Tomari Iyumachi From the Fishing Port to the Table, Buy Okinawa's Seasonal Best.

Naha's Kitchen -- Welcome to Tomari Iyumachi.

Tomari Iyumachi is a fresh fish market adjacent to Tomari Fishing Port in the Tomari district of Naha. "Iyu" means "fish" in the Okinawan language, and "machi" means market -- literally a lively fresh produce market where local fishermen bring in their catches. From early morning, fish from Okinawa's nearby seas brought in by fishermen are of exceptional freshness, and the market is filled with colorful tropical fish packed side by side. Its convenient location, accessible on foot or by car from central Naha, is one reason it is beloved by both locals and tourists alike.

One particularly popular service at the market is having your purchased fish prepared as sashimi or fillets on the spot. Even tourists can casually ask to have their fish served as sashimi, and skilled craftsmen will deftly prepare it. Take-out containers are also available, making it possible to enjoy Okinawan fish at your accommodation. In the dining area adjacent to the market, you can also enjoy seafood bowls and sashimi set meals made with freshly purchased seafood.

What particularly catches the eye at Tomari Iyumachi is the array of vibrantly colored fish unique to Okinawa. Starting with gurukun (banana fish), designated as the prefectural fish, the beautifully blue and green irabucha (parrotfish), large tuna, and various tropical fish caught in Okinawa's nearby waters all gather here. These are species rarely seen at mainland Japanese markets, and simply walking around is enough to feel the richness of the tropical seas.

Vibrantly colored tropical fish fill the market. Okinawa-unique species like gurukun and irabucha are plentiful.

How to Enjoy and Highlights of the Market

To make the most of Tomari Iyumachi, an early morning visit is recommended. The market is liveliest around 6-8 AM when freshly landed fish line the stalls, with the fishermen's calls and the smell of fish filling the air. Watching local mothers carefully selecting ingredients is an authentic scene of everyday Naha life. It is a place where you can experience genuine Okinawa, not overly commercialized for tourism.

Multiple fish shops line the market, each handling different types of fish at different prices. When you find a fish that catches your eye, don't hesitate to ask about the price. Fishermen and shop staff are friendly to tourists and often share fish names and how to eat them. You can enjoy a moment that enriches your travel dining while experiencing Okinawa's seafood culture.

Outside the market, Tomari Fishing Port stretches out, and the harbor scene with moored fishing boats is also worth seeing. In the early morning hours, you may sometimes see fishing boats returning from their catch and unloading at the wharf. Tomari Port is located near Naha Port, and nearby you'll also find ferry terminals for the outlying islands of Kumejima and Tonaki.

Gurukun (banana fish), Okinawa's prefectural fish. Deep-fried is the classic way to enjoy it.

Morning at Tomari Fishing Port. Freshly caught fish being transported to the market.

Getting to Tomari Iyumachi by Taxi

Tomari Iyumachi is about 20-25 minutes by car from Naha Airport. We offer the Naha City Sightseeing Course (3-4 hours) from ¥18,600, combining it with Kokusai Street and Naminoue Shrine. Allow 30-60 minutes for visiting the market, though 90 minutes is recommended if you plan to shop and dine at leisure. Please consult us about arranging insulated bags for transporting purchased fresh fish.

For guests arriving at Naha Airport early in the morning, we can also offer a "Morning Market Course" heading directly from the airport to Tomari Iyumachi to enjoy a fresh breakfast. Please experience the Okinawan food culture that can only be discovered by early risers.

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