In the Tsuboya neighborhood, you can casually enjoy traditional pottery experience. “Yachimun” means “pottery” in Okinawan dialect.

From the 14th century to the 16th century, when foreign trade was flourishing, Okinawa imported a large amount of ceramics from China and southern countries. At that time, the technique of Nanban-yaki was also spread widely, and became the catalyst for today's pottery culture.

Since then, Yachimun is one of Okinawa's traditional crafts with a long history of 600 years. The town of Tsuboya is one of the main kilns, and the pottery made in this area is called "Tsuboya ware".

In recent years, many modern and well-designed items have been created, and are becoming popular as fashionable Okinawan souvenirs.

Yachimun is popular as unique tableware and as a thoughtful souvenir. In addition to shopping, we also recommend the "pottery experience" at Tsuboya.

When it comes to hands-on experiences, people tend to focus on "marine activities," but this Yachimun experience is actually gaining popularity.

Tsuboya is dotted with hands-on facilities where you can experience pottery making. If you are traveling to Okinawa during the winter season, rainy season, or typhoon season, check it out. You can also experience hand forming, potter's wheel, painting, and making a three-dimensional and brave shisa.

One of the most popular experiences is Shisa-lion making. Depending on the workshop, you can challenge various shapes such as the standard standing Shisa, the expressive Men Shisa, and the easy-to-use dish Shisa. It's an experience of about 2 hours, but the teacher will follow you well, so it's safe for those who are new to pottery and children.

Recommended for those who don't have time to make cups and bowls using a full-fledged potter's wheel. This can be made in a short time of 30 to 60 minutes, so the advantage is that you can casually experience it during your trip.

Also, the third painting experience. This is the contents of drawing your favorite pictures and letters on the plate prepared in advance. Using a traditional Tsuboya-yaki glaze on a plate, pictures and letters are applied with a brush.

Shisa, the symbol of Okinawa and a guardian deity, and tableware with a soft texture. It's fun to look for your favorites in stores as a tourist, but if you make them yourself, you'll have a different kind of fun and create memories.

■ Basic information
Name: Yachimun Pottery Experience
Origin: 14th-16th century
Area: Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Date: Held all year round
Participation fee: 3,000 yen per person (estimate)

■ Experience content
・Shisa-lion making (about 2 hours)
・Making bowls and cups (about 1 hour)
・ Painting experience (about 1 hour)

■ Areas with connections
Tsuboya neighborhood (Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)

*The above costs are estimates.
Please check the website for details.