The Daiichi Makishi Public Market in Naha City has a long history, having opened in 1950.
Throughout its long history, it has been well known to the community as the kitchen of the Okinawan people. In recent years, it has become a tourist spot visited by many tourists.
Visitors to the Makishi Public Market can experience the food culture of Okinawa and the liveliness and warmth of the Machigwa. Currently, the market has been in a temporary location since July 2028 due to reconstruction work caused by aging buildings, but a new Makishi Public Market is scheduled to be completed on the site where the old Makishi Public Market was located. It is expected to become a food culture spot in Okinawa that attracts more and more visitors.
History of Makishi Public Market
After World War II, a spontaneous black market began to take place along the Garb River (near the current main street of the market). Stores were also set up on the water, and even today, the words “stores on the water” can be seen here and there near the Makishi Public Market.
The black market and stores on the water were becoming a problem from a sanitary standpoint, and Naha City recognized the need for a “public” market that could operate under public control.
Makishi Public Market Highlights
On the first floor of the Makishi Public Market, you will find the meat and fish departments, as well as a wide variety of Okinawan foodstuffs such as dry goods, island Rakkyo (dried fish cake), Okinawan fish cakes, etc. The second floor is an area lined with restaurants. In addition to Ryukyuan Cuisine such as soup in the middle and rate, there are many other delicious foods such as Okinawan soba and Chanpuru that you must try when you come to Okinawa!
The most attractive feature of the restaurant is the lifting system! Local food is best prepared locally by local people.
The price of the “lift system” varies depending on the cooking method, so be sure to check with the cafeteria in advance to see if they can accommodate your request!
When is the NEW Makishi Public Market?
The Makishi Public Market is currently in temporary construction due to rebuilding work, but is scheduled to be used in conjunction with the new market from March to April 2023. (As of June 2022).
After the market is completed, the stores will be removed from the current temporary market, so this is the only time you can enjoy the temporary Makishi Public Market! The temporary market is a bit compact, but it may be a good chance to talk with the store owners. Please visit the temporary Makishi Public Market until the NEW public market is completed!
