If you're looking for a memorable experience to commemorate your trip to Okinawa, we recommend the alcohol ink art at "Umino Hoseki," located near the World Heritage site Seifa Utaki. The patterns created by the wind are beautiful, and anyone can easily create a one-of-a-kind memory of Okinawa.
I actually got to experience some Okinawan-style craftsmanship, something you can easily drop into during your travels!

1. The experience will take place at "Ganju Station Nanjo".

You can experience alcohol ink art at "Ganju Station Nanjo" in Nanjo City, in southern Okinawa Prefecture. It's located near the ticket office for the World Heritage site "Seifa Utaki" and very close to "Chinen Cape Park," which is known as a scenic spot.

The "Umino Hoseki" (Jewels of the Sea) experience booth is located at the back of the entrance floor inside Ganju Station.

I made a reservation in advance, but they said they can accommodate walk-ins if there's availability. The fact that you can easily drop in between sightseeing is a great plus.

2. What is alcohol ink art? Perfect for beginners! Enjoy the process of discovery.

Alcohol ink art is an art form that involves dripping special ink and enjoying the patterns that are created by chance as the color spreads with the wind.

Delicate shades and blends of colors that cannot be expressed with a brush.

This activity is recommended for those who are not confident with their hands, as well as young children. The activity fee is 2,000 yen per person, and children aged 3 and older can participate with an adult.

3. Choose a base and practice alcohol ink art.

First, you choose a base mold (either a Shisa or a sea turtle). I chose the Shisa because it's associated with Okinawa.

The table is lined with a variety of inks. First, choose three colors.

Place two drops of ink on the edge of the transparent Shisa-shaped object.

Next, apply a layer of alcohol containing gold leaf on top and gently spread it using a hairdryer.

This will create a soft, gradient effect.

The process involves applying color, applying alcohol containing gold leaf, and spreading it with air, and repeating this process.

It's so fun to see the atmosphere of the artwork change with each color added! The way the artwork changes its expression as if it were alive is the charm of alcohol ink art.

The final touch is entirely up to you. Use subtle colors if you want to maintain a translucent look, or layer boldly if you want a more vibrant finish! Any result is valid.

Finally, attach a shell charm to the neckline to complete the look. After drying it with a hairdryer for a few minutes, you can put it in a bag and take it home the same day.

The included stand comes in two colors to choose from. Since it's in a color you like, it should easily blend in with your interior decor.
Making two Shisa statues as a couple and displaying them facing each other is a cute idea and highly recommended.

I was surprised at how easily you can make such a beautiful Shisa statue. Even taking your time, it only takes about 30-40 minutes.

4. Business Information

At "Umino Hoseki," you can enjoy unique experiences such as alcohol ink art and a "pearl extraction experience" (1,000 yen) where you can extract pearls from real shells.
You can even book a pearl extraction experience on the same day. It's appealing because it's easy to participate in, whether you're traveling with small children or alone.

There is a local products shop nearby, and in addition to Seifa Utaki and Chinen Cape Park, Nanjo City is dotted with other representative tourist spots of Okinawa, such as Okinawa World and Oujima Island.
Why not create a one-of-a-kind original Shisa (Okinawan guardian lion) as a memento of your trip?

Shirokuma Tours offers affordable Okinawa package tours. A wide variety of options are available, including tours to Ishigaki and Miyako Islands.

For local experiences and optional tours such as snorkeling and sightseeing bus tours, choose Tabi Plus One.

For diving in Okinawa, from license acquisition and fun dives to introductory experiences, choose Oceans Dive Tour.