Discover the Heart of Okinawa at Itoman Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 331 in the vibrant city of Itoman, this bustling roadside station is a gateway to Okinawa’s rich agricultural and maritime heritage. More than just a pit stop, Itoman Roadside Station offers a vibrant cultural experience where local traditions meet modern convenience. At its core is the expansive Umanchu Market, the largest agricultural sales center on the island, and the bustling Fish Center, where fresh catches from local waters are displayed daily.
Visitors can savor authentic Okinawan cuisine at the diverse food court, from handmade soba and premium tuna bowls to savory pork ramen and crispy tempura. The station also features a charming gift shop offering regional specialties like premium awamori, sweet purple yam treats, and artisanal pickled frogs. With 24-hour access, EV charging, and multilingual services, Itoman Roadside Station is a seamless hub for travelers exploring the southern coast of Okinawa.
Why Visit
Visit Itoman roadside station for its unique concentration of local specialties found nowhere else. Experience the region’s only dedicated kaeru (frog) pickles shop, where vibrant, handcrafted pickles and quirky frog-themed souvenirs make for a one-of-a-kind gift. Savor the exclusive Muguroya Mīkagān menu, featuring fresh local tuna dishes, including the signature “Ultimate Tuna Bowl” made with rare cuts only available here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic Okinawan flavors at Itoman roadside station, where diverse cuisine from local specialties to hearty ramen and fresh seafood awaits.
Banai
ばんない
Specialty
Traditional Okinawan cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
A restaurant offering a variety of Okinawan dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, serving local favorites with a modern touch.
Yukura Light Food Corner
遊食来（ゆくら）軽食コーナー
Specialty
Quick snacks and light meals
A casual food corner offering a range of quick bites and light meals, perfect for a quick break during your visit.
Mikagun Dining
み～かがん食堂
Specialty
Fresh local tuna dishes
A restaurant specializing in fresh, high-quality local tuna, offering a variety of dishes that highlight the premium quality of Okinawan tuna.
Pancake Factory San to Nore
パンファクトリーさんとのれ
Specialty
Freshly baked bread and pastries
A cozy bakery offering a wide variety of freshly baked bread, including sandwich bread, savory pastries, and sweet treats, all made daily.
South Station Food Road
沖縄料理 南の駅食道
Specialty
Authentic Okinawan cuisine
A restaurant serving traditional Okinawan dishes with a focus on local ingredients and authentic preparation methods.
Kikoukan
木彫館
Specialty
One-plate meals with local ingredients
A restaurant offering a variety of one-plate meals, ideal for those looking for a quick, satisfying meal with a focus on local Okinawan flavors.
Tenba
天八
Specialty
Freshly fried tempura
A restaurant specializing in freshly fried tempura, offering a crispy, light texture with a variety of seasonal ingredients.
Agu Pork Tonkotsu Ramen
Agu豚 豚骨ラーメン
Specialty
Agu pork tonkotsu ramen
A ramen shop known for its rich, flavorful tonkotsu broth and perfectly balanced noodles, featuring premium Agu pork.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant marketplace at Itoman roadside station, offering unique souvenirs, regional crafts, and local delicacies for every taste.
Umanchu Market
うまんちゅ市場
A large-scale agricultural product sales center offering a wide variety of fresh local produce from within the prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local produce
Fish Center
お魚センター
A fish market showcasing a wide variety of seafood, reflecting the fishing heritage of the town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local fish
Yukura Souvenir Corner
遊食来 お土産品コーナー
A souvenir shop offering a wide range of local Okinawan products, including alcohol, sweets, cooking ingredients, and crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Okinawan souvenirs
Marushie do Piquirus Okinawa
マルシェ・ド・ピクルス沖縄
A specialty store dedicated to colorful frog pickles, offering a variety of pickle-based crafts and gifts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Colorful frog pickles
Pancake Factory San to Nore
パンファクトリーさんとのれ
A bakery specializing in freshly baked bread and pastries, including sandwich bread, savory pastries, and sweet treats.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly baked bread
Featured Products
Explore signature products like premium awamori, artisanal chinsuko, and sweet beniimo taro—perfect mementos of Okinawa’s rich culinary heritage.
Ryukyu Awamori Shinken Premium 7-Year Old
琉球泡盛 神泉プレミアム 7年古酒
A premium Ryukyu awamori aged for 7 years, known for its smooth and rich flavor.
Okinawa Soba 3-Pack Set (Original)
沖縄そば3食セット 道の駅いとまんオリジナル
A set of three servings of authentic Okinawa soba, perfect for enjoying at home.
Beniimo Tatoru (5 Pieces)
べにいもたると 5個入り
A set of five sweet potato treats, known for their soft texture and natural sweetness.
Chinsuko 5-Kind Assortment (Small)
ちんすこう5種詰合せ（小）
A small assortment of five different types of chinsuko, a traditional Okinawan sweet.
Chinsuko 5-Kind Assortment (Large)
ちんすこう5種詰合せ（大）
A large assortment of five different types of chinsuko, a traditional Okinawan sweet.
