Okinawa’s 8 BIG SWEEP – MUST Buy Recommendations

We do know that the Japanese has a very special art of packaging, nothing is as simple as a simple gift! The attention to details is marvelous. The trip to Okinawa has left an impression on the purse most of the time! But one just cannot help it.

Okinawa’s Miyako-jima (island) produces a unique “snow salt”, not your average salt, it won a Monde Selection Gold Medal in 2012. Produced from underground sea water in Miyako-jima at a depth of 22m below ground. Going through evaporation process, it leaves the bittern or known as “nigari” component giving it it’s unique flavour.

YUKI SHIO SOFT ice cream

Okinawa famous for its sweet purple taro or potato to some, with ample sunshine, an excellent quality of water and good soil to cultivate these sweet potato has become an important agricultural product. The most famous Beniimo Tart can be found in major super markets and it makes a great souvenir. If you would like to know more how the purple sweet potato is produced, you may pay a visit to the factory where you can experience the process and production of the taimo no dengaku.

Many have come to know and love the taste of Japan’s sake, but in Okinawa’s special blend is still not as famous. The awamori is also a spirit like the sake but with a different twist. The methods of brewing as well as the ingredients are different from the sake which is known in other parts of Japan, hence the taste is unique unto itself.

Okinawa is famed for producing kokuto or brown sugar. It’s tropical like climate has made it perfect to grow the sugarcane. The island’s rich soil is famed for producing brown sugar high in calcium, potassium, and iron.

Okinawan enjoy their bitter gourd, it is green in colour and seems to attribute to Okinawans residence famed longevity. Hence they encourage bittergourd in cuisine as well as drinking it as tea and it’s great healthy souvenirs for friends!

Okinawans believe that the shisa is a protector from evil spirits and are normally placed at the door or on rooftops. When in Okinawa you can find them everywhere, in a shop, on the rooftops of residences, in the playgrounds or guarding the island facing the sea. Remember to buy a pair home!!

The colourful glass are some of Okinawa’s finest art, you can find them everywhere. It is also one of the must purchase item here.

The last but not least in your must have Okinawa’s souvenir list, is the Okinawans fashion statement – Bitter Gourd shaped slippers. Perfect for the island life!