Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki is home to a restaurant where you can enjoy Okinawan home-style cooking and a tropical atmosphere. At "Kariyushi" (Okinawan Cuisine & Authentic Awamori), you can savor traditional Okinawan dishes, local ingredients, and a wide selection of awamori and sours, immersing yourself in a feeling as if you were actually in Okinawa. Located within walking distance of Katsuta Station, it’s the perfect spot for dinner after sightseeing.
Classic Okinawan Dishes at Kariyushi
Kariyushi offers a full selection of Okinawa’s signature dishes. For example, rafute—a dish featuring slow-simmered pork belly—boasts a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with rice. You can also enjoy sea grapes shipped directly from Okinawa, allowing you to fully savor the flavors of the island.
The restaurant also serves Okinawa soba, goya champuru, and po-po, all of which charm diners with their simple yet deep flavors reminiscent of local home cooking. Many of these dishes are praised by Okinawan natives and those who have visited Okinawa as evoking a “nostalgic taste.”
Authentic Okinawan Cuisine in Ibaraki — Its Cultural Background
Okinawan cuisine is a unique culinary culture within Japan, nurtured by its subtropical climate and distinct historical background. It is centered around pork-based dishes (such as rafute, soki, and mimiga), ingredients unique to Okinawa like sea grapes and goya, and the awamori culture that has continued since the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
At Kariyushi, you can enjoy classic dishes like Goya Champuru, Rafute, and Soki Soba that closely resemble the authentic flavors of Okinawa. The charm of this restaurant lies in the fact that you can have a dining experience that makes your heart race with excitement right here in Hitachinaka—without having to travel to Okinawa.
Toast with a wide selection of awamori and tropical drinks
At Kariyushi, we offer not only delicious food but also a wide selection of awamori and various sours. Awamori is a distilled spirit unique to Okinawa, characterized by a deep richness and aroma distinct from barley shochu. With a wide variety ranging from easy-to-drink brands for beginners to options for connoisseurs, you can enjoy the evening while soaking in the Okinawan atmosphere.
We also serve Okinawan craft beer and Orion Beer, so we recommend trying them alongside your meal to compare the flavors. Raising a toast while soaking in the tropical atmosphere is sure to make your evening even more enjoyable.
Awamori — A Distilled Spirit with Over 600 Years of History
Awamori is a Okinawan distilled spirit with a history of over 600 years and is one of the world’s rarest spirits made from rice. “Kusu” (aged awamori), which has been aged for a long time, boasts a rich flavor comparable to that of whiskey or brandy.
At Kariyushi, we offer a wide selection of awamori and tropical drinks, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavors in your preferred style—on the rocks, with water, or mixed with soda. The pairing of Okinawan cuisine and awamori is a combination we highly recommend you experience.
An interior brimming with Okinawan atmosphere
The interior features Okinawan-inspired decorations and music that heighten the tropical ambiance. Combined with the staff’s cheerful smiles, you’ll truly feel Okinawa’s “culture of hospitality,” making it a space where even first-time visitors are warmly welcomed.
The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and is bustling with locals stopping by after work and tourists. Enjoying a meal while Okinawan music plays will make you feel as though you’re on a mini-trip to Okinawa, even while staying right here in Hitachinaka.
7-minute walk from Katsuta Station
Kariyushi is conveniently located about a 7- to 8-minute walk from the JR Katsuta Station East Exit. Since it’s within walking distance after sightseeing or shopping, it’s easy to fit into your travel itinerary.
An Okinawan culinary experience recommended for international travelers
Okinawan cuisine boasts a unique culinary culture that is hard to find in other parts of Japan. With tropical ingredients and drinks like awamori, these flavors stand out even within Japan, offering a fresh experience for international travelers.
Kariyushi in Hitachinaka is a highly recommended spot for those visiting Japan for the first time and looking to enjoy a variety of Japanese flavors. Here, you can spend a relaxing time while experiencing the diversity of Okinawan culture and cuisine.
The Perfect Way to End Your Hitachinaka Sightseeing
If you’re looking to enjoy Okinawan cuisine in Hitachinaka, be sure to visit “Kariyushi.” Authentic Okinawan dishes and drinks, along with an atmosphere that evokes the tropics, will make your trip even more memorable.
As a dinner spot near Katsuta Station
Kariyushi is located a 7-minute walk from the East Exit of Katsuta Station. It’s the perfect spot to incorporate into your itinerary—after enjoying sightseeing in Hitachinaka (such as the Seaside Park and Fish Market) during the day, you can dine in the Katsuta Station area at night for a unique culinary experience.
For international travelers visiting Ibaraki, it’s a unique option that lets you experience “a foreign land within Japan” (Okinawa). It’s the perfect spot to wrap up your Hitachinaka sightseeing by sipping a glass of awamori and reflecting on your trip.