Ou-jima (Ou Island) is a tiny fishing village located in Tamagusuksu Village, a neighborhood of Nanjo City in southern Okinawa. The island itself is very small, and will only take you a few minutes to drive around its perimeter, making it the perfect place to park the car and walk instead. It's not uncommon to see hundreds of fresh squid drying in the sun and fishermen preparing their morning's catch. I've also been told that Ou-jima is famous for its tempura, with locals lining up out the door of small restaurants in the hopes to get the freshest local specialty. Unfortunately I visited quite early in the morning so I missed out on the tempura, but had an enjoyable time strolling around the fishing port. Ou-jima is also the location of the annual Ou Jima Haarii boat race held each June. Ou-jima can be accessed off Route 331, approximately 30 minutes SE of Naha.
- 1 min read
Ou-jima, Okinawa
A Quaint Fishing Village in Southern Okinawa

By Chris Barnes
Community writer

Fresh squid drying in the sun is a common sight on Ou-jima

The Ou-jima fishing port

Boats in storage for the annual Ou-jima Haarii boat race

Local restaurants on Ou-jima

The fishing never ends for some on Ou-jima

Beautiful views from Ou-jima

Tiny restaurants are scattered around the island

Beautiful views from Ou-jima

Squid fishing boats in Ou-jima port

Fishing nets that seem to go for miles in Ou-jima port
Join the discussion
Olga
10 years ago
The drying squid looks cool!
Tastes even better while enjoying a beer ;)
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
2
Snoopy Studios Reopening at USJ
Osaka -
3
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
4
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
5
Unique Eco-Tourism Experience at Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori -
6
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
7
Volcano-hopping in Kyushu
Activities -
8
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
9
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
10
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
7
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8
Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa -
9
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
10
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo