About an 18-minute drive from Naha Airport. Located in Itoman City in southern Okinawa Island, this is a 24-hour, locally-rooted, ultra-cheap grocery store. Okinawa soba, jūshī rice, sata andagi, tempura, and other fried foods are sold at prices so low that even convenience stores can’t compete. It’s not just cheap; it’s delicious and a store made with love.
Point 1: Location of ‘Yoshida Shoten’ en route to southern tourist destinations
Yoshida Shoten, located in Itoman City in southern Okinawa Island, is a beloved old-fashioned store cherished by locals. Its 24-hour operation makes it a convenient “community kitchen” where people can stop by day or night.
It serves a wide range of customers: tourists stopping by casually during a drive, locals on their way home from work, and even those finishing night shifts. While Itoman City is famous for its fishing industry and markets, its appeal also lies in being an easy stop during sightseeing tours.
It’s especially conveniently located near popular southern Okinawa tourist bases like the Peace Memorial Park and Okinawa World, making it a perfect spot to stop during your travels.
While the exterior looks like an ordinary store at first glance, stepping inside reveals shelves packed with great deals. For tourists, it’s also a spot to experience “real everyday Okinawan life.”
Point 2: Point 1: Introduction to the lineup at ‘Yoshida Shoten’
The biggest draw of Yoshida Shoten is undoubtedly its pricing. Compared to convenience stores and supermarkets, it’s surprisingly cheap and offers a wide variety. First up is the signature Okinawa Soba. It’s offered at an incredible price of just 160 yen per bowl. Perfect for a quick snack, it’s a staple item popular not only with tourists but also with students and local regulars.
Their fried food selection is also impressive, starting at just 110 yen per piece. The “Fried Food Assortment” is especially handy at 300 yen, a great solution when you need a side dish. Standard onigiri rice balls and jūshī (Okinawan-style mixed rice) are also available, reasonably priced at 200 yen for two.
Sandwiches range from 200 to 280 yen, making them perfect for a light meal. They’re just the right size for a snack during outings or a late-night bite. And surprisingly, you can get sashimi like “tuna” or “akani shellfish” for 600 yen. Considering the freshness and generous portion, this is another item truly deserving of the label “bargain.”
Beyond that, the lineup is diverse across categories, including grilled chicken thigh for 350 yen and hot dogs for 200 yen. Bento boxes range from 480 to 600 yen, offering generous portions that are easy on the wallet.
Don’t miss the island pickled garlic chives, available in packs for 300 yen!
These popular items often sell out during the evening rush, but visiting after 7 PM has a bonus: leftover bento boxes, already affordable, get an additional 10% discount.
Point 3: Recommended Menu Items at ‘Yoshida Shoten’
Juicy Source: Google Maps
Among the many menu items, the “Garlic-Flavored Pork Cutlet” deserves special attention. At just 230 yen per piece, it’s surprisingly affordable. Yet the garlic aroma that bursts upon the first bite and the juicy, savory meat create an addictively delicious experience. It’s perfect not only as a side dish but also as a snack with drinks, making it a popular choice among local patrons.
Then there’s the “Jūshī,” practically a signature dish at Yoshida Shoten. Sold for 200 yen for two pieces, its taste is described as “so delicious your cheeks will fall off.” It concentrates the unique umami and aroma of seasoned rice, remaining delicious even when cold, so many people buy it as a souvenir-like treat.
For those with a sweet tooth, the “Sata Andagi” is also recommended. A staple always available, they offer simple sweetness and a satisfyingly crisp texture. Popular with tourists as a convenient snack for when hunger strikes.
For fried food lovers, the appeal lies in the selection of chicken and croquettes available individually. Among these, the grilled chicken thigh (¥350) is particularly generous, offering crispy skin and juicy meat. Many regulars reportedly visit specifically for this item.
Yoshida Shoten in Itoman City is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its 24-hour convenience and surprisingly low prices.
Even though prices have risen in recent years, signature dishes like Okinawa soba for 160 yen and garlic-flavored pork cutlet for 230 yen offer unforgettable flavors at unbeatable prices. When visiting the southern area, be sure to stop by and experience the “everyday deliciousness of Okinawa.”
