Umino Obento-yasan: Prepared meals from vending machine or freshly made bento boxes available for takeout (Dining area provided)

Located right in front of Okata Port, Umino Obento-yasan, also known as UMIBEN (海のお弁当屋さん), is a shop that offers prepared meals through a 24-hour vending machine. Additionally, they sell homemade bento boxes during the day. In an area like Okada Port with limited dining options, it's a delight to have access to freshly made and ready-to-eat meals. Opened in 2024, this shop has quickly become popular among locals and is definitely worth a visit. Whether you're looking for a meal after a swim, a lunch break on a mountain hike, or a late-night option when other restaurants are closed, UMIBEN is a great choice.

Homemade bento boxes crafted by the island mothers

The vending machine's corner is open 24 hours a day, but usually from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., island mothers prepare and serve homemade bento boxes. This gives you a chance to enjoy the authentic flavors crafted by Oshima's mothers. If you're eager to try something made with local ingredients, opt for the green chili ramen, known as "Aotou ramen." This dish, featuring locally sourced green chilies, offers a refreshing and slightly spicy broth that's become quite popular. It's a healthy option filled with vegetables, and you can customize the level of spiciness by requesting it when you order. The ramen costs 900 yen. If you're a seaweed enthusiast, consider adding harvested rock seaweed as a topping for an extra 100 yen.

For those who prefer convenient takeout options, the daily special bento box is ideal. Below, we'll explore the variety of bento boxes you can order at the seaside bento shop.

Bento boxes available from vending machines! Purchase anytime, 24/7

The go-to spot at Okata Port, where dining options are limited, offers bento boxes available 24/7. If you're staying near Okata Port, definitely take advantage of this. The shop features a wide range of bento choices, including ramen, tsukemen (dipping ramen noodles), omurice (Japanese omelette rice), doria (Japanese-style rice gratin), mentaiko udon (spicy cod roe udon), and more. There's a microwave in the shop for heating your meal, and dining space is available if you prefer to eat there. You can also take your meal to your accommodations or enjoy it by the seaside. Just remember to always take your trash with you and dispose of it properly. They also offer desserts like cakes and macarons, perfect for a late-night treat.

Delivery available with advance reservation (phone reservations only, in Japanese)

You can also reserve handmade bento boxes in advance. By calling the day before, you can arrange to have freshly made bento boxes ready at your specified time. Additionally, they offer delivery services, which can be quite convenient. Deliveries are available to areas like Motomachi or Senzu. Unfortunately, reservations and consultations are only accepted via phone and in Japanese. If you are fluent in Japanese, take advantage of this service.

Vegetarian-friendly options available (below are Japanese phrases to help you order a vegetarian bento box)

Hello, vegetarians! We've found a great bento box option for you. The Rock Seaweed Onigiri (Iwanori Onigiri) priced at 500 yen usually comes with sides like fried chicken, but you can request substitutions like boiled eggs or vegetables instead. Make sure to specify that you're a vegetarian when ordering.

If you're able to plan ahead, vegetarian-style bento boxes can be prepared with advance reservations (accepted until the day before, support available in Japanese only). You can order just one if that's all you need. If making a phone call in Japanese seems daunting, you might consider visiting the shop in person to place your order for the next day. Below are some Japanese phrases that might be useful when ordering a vegetarian bento. Feel free to use them when placing your order.