A new type of food court opened in October 2025 on Naha’s Heiwa Street. Featuring 18 shops ranging from Okinawan cuisine to hamburger and fish & chips specialty restaurants. It’s Okinawa’s first completely cashless food court. Perfect when you’re tired of just Okinawan food.
Point 1: Where is the location of the ‘Makishi Carnival’?
In October 2025, a new food complex called “Makishi Carnival” opened in the heart of Naha’s Heiwa-dori Shopping Street. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of Kokusai Street and about an 8-minute walk from Makishi Station on the Yui Rail.
Nestled within a traditional arcade, it offers the appeal of being weather-independent.
Heiwadoori is a vibrant street where local shoppers and tourists mingle. Appearing right in the heart of this shopping district, Makishi Carnival is generating buzz as a new “culinary hub” blending Okinawan traditional culture with a modern dining space.
The neon signs sparkling within the arcade and the light displays that illuminate at night create a striking impression. The fact that it shows a completely different face day and night is unique to this place. In the heart of Naha, a “food carnival where local and global meet” has begun.
Point 2: Facility Introduction: ‘Makishi Carnival’
Makishi Carnival spans two floors, featuring a diverse array of shops ranging from Okinawan cuisine using local ingredients to international gourmet fare, cafes, sweets, and pubs.
Its standout feature is “cashless payment throughout the entire building.” It fully supports credit cards, transportation IC cards, QR code payments, and more, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience without carrying cash. This smart system is user-friendly for tourists and international travelers, perfectly suited for today’s times.
The interior features a modern design blending wood grain and neon, creating an Instagram-worthy atmosphere wherever you look.
The first floor offers a lively, stall-style dining area, while the second floor provides a slightly more relaxed space with comfortably spaced counter and table seating.
It masterfully blends the “bustling energy” typical of an Okinawan market with the stylishness of a “modern indoor food hall,” bustling with lunch crowds during the day and drinkers in the evening.
It’s perfect for a solo traveler stopping by or friends exploring the food scene together. Here, tourism and local life blend seamlessly, creating a uniquely free-flowing atmosphere.
Point 3: Top Pick! ‘Makishi Carnival’ – Neko Charo and Malay Cod Okinawa Main Store
Among the many shops, two stand out: the authentic Chinese restaurant “Neko Charo” and the fish and chips specialty shop “Malay Cod Okinawa Main Store.”
First, “Neko Charo” is an authentic Chinese restaurant with such a striking presence you’ll instinctively stop in your tracks. Its glossy interior, dominated by red and black, and illuminated by Chinese lanterns, creates an atmosphere with a distinct exotic feel.
The menu features authentic dishes that preserve the real flavors of China, lined with classics like mapo tofu, xiaolongbao, and dan dan noodles. The aroma of spices and seasonings whets the appetite, pairing perfectly with beer or Shaoxing wine.
Particularly popular are the “spicy and numbing dishes.” The balance between the sharp heat and deep umami is exquisite, reportedly making many people addicted after just one taste.
The restaurant attracts many groups of women and couples. As a “hidden gem on Heiwa Street” where you can casually enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, it looks set to become increasingly talked about.
Meanwhile, “Malay Cod Okinawa Main Store” is an Australian-born fish and chips specialty shop. Its stylish interior, dominated by white and blue, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of visiting an overseas port town while still in Naha.
Their signature fish and chips feature white fish that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—an irresistible dish. Squeeze lemon over the piping hot fried fish, dip it in their special tartar sauce, and you’ll find yourself smiling at the taste.
They also offer a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it a popular spot for pub-style evenings. It’s perfect for a light drink to cap off your sightseeing or a casual night out with friends.
The aroma of Chinese cuisine wafting from “Neko Charo” and the overseas sea breeze felt at “Malay Cod.” The charm of Makishi Carnival lies in how it makes you feel like you’re traveling through Asia and Oceania right in the heart of Naha.
While Okinawa’s food culture has always been distinct from mainland Japan, this place, where diverse cultures increasingly intersect through food, truly reflects “Okinawa today” as a new hotspot.
