Yamahara Shokudo Kuni / Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture—Run by a descendant of Shibasaburo Kitazato! Healthy set meals featuring locally sourced ingredients

Nakijin Village, located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, is home to unspoiled natural beauty. Right next to the lively local “Roadside Station So~re” is a renowned restaurant that foodies secretly frequent. That restaurant is “Yamabaru Shokudo Kuni (Kuni).”

Here, you can enjoy creative dishes featuring fresh vegetables harvested right here in the local village of Nakijin, as well as flavorful island pork and island chicken.

We’ve put together a lineup of dishes that combine tenderness and bold flavors—perfect for satisfying that “I want to eat my fill, but I’m also health-conscious” craving.

What’s more, there’s a surprising story: the owner is actually a descendant of Shibasaburō Kitasato, whose portrait appears on the new 1,000-yen bill! It’s a special place where you can fully savor the bounty of Okinawa in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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The comfort of being right next to a roadside station! A cozy, homey space where you can feel the warmth of wood

"Yamahara Shokudo Kuni" is in a prime location right next to the "So~re" station in Nakijin. Even first-time visitors won't have any trouble finding it, and there's a spacious parking lot, so you can rest assured.

As soon as you step inside, you’ll find a warm, inviting space that showcases the natural beauty of wood. The homey, laid-back atmosphere allows everyone—from families and couples to solo travelers—to relax. The restaurant is filled with a pleasant energy that seems to reflect the owner’s kind personality, and you can enjoy your meal enveloped in a sense of security that makes you want to say, “I’m home.”

Amazing Portions and Freshness! A Tasting Report on Their Carefully Curated Menu

More vegetables than noodles!?
Jajangmyeon with Nakijin Vegetables and Island Pork

The moment it arrives at your table, you’ll be blown away by the sight of the “Nakijin Vegetables and Island Pork Jajangmyeon.” The mountain of fresh vegetables filling the bowl is truly a gift from Nakijin itself. The house-made meat miso has a rich, deep flavor, and the subtle kick of flower sansho adds just the right accent—you won’t be able to put your chopsticks down. You can choose between thick and thin noodles, as well as cold or warm, so it’s great that you can customize your dish to suit your mood that day.

The overwhelming aroma of green onions and black vinegar is to die for!
Island Chicken Karaage

For scallion lovers, the “Island Chicken Karaage—Topped with Special Black Vinegar Scallion Sauce” is simply irresistible. The juicy, tender island chicken is topped with a generous amount of our special scallion sauce—so much that you might think we’ve gone overboard! The refreshing tang of black vinegar really whets your appetite. Actually, this fried chicken hides “a surprise” inside. You’ll have to try it to find out what it is. Packed with surprises and delicious flavor, it’s a signature dish the restaurant is proud to serve.

A crispy texture packed with rich flavor!
Homemade Special Fried Spring Rolls

The “Special Fried Spring Rolls” are far too luxurious to be called just a side dish. Packed with island pork, shrimp, and plenty of vegetables, each spring roll is much heartier than you’d expect! Take a bite into the crispy wrapper, and the rich flavors of the ingredients will fill your mouth. They’re perfect with beer, and since the set of three offers a slight discount, we recommend sharing them with friends.

Nearby Facilities

・About a 10-minute drive from the Nakijin Castle Ruins
This is a scenic spot featuring beautiful, curved castle walls—which have been designated as a World Heritage Site—and where you can enjoy Japan’s earliest cherry blossoms in winter.

・About a 10-minute drive from Junglia Okinawa
This is a popular, next-generation theme park where visitors can enjoy experiences that make the most of Nakijin’s rich natural surroundings.

・About a 20-minute drive from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
With attractions like a massive tank where giant whale sharks swim, this facility offers some of the world’s most breathtaking experiences—a must-see for any Okinawa vacation.

・About a 20-minute drive from Kouri Island
Once you cross the Kouri Bridge, which spans the crystal-clear ocean, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views befitting an “Island of Love,” such as Heart Rock.

Okibura Reviews

The greatest appeal of “Yamahara Shokudo Kuni” is, without a doubt, the “satisfaction of eating well and feeling healthy.”

While set-meal restaurants in Okinawa tend to focus on fried foods, here the vegetables take center stage. Every dish features generously cut vegetables that really bring out their texture and natural sweetness, so you can eat until you’re full without feeling guilty.

Since they’re open until 10 p.m., it’s a real lifesaver when you’re looking for a “hearty dinner” on your way back from visiting the Churaumi Aquarium or Kouri Island. Combined with the owner’s warm hospitality—which reminds me of Shibasaburo Kitazato—I’m convinced this is a must-visit restaurant if you’re ever in Nakijin! (Image used with permission from the owner.)

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*This information is current as of the article's last update. Be sure to check in advance before you go!

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