Soak Up the Island Vibes at Ufuya

Dine at an Okinawan institution

Set in traditional Okinawan residences, Ufuya has long been serving guests amid the beautiful nature of Okinawa, and it's easy to see why it has been a favorite for generations. Open-air seating leads right out to a waterfall, making for a one-of-a-kind island atmosphere that you and your dining partner(s) won't soon forget.

Sink your teeth into cuisine perfect for any carnivore, from meat-laden Okinawa soba noodles and an Agu pork ginger bowl at lunch time to exquisite shabu-shabu hot pot courses and wagyu sirloin steaks for dinner. If you're looking to wet your whistle, order one of Ufuya's original cocktails or enjoy a delicious glass of traditional Okinawan awamori (a distilled rice drink similar to shochu) with your meal. After you've eaten your fill, you'll want to get your hands on some delicious popular Okinawan desserts for the road.

Ufuya isn't a restaurant so much as an institution; take one bite of their meals and you'll understand why. Just make sure you show up early or make a reservation, as the restaurant is rarely empty. Ufuya is located in the city of Nago on the northern part of Okinawa, also famous as a home to beach resorts and the underwater observatory of Busena Marine Park.

Access: From Tokyo Haneda Airport, fly to Naha Airport (about two hours 45 minutes), then take the No. 117 bus to the Nago Bus Terminal (about one hour 39 minutes) and transfer to the No. 70 bus for the Daiichi Nakayama stop (about 19 minutes).

Okinawa old folk house Ufuya