Guide
Makishi Public Market is a traditional market that has long supported the local food culture in the heart of Naha, Okinawa. Although it is a modern 3-story building that reopened in March 2023, it perfectly preserves the energetic atmosphere known in the local dialect as 'Machigwa.' The 1st floor features various shops selling meat, fresh fish, and fresh produce, while the 2nd floor houses a dining area where you can enjoy your meals. The most iconic feature is the 'Mochiage' system, where you purchase ingredients on the 1st floor and have them brought up to the 2nd floor to be cooked for you. It is the ultimate place to experience the bounty of Okinawa's seas and mountains in its most intimate and delicious form.
The history of this market dates back to 1950, when it was established as the Naha Municipal Makishi Public Market. It has played a vital role in supporting the local food scene through the post-war era. While the market once featured unique landscapes like water-based stalls, the facility eventually aged. To preserve its legacy, the market underwent a major reconstruction project. After a period of operating from a temporary location, the current modern facility officially opened on March 19, 2023. It is not just a commercial space but a revitalized 'community kitchen' that carries forward the daily life and traditions of the Okinawan people into a new era.
The biggest draw of the market is the seamless culinary experience between the 1st and 2nd floors. At the fresh fish section on the 1st floor, you will find a stunning variety of colorful fish and quintessential Okinawan ingredients. The 'Mochiage' process—selecting your ingredients here and having them cooked upstairs—is a cultural experience unique to this location. The new building features an open, functional design: the 1st floor is dedicated to meat, seafood, and fresh produce; the 2nd floor offers event spaces and dining areas; and the 3rd floor serves as administrative and multipurpose space. It is a spot where you can visually and gastronomically enjoy the incredible diversity of Okinawan cuisine amidst a lively market atmosphere.
The market is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering different vibes depending on the time of day. In the morning, the market is bustling with locals and shoppers as fresh ingredients arrive. From late afternoon into the evening, the focus shifts toward dining, with more people gathering in the 2nd-floor eateries. Please note that last orders vary by shop; if you wish to use the 'Mochiage' cooking service, it is recommended to complete your purchase by 7:45 PM. The market may also host special seasonal events, such as New Year's celebrations.
Beyond simple shopping, this is a place for a true 'culinary experience.' The process of choosing a fresh fish from the 1st floor and watching it being prepared on the 2nd floor is a wonderful way to understand Okinawan food culture. Additionally, the 2nd-floor event space often hosts local cultural events. The market's design, which connects to pedestrian-friendly streets, allows you to observe the daily rhythm of Okinawa while wandering through the vibrant stalls.
Makishi Public Market is located very close to Kokusai-dori (International Street), the main tourist hub of Naha. It is just about 150 meters from the main street via the market's entrance. The surrounding area is densely packed with restaurants and souvenir shops. After visiting the market, we recommend strolling through the nearby 'Heiwa-dori' or 'Nahamachi' areas to discover deeper, more local side streets and hidden gourmet spots.
The market is connected to pedestrian-only streets, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.