12 Must-Visit Okinawa Souvenir Shops for Awamori, Perfume, and Ryukyu Glass

Okinawa is packed with souvenir shops and local specialties, making it hard to choose what to buy. This guide introduces 12 must visit where you can find classics like Awamori, Beniimo Tarts, and shisa-themed goods. Check them in advance and enjoy stress-free souvenir shopping.

What Is Okinawa Famous For? Discover Must-See Local Specialties and Souvenirs

Popular Okinawa souvenirs include local foods like Okinawa soba, sea grapes, Beniimo tart, and Sata andagi, along with tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and shikuwasa. You’ll also find Awamori, as well as locally harvested salt and bittern, as popular take-home items. In addition, stylish goods featuring the lucky shisa guardian lion-dog, often seen on rooftops and entrances across Okinawa, are especially popular with travelers.

Shuri Ryusen, Naha

Founded in Okinawa in 1973, the Kusakizome Bingata Research Institute develops souvenirs and lifestyle goods using traditional Bingata techniques and its original coral dyeing method. One of its biggest highlights is the rare coral dyeing experience, offered at only a few places in Japan. You can dye T-shirts, tote bags, and more with vibrant, one-of-a-kind coral patterns. The custom items you create make perfect unique souvenirs or special gifts for someone close to you.

Fragrance Kobo, Chatan

Located in Chatan, Okinawa, lets you create your own perfume as a unique Okinawa souvenir. Choose your favorite scent from over 70 fragrances and work one-on-one with friendly staff to blend a custom fragrance. Once you’re happy with your scent, you can select your bottle color and add Okinawan-themed label stickers, such as Shuri Castle or sea turtles, to complete your personalized perfume.

FROMO,Kadena

This natural skincare shop is dedicated to preserving Okinawa’s nature and culture. All products are made with locally sourced natural ingredients, including honey from the shop’s own beehives, herbal soaps, and a herbal lotion richly infused with shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet). If you want to experience the essence of Okinawa through skincare, this is a must-visit spot. Online ordering is also available, so you can repurchase your favorites even after returning home.

Higa Shuzo, Yomitan

Founded in Okinawa in 1948, Higa Shuzo is a historic Awamori brewery known for its wide selection of this iconic Okinawan spirit. It releases a new product every year and also hosts special fan events pairing Awamori with food. With advance reservation, you can join an aged Awamori distillery tour—perfect for anyone who loves discovering local spirits.

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Teida Glass Studio (Ryukyu Glass), Onna

Create your own Ryukyu glass as a special memory of your Okinawa trip at this hands-on glass studio. Choose from two glassblowing courses: an easy beginner-friendly course with full artisan support, or a more immersive course where you complete the final shaping yourself. The on-site shop also features a wide selection of stylish glassware and handmade accessories by local craftsmen.

Churanami Art Studio MIA, Itoman

Create your own epoxy wave art inspired by Okinawa’s ocean at this hands-on studio. With instructor guidance, even beginners can easily make canvas boards and coasters. Message engravings are available, making these ocean-inspired pieces perfect souvenirs. The studio also offers an Akoya pearl-opening experience to create stylish accessories or keychains—ideal for a memorable family activity in Okinawa.

Ryukyu Glass Takumi Kobo Ishikawa Honten, Uruma

This workshop offers a hands-on Ryukyu glassmaking experience with colorful glasses and plates, classic Okinawa souvenirs. The "Glassblowing Experience" for ages 6 and up takes about 15 minutes, perfect for a sightseeing break. Choose shapes, colors, and decorations to make a unique piece. Finished items are cooled and shipped to your home, so you don’t have to worry about luggage.

Mori no Garasukan(Ryukyu Glass Museum), Nago

This facility offers over 300 products, including Ryukyu glass, a classic Okinawan souvenir, and a hands-on glassmaking experience. You can create a variety of items, from glassware to necklaces, photo frames, and kaleidoscopes, all crafted to your taste. Skilled artisans guide you step by step, making it easy for first-timers, families, and couples to join. Enjoy a fun activity and take home a memorable Okinawa souvenir.

Enjoy Kobo, Nago

This workshop lets you buy Okinawa’s guardian deity, shisa, as a souvenir and try your hand at shisa-making. No reservation is needed—start upon arrival. Choose to shape a shisa from clay or paint an existing piece. Each shisa is crafted with care, using Okinawan red clay or hand-painted with traditional Ryukyu plaster. Find the one that fits your style.

Kumejima Shirushi Syouten, Kumejima

This shop in Okinawa offers a wide range of souvenirs unique to Kumejima. It supports local producers while highlighting the island’s specialty products. Pick up fresh fruits like Kumejima mangoes, live tiger prawns, and sweets made from local ingredients, including Original Miso Cookies and Red Sweet Potato Tart.

Yonejima Shuzo, Kumejima

Founded in 1948 on Kumejima Island, this brewery produces awamori, a classic Okinawan souvenir. Each batch is handcrafted using traditional techniques and carefully adjusted for seasonal changes. You can enjoy a wide selection on site, including sets with fresh oysters and snacks that pair perfectly with awamori.

ALLFOODS&DELI Tidapana, Ishigaki

This restaurant on Ishigaki Island serves meals made with seasonal ingredients and classic Okinawan dishes, and also offers souvenirs. Popular menu items include the Pork and Egg Onigiri Sandwich, said to be Okinawa’s soul food, the Handmade Ishigaki Beef Minced Cutlet, and smoothies made with local tropical fruits. Souvenirs range from shisa-themed goods to stylish T-shirts, hats, and stickers. Take your time browsing for unique souvenirs.

Tips for Choosing Souvenirs That Your Friends and Family Will Love

When choosing travel souvenirs, keep three things in mind: who they’re for, your budget, and shelf life. Pick items that match the recipient’s age, gender, and preferences, and avoid gifts that are overly expensive, as they may feel awkward to receive. Choose a price range that suits your relationship.

Find Okinawa souvenirs

Explore Okinawa’s vibrant shopping scene, from craft workshops where you can create your own Ryukyu Glass or Shisa statues to local shops offering premium Awamori and fresh mangoes. Discover unique lineups at each location and find the perfect souvenirs to take home your favorite travel memories.