Local Guide
Okinawan pottery that accompanies our daily life. Six unique

Yachimun" pottery from Okinawa is popular for its chubby thickness and rustic texture, and is very practical. It can be used not only for Okinawan cuisine, but also for Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. Here are six pottery studios that we recommend when visiting Okinawa. They are rich in individuality, with some studios continuing to produce traditional pottery and some artists taking on the challenge of creating new styles. If you are a food lover or a vessel lover, why not buy some Yachimun as a souvenir of Okinawa for yourself?

Pottery pursuing the "beauty of form" of the Ryukyu Dynasty.

Sometsuke plate 3,300 yen, wakuta makai 2,640 yen, Persian blue karakara 6,600 yen, Persian blue gulping cup 2,200 yen, mintama 6
Sometsuke plate 3,300 yen, wakuta makai 2,640 yen, Persian blue karakara 6,600 yen, Persian blue gulping cup 2,200 yen, mintama 6" plate 4,400 yen

The kiln is run by a Kyoto-born potter who says, "I hope to convey the nature and history of Okinawa and the lives of the people who live there by incorporating as much as possible into each piece of pottery. He creates pottery every day with an awareness of the "dignified beauty of form" created during the Ryukyu Dynasty and the "white like an eggshell" that he saw in a museum when he was a student and was shocked by.
The "mintama" series, which is a modern interpretation of WAKUTA-YAKI, which has a longer history than Tsuboya-YAKI, having been made about 400 years ago, uses primary colors that look good in Okinawa. The mintama series uses primary colors that look good in Okinawa, and the cobalt overlay on the white veneer gives the dishes a simple and elegant appearance. The potter says, "Of course, I use the dishes I create while thinking about the food to be served. The simple yet impactful vessels have a sense of vitality. His works can be purchased at the gallery on the second floor of the studio.

Shop】Gallery on the 2nd floor of the studio, Ryukyu Folk Craft Center

Local Guide Comment
Koji Ichibiki, the owner of Ichiban Kobo Ichiban, has many fans outside of the prefecture, and is a man full of power.
Ichiban Pottery Studio
  • address (e.g. of house) 925-2 Nagahama, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 65 min. by car from Naha Airport (using toll road)
  • Business hours 9:00-18:00
  • Closed Closed on Sundays
  • TEL 098-958-1612
  • Parking Available

Champuru and pasta. Simple all-purpose vessels that can be used for a wide range of dishes.

Oval plate S: 3,300 yen, bean dish: 880 yen, regular bowl: 2,310 yen, 4
Oval plate S: 3,300 yen, bean dish: 880 yen, regular bowl: 2,310 yen, 4" makai: 1,980 yen, Japanese plate with dyed finish: 8": 5,500 yen

The studio is located in a residential area of Yomitan Village. A wide variety of items are available in colorful cobalt blue glazed vessels. Many people think of Yachimun as thick and bulky, but Iguchi Kobo's vessels are simple and delicate. When you hold a plate, makai (bowl, rice bowl), or bowl in your hand, you will be surprised at how light it is, and you will find that it is used frequently at the dining table.
The artist creates these dishes with the hope that they will blend in with daily life, enhance daily dishes, and give life to daily life. Plain white, black, and beige dishes and patterned dishes with cobalt blue glaze are popular because they "enhance the dishes you serve. You can purchase them at the workshop store every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., so be sure to visit.

Stores】D&DEPARTMENT OKINAWA, etc.

Local Guide Comment
His simple, lightweight dishes will make you want to use them every day. You will want to buy them in bulk.
Iguchi Workshop
  • address (e.g. of house) 93-372 Aza Furuken, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 70 minutes from Naha Airport by Car (using toll road)
  • TEL 098-989-5391
  • Parking Available

Simple dishes that can be used in daily life like sundries

Blue rimmed plate (7.5
Blue rimmed plate (7.5"), blue free cup, itchin makai, nut soup cup, itchin 5" plate

Kiln started in 2019. The name of the studio comes from the "flowing algae" drifting in the sea. They try to keep the finish simple so that the dishes they serve will look good on the table.
The original glaze sometimes takes a year to make, and the unique, calm blue color leaves a lasting impression. The white cups, painted with the traditional "Itchin" technique, have a soft, feminine image. The Nuts series soup cups, which are chunky and comfortable to hold, can be used to serve salads and simmered dishes as well as soups to create a slightly different dining experience.

Store] mano, Fujii Clothing Store, etc.

