About 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Located in Takashibo, Yomitan Village, this stand-style shop serves rich banana shakes and smoothies. While Okinawa has other banana shake and smoothie shops, this one is widely regarded as the best! Many repeat customers visit this shop every time they come to Okinawa.
Point 1: Where is the location of ‘BANZAI BANANA’?
BANZAI BANANA is located in Yomitan Village, central Okinawa Island. About an hour’s drive north from Naha Airport along National Route 58, it sits near the “Kashibo” bus stop. The surrounding area features scattered organic restaurants and supermarkets, making it a perfect location for a healthy Okinawan gourmet tour.
Set back from the main road in a quiet spot, the shop features a simple, stylish, stand-style exterior with white as its base color. It offers shaded benches and terrace seating, allowing you to enjoy sweets while feeling the pleasant breeze. It truly has the atmosphere worthy of being called a “hidden gem cafe.”
From Naha Airport, it takes about 1 hour via National Route 58.
By bus: First, take a bus like TK02 (Tokyo Bus) to “Kokusai-dori Iriguchi” (Kokusai Street Entrance). From there, walk 2 minutes to the Ryukyu Bus stop “Kencho Kitaguchi” (Prefectural Office North Exit). Take Bus No. 28 and get off at “Namihira”. Walk 23 minutes towards the ocean.
Point 2: What’s the deal with the ‘BANZAI BANANA’ menu?
BANZAI BANANA’s menu features an irresistible lineup for banana lovers. It’s broadly divided into four categories: “Smoothies,” “Shakes,” “Ice Cream Sundaes,” and “Apple Banana Ice Cream.”
First, the No. 1 popular “Banana Smoothie” is a rich, indulgent drink made with generously ripe bananas. Its finely crushed ice creates a smooth texture, offering a refreshing sensation perfect for hot Okinawa days.
The “Shakes” combine banana and milk with your choice of flavors like chocolate, matcha, or strawberry. The “Banana Chocolate Shake” is especially popular, a classic favorite loved by both kids and adults.
Additionally, the cold dessert selection is robust, featuring items like “Banana Ice Cream” and “Apple Banana Sundae.” The sundae, with its melting banana, cream, granola, and chocolate sauce, is visually appealing and perfect for social media!
And then there’s the small “apple bananas” often seen in Okinawa. These are ripe bananas frozen to achieve a rich, creamy texture, making them a treat similar to ice cream. Characterized by their natural sweetness, they’re also popular as a healthy snack option.
Point 3: What are the recommended menu items at ‘BANZAI BANANA’?
For first-time visitors to BANZAI BANANA, we highly recommend the “Plain Banana Smoothie.” Simple yet delivering the pure sweetness and aroma of bananas straight to your taste buds, its deliciousness is sure to surprise you.
Our top recommendation is the limited-quantity “Avocado Almond Milk.” Combining rich apple bananas with large, creamy Okinawan avocados, it’s impossible not to love this flavor.
One sip will make you sigh with delight!
While the L size costs nearly ¥1,500, it’s well worth the price!
If you crave something substantial, don’t miss the “Apple Banana Sundae.” Packed with generous banana chunks, cornflakes, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and more, every spoonful offers a different flavor and texture.
This is perfect for families with young children or couples wanting a little luxury during snack time. It’s also available for takeout, making it ideal for a drive-through treat.
Furthermore, for a limited time starting just before summer and lasting about two months, a special smoothie featuring apple, banana, and passion fruit sauce will be available—don’t miss it!
Located inland in Yomitan Village, a bit away from the tourist spots, Banzai Banana draws visitors with its delicious flavors and cozy atmosphere. Once you try it, you’ll surely be hooked. During your Okinawa trip, why not take a relaxing break at this shop where you can fully savor the deliciousness of bananas?
