Region
Kyushu
Island
Ryukyu Islands
Largest City
Naha
Population
1,318,281

Tsuboya Pottery Street

The 330-year-old center and symbol of Okinawan pottery.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Tsuboya Pottery District is the bona fide birthplace of yachimun – a regional word describing all pottery made by Okinawan artisans that uses only indigenous soil.

This historical neighborhood with origins dating back to the 17th century, also goes by its alias “Yachimun Alley” and is pretty much pottery shops galore, showcasing the latest clay creations at every turn.

As you stroll through the handful of ceramic studios and stores offering a mix of both traditional and contemporary potteryware, keep your eyes peeled for ancient “anagama” kilns brought from China to Japan via Korea.

Pick up a shisa souvenir from one of the ateliers in the district.

Pick up a handmade shisa to protect yourself from the evil spirits. Or just for decoration is ok too.

You’ll spot more yachimun in the traditional houses with red earthenware roof tiles, as well as the iconic lion-dog statues known as shisa. Similar to gargoyles, these guardian statuettes stand watch on almost every rooftop in Okinawa – all of them made in the Tsuboya Pottery District.

Sneak a peek at talented potters molding away or personalize your own one-of-a-kind souvenir at any number of ateliers offering a workshop. Typical pottery courses range only an hour in length and beginners are always welcome. Try your hand at a pottery wheel or use the old-school molding method as per traditional Ryukyu technique.

From glazed mugs, plates, and pitchers aplenty, it may be hard to resist shopping till you’re dropping as you explore the charming nooks and crannies. But Tsuboya also has its share of places to eat, drink and be merry. Homely cafes serve their handmade fare on handcrafted platters that add a touch of rustic refinement. Yachimun containers have also played a vital role in preserving awamori – Okinawa’s famous alcoholic beverage. It’s probably best to shop before you drink as awamori is a notoriously potent poison.

Things To Know

Pottery Classes

Many of the ateliers in the area offer pottery classes – times are displayed on posters outside each store. Plan to spend around ¥3000 for a one-hour class where you can create a shisa, bowl, plate or hanging shisa.

How To Get There

Address

902-0065, Japan

By train

Take the Yui Monorail (Okinawa City Monorail) to Makishi Station, where Tsuboya Pottery District is a 10-minute walk in the direction of Tsuboya Yachimun Street.

By foot

From Kokusai-dori (International Street) walk south through the Heiwa-dori arcade to come out in the district.

Where To Stay

Mr. Kinjo Eminence Inn Makishi
  • 3-22-39 Makishi, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0013 Japan
  • ¥4,845 - ¥6,650
  • 3.54/5 (173 reviews)
  • 0.2 km
Alphabed Inn Naha Kokusai-dori West
  • 1-5-1 Tsuboya, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 902-0065 Japan
  • ¥17,200 - ¥24,800
  • 0.4 km
Okinawa Hinode Resort & Hot Spring Hotel
  • 3-18-33 Makishi, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0013 Japan
  • ¥24,150 - ¥34,980
  • 4.14/5 (357 reviews)
  • 0.4 km
BiBi Hotel Kokusai-dori
  • 3-20-36 Makishi, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0013 Japan
  • ¥6,900 - ¥6,900
  • 4.17/5 (46 reviews)
  • 0.4 km
Hyatt Regency Naha Okinawa
  • 3-6-20 Makishi, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0013 Japan
  • ¥25,200 - ¥68,060
  • 4.52/5 (651 reviews)
  • 0.4 km