A 3-day/2-night trip to "HOSHINOYA Okinawa" to encounter Okinawan pottery "Yachimun"|Recommended Model Course
Yachimun" is an Okinawan word for pottery, a traditional craft with a history of over 400 years, and is used in daily life for daily necessities and shisa. Although the thick, chunky shapes and large painted patterns give the impression of being very large, the world of Yachimun is very diverse and deep, with delicate shapes and colorful patterns. In Yomitan Village, located in the central part of Okinawa's main island, there is a pottery workshop called "Yachimun-no-sato," which is a popular tourist spot.
HOSHINOYA Okinawa" is a luxury hotel "HOSHINOYA" located along the coast about 15 minutes by car from the Yachimun-no-sato. It offers a one-of-a-kind stay that incorporates Okinawan culture and history, including yachimun. How about a trip where you can live by the sea and experience Okinawan crafts such as unique yachimun and contemporary glass works?
Points of the model course
- Enjoy Ryukyuan culture and Okinawan gastronomy
- Immerse yourself in the world of the artists at Yachimun-no-sato
- Find souvenirs at "Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Day 1
Naha Airport
Approximately 60 minutes by car (using HOSHINOYA Okinawa's Parking lot)
13:00 BANTA CAFE by Hoshino Resorts
Lunch at a café overlooking the coral reef sea with a spectacular view
The "seaside terrace" where you can feel close to the ocean. The floor is made in the motif of Ryukyu tatami mats, with cushions placed on the floor for a cozy atmosphere.
One of the largest ocean cafes in Japan stands on the "Iyumi Banta" (cliff for watching fish) along the inlet in Yomitan Village. Overlooking the shallow sea of "Ino" with its coral reefs, the café has four areas that take advantage of the natural topography. The "O-roof deck" overlooking the horizon, the "seaside terrace" on the slope leading to the beach, and the "rocky terrace" surrounded by native plants and large rocks, it is up to you to decide where you want to spend your time. You can relax in an extraordinary space with the sound of waves echoing in the air.
The menu is rich in local flavors, including Okinawan soul food "pork and egg onigiri" and "Uchina pizza toast" accented with bitter gourd. For drinks, we recommend the "Bukubuku Jule Soda," inspired by Okinawa's traditional Bukubuku tea.
- BANTA CAFE by Hoshino Resorts
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560 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
10:00~1 hour after sunset (L.O. sunset)
Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and April 27-May 6: 8:00~.
No holidays
098-921-6810
Business days and hours are subject to change for certain reasons
Short walk
15:00 HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Blissful Okinawan Luxury at "Gusuku no Iinkan
The coastal resort is surrounded by a "Gusuku Wall" inspired by Okinawa's historical sites, and all Guest rooms have ocean front desks. The grounds are dotted with an infinity pool, a dojo where guests can enjoy activities, and gardens and fields with colorful tropical flowers and grasses. Guest rooms and all other areas of the resort will be decorated with Yachimunun.
Hal
Ocean front desk rooms are low-rise with the ocean close by. The "Doma Dining Room" is decorated with traditional Okinawan crafts such as Yachimun cups and Ryukyu Bingata wallpaper. The charm of Guest room "Hal" is the "terrace living room" that juts out to the sea. It is a luxurious space where you can see the expression of the ocean at different times of the day.
15:30 "A Moment by the Sea
Relax with Okinawa's traditional "Bukubuku Tea
The foam on the makai (tea bowls) filled with sampincha tea looks like clouds. Ryukyuan sweets "chinsuko" are served as accompaniments.
In the one-story dojo with red-tile roof and porch, guests can enjoy Okinawa's traditional "bukubuku-cha" tea. When "senri-mai-yu," which is roasted rice boiled down, and sanpin-cha tea are whisked together, the resulting tea is full of fluffy bubbles. Enjoy the healing tea while listening to the history of Bukubuku-cha.
18:30 "Evening Sitting
Watching traditional performing arts in a space surrounded by sunset
Ryukyu karate was demonstrated with introduction of "kata" (forms). The "kumite" (two people fighting each other) is particularly breathtaking!
At dusk, traditional performing arts passed down from the Ryukyu Dynasty era are performed by the poolside. The performance will change daily from gorgeous Ryukyuan dance, to singing sanshin (a three-stringed instrument) with its unique melody, to a spirited Ryukyuan karate demonstration. You can experience a variety of traditional performing arts during your stay.
19:00 Pool
Sunset in the infinity pool that feels like you are in the ocean.
