The Cheese Guy in Okinawa - OkiCheese — Local services in Nanjo

If you are looking for some of the best hand-crafted and gourmet cheese that can be found in Okinawa (and for most of Japan), John "the Cheese Guy" definitely has it for you. Contrary to one negative review, Okinawa is absolutely the perfect place to cultivate molds for cheesemaking and John has hands-down nailed the process.

On multiple occasions I have had the pleasure to actually tour their dairy and watch the cheesemaking process. Without reservation, John's milk is premium, his cultures are well managed and as a result the end product is far superior to that of your average and limited store bought selections.

All in all, he has a catalog of 20+ cheese varieties, some made with herbs and/or fruits, but also many of the old standards like Parmesan, Romano, Taleggio, Camembert, etc. As a chef, I have had a difficult time finding these selections for cooking, and have been extremely fortunate as my search is over.

In my 6+ years here, I have been buying from The Cheese Guy regularly and as a local resident, it's a pleasure to be able to partake in his "Cheese Run" deliveries which for a Yomitan resident is much appreciated in lieu of driving to Nanjo all the time.

Still, if you've never been to the shop -- You must go! Some may say his cheese is expensive, but they obviously have never bought premium handmade cheeses. Comparing price against a supermarket quality mass produced additive enriched blob of curd just isn't an Apples to Apples comparison. John's cheeses have been highly touted throughout Okinawa, Japan and beyond.

Visit the shop, taste a few samples and even pickup his Yogurt which is absolutely lovely. Disregard any trolling negative reviews, these are just not accurate and all the chef's I know in Okinawa agree that John's products are "off the...

I can't say enough wonderful things about John "The Cheese Guy" and his amazing storefront. The cheeses are absolutely heavenly! John provides so many options, you'll find a cheese perfectly suited for any recipe and taste (and his yogurt is divine!). Going to the Cheese Shop to meet with John and his lovely wife is a highlight of my day when I'm able to get over to Nanjo. John will go over the cheese selections with you, provide yummy samples, and even go above and beyond to give suggestions when you know you want a cheese, but just not sure how you want to incorporate it into a snack or meal. I've also been so honored to tour John's cheese factory to see the processes for how these delicious cheeses are made. As a bonus, John was so gracious to take my husband and I to a wonderful nearby store to look at wines and a farmer's market to look at fruits and vegetables to pair with the cheese. Overall, best cheese in Okinawa and maybe just about anywhere I've been! It will be a sad day when my family leaves this beautiful island. I may just have to find a way to invent a teleportation machine so I can still get my...

After years of ordering cheese from afar for my café and wine bar, I finally got the chance to meet the legendary John in person while visiting Okinawa! At first, I thought I was lost—the shop is so tiny you might blink and miss it—but don’t let its size fool you. Inside, you’ll find John, the most charming, witty, and knowledgeable guy you could hope to meet, surrounded by a treasure trove of cheeses and other irresistible treats.

John treated me to an unforgettable tasting session, complete with outdoor BBQ, dessert, and plenty of laughs. It’s not just a cheese shop, it’s a full-on experience with great company. If you’re in Okinawa, this is one stop you...