Enjoy the Gourmet Delights Around Miyagi Island, Uruma City! 5 Recommended Café Spots

By crossing the 47.5 km-long Kaichu Road on the eastern side of Okinawa's main island, visitors can reach Heianza Island, Hamahiga Island, Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island. While more islands are now accessible via bridges from Okinawa's main island, Kaichu Road has long been a well-known and familiar route. After enjoying a scenic drive over the ocean along Kaichu Road, why not stop by one of the islands and take in the breathtaking views? On Miyagi Island, one of the must-see spots is Kafoo Banta, a stunning cliffside lookout with spectacular ocean views. During your exploration of Miyagi Island, taking a break at a cozy café is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the island’s atmosphere. In this article, we introduce five must-visit cafés in Miyagi Island, Uruma City, where you can stop by for a refreshing break during your sightseeing adventure!

1. Nuchimaasu Café Restaurant Takahanari

The Nuchimaasu Café Restaurant Takahanari is a café directly operated by the Nuchimaasu salt factory. Nuchimaasu is a special type of salt made using a unique method that crystallizes mineral-rich seawater in its natural state. This world-first production method has been patented in 13 countries.

The café has a bright and inviting interior with a white and wooden theme. There are 48 seats in total, including indoor tables and a modern terrace seating area with a spectacular ocean view. One of the most popular menu items is the "Soochikaa", a dish featuring Okinawan pork steak marinated in Nuchimaasu salt, served with local vegetables and a light salt dressing. The Okinawa soba is also a must-try, infused with Okinawan dashi broth and the umami of Nuchimaasu salt. For dessert, don’t miss the Nuchimaasu Gelato, a rich and creamy salt-flavored soft serve ice cream made from fresh milk.

2. Ippukuya

With a brown roof, white walls, and a charming pink canoe outside, Ippukuya has an adorable exterior. The terrace seating inside features a deck floor, floating rings on the railings, and a shade that looks like a sail, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you're on a boat. There are also hammocks and swings, and the self-service water dispenser is shaped like a barrel, adding to the rustic charm.

A must-try dish here is the cold noodles. Made from only potato starch and wheat flour, the noodles are chewy and firm, served in a rich oxtail soup broth. You can also add kimchi from a side dish for an extra burst of flavor. The dish includes bitter goya (bitter melon) and Okinawan sea grapes, adding a subtle saltiness. Portion sizes range from small (half size) to regular and large, giving you options based on your appetite. Other recommended dishes include the black squid ink rice balls, as well as the light and clear hot noodle soup made with Okinawan offal, a local specialty.

3. Terrace Chaya Yuunami

Located on a small hill near the Henza fishing port, Terrace Chaya Yuunami is a charming café run on the terrace of a private residence. The garden is decorated with lush plants and flowers, giving it a cozy, homey feel. A 100-year-old Fukugi tree stands as the symbol tree in the garden. From the terrace seating, guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of Hamahiga Bridge and Hamahiga Island.

The café offers set meals using fresh ingredients from Uruma City and Okinawa. A top recommendation is the slow-cooked soft bone pork spare ribs (Nankotsu Soki), braised for over an hour until tender. The sweet sauce pairs beautifully with wasabi for a unique flavor combination. Other menu highlights include fried white fish, homemade simmered hamburger steak, taco rice, Okinawa soba, and champuru stir-fries—all made with great care and delicate flavors.

4. Boulangerie Café Yamashita

Boulangerie Café Yamashita is a bakery café specializing in freshly baked bread made with natural yeast. Visitors must remove their shoes at the entrance and wear indoor slippers inside, creating a cozy and homely atmosphere. The spacious terrace seating offers a stunning panoramic view of Hamahiga Bridge and Hamahiga Island.
The bakery prides itself on high-quality ingredients and offers a wide selection of handmade bread, including additive-free mozuku bread, shikwasa citrus bread, and soft, fluffy white bread unique to Okinawa.

A must-try is the "Nuchianpan", a subtly salty sweet bun made with Nuchimaasu salt. The red bean filling is made from Hokkaido-grown azuki beans and Tarama Island black sugar, resulting in a delicious balance of sweet and salty flavors.
For those dining in, the menu includes Margherita pizza, seafood pizza, and a variety of drinks to enjoy alongside the fresh bread.

5. Ruan + Shimairo

Located along Miyagi Island’s main road, Ruan + Shimairo is a shaved ice specialty shop with a matcha-green exterior, white doors, and colorful chairs that stand out. This café is a collaboration between "Ruan," a shaved ice shop run by a trained artisan from the famous "Noan" in Kanagawa, and "Shimairo," a ceramic art gallery. The open and modern interior includes table seating, counter seating, and a ceramic gallery where visitors can admire handcrafted pottery.

The shop offers handmade fruit-based syrups for its shaved ice, featuring refreshing flavors such as honey hibiscus, lychee, and brown sugar milk, all infused with Okinawan ingredients. The Okinawan-style zenzai (shaved ice with red beans) and the Mont Blanc chestnut shaved ice in autumn are also highly recommended. The ice is carefully prepared by allowing it to return to room temperature before shaving, which creates a soft and fluffy texture that doesn’t cause brain freeze. The natural sweetness melts smoothly in the mouth, and hidden at the bottom of the dish are two mochi dumplings, adding a delightful surprise. The ceramic bowls used for serving are specially crafted to reflect the scenic beauty of Miyagi Island, featuring soft and cool-toned colors.

◎ Summary

Miyagi Island in Uruma City is home to many unique and charming cafés. Each café offers a distinct atmosphere and specialty menu, making them perfect spots for a relaxing break during your sightseeing adventure. If you’re visiting Miyagi Island, we highly recommend stopping by one of these cafés to unwind and enjoy the island’s gourmet delights. Be sure to check them out on your trip!

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Enjoy the Gourmet Delights Around Miyagi Island, Uruma City! 5 Recommended Café Spots