The heated swimming pool can be used 24 hours a day and is at the right temperature all year round. At night, the pool is illuminated with underwater lights, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
The swimming pool opens to the sea, and when the setting sun turns the area red, it seems to melt into the sea and the sky. The pool is divided into four areas with different depths, and chairs are scattered in the shallow waters where you can enjoy the pool in your clothes. There are also daybeds by the poolside, where you can spend your twilight time as you wish.
19:30 Dinner "Dining
Ryukyu Gastronomia - Bellezza" leads you to healthy beauty
Beef fillet wrapped with shellfish (example of a course, varies depending on the season). Using techniques from all over Italy, the restaurant offers dishes that resonate with all five senses.
The theme of the nine-course menu is the fusion of beauty and food, incorporating "kusuimun" (medicine and food), a concept that has been alive in Okinawa since ancient times. The dishes that nurture beauty are presented one after another in pursuit of the possibilities of Okinawa's unique ingredients in terms of flavor and nutrients. Yachimun dishes, full of the artist's individuality, complement the local flavors.
Day 2
07:00 "Morning Workout Deep Breathing
Wake up with a stretch while looking out at the ocean
Deep breathing in the open space with an ocean view will refresh your body and mind.
The next morning, we will head to the dojo to participate in stretching exercises based on Ryukyu karate kata, breathing in for four beats and exhaling for eight beats while focusing on each part of the body to relieve stiffness throughout the body. After stretching, you will feel warm and refreshed.
07:30 Breakfast "Dining
Recharge your energy with a breakfast that makes your body happy
Colorful "Sicilian Breakfast" including Sicilian-style salad, frittata and poached egg, sausage, and four kinds of bread
Breakfast is served in the open, light-filled dining room. Start with a glass of juice blended with fruits and herbs lined up at the counter. You can choose between the "Ryukyu Breakfast" featuring Okinawan specialties or the "Sicilian Breakfast" full of vegetables and fruits.
15 min. by car
10:15 Yachimun no Sato
Find your favorite tableware by touring the lush greenery of the village
The red tiles of the Yomitan Pottery Community Kiln stand out against the blue sky. The kiln is fired several times a year, and the pieces are sold at the communal store.
Yomitan Village has more than 70 kilns located throughout the village. Among them, "Yachimun-no-sato" is a major production center of Yachimun with 19 workshops. The village is dotted with galleries and select stores in addition to the workshops. Each workshop and artist has its own style, so you can find traditional vessels, innovative designs, and other unique works of art.
The "Yomitan-yaki Kyodo Kiln," with its red-tiled roof and masonry walls, is a symbol of the village and was built by four potters in 1980.
The Yachimun produced by the handiwork of the craftsmen are unique. Why don't you take your time to visit the village and find your own unique Yachimun?
- Yachimun no Sato
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2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan-mura, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
Varies depending on the workshop
Varies from workshop to workshop
Admission free
098-982-9216(Yomitan Village Office Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division)
Approximately 1 minute by car or 5 minutes on foot from Yachimun-no-sato Parking
13:00 CLAY Coffee & Gallery
Take a break with lunch and home-roasted coffee at a gallery café
Beef Curry" for lunch (with salad and drink) 1,700 yen, "Baked Cheesecake" 590 yen
This gallery and cafe was produced by Kyoshi Matsuda, the owner of Yomitan-yaki Kitagama, a joint kiln of four kilns in Yachimun-no-sato. In the chic concrete space, works by master craftsmen with both traditional strength and modern beauty are displayed.
The café serves home-roasted coffee, including the house blend "clay," lunch items such as beef curry and taco rice, and sweets in original containers. The cafe also offers lunch and sweets made with carefully selected ingredients from Okinawa and other parts of the country, as well as the opportunity to experience the comfort of the tableware. After lunch, you can enjoy looking for fascinating Yachimun in the gallery. Coffee beans can be purchased, and the gallery can be used only, so be sure to stop by.
- CLAY Coffee & Gallery
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2648-7 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
Lunch 11:00-14:00 (L.O.13:30)
Cafe 14:00-17:00 (L.O.16:30) *Saturday ~ 16:00 (L.O.15:00)
Morning 9:00-11:00 (L.O.10:30)*Saturday only
Sun. and Thu.
10 min. by car
14:00 Ceramic Studio Ichiban
A potter's gallery that reflects today's Okinawa with respect for ancient pottery
A wide variety of works from the "Persian Blue," "Sometsuke," "mintama" and other series are also available. In the back is a tea bowl based on a chukar (teapot) from the Ryukyu Dynasty.
Located on a hill overlooking the ocean is the studio of Koji Ikki, a potter who moved from Kyoto and has been observing Okinawa for about 40 years. While pursuing the formative beauty of Ryukyu Dynasty pottery, he also puts the "breath of Okinawa" into his works. The works, which reflect the history, nature, and human life of Okinawa, are so full of life that you will be captivated by them at first glance.
