Okinawa is one of the first places that comes to mind when talking about resort destinations in Japan.
It’s not just the beautiful natural scenery and historic architecture—Okinawa’s rich local cuisine is also a big part of its lasting appeal.
Located near Yūrakuchō Station, “Ginza Washita Shop Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Ginza Washita Shop”) is a place where you can enjoy authentic Okinawan food without leaving Tokyo.
Take-out is also available, making it perfect for street food and light snacks that are ideal for eating on the go.
Types of Okinawan Donuts at Ginza Washita Shop
Get a taste of Okinawan street food at Ginza Washita Shop
Ginza Washita Shop, which specializes in selling Okinawan products, features an attached indoor dining area. Despite the small space, the selection of dishes is surprisingly extensive.
Let’s start by introducing some of the Okinawan street foods available here.
Okinawa’s signature donut sweet: sātā andāgī
Sātā andāgī, made by mixing flour, sugar, and eggs and deep-frying the mixture, is a confection commonly eaten as a snack in Okinawa. As the shop calls them, they are often referred to as “Okinawa Donuts.”
At Ginza Washita Shop, they offer five flavors: plain (white sugar) with simple sweetness, English tea, brown sugar, coffee, and peanut.
A wonderful plus is that they’re fried in-store, so depending on the timing, you might be able to enjoy them freshly made.
Sata andagi being fried in-store
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they really do resemble donuts in texture.
Though small enough to fit in your palm, they’re satisfyingly filling—yet not overly sweet, making it easy to go for seconds or thirds.
It’s enjoyable to compare the different flavors, with brown sugar being particularly popular at the shop.
You can purchase them individually for 180 JPY (tax included), or take advantage of set deals: 5 pieces for 850 JPY (tax included), or 10 pieces for 1,650 JPY (tax included).
(top) “紅茶,” English tea 180 JPY (tax included), (bottom left) “黒糖,” Brown sugar 180 JPY (tax included), (bottom right) “プレーン,” White sugar 180 JPY (tax included)
Addictive Okinawa tempura with surprising texture
Okinawan-style tempura is another popular snack at the store.
Though called tempura, it doesn’t have the crispy batter of standard tempura, but rather a fluffy, fritter-like texture.
“沖縄てんぷら さかな,” Okinawa Tempura (White Fish) 260 JPY (tax included)
Also, while regular tempura is usually eaten with tentsuyu (tempura dipping sauce), Okinawan tempura is enjoyed as-is.
Common ingredients include mozuku seaweed (a type of seaweed characterized by its thick and soft texture) and white fish—making it great both as a snack and with drinks.
The white fish Okinawa tempura in particular has a light, fluffy batter and filling — you’re sure to be hooked by its unexpectedly soft texture. Though mild, the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness creates a flavor you could enjoy endlessly.
“沖縄てんぷら もずく,” Okinawa Tempura (Mozuku Seaweed) 260 JPY (tax included)
Enjoy Okinawan drinks with ice cream!
Ginza Washita Shop offers a full selection of drinks with uniquely Okinawan flavors like shīkwāsā (commonly written in English as shikuwasa, a citrus fruit native to Okinawa), pineapple, and even gōyā (bitter melon).
Enjoy this dish together with Blue Seal brand ice cream, a beloved treat widely enjoyed in Okinawa.
During Japan’s hot summers, these chilled drinks and ice cream help ease the heat.
(left) “シークヮーサージュース,” Shikuwasa Juice 400 JPY (tax included), (right) “アイスクリームシングル,” Ice Cream (Single) 440 JPY (tax included)
What’s more, Blue Seal ice cream is so appealing that you’ll want to enjoy it even in the cold of winter.
With unique flavors like brown sugar, ube (purple mountain yam), and salt chinsukō (a traditional Okinawan cookie), it’s hard not to give them a try.
“ブルーウェーブ,” Blue Wave
Moreover, Blue Seal ice cream is a rare brand that’s seldom seen outside of Okinawa.
Encountering uniquely Okinawan sweets is one of the greatest draws of Ginza Washita Shop.
Experience the flavors of Okinawan home-cooking!
Next, let’s explore Okinawan home-style dishes.
With its dine-in area, Ginza Washita Shop offers a dining experience that rivals Okinawan specialty restaurants.
Must-order “Gōyā Chanpurū” made in-house!
At a reasonable 500 JPY, their gōyā chanpurū (a signature Okinawan stir-fry made with tofu, egg, usually pork or spam, and goya) offers a taste that far exceeds its price.
This limited-quantity dish is a must-order when visiting the shop.
“ゴーヤーチャンプルー,” Goya Chanpuru 500 JPY (tax included)
The seasoning is kept simple, using broth made from bonito and pork bones.
Goya is known for its strong bitterness, but carefully removing the seeds and pith makes it much easier to enjoy.
Made with Okinawan-grown goya
A key to the dish’s rich flavor is the use of shima-dōfu, Okinawa’s traditional tofu. Its slight saltiness and umami from the dashi create a bold and flavorful dish.
Shima-dofu has a firmer texture than regular tofu, adding satisfying body to the dish.
Combined with the crispy texture of goya, you won’t be able to stop eating!
Shima-dofu has a different texture and taste than regular tofu
Interestingly, the flavor of the Goya Chanpuru varies depending on which staff member is cooking that day.
