Marugame Seimen Opens Its First Island Location in Okinawa

A New Chapter for Marugame Seimen in Okinawa

Marugame Seimen, known for its dedication to freshly made udon, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first location on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, on December 10, 2025. The restaurant aims to bring the joy of daily, freshly prepared udon made directly from flour to the islands. This venture reflects a vision that has been in development for over three years, driven by a desire to offer the delicious experience of handmade udon to everyone, regardless of location. The initiative has seen enthusiastic support from both customers and staff native to the islands.

With a commitment to addressing the challenges of food logistics and storage that island areas often face, Marugame Seimen is not only laying down roots in Okinawa but also creating local employment opportunities. Approximately 50 residents of Ishigaki Island have been successfully recruited to join the team. The philosophy behind this new establishment is to embrace a unique managerial approach termed 'psychological capital management,' focusing on the happiness of both employees and customers. Marugame Seimen believes in nurturing both aspects to ensure sustainable growth and continued community engagement.

Freshly Made Udon and Unique Local Dishes

Ishigaki Island's location promises a diverse culinary experience. The restaurant will feature a skilled udon artisan from Okinawa, ensuring the production of fresh udon every day using only Japanese wheat, salt, and water. Customers can look forward to not just the classic Marugame Seimen offerings, but also exclusive items crafted specifically to pay homage to local Okinawan cuisine. One exciting product making its debut is the renowned 'Marugame Udonuts,' a popular udon-based donut that is set to delight both locals and visitors.

The menu will include unique local dishes such as 'Chicken and Vegetable Fried Udon,' featuring Okinawan herb chicken, and 'Pork Shabu Udon' made to satisfy the island's palate for pork products, prepared fresh right before customers. Each dish promises to integrate local flavors and seasonal ingredients to provide an unmatched gastronomic experience. Seasonal favorites will also include summertime specialties like the 'Oni Oroshi Pork Shabu Udon' and 'Oni Oroshi Meat Bukkake Udon,' prepared with freshly grated radish to enhance texture and flavor.

Decor and Atmosphere Inspired by Ishigaki Island

Reflecting the essence of Ishigaki Island, the store's design incorporates local cultural elements, combining the aesthetic of a traditional noodle house with the island's rich heritage. As soon as customers enter, they'll be greeted by a pair of Shisa (guardian lion-dogs), setting the tone for an immersive experience. The front kitchen space will be open, allowing patrons to witness the meticulous process of udon-making firsthand.

The venue will also feature handcrafted decor, including a 22-meter-long traditional weaving known as 'Yaeyama Mincho' adorning the walls, representing local craftsmanship. This space is designed to provide a warm atmosphere where both locals and tourists can enjoy fresh, tailor-made udon while feeling a deep connection to Ishigaki Island's unique culture.

Store Information

- Store Name: Marugame Seimen Ishigaki Island
- Location: 292-1 Manesari, Ishigaki, Okinawa
- Phone Number: 0980-87-4766
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order 30 minutes prior to closing)
- Closed: None (excluding New Year’s holidays)
- Seating Capacity: 82 seats
- Parking: 350 cars (Max Value property)
- Payment Methods: Credit card, electronic money, barcode payment, cash

In launching its first island location, Marugame Seimen hopes to serve as a bridge between the island’s natural resources and its culinary heritage. The restaurant welcomes everyone with open arms to experience the fresh taste of udon, reimagined for the vibrant community of Ishigaki Island.