Naha Okinawa Japan Makishi Market

In the middle of Naha City, Okinawa Japan one of the most fascinating meat and fish markets in the country can be explored. Makishi Market is the tourist destinations on the top of many peoples list when visiting Naha and for good cause.

Entering from Kokusai Street the market fits into just about every stereotype from all the old Samurai, or martial arts movies you watched as a kid or are maybe still watching. There are dead animals hanging from the roof and parts of animals that most people in places like America toss out, being sold from meat counters. The part I found most interesting was the large amount of colorful fish up for sale at many of the stalls.

The many shop keepers working their individual stalls in the market are also some of the friendliest people around. Unlike Tsukiji Market in Tokyo where they complain about too many tourists, the owners and employees at Makishi Market welcome visitors with open arms and big smiles.

Taking a Walk through the different meat lined aisles you will hear lots of broken English, coming from the enthusatic vendors telling you how their products are better than anywhere else in Okinawa Japan.

The last time I visited there I decided to try a variety of fish from the best salesmen I have ever met. He managed to make me laugh so hard I had no choice but to buy a basket full of sea food from him. I got a couple different fish, one red and one blue, but don’t ask me their names as I have no idea. I also purchased up a live lobster and some live shell fish and a all for 5,000 yen ($45 USD).

The Interesting part was the 5,000 yen incorporated one of the restaurants upstairs from the market preparing the variety of super fresh sea food to us. This feature is one of the very unique systems at Makishi market. I have never been toold about anywhere else in Japan where you can buy and eat your food at the same meat market.

Some of the fish was served as sashimi (raw thinly sliced fish) and some was served cooked. I typically like sushi and sashimi but I had a bit of a hard time eating some of the more tropical raw fish as they had a bit of a stronger flavor than fish like tuna and salmon that come from colder waters. All and all it was a worth while experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone while in Okinawa Japan.