About 36 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Located in Nishihara Town in central Okinawa Island, the locally acclaimed Okinawa soba specialty shop ‘Chōdēgwa’. They offer all-you-can-eat mozuku seaweed from Tsuken Island! In addition to plain Okinawa soba, they also have varieties with ume (pickled plum) or fuuchiba (Okinawan parsley) kneaded into the noodles, making it a fun experience.
Point 1: The location of “Cho-de-gwa”
Located in Nishihara Town in southern Okinawa Island, “Chōde-gwa” is an Okinawa soba restaurant beloved by everyone from locals to tourists.
Nishihara Town is conveniently accessible, just about a 20-minute drive from Naha City, making it easy to stop by during sightseeing or work breaks. Situated in a quiet spot just off the town center, surrounded by sea and nature, it offers a peaceful place to enjoy a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
While it lacks flashy signage or an extravagant exterior, its warm, local atmosphere makes it an easy place to walk into, even for first-time visitors. The well-maintained parking lot is also reassuring for tourists arriving by rental car.
Though bustling with people at lunchtime, the lively atmosphere retains a simple, homey feel, creating such a comfortable space you’ll want to linger.
Approximately 36 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
If not driving, first take the Yui Rail to the terminal station, Tedako Urasai. From there, it’s a 1-minute walk to the bus stop. Take Naha Bus Route 233 from Tedako Urasai and get off at Tsubanami. It’s then a 1-minute walk.
Point 2: Introducing the ‘Cho-de-gwa’ Menu
The appeal of Chōde-gwa lies first and foremost in its extensive soba noodle variety. Beyond staples like Soki Soba and Sanmai Niku Soba, they offer cartilage Soki, Hon Soki, Yushidōfu, Naka-mi Soba, Vegetable Soba, and more—a delightful selection to match your mood each day.
The “Chōde-gwa Soba” is especially luxurious, combining Hon Soki pork ribs with pork belly in one bowl. Despite its generous portion, it’s priced under ¥1,000, making it a real bargain.
The noodles themselves are also a point of pride. Beyond plain noodles, you can choose from unique varieties like mugwort noodles, squid ink noodles, plum noodles, and aosa seaweed noodles – a distinctive feature of this shop.
When the vibrantly colored noodles are served in the bowl, it’s a feast for the eyes and further whets your appetite. While the classic white noodles are a staple, options like the seaweed noodles with their subtle ocean aroma or the refreshingly sour plum noodles offer distinct flavors. This variety ensures even regulars never get bored.
And don’t miss the “all-you-can-eat mozuku” service. They even provide small side plates, so you can enjoy as much mozuku as you like without hesitation. It’s perfect as a palate cleanser, making the wait for your soba a pleasant interlude as you nibble on mozuku. For those who love healthy, beauty-boosting mozuku, this service alone is reason enough to keep coming back.
The broth is so clear you can see right through to the bottom of the bowl, offering an elegant flavor packed with the concentrated umami of bonito dashi. The firm, thin noodles cling to it, creating a simple yet endlessly satisfying taste.
Prices range from 700 to 1000 yen, which is very reasonable. Considering the portion size and flavor, it offers surprisingly high value for money.
Point 3: ‘Super Delicious’ Recommended Menu
Among the many soba options, the “Soft Bone Soki Soba” is especially popular. The slow-cooked soft bone soki melts tenderly in your mouth, packed with collagen.
It pairs perfectly with the broth, creating an unforgettable flavor. Due to its immense popularity, it often sells out early, so if you’re coming specifically for this, we recommend visiting right after opening or early during lunchtime.
For those craving a luxurious meat experience, try the “Chō-dēgwa Soba.” This bowl lets you savor both pork ribs and pork belly simultaneously, offering the distinct textures and umami of different cuts.
The juiciness of the tenderly simmered ribs perfectly complements the sweetness of the fatty pork belly. Combined with the broth, it creates a deeply satisfying flavor. It’s the ideal choice for hearty eaters or first-time visitors.
For those seeking something different, we also recommend the “Squid Ink Noodles” or “Plum Noodles.” The Squid Ink Noodles add a hint of the sea and richness, offering a slightly more sophisticated taste. The Plum Noodles are visually striking, with a refreshing sourness as an accent, popular with female customers and regulars. Changing the noodles based on the season or your mood is a unique way to enjoy this shop.
At “Chōdēgwa,” you can savor the clear broth and uniquely flavored noodles while nibbling on mozuku seaweed. For tourists, it’s a fresh experience, and for locals, it’s a reason to keep coming back. If you’re in Nishihara Town and want to taste Okinawan soba, this is a place you should definitely visit.
