A travel and lifestyle blogger based in Okinawa, @owncolorstravel, shares recommended sightseeing spots and travel tips for those visiting Okinawa from outside the prefecture, as well as international tourists interested in Japanese culture.
This time, for those who love exploring cafés and bakeries, I’ll introduce a stylish bakery café located in Kitanakagusuku Village in the central area of Okinawa’s main island.
・AIEN BAKERY in Kitanakagusuku
AIEN BAKERY 263 Nakajun, Kitanakagusuku Village, Okinawa 901-2303
AIEN BAKERY is a bakery shop that opened in the summer of 2023 in the Kitanakagusuku area of central Okinawa. It was started by AIEN Coffee & Hostel, a popular dormitory-style accommodation and café located at the port in Chatan. The Chatan location is well-known among both locals and many U.S. military-affiliated Americans.
I’ve been to the Chatan spot a few times before, but this time, I finally got to check out their new bakery in Kitanakagusuku!
While Chatan is right by the ocean, Kitanakagusuku has more of a hilltop vibe, offering a great panoramic view of both the city and the sea. Getting to AIEN BAKERY means driving up winding roads with some steep and narrow slopes, so be sure to drive carefully on the way there!
The shop has a parking area and a spacious terrace seating area, making it a great spot to relax. On a warm, sunny day, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee break!
Since it was a Tuesday, the shop was operating as a café, which they do on Mondays and Tuesdays. From Wednesday to Sunday, it transforms into a full bakery with fresh bread available.
On café days, you can enjoy a pretzel bagel sandwich and açaí bowls at the attached café!
I ordered the tandoori chicken bagel and an iced latte, and while waiting, I took a little tour of the shop. The staff was super kind and let me take photos inside.
The interior, along with the décor and little details, is simple yet insanely stylish!
It’s not in the photos, but there are stylish details everywhere, like ceramic speakers and other carefully curated touches. You can really feel the attention to design in every corner!
Outside the windows, there’s lush greenery, creating a visually calming atmosphere. It almost feels like looking at a painting—an artistic space that’s both serene and inspiring.
The space is spacious and thoughtfully designed, divided into three separate rooms. One of them even had clothing for sale—mostly kids’ clothes, from what I could tell. I just took a quick peek at that section!
Alright, my order has arrived!
This tandoori chicken bagel looks absolutely gorgeous on the plate. It’s warm, soft yet slightly crisp, and packed with flavorful ingredients that come together perfectly in every bite.
On the side, there’s a little raisin butter, adding an extra touch of deliciousness!
AIEN BAKERY – a hidden gem in Kitanakagusuku Village.
Funny enough, I actually found out about this place from a pair of sisters I met in Naha who were visiting Okinawa as tourists. I wonder if most people discover it through Instagram? Either way, they had great taste!
Kitanakagusuku has a bunch of hidden cafés and restaurants like this, so it’s fun to explore and find your own favorite spots.
Next time, I’ll try waking up early to check out the bakery on a Wednesday or later—and of course, I still need to try their açaí bowl!