A Unique Okinawan Food Experience
In the southern city of Itoman lies Uminchi (海ん道), a one-of-a-kind farm and restaurant where you can enjoy Okinawa’s famous umi budō (sea grapes). These tiny green seaweeds are prized for their crisp “popping” texture and refreshing ocean taste. While sea grapes are commonly found in souvenir shops or restaurants across Okinawa, Uminchi lets you experience them directly at the source, freshly harvested, fun to pick, and delicious to eat.
What’s at Uminchi?
Sea Grape Picking & Scooping
The main attraction is the sea grape picking program, where visitors tour rows of seawater tanks filled with sea grapes at different stages of growth. Guided by staff, you’ll see how Okinawa’s “green caviar” is carefully cultivated.
A highlight is sea grape scooping, similar to the goldfish scooping games at Japanese summer festivals. Using a small scoop, you collect sea grapes yourself — and the ones you catch, you can take home. Both adults and children enjoy this interactive experience, making it perfect for families.
Farm Shop “Puchi Puchi”
Inside the facility, the shop offers a variety of tasty treats and souvenirs. Popular menu items include:
- Sea grape soft serve ice cream – creamy Hokkaido milk soft serve blended with fresh sea grapes for a sweet-and-salty surprise.
- Mini sea grape tamago kake gohan – steamed rice with Okinawan egg and a generous topping of fresh sea grapes.
- Fresh packs of sea grapes harvested every morning, plus processed products like sea grape noodles.
It’s the best place to try sea grapes in creative ways that you won’t find in ordinary restaurants.
Tips on Eating Sea Grapes
Uminchi also teaches you how to best enjoy sea grapes at home:
- Keep them at room temperature (20–23°C), away from direct sunlight.
- Rinse lightly before eating.
- Dip into sauce instead of pouring sauce over – this keeps them crisp.
- If they shrink, soak briefly in fresh water to revive their texture.
They can be eaten with tofu, natto, salads, or even dipped in shabu-shabu hotpot for a unique taste.
