daiku Awamori, Okinawa’s iconic traditional distilled spirit, is made from Thai rice and black koji mold through a unique fermentation and distillation process.
Among Okinawa’s islands, Miyakojima stands out as a place where the culture of awamori has long taken root, deeply intertwined with the island’s nature, climate, and daily life.
Today, Miyakojima is home to six distinctive awamori distilleries, each preserving tradition while embracing innovation. The island is also dotted with liquor shops that offer carefully selected bottles, providing travelers with unforgettable encounters with “the taste of the island.”
This feature introduces the six awamori distilleries you must visit in Miyakojima, along with three liquor shops where you can find that perfect bottle to take home.
【The Six Awamori Distilleries of Miyakojima】
■ Taragawa Distillery
“Time-aged in a natural cave—an iconic, beloved flavor from a longstanding distillery.”
Founded in 1954, Taragawa Distillery is loved by locals and visitors alike. Its signature feature is the aging of “kusu” (aged awamori) in a natural cave, where stable temperature and humidity allow the spirit to mature slowly and deeply. Distillery and cave tours are popular.
Address: 241 Shimozato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-77-4108
Official Website
■ Kikunotsuyu Distillery
“Carrying the island’s name with pride and weight in every sip.”
Founded in the early Showa era, Kikunotsuyu is known for its rich, full-bodied awamori. As one of Miyakojima’s signature brands, it enjoys high praise throughout Okinawa and beyond. The distillery maintains traditional techniques while developing modern packaging and premium product lines.
Address: 290 Nishizato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-72-2669
Official Website
■ Miyanohana Distillery
“Refined flavors and aesthetic bottles born from feminine sensitivity.”
Founded in 1948 on Irabu Island, this distillery stands out for its predominantly female team, including the master distiller. Their delicate sensibilities shape the flavors of the awamori, while the stylish designs appeal visually as well.
Address: 158-1 Nakachi, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-78-3008
Official Website
■ Okinohikari Distillery
“Unwavering dedication since 1948—craftsmanship refined through aging.”
With a history of over 70 years, Okinohikari ages all its awamori for at least one year before shipment. This results in a mellow, rich flavor loved in local izakayas and by travelers seeking authentic taste.
Address: 1174 Shimozato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-72-2245
Official Website
■ Tokuyama Distillery
“Mild and full-bodied, crafted with black koji and pure underground water.”
Located in the Sawada district of Irabu Island, Tokuyama uses black koji and pristine groundwater to produce well-balanced, approachable awamori. The flavor is a true expression of the local nature.
Address: 1500 Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-78-3006
Intro Page
■ Ikema Distillery
“Smooth, deep flavor from low-temperature aging and precise control.”
Ikema Distillery uses meticulous temperature control during fermentation and aging, resulting in an awamori with low bitterness and rich character. Even its standard products taste like aged kusu, and it offers 100% kusu varieties as well.
Address: 57 Nishihara, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-72-2425
Intro Page
【Take the Island’s Flavor Home – 3 Recommended Liquor Shops in Miyakojima】
Shutoku – Island Liquor Shop
“All six of Miyakojima’s distilleries in one place—a specialty store for awamori.”
Located on Shimozato Street, this local shop offers selections from all six of Miyakojima’s distilleries. Great for beginners and connoisseurs alike, with friendly service to guide your purchase.
Address: 779-1 Shimozato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-74-2091
Côte d’Or – Wine Specialty Store
“World-class wines meet Okinawan awamori—elegance in every bottle.”
With over 1,000 wines available, this shop also carries awamori, sake, and fresh cheese. Premium wines are stored in a professional wine cellar, including rare selections like Opus One.
Address: 565-2 Nishizato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-79-9833
Sake no Daitaku
“A trusted local shop where you’ll discover Miyakojima’s liquor culture.”
This beloved shop stocks a wide range of awamori and famous sake from across Japan. Perfect for gifts, souvenirs, or your personal collection.
Address: 880 Higashi-Nakasone, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Phone: 0980-73-2100
In Closing
Awamori is more than just a drink—it’s a treasure shaped by the culture and people of Miyakojima.
Each distillery has its own story, and every bottle carries a unique personality.
Let your journey through awamori deepen your appreciation for the island, and discover a side of Miyakojima that lingers long after your trip ends.