Local Guide Comment
The soft, feminine colors and forms of his pottery will make you feel gentle every time you use it.
nagaremo
  • Memo Not for sale at the workshop. Prices vary depending on the store.

Joint Kiln by Four Okinawa's Leading Yachimun Artists

Masayuki Miyagi, wambu (bowl), 4,400 yen; Yoneji Matsuda, an-bin, 11,000 yen; Masamori Yonahara, plate, 15,000 yen; Kyoshi Matsuda, 7
Masayuki Miyagi, wambu (bowl), 4,400 yen; Yoneji Matsuda, an-bin, 11,000 yen; Masamori Yonahara, plate, 15,000 yen; Kyoshi Matsuda, 7" plate, 3,630 yen

Yachimun-no-sato" is a must-visit destination for pottery lovers, with 19 workshops. The kiln is located at the far end of the village and was established by four ceramic artists in 1992. One produces pottery with a powerful style and beautiful presence, another uses Persian blue glaze and creates exotic pieces with motifs from Okinawa, Asia, and Africa, while the other preserves tradition while incorporating new techniques and patterns to create pottery that fits in with modern life, and the third produces a wide range of pottery, from powerful to delicate. Some produce a wide range of works, from powerful to delicate. Each studio is located on the same site, and each produces yachimun with a different personality.
The works of the four artists, which are fired four times a year in the large 13-row kiln, can be purchased at the Kita Kiln store.

Shop】Hokugama Shop

Local Guide Comment
The Kitagama store is a must-see for pottery lovers, as you can purchase pottery made by four great artists at reasonable prices!
Kita Kiln (store)
  • address (e.g. of house) 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan-mura, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 65 min. by car from Naha Airport (using toll road)
  • Business hours 9:30-13:00, 14:00-17:30
  • Closed Monday (call to confirm)
  • TEL 098-958-6488
  • Parking Available

Yachimun and Ryukyu glass. Unique vessels that you can enjoy the changes

Ryukyu glass tamenuri square plate, small glass plates, cups & saucers, pasta plates, small oval plates
Ryukyu glass tamenuri square plate, small glass plates, cups & saucers, pasta plates, small oval plates

This is the pottery we recommend to those who say, "I don't want to look like anyone else. These artists produce cups and saucers and vessels in pastel colors, which are rare for yachimun, as well as unique pieces such as the "Ryukyu Glass Tamari Shikaku Dish," a square dish with Ryukyu glass laid in the center. Ryukyu glass vessels are fantastic, with different colors and brightness depending on the way light enters the vessels.
The glaze and the Ryukyu glass are said to be difficult to match, so the amount of glaze is carefully adjusted. The artist says, "I want to make the pieces as enjoyable as possible for daily use. The artist incorporates feedback from Guest/customers into her work, and strives to create products that are close to the user.

Stores】Maranatha, Yuntan, Hotel Nikko Alivila, etc.

Local Guide Comment
The combination of Ryukyu glass and Yachimun is new! Since it is rare, it may be a nice Okinawa souvenir.
eibou
  • address (e.g. of house) Zakimi, Yomitan-mura, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa
  • TEL 080-6486-6571
  • Memo No sales at the workshop. Prices vary depending on the retailer.

Dishes in vitamin colors that brighten up your dining table, created by twin sisters.

Mame-dara (soybean dish), color painted round plate, color painted square plate
Mame-dara (soybean dish), color painted round plate, color painted square plate

The kiln is run by twin sisters from Osaka. Their colorful and cute vessels make such a big impact that you can't help but squeal with delight. They incorporate the "colorful nature of Okinawa" and "tropical flowers, birds, winds, and the moon" that they encounter in their daily lives into their pottery, aiming to create "Yachimun that can compete with the vivid colors and contrasts of Okinawa.
The elder sister is in charge of molding and the younger sister is in charge of painting. The dishes, mugs, and free cups that brighten up your mood every time you use them are not only for serving food, but are also wonderful to use as accessory trays or to display as interior decorations. Yachimun is also a pleasing sight to the eye that adds color to your home time, and you will want to have a collection of them in different colors and designs.

Stores: mofgmona no zakka, etc.

Local Guide Comment
The pop and colorful vessels that make you feel cheerful just by looking at them are very popular among women. It would be a great gift for your female friends.
Kobo Futagodo
  • address (e.g. of house) 662 Ohwan, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • TEL 090-5976-6557
  • Memo Not for sale at the workshop. Prices vary depending on the store.

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Return to article top
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.