Based in Okinawa, travel and lifestyle blogger @owncolorstravel shares tips and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots and travel ideas across Okinawa — especially for visitors from outside the prefecture or international travelers interested in Japanese culture.
One of the greatest joys of travel is definitely food. Sometimes, a single bowl of ramen can unexpectedly reveal the true charm of a place.
This time, I stopped by a popular spot in Chatan’s American Village called Gyukotsu Ryukyu Ramen MARUMARO.
Their signature “Ryukyu Ramen,” made with a rich, slow-simmered beef bone broth, is something you can only taste here in Okinawa.
Gyukotsu Ryukyu Ramen MARUMARO
Where to Find MARUMARO
The restaurant is located on the third floor of the colorful “Depot Central” building in Mihama American Village, Chatan.
You can’t miss it — there’s a big pink shark statue right in front of the building! The elevator is right next to it, so go ahead and ride it up to the third floor. The second floor has an open, airy design that makes the space feel bright and welcoming.
Inside this same building, you’ll also find Cafe San Francisco, which I introduced before, and the souvenir shop Pineapple Pineapple +y.
Menu & Atmosphere — Perfect Even for Solo Diners or Women Traveling Alone
When I visited, it was already toward the end of the lunch hour, but there was still a lively atmosphere — a big group of tourists was lining up at the register, so I waited for a bit. Pretty busy for a weekday! Once the group left, I was finally guided inside.
The interior wasn’t like your typical “old-school ramen shop.” Instead, it had a modern, stylish, and relaxed vibe. The simple lighting above the counter gave it a clean, minimal look — cozy but not crowded. It felt like the kind of place that’s great for a casual date or a lunch break while sightseeing, and with the counter seating, it’s also easy for solo diners or women to drop by comfortably.
Orders are placed via tablet, which has become the norm everywhere now — even at more upscale restaurants. (Seriously, can we stop that already? lol)
I’m getting used to it, but when you dine alone, you end up leaving without saying a single word to anyone — so maybe this kind of system actually suits people who prefer a quiet, no-hassle experience.
Now, about the menu: the Gyukotsu Ryukyu Ramen comes in soy sauce or miso flavor, and there are also options like shrimp-based ramen, which is nice for those looking for something lighter or a bit more health-conscious.
They even have a premium Wagyu roast beef ramen, made with Japanese black beef — definitely on the pricier side once tax is added, but it’s the kind of dish that would appeal to overseas visitors too. Chatan, after all, has a lot of U.S. military personnel and international tourists, so offering domestic Wagyu beef is a smart way to catch their attention — everyone loves Wagyu!
There are also some side dishes, and the couple sitting next to me ordered ramen for him and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) for her — so cute! The sizzling fried chicken on the hot plate looked absolutely delicious too.
The Benefits of Beef Bone Broth
For my meal, I ordered the Shoyu (soy sauce) Gyukotsu Ryukyu Ramen.
The broth, made from Wagyu beef bones, was rich yet not heavy — beautifully creamy and smooth, coating each strand of noodle just right. I also loved how it came with plenty of vegetables like Okinawan goya (bitter melon), bamboo shoots, tomatoes, and garlic, giving it a nice balance of flavor and nutrition.
When people hear “beef bone ramen,” they often imagine something super thick and greasy. But this was completely different — it had depth and warmth, reminding me a little of a richer version of Korean seolleongtang (ox bone soup).
At the popular Gyukotsu Ryukyu Ramen MARUMARO in Chatan’s American Village, you can enjoy their original “Ryukyu Ramen,” featuring a carefully simmered beef bone–based broth paired with specially selected medium-thick noodles. The flavor is light yet full-bodied, with a clean, refreshing finish that makes you want to drink the last drop.
Since beef bones are said to be rich in collagen and minerals, it’s also a great choice for those who care about beauty and wellness. I found it especially nice that the toppings highlight local Okinawan ingredients, letting you taste a bit of the island’s flavor in each bite.
These days, Okinawa has been seeing more ramen shops that offer satisfying, high-quality bowls like this — and that makes food lovers like me really happy.
But what truly makes this ramen special is its uniqueness. Beef bone ramen is still pretty rare, even in Japan, so having it here in Okinawa — with the island breeze in the background — feels like something you’ll remember long after your trip.
If you’re planning your next Okinawa getaway and want to try something a little different, this ramen is definitely worth a stop.
