Euglena Mall | Japan's Southernmost Arcade Shopping Street in Ishigaki | Souvenirs & Gourmet

Spreading out in the heart of Ishigaki’s town center, a 5-minute walk from the remote-island terminal, “Euglena Mall” is Japan’s southernmost arcade shopping street. Over 100 souvenir shops, eateries and sundries shops line up along two streets, Chuo-dori and Ginza-dori—the center of Ishigaki sightseeing.

This mall, whose name changed when Euglena Co., Ltd. acquired the naming rights in 2010, is a huge help not only for tourists but as a base for locals’ lives. Yaeyama Minsa weaving, Ishigaki beef, Yaeyama soba, awamori, tropical fruit—treasures you can only get on Ishigaki await you in a lively space. In this article, we’ll fully cover Euglena Mall’s charm, recommended shops, gourmet and access.

What Kind of Place Is Euglena Mall? Japan’s Southernmost Arcade Shopping Street

Euglena Mall is Japan’s southernmost arcade shopping street, in the heart of Ishigaki City, Okinawa. Made up of two streets, Chuo-dori and Ginza-dori, over 100 shops line up. It’s an existence that can be called Ishigaki’s “center,” bustling not only with tourists but as a shopping and dining base for locals.

It’s operated by the Ishigaki City Central Shopping District Promotion Association. Because it’s an “arcade,” you can stroll without an umbrella even on a rainy day, and the convenience of enjoying it without worrying about Ishigaki’s weather is a big appeal too.

The origin of the name “Euglena Mall”

It was originally named the “Central Shopping District,” but in 2010 Euglena Co., Ltd. acquired the naming rights and the name changed to “Euglena Mall.” Euglena is a company famous for health foods using euglena (midorimushi), and there’s a connection in that Ishigaki is its raw-material production base.

Euglena Mall’s Highlights | Standard Shops & Gourmet

Ishigaki Public Market | the mall’s central spot

At the mall’s center is the Ishigaki Public Market. With over 23 shops in a three-story building, it’s a must-visit spot for tourists where fresh food, souvenirs and island cuisine gather all in one place.

Yaeyama Minsa weaving

Yaeyama’s traditional textile “Minsa weaving” is a souvenir you’ll want to check out at Euglena Mall. Characterized by patterns of five and four, carrying the meaning “for all time (itsu-no-yo-made-mo)”—a play on the numbers 5 (itsu) and 4 (yo)—it’s been loved since old times as a token of love given from a woman to a man.

Every kind of Ishigaki souvenir is available

Category	Representative products
Island liquor	Various awamori, liqueurs
Island sweets	Sata andagi, chinsuko, salted sweets
Island foods	Fresh Yaeyama soba noodles, mozuku, sea grapes, chili oil
Island sundries	Shisa, Minsa weaving, shellwork
Fruit	Mango, pineapple (seasonal)
T-shirts	Ishigaki original designs

Eateries are extensive too | Yaeyama soba & island cuisine

Inside the mall, varied eateries line up—famous Yaeyama soba shops, island-cuisine restaurants, cafés, izakaya, fruit parlors, shaved-ice shops and more. Ideal for a sightseeing lunch or an evening island-cuisine experience too.

Large souvenir shops | Sanpin Kobo & Ishigaki Island Kyodo Baiten

Sanpin Kobo is one of the mall’s largest souvenir shops. With a wide range of island liquor, sundries, foods and sweets, you can bulk-buy souvenirs here too. Ishigaki Island Kyodo Baiten also has a rich selection, where standard souvenirs come together all at once.

Euglena Mall Basic Information & Access

Item	Details
Location	203 Okawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Hours	Varies by shop (around 10:00–20:00)
Closed	Varies by shop
Number of shops	Over 100
Parking	Use nearby paid lots

Departure point	Time needed
New Ishigaki Airport	About 20 min by car
Ishigaki Port Remote-Island Terminal	About 5 min on foot
Bus Terminal	About 5 min on foot

Parking is paid | make use of the surroundings

Paid parking lots such as the City Hall No. 2 parking lot are scattered around Euglena Mall. Available from about ¥100/hour. It’s an area where walking access is recommended.

How to Enjoy Euglena Mall

Standard half-day course

1. Arrive on foot from the remote-island terminal
2. View fresh food & souvenirs at the Ishigaki Public Market
3. Island-cuisine lunch (Yaeyama soba, etc.)
4. Head to a Minsa-weaving sundries shop
5. Buy island liquor & sweets all at once
6. Island-sweets time at a café

The strongest rainy-day plan

Since it’s a roofed shopping street protected by an arcade, it’s comfortable even on a rainy day. It makes the strongest plan B for when the weather turns during Ishigaki sightseeing.

Nearby Spots to Enjoy Together with Euglena Mall

Chorinji & Gongendo | Yaeyama’s oldest temple & shrine

Chorinji & Gongendo, about an 8-minute walk from Euglena Mall. Pair them with town sightseeing.

Miyara Dunchi | nationally designated Important Cultural Property

Miyara Dunchi, about a 7-minute walk from Euglena Mall. For a history-walk course.

Ishigaki Port Remote-Island Terminal | the base for remote-island tours

About a 5-minute walk from Euglena Mall. You can drop by in the time before or after a ferry to Taketomi Island or Iriomote Island.

Euglena Mall FAQ

What are the hours?

It varies by shop, but generally 10:00–20:00. Some eateries stay open until late at night.

How long does it take?

For a quick look, 1 hour; with lunch and souvenir shopping, 2–3 hours.

Can I use a credit card?

Large shops often accept credit cards, but some small shops are cash-only. Preparing plenty of cash is reassuring.

Can I enjoy it with kids?

Yes—with the arcade meaning you needn’t worry about the weather, plus a food court and toy/sundries shops, it’s recommended for families too.

Summary | Savor Ishigaki’s Town Culture at Euglena Mall

Euglena Mall is Japan’s southernmost arcade shopping street. With over 100 souvenir, gourmet and sundries shops, it’s the center of Ishigaki sightseeing, where you can experience the island’s culture and life, centered on the Ishigaki Public Market.

5-minute-walk access from the remote-island terminal, an arcade reassuring even on rainy days, 2–3 hours needed. On your next Ishigaki trip, be sure to discover the island’s appeal at this lively shopping street.