Okinawa's "Salt House" (Ma-su-ya)

Okinawa's "Salt House" (Ma-su-ya) is Japan's first specialty salt store, renowned for its wide variety of salt products and unique snow salt ice cream. It has become a must-visit destination for tourists in Okinawa. Here's a detailed travel guide and recommendations for visiting Salt House: Features of Salt House World's Best Miyako Island Snow Salt: The most popular product at Salt House is "Miyako Island Snow Salt," which holds the Guinness World Record for the highest mineral content. This finely textured salt has a mild salinity and can enhance the sweetness of fruits and desserts, in addition to being used in cooking. Diverse Salt Products: The store offers over 600 types of salt from around the world and approximately 130 varieties of local Okinawan salt. Additionally, there are salt-based desserts, skincare products, and more. Salt Tasting Experience: Salt House is the first company in Japan to establish the "Salt Tasting Expert System." Professional salt tasters at the store can recommend the best salts to pair with various dishes, allowing you to truly appreciate the flavor and fun of salt. Snow Salt Ice Cream: A signature must-try treat! Besides the original milk ice cream, you can add various flavored salts (such as cocoa salt, yuzu salt, matcha salt, chili salt, wasabi salt, etc.) for free to create a unique sweet and salty taste. Must-Buy Recommendations Miyako Island Snow Salt: A top pick for its fine texture and versatile uses. Various Flavored Salts: Options include "All-Purpose European Salt" (great for Western cuisine), "Rice Ball Salt," "Okinawa Citrus Salt," and more. Combo packs are also available. Snow Salt Cotton Candy: Light and fluffy, it melts in your mouth. Popular among women, with flavors like brown sugar, purple yam, and coconut. Salted White Chocolate: A delightful blend of salty and sweet, rich in flavor, and a recent favorite. Snow Salt Chinsuko: Made with Miyako Island Snow Salt, offering a smoother texture and mild salinity that enhances its refined sweetness. Snow Salt Bread Crisps: Soft-textured crisps infused with Miyako Island Snow Salt, combined with egg and butter for a sweet and salty harmony. Snow Salt Fuwawa: Cute meringue treats with a soft and crispy texture that melt in your mouth, available in various flavors. Snow Salt Beauty Products: Salt House also offers skincare items like facial soap and shampoo made with snow salt, featuring natural ingredients. Store Information Salt House has multiple branches in popular tourist areas: International Street Store: There are several Salt House locations on International Street, with the flagship store near Makishi Station being more spacious and well-stocked. Address: 3-9-2 Makishi, Naha City (Map) Business Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM (some stores on International Street may stay open until 10:00 PM) Map Code: 33 158 480*28 Naha Airport Store: Located on the 2nd floor of the domestic terminal at Naha Airport, convenient for last-minute shopping before departure. Address: 150 Kagamizu, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, 2F YUINICHI STREET Business Hours: 7:00 AM–8:30 PM Map Code: 33 123 548 Note: The Matsuo and Heiwa Street stores on International Street have closed. The main locations now are the International Street Store and Naha Airport Store. Travel Tips Try Snow Salt Ice Cream: A must-do experience at Salt House! Experiment with different flavored salts to find your favorite combination. Sample Various Salts: The store usually offers salt tastings. Take advantage of this to explore different flavors and uses before purchasing. Tax-Free Shopping: Purchases over 5,400 yen (including tax) qualify for tax refunds. Remember to bring your passport. Consider Souvenirs: Salt House products make excellent gifts, especially snow salt, snow salt cotton candy, and salted white chocolate. Convenient Transportation: The International Street Store is easily accessible via monorail to "Makishi Station" or "Prefectural Office Station," followed by a short walk. The Naha Airport Store is located within the airport. Nearby Attractions and Food (Around International Street) If you're visiting the Salt House on International Street, there are plenty of nearby attractions and dining options: International Street: Naha City's bustling street with souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. First Makishi Public Market: Known as "Okinawa's Kitchen," offering fresh seafood and local dishes. Warmth Ramen / Ryukyu Ramen: Popular ramen shops with frequent queues. Ryukyu Beef: A famous yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant. Pork Egg Rice Ball Main Store: A local Okinawan breakfast or snack specialty. Blue Seal Ice Cream: Okinawa's iconic ice cream brand. Okashi Goten: A great place to buy Okinawan specialty sweets like purple yam tarts. Calbee+: Freshly fried chips and Okinawa-exclusive flavors. We hope this information helps you plan your visit to Okinawa's Salt House!