A grocery store in Hitoyama that has been part of the island for over a century. Fresh fish comes directly from local fishermen, and the handmade oden (simmered stew) and deep-fried food sold by weight have their loyal following—but the real draw is “bara-zushi,” a homestyle scattered sushi packed with shrimp, burdock, and bamboo shoots, known to sell out in under two hours. The walls are covered with warm, characterful paintings made by the owner’s father. A simple, unhurried place where everyday island life feels close.
Okadaya Shoten
1866 Hitoyama, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa 761-4151
Access: 14-minute drive from Tonosho Port or Ikeda Port
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Places with Connections
Guide: Okada-san, Okadaya Shoten
How to Make “Omaze,” a Shodoshima Home Recipe
I’m told that it was once reserved for special occasions, but at our house it’s a regular at the table, and we serve it at the shop too. The idea is simple: finely chop burdock, carrot, dried shrimp, dried shiitake mushrooms, and fish cake—whatever you happen to have at home—then simmer everything in soy sauce with some mirin (sweet rice wine). It’s just simple seasoning and we don’t add sugar. Mix the cooked ingredients well into steamed white rice, and that’s it. Easy, right?