As a classic home-cooked Okinawan dish, every household has its own way of seasoning goya chanpuru.
Many of the staff at Ginza Washita Shop are either from Okinawa or have strong ties to it, and the version served reflects the flavors they’re used to at home.
That variation from day to day adds to the charm—perfect for those who want a taste of real Okinawan home cooking.
Different toppings, same satisfaction with Okinawa soba!
No introduction to Okinawan food would be complete without sōki soba (Okianawan soba with pork ribs), topped with spare ribs and cartilage.
“ソーキそば,” Soki Soba 900 JPY (tax included)
“Soki” refers to spare ribs in Okinawa, and here they are so tender they can be shredded with chopsticks. You get two large pieces, making for a very hearty meal.
At 900 JPY (tax included) per bowl, it’s quite the bargain considering the normally pricy location of Ginza.
There’s no compromise on taste – the umami of the soup integrates with the soki for an authentic flavor.
The soup base has umami seeping from bonito and pork bones, yet maintains a gentle saltiness.
A subtle sweetness follows, and the unique flavor is sure to grow on you with every sip.
Adding the spicy kick of beni-shōga (red pickled ginger) and optionally kōrēgusu (an Okinawan condiment), creates a more refreshing aftertaste.
Koregusu is a condiment made by soaking chili peppers in awamori (an Okinawan distilled spirit), and you can feel a strong spiciness even with just a small amount.
In addition to their Soki Soba, they also offer “Yushi-Dōfu Soba,” made with a unique Okinawan tofu.
Unlike firm island tofu, yushi-dōfu has an airy, delicate texture — another ingredient unique to Okinawa.
“ゆし豆腐そば,” Yushi-Dofu Soba 800 JPY (tax included)
Yushi-dofu’s delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture is truly one of a kind. You can really taste the natural flavor of the soybeans, with a richer flavor than regular tofu.
The yushi-dofu soaked in broth is also absolutely delicious. Since it’s tofu, it’s healthy and light on the palate—so tasty you could eat it every day without getting tired of it.
The spicy “Taco Rice” is a weekday exclusive
“Taco Rice” is a local Okinawan dish that reflects the region’s cultural background.
The dish is said to have been originally created as a local twist on tacos for U.S. military personnel stationed at bases in Okinawa.
“タコライス,” Taco Rice 780 JPY (tax included
The generous helping of seasoned ground meat on top of the rice is spiced and flavorful, but not so spicy that it makes you break a sweat—it’s a dish that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Eat it together with the rich cheese and tangy tomato-based sauce, and the flavor becomes even more irresistible.
Taco rice, a classic Okinawan rice bowl, is filling and incredibly satisfying.
Double the fun by shopping for Okinawan goods
The merchandise area of Ginza Washita Shop
“Antenna shops”—a Japanized English term referring to stores set up by prefectures across the country to promote their local specialties and culture—are found in large numbers, especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Ginza Washita Shop is considered a pioneer among antenna shops. It opened in Ginza in 1994 to help expand the market for Okinawa’s prefectural products.
Exterior of Ginza Washita Shop
After enjoying Okinawan cuisine, shopping inside the Ginza Washita Shop just doubles the fun.
You’ll find everything from seasonings and snacks to ready-to-eat meals that make it easy to enjoy Okinawan dishes at home—even vegetables and tableware. The store is packed with all kinds of products from Okinawa.
Shikuwasa condiments and seasonings
Okinawa soba instant noodles
Of course, the shop also carries a wide variety of awamori, the Okinawan spirit known throughout Japan.
Some of the labels here are hard to find even at Okinawan specialty restaurants—highlighting the strength of Ginza Washita as a retailer focused on prefectural products.
Among the more than 20 brands that Ginza Washita Shop stocks, three are particularly recommended.
Awamori made by the distilleries Kikunotsuyu, Seifuku, and Zuisen are said to be especially popular.
(from left to right) “菊之露,””請福,” “瑞泉,” Kikunotsuyu, Seifuku, Zuisen
You’ll also find Orion Beer, Okinawa’s beloved local brew.
From flavored Orion beers to chū-hai (a canned cocktail usually made with shochu), there’s a wide variety available. It’s so tempting, you might find yourself picking up more than a few.
Rare Orion Beers available at Ginza Washita Shop
At Ginza Washita Shop, you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine, shop for local products, and soak up the island atmosphere—all without leaving Tokyo.
Of course, visiting Okinawa in person is ideal, but this is the perfect spot to casually enjoy the food and spark an interest in its unique culture.
Information
| Store name | 銀座わしたショップ本店 Ginza Washita Shop Honten |
|---|---|
| Address | Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan 1F, 2-10-1 Yūrakuchō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Yūrakuchō Station Short walk from Yūrakuchō Station Kyōbashi Exit
Yūrakuchō Station Short walk from Exit D7
Ginza-itchōme Station 2-minute walk from Exit 2
|
| Phone number | 03-6701-8220 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Hours | Merchandise area 10:00-20:00 Dine-in area 11:30-18:45（last order 18:30） |
| Closed | 1/1～1/2 |
| Seating | Standing tables only |
| Smoking | No smoking |
| Official website | https://www.washita.co.jp/info/shop/ginza/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of May 2025.
