About a 50-minute drive from Naha Airport. Located in Mihara, Okinawa City, this izakaya also serves lunch bento boxes. Plentiful portions for just 600 yen, with a wide variety of bento boxes that even include a drink! For 700 yen, you can enjoy a rather luxurious bento.
Point 1: The Location of ‘Masamune’s Lunchbox’
Masamune Bento in Mihara, Okinawa City, is a popular bento shop that has been beloved by locals for many years.
Conveniently located near National Route 329 and the Okinawa Kita IC, the surrounding area is dotted with residential neighborhoods and commercial facilities. This attracts a wide range of customers, from those buying daily meals to people stopping by during work breaks.
From early morning, cars constantly come and go in the parking lot, and the constant bustle clearly shows its popularity.
Especially just before noon, many people line up—nearby office workers, students, and housewives out shopping. Arriving early after opening allows you to choose from a wide variety of bento boxes.
Okinawa has a deeply rooted “bento shop culture,” with many people frequenting their favorite shops for daily specials or staple menu items. Among these, ‘O-Bento no Masamune’ stands out for its excellent balance of price, taste, and variety, solidifying its strong presence in the community.
It’s about a 1-hour drive from Naha Airport. By bus, take the Ryukyu Bus Route 113 (Gushikawa Airport Line) and get off at “Sanri Iriguchi” (Sanri Entrance), then walk for 9 minutes.
Point 2: Introducing the ‘Masamune’s Lunchbox’ Menu
The greatest appeal of Masamune Bento lies in its extensive menu variety. While offering classic bento staples beloved on the mainland—like makunouchi bento, tonkatsu bento, and chicken karaage bento—it also boasts a lineup rich in Okinawan flavors.
A major feature is the casual enjoyment of local specialties like goya champuru and taco meat.
Prices center around the affordable 600 yen range, often referred to as a “one-coin meal.” The inclusion of a drink is a welcome bonus, earning support from customers who value cost-effectiveness. Originally priced at 500 yen, the cost increased by 100 yen due to rising prices.
Even so, getting a generous bento box plus a drink for 600 yen offers excellent value compared to other shops.
Beyond daily use, ‘Masamune Bento’ also handles catering, meeting boxed lunches, and even hors d’oeuvres. It’s frequently ordered for large gatherings and events, valued by many for its perfect combination of taste, volume, and price.
Their website showcases a wide variety of menus, making it easy to choose based on your needs – another appealing feature.
Point 3: ‘Masamune’s Bento’ – Recommended Menu Items
Among the many menu items, the “Makunouchi Bento” is particularly popular. It features a well-balanced assortment of meat, fish, and vegetables, looks vibrant, and is designed so you won’t get tired of eating it every day. With its generous selection of small dishes and side dishes, it’s especially recommended for those seeking home-style flavors.
For those who prefer hearty meals, the “Tonkatsu Bento” and “Chicken Karaage Bento” maintain enduring popularity. Thick tonkatsu and juicy karaage make rice disappear quickly, earning strong support, especially among male customers. With ample volume, they’re perfect for anyone wanting a substantial meal to fuel afternoon work or club activities.
For those wanting to enjoy Okinawan flavors, we recommend the Goya Champuru, Taco Meat, or Pork and Egg Bento. The Goya Champuru features bitter melon, fluffy eggs, and pork stir-fried in perfect harmony, evoking the taste of home cooking.
Taco meat features spiced ground pork, cheese, and lettuce that pair wonderfully, offering an easy way to savor Okinawa’s soul food.
Furthermore, their hors d’oeuvres are hugely popular for parties and gatherings. Platters combining fried chicken, fried shrimp, and Okinawan dishes effortlessly add a festive touch, praised for looking luxurious despite being reasonably priced. They’ve become such a staple menu item that reservations flood in during the year-end/New Year period and event seasons.
Overall, ‘Masamune Bento’ is a reliable bento shop catering to everything from daily lunches to special occasions. Offering generous portions with a drink included for just 600 yen, plus the chance to enjoy authentic Okinawan flavors, it’s deeply rooted in the community and will surely continue to be cherished by many.
