Okinawa Travel: Supermarkets Are Actually Interesting

日本 / 沖縄県

Culture & Background

Published: September 29, 2026 / Updated: September 29, 2026

When traveling in Okinawa, you often visit tourist spots and souvenir shops. If you want to know a slightly different side of Okinawa, we also recommend checking out supermarkets. From the products on the shelves to the behaviors of shoppers, you can feel the everyday life of Okinawa that is not eas

Okinawa Travel: Supermarkets Are Actually Interesting

1. Starting Near the Entrance

Once you enter a supermarket, the first thing to check out is the products near the entrance.

Seasonal items, along with unique vegetables and fruits from Okinawa, may be displayed.

These are not special items, but are naturally found among regular shopping goods.

I feel like I can catch a glimpse of Okinawan life just by seeing these.

2. Is Canned Tuna Sold by the Case?

In Okinawan supermarkets, canned tuna is often sold by the case.

Of course, you can also buy it by the can.

You might think, "Do I really need that much?" But it comes in handy for various dishes, like champuru.

Seeing this method of selling gives a sense of regional difference, leading to interesting discoveries.

3. Milk in 946ml?

Another thing that often surprises people coming from the mainland is the volume of milk.

In Okinawa, milk is sold in 946ml cartons.

This is different from the 1000ml commonly seen on the mainland.

So, why 946ml?

There is a historical reason behind it.

According to the Okinawa Prefectural Archives, 946ml corresponds to one U.S. quart, a remnant from the time of American rule that still exists today.

Every time I see this number, I feel like I’m touching a piece of history.

4. Can You Find Souvenirs?

When thinking of Okinawa souvenirs, many might imagine souvenir shops at Naha Airport or on Kokusai Dori.

Of course, souvenir shops have a good variety of products.

However, if you want to see various Okinawan snacks and foods, supermarkets are also an option.

Some Okinawan supermarkets carry not only local products but also sections for Okinawan souvenirs.

Prices vary depending on the product and the store.

It’s not always the case that "supermarkets will definitely be cheaper."

If you find an interesting product, compare prices between the souvenir shops and the supermarket.

This alone can bring about a small discovery during your travels.

5. Supermarkets Are Places to See Everyday Life

While it’s perfectly enjoyable to visit famous tourist spots during a trip,

knowing the everyday life of a place can change your perspective on the journey.

Canned tuna sold by the case.

946ml milk.

Okinawan snacks and foods.

Each of these may be small discoveries.

But by observing these items,

"In Okinawa, things like this are close at hand,"

the everyday life starts to become visible, little by little.

I believe this is also a part of the memories of traveling to Okinawa.

Machinau Team

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