I definitely want to stop by when I visit southern Okinawa! Why is roadside rest area Itoman popular?

In the store, there are more than 100 kinds of vegetables and more than 30 kinds of fruits (the number varies depending on the season). Among them, there are vegetables with unusual names unique to Okinawa, such as Hoochiba (Yomogi) and Nabeler (Hechima). There are a lot of new discoveries just by going around the store, and just looking at it will be fun. In the center, there was a special sale corner that sells scratches at a low price, and there was a crowd.

Shipments are low from January to February, but island bananas are popular throughout the year. It is a little smaller than ordinary bananas, has thinner skin, sweet and good aroma. In Okinawa, it is often found in gardens and fields of private houses, and it is popular as a familiar fruit for Okinawans, such as being used in offering in Obon.

In addition to vegetables and fruits, you must also check processed products handmade by the Women's Department of JA Okinawa Waitoman Branch. Mentsuyu and miso, which can be used in various dishes as a seasoning, seem to be popular throughout the year. Except for foods that are prohibited from being taken out of the prefecture (red potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.), it is also possible to mail them on the spot, so even those who have just bought too much can feel safe.

"Itoman City Product Center Yukura" sells more than 2,000 souvenirs including local Itoman specialty products, classic sweets and crafts throughout Okinawa Prefecture (including remote islands), and awamori. There is also a food court, so it's a perfect spot to stop by after a break. It seems that the origin of the name of the amusement comes from the meaning of coming to play, eating, and coming.

I found a local product corner in a corner of the facility. There are more than 50 specialty products that can only be obtained here, such as non-fly rice crackers "Kamapeta" using kamaboko surimi and "Carrot Piripiri", a spicy seasoning using Chura carrots from Itoman. It's just a rare thing, and I'm going to buy a lot of things. There is also a delivery counter here, so even if you buy it in bulk, you can enjoy sightseeing empty-handed.

Among the many souvenirs, we recommend "All-purpose Whole with Churaumi Carot" using plenty of carrots from Itoman. It has sweetness and dryness and can be used for various dishes such as stir-fry and salad dressing. Since it was recommended as an excellent prefecture product in Okinawa Prefecture, there are many repeaters and it is a popular product.

Speaking of fisherman's town, Itoman City! It is said that Itoman City is one of the leading fishing ports in Okinawa. At the Itoman Fisheries Association Fish Center, you can purchase not only Itoman fish that are sold every morning at Itoman Fishing Port, but also seafood from all over the prefecture. There are many tourists on Saturdays and Sundays, and more than 4,000 people come.

One of the reasons why the fish center is popular is that you can eat the seafood you buy right away. It is OK to use the eat-in corner, but there are many things that can be eaten easily, so it is good to eat and walk around. On a sunny day, it is also recommended to take out and eat on a nearby beach.

In addition to a wide variety of seafood bowls, nigiri sushi, fish juice, kamaboko, freshly baked sea urchin sauce, etc., it was full of delicious seafood that seemed to eat too much.

How was it? "roadside rest area Itoman" still has a lot of exquisite gourmet food that could not be introduced this time. When you visit southern Okinawa, be sure to stop by and enjoy plenty of Okinawan gourmet that can only be tasted here.