Snow Salt Chinsuko Small Pack (2×3 Bags)
雪塩ちんすこう小袋 (2個×3袋)
A small pack of snow salt chinsuko, offering a unique salty-sweet flavor.
Snow Salt Chinsuko (2×6 Bags)
雪塩ちんすこう 2個×6袋
A larger pack of snow salt chinsuko, ideal for sharing or gifting.
Snow Salt Chinsuko (Small)
雪塩ちんすこう（小）
A small pack of snow salt chinsuko, known for its delicate flavor.
Snow Salt Chinsuko (Large)
雪塩ちんすこう（大）
A large pack of snow salt chinsuko, perfect for special occasions.
Snow Salt Chinsuko Milk Flavor Small Pack
雪塩ちんすこうミルク風味小袋
A small pack of chinsuko with a milk flavor, offering a creamy taste.
Snow Salt Chinsuko Milk Flavor (2×6 Bags)
雪塩ちんすこうミルク風味（2×6袋）
A large pack of chinsuko with a milk flavor, ideal for gifting or sharing.
Snow Salt Chinsuko Milk Flavor (Small)
雪塩ちんすこうミルク風味(小）
A small pack of chinsuko with a milk flavor, known for its creamy texture.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Itoman roadside station, including ample parking, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and emergency supplies.
Parking Lot
312 parking spaces (12 large, 286 regular, 14 disabled-accessible), open 24 hours.
At the roadside station
Restroom
Men's restroom with 21 fixtures (8 large, 13 small), women's restroom with 15 fixtures. 4 men's and 3 women's fixtures are available 24 hours. 5 disabled-accessible toilets, including 1 available 24 hours and 1 with ostomy support located inside the information center.
Throughout the facility
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN is available for guests.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
Provides road information, weather updates, and other roadside station details via touch panel terminals (9:00–18:00, daily). Also includes a manned tourist information desk (9:00–18:00, daily) offering local guides, nearby attractions, and event information.
Inside the information center
EV Charging Station
2 electric vehicle charging stations available.
At the roadside station
Foreign Currency Exchange Machine
15-country compatible foreign currency exchange machine available.
Inside the facility
Gachapon Corner
A gachapon (coin-operated toy dispenser) corner is available for entertainment.
Inside the facility
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for parents with infants.
Inside the facility
Onsen
No onsen facility is mentioned in the provided content.
Bike Rental
No bike rental facility is mentioned in the provided content.
Pet Area
No pet area is mentioned in the provided content.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during peak hours for lively markets, and use the multilingual currency exchange for hassle-free travel across Okinawa.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00–10:00 AM to secure the day’s fresh batch of milk bread from the Pan Factory shop, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day
- Hidden Gems: Stop at the Maru She Do Pikkurusu Okinawa stall to pick up limited-edition frog-shaped pickled vegetable crafts and exclusive flavor varieties like yuzu and chili, only available at this location
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Umanchū Market between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to experience live fish preparation demonstrations by local fishermen, often accompanied by free samples of freshly caught sashimi
- Food Truck Tip: Check the Yukura food corner’s rotating menu every Tuesday and Thursday for special “Okinawa Classic” dishes such as Sōki Sōba with Island-Style Pork, which are only available on those days
- Souvenir Shortcut: Purchase the Okinawa Soba 3-Set at the Yukura gift shop before 1:00 PM to avoid the afternoon rush, as this item is often sold out by 3:00 PM
- Local Specialty Timing: Head to Muguroya Mīkagan between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to get the day’s first serving of fresh tuna bowl, which is prepared daily using fish landed that morning at the O Fish Center
- Best Photo Spot: Visit the Wood Carving Gallery between 2:00–3:00 PM when the staff is on duty and can offer free demonstrations of traditional Okinawan wood carving techniques with live carving tools on display
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the farmers market; peak season for local produce like beniimo and chinsuko.
Summer (June-August): Fresh tuna from the fishing center at its best; ideal for trying local dishes like fresh maguro don.
Autumn (September-November): Harvest season for beniimo and other root crops; perfect for sampling regional specialties.
Winter (December-February): Year-round availability of local foods, including seasonal chinsuko and Okinawa soba.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Itoman roadside station offers a spacious playground, diverse food options for children, stroller-friendly paths, and interactive exhibits like the touch-screen information kiosk. The presence of a dedicated children's corner and multiple dining choices enhances its appeal for families.
Food Lover Review
The station features a wide variety of high-quality local dishes, including fresh tuna, Okinawan soba, and regional specialties like pickled frogs. The farmers market and diverse food stalls offer exceptional freshness and authenticity, making it a top destination for food enthusiasts.
Car Camping Review
Itoman provides ample parking, clean restrooms, vending machines, and 24-hour access, supporting overnight stays. While quiet during off-peak hours, it lacks designated camping zones and clear overnight parking rules, limiting its suitability for extended car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and ocean, with multiple photo spots near the market and viewpoints. Seasonal changes enhance the landscape, and the overall atmosphere combines rural charm with modern convenience, creating a visually appealing environment.