Arcade, a traditional covered shopping street in Naha. It's a great place to immerse yourself in Okinawan culture and sample authentic Okinawan dishes and beverages.
Uber's Access to DFW Airport: Allowed or Restricted?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Okinawan pottery
There are two main types of Okinawan pottery: arayachi and joyachi. Arayachi is unglazed pottery that was inspired by the method of making liquor storage jars in Southeast Asia in the 15th and 16th centuries. Joyachi, on the other hand, is glazed pottery that was introduced to Okinawa by Korean potters. Tentsu Hirata, a renowned potter, made significant advancements in the development of joyachi.
The Naha Municipal Tsuboya Pottery Museum showcases a wide range of Okinawan pottery, with a focus on Tsuboya ware. This area of Okinawa was once a hub for potters, but when sovereignty was returned to Japan in 1972, restrictions were imposed on the use of climbing kilns to prevent pollution. As a result, some potters switched to using gas, while others relocated to build climbing kilns in outlying areas. One such potter was Kinjō Jirō, who moved to Yomitan Village to build a climbing kiln and was later designated a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Ryūkyū ceramics.
Yomitan Village has since become a representative of Okinawan pottery production, alongside Tsuboya. The Yomitanzanyaki North Kiln, located inside the Yachimun-no-Sato, is overseen by four independent masters and features thirteen chambers that are lit five times a year. Apprentices from all over Japan gather here to learn the traditional methods of making Okinawan ceramics.
St. Paul Airport: A Comprehensive Size Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Local produce
Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan, is the perfect place to pick up some local produce. Okinawa is known for its unique food and drink, so the airport is a great place to try some local specialities.
One of the most popular food items to buy at Naha Airport is the Beniimo Tart, made with purple Okinawan sweet potatoes. These tarts are considered a symbolic souvenir of Okinawa. You can also find Okinawa Soba noodles, which are similar to ramen and can be cooked easily at home. Another traditional snack to look out for is Sata Andagi, which has been a beloved fried treat for locals and visitors alike. For those with a sweet tooth, Okinawa Pretzels are highly recommended. These biscuit sticks are flavoured with regional ingredients, including purple sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and salt.
In terms of drinks, Orion beer is Okinawa's local brew, which has gained popularity across Japan. Awamori is another alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa, similar to Shochu but with a more refined flavour.
If you're looking for non-edible souvenirs, Ryukyu Glass is a local craft product known for its bright, gradational colours and rough surface. Shisa Statues are also classic souvenirs, featuring creatures from Okinawan mythology. Locals believe that a pair of these statues placed on rooftops or gates will protect them from evil.
Customs Control at Izmir Airport: What to Expect
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Okinawan foods to buy at Naha Airport include:
- Beniimo Tart, a sweet potato-based dessert
- Okinawa Pretzel, biscuit sticks flavoured with regional ingredients
- Okinawa Soba Noodle, an instant ramen
- Sata Andagi, traditional fried snacks
Okinawan souvenirs to buy at Naha Airport include:
- Shisa Statues, creatures from Okinawan mythology
- Ryukyu Glass, a local craft product with a brightly coloured, gradational design and a rough surface
- Orion Beer, a local beer
- Awamori, an alcoholic beverage indigenous to Okinawa
Some of the best places to go shopping near Naha Airport include:
- T Galleria by DFS, a duty-free shopping mall with luxury brands
- San-A Naha Main Place, a multi-storey shopping complex with a range of stores and restaurants
- Sakaemachi Arcade, a traditional, covered shopping street with local food and fresh produce
