Sight guide · Okinawa · Japan
Visiting Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Naha's 'kitchen' reopened in a new building in 2023.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA - Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astron, Public domain
Quick answer
Daiichi Makishi Public Market is a market in Naha (Kokusai-dori), Okinawa. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Market
- Area
- Naha (Kokusai-dori)
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- food, rainy day and shopping
- Best months
- January, June and August
About Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Naha's 'kitchen' reopened in a new building in 2023. The ground floor sells colourful reef fish, lobster, Agu pork and sea grapes; buy seafood downstairs and restaurants upstairs will cook it for a fee, a system known as mochiage.
Tip: Ask the fishmonger to recommend a cooking style and which upstairs restaurant to use before you buy.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Naha (Kokusai-dori), city base on the monorail with Kokusai-dori, the markets and late-night izakaya.
Best time to visit Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Daiichi Makishi Public Market is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- June: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- January: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Okinawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Okinawa itinerary visits Daiichi Makishi Public Market on day 2, together with Shuri Castle, Tsuboya Yachimun Street and Mihama American Village.
- No. 4 of the 18 sights in our Okinawa things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in okinawa on a rainy day.
Near Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Also in Naha (Kokusai-dori), so you can walk between them:
- Kokusai-dori — 2 hours, free
- Tsuboya Yachimun Street — 1 hour, free
- Shuri Castle — 2 hours, low cost
If you like Daiichi Makishi Public Market
- Mihama American Village — Chatan, 2–3 hours
Staying near Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Stay in Naha (Kokusai-dori) ($$) to walk here: city base on the monorail with Kokusai-dori, the markets and late-night izakaya. All areas to stay in Okinawa.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Daiichi Makishi Public Market?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With Kokusai-dori nearby, it fits a half-day in Naha (Kokusai-dori).
+Is Daiichi Makishi Public Market free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Daiichi Makishi Public Market?
January, June and August, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Ask the fishmonger to recommend a cooking style and which upstairs restaurant to use before you buy.
+Do I need to book Daiichi Makishi Public Market in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.