Some-tsuke," a series that has been handled since the workshop was established, is a standard series in which bold cobalt painting is reflected in the white makeup. Persian Blue" has an impressive gradation of blue, as if the sea and sky of Okinawa had been melted into it. Other series such as "WAKUTA" and "mintama" fit in with contemporary lifestyles. Ichibanki's individual works are also a must-see.
- Ichiban Pottery Studio
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925-2 Nagahama, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
9:00-18:00
Closed on Sundays
098-958-1612
5 min. by car
15:00 HIZUKI
A beautiful world of light and shadow woven by glass
Exhibits change according to season and other factors. Ceramics and woodworks are also exhibited and sold under the concept of "beautiful vessels and things with a sense of beauty.
When you open the gallery door, your eyes are greeted by a variety of glass works that emit a faint sparkle. The studio and gallery run by glass artist Oyabu Miyo, who attracts many fans, attracts visitors from far and wide. The glassware, plates, lampshades, and other items on display in the gallery are created by Oyabu, who handles the entire process from blowing to finishing. The bubbled, antique-looking pieces feel soft and warm in the hand, making you want to cherish and use them for a long time.
Each piece has its own unique look, which changes with the sunlight streaming into the gallery. The shadows created by the light are like art, reminding us once again of the charm of glass.
5 min. by car
19:00 Dinner "Gathering Service
A luxurious moment to enjoy freshly prepared food with a view of the sunset
The gradation of the sky and the sea at sunset adds to the beauty of the cuisine.
Dinner is served by the "gathering service," in which dishes prepared by the chef are delivered to Guest rooms. In addition to a la carte dishes with a wide variety of variations, Japanese, Western, and shabu-shabu sets are also available. You can enjoy freshly prepared dishes anytime you like.
Day 3
08:30 Breakfast "In-Room Dining
A relaxing morning in a private space
Japanese breakfast with local delicacies such as grilled gurukun (Okinawa's local fish), mozuku (seaweed) and dashimaki tamago (rolled egg).
For mornings when you want to relax, we recommend the In-Room Dining Breakfast, which you can enjoy in your Guest room. You can choose between Japanese and Western-style dishes, both of which are full of Okinawa's seasonal ingredients. The fresh sea breeze, the soothing sound of waves, and the rich local bounty will fill your body and soul in the morning.
11:50 Check out of HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Short walk
12:00 OLU Grill
A delicious burger with a thick patty, served with an ocean view
In addition to the signature "all burger," the menu also features Okinawan-style dishes such as raftage and pineapple
This all-seating ocean front desk grill restaurant is attached to the ocean cafe "BANTA CAFE by Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE" along the cove. Enjoy authentic grilled dishes of carefully selected meats and seafood grilled over a high wood fire while gazing out at the ocean.
Recommended is the lunch-only hamburger. The signature "Au Roux Burger" is a juicy wood-fired patty, lettuce, and tomato sandwiched on a grilled bun. A total of six varieties are available, and takeout is also available.
The "Grilled Hamburger Curry," a spicy curry topped with a coarsely ground hamburger, cheese, and poached egg, is another fan favorite. For dessert, the rich "Baked Cheesecake" with mango sauce is popular.
- All Grill by Hoshino Resorts
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560 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
12:00-14:30 (L.O.14:00), 17:00-21:00 (L.O.20:00) *Reservations are required for dinner.
No holidays
098-921-6811
Business hours are subject to change.
Approximately 60 min. by car
14:00 Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Souvenir shopping on the historically rich Yachimun Street
About 50 shops line the 400-meter-long cobblestone street. Each store has its own unique style of yachimun, including vessels, shisa, accessories, etc.
Tsuboya is a place where pottery has been produced for more than 300 years since the kilns on the island were gathered during the Ryukyu Dynasty. The cobblestone streets, which retain the atmosphere of old Okinawa, are lined with stores directly operated by the potteries of Tsuboya-yaki, select stores, and cafes.
Tsuboya Pottery is attractive for its thick, chunky form and simple texture. The stores offer a wide variety of pottery pieces, including earthenware with a sense of texture and plates with bold designs, making the search for Yachimun exciting.
In addition to the stores, the street is also dotted with Tsuboya Pottery Museum, a climbing kiln, and other attractions. A stroll along the "suji gui" (alley) is also an enjoyable experience, and as you enter the side streets, you will see red-tiled roofs and stone walls covered with greenery, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia.
- Tsuboya Yachimun Street
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Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa MAP
Varies by store
Varies by store
MAP
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby



