About a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport. Ajazu is an Okinawa soba shop frequented almost exclusively by locals. First, you’ll be surprised by its lush green exterior! Savor the gentle flavor of the broth and the thin noodles of the Okinawa soba. It’s still crowded even outside lunchtime, so it’s a place you’d rather keep secret.
Point 1: Where is ‘Ajaz’ located?
Nestled in a residential area just off National Route 58 in Naha City’s Akebono district stands the Okinawan soba restaurant ‘Ajazu’.
Hearing the name, many might tilt their heads in confusion—“Jazz?”—but its origin combines the place name ‘Ajya’ with the owner’s deep love for “jazz”. Inside, pleasant jazz music plays, adding a touch of color to your dining experience.
The exterior has a traditional Japanese house style, notably surrounded by lush greenery. The warm wooden construction and the scenery woven by the plants in the front garden provide a sense of calm that makes you forget you’re in the city.
The atmosphere naturally draws in both tourists and locals alike, making it a true hidden gem.
Upon entering, the ticket machine is the first thing you see. Here, you purchase a meal ticket and hand it to the staff to complete your order. This unpretentious system makes it easy for first-time visitors to feel at ease.
It’s about a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport.
By bus, take the Limousine Bus Naha Airport Line or Ryukyu Bus Route 120 and get off at “Aja”. It’s a 6-minute walk from there.
Point 2: Introducing the ‘Aja’ Menu
The charm of ‘Ajaz’ lies above all in its extensive menu. Centered around its signature Okinawan soba, it offers Japanese soba, udon, and even juushi set meals, providing a wide range of choices to suit any appetite or mood.
Okinawan soba comes in a diverse lineup beyond the plain type, including variations with fuuchiba (mugwort), yushi tofu, sanmai niku (pork belly), soki (pork ribs), and even unique combinations with natto. While fuuchiba soba is a familiar favorite for locals, it offers a fresh experience for tourists. The Okinawan soba with yushi tofu is light yet rich, making it popular with people of all ages.
The udon selection is also not to be missed. Alongside plain udon, you’ll find distinctive options like udon topped with grated yam or natto, and chilled eggplant udon, allowing you to enjoy flavors distinct from soba. The fact that they serve Japanese soba is also unusual, hinting at why they appeal to such a broad customer base.
Prices are very reasonable, ranging from about 580 to 700 yen. This is not tourist trap pricing but rather a fair, everyday local rate. Yet, each bowl is generously portioned with abundant toppings, delivering satisfying content and outstanding value for money.
Point 3: ‘Ajaz’ and Recommended Menu Items
Among our many menu items, we especially recommend the “Fuuchiba Soba.” Fuuchiba is the Okinawan dialect term for mugwort. Grown in Okinawa’s alkaline soil, this mugwort boasts a rich aroma and flavor.
Ajazu’s Fuuchiba Soba features a mild broth that harmonizes perfectly with the noodles, leaving a refreshing aftertaste. It’s popular with health-conscious diners, and many regulars order it specifically for its medicinal properties as a herb.
Another appealing point is the wide variety of Okinawan soba options available. Classics like “Sanmai Niku Soba” (pork belly soba) and “Soki Soba” (spare ribs soba) remain staples. The pork belly, simmered slowly until meltingly tender, pairs perfectly with the broth. The spare ribs, served on the bone and generously portioned, are prepared to be satisfying without feeling greasy.
Even more unique is the “Natto Soba.” The sticky texture and flavor of natto add an unexpected harmony to the light broth. It’s a dish natto lovers should definitely try at least once.
The side dish of juushi rice is also not to be missed. Pairing it with the light soba makes the meal even more satisfying. Ordering it as a set meal gives you that satisfying feeling of eating at a local diner.
Located in Akebono, Naha City, ‘Ajaz’ is a one-of-a-kind Okinawan soba restaurant. Its traditional Japanese house exterior, jazz-filled interior, and diverse, reasonably priced soba menu set it apart. The gentle flavor of the broth and the rich variety of options are sure to satisfy every visitor. It’s definitely a place worth stopping by when you visit Naha.
