"Yachimun" is the Okinawan word for pottery. With its generous and rustic feel, it's not only used for everyday items but has also become a popular tourist souvenir. Yachimun no Sato is a place where galleries and workshops of such Okinawan pottery are gathered. Why not search for a heartwarming piece of pottery in this peaceful village surrounded by lush greenery?

<Table of Contents>

Part 1. What kind of place is Yachimun no Sato?
Part 2. First, let's explore the village of Yachimun pottery.
Step 3. Let's find your favorite Yachimun pottery!
4. What do you eat when you go to Yachimun Village?
5. Other things you should know about Yachimun Village
Final thoughts

Yachimun no Sato is a pottery production area located in Yomitan Village. It developed in 1974 when the late Jiro Kinjo, a Living National Treasure, moved his kiln from Tsuboya in Naha City to Yomitan Village. In this lush green area, there are currently 16 workshops, including one glass studio. The works created by the hands of the artisans are all unique and warm to the touch.

This craft village is located in the mountains of Yomitan Village, north of Naha on National Route 58. Surrounded by lush greenery and a gentle breeze, it offers a chance to experience the relaxed pace of Okinawa.

In Yachimun no Sato, a village is being created where the artisans' creative work and daily life are seamlessly integrated. You can observe artisans at work in the scattered galleries and workshops (though some places may not be open to the public, so check in advance). There are also direct sales shops where you can purchase your favorite pieces. Furthermore, strolling through the Okinawan scenery, including large kilns with red tile roofs, is sure to be enjoyable even for those not particularly interested in pottery.
©OCVB

This tranquil village boasts scenery typical of Okinawa. There's a parking lot on the premises, so you can leisurely stroll around and browse the pottery.
©OCVB

The Yachimun Village consists of three main kilns: Yomitan Tsuboya-yaki, Yomitanzan-yaki, and Yomitanzan-yaki Kita-gama. This climbing kiln is the Yomitanzan-gama. It is said to be designed so that the fire rises upwards.

©OCVB
The clay is kneaded, shaped on a potter's wheel, and then slowly dried. In front of the workshop, you can see rows of unfired plates that haven't been colored yet.

The kiln of the late Jiro Kinjo, a Living National Treasure and the founder of Yachimun no Sato (Okinawa's pottery village), is now run by his family. Kinjo was Okinawa's first Living National Treasure and is the most famous and beloved potter in the prefecture. He still has many fans today.

Searching for your favorite one-of-a-kind piece is incredibly fun, as you actually visit galleries and workshops, see and touch the items before making your selection. Here are a few places where you can purchase items on the spot.

Yomitanzan Pottery Cooperative Store

This shop sells works from four workshops that produce Okinawan pottery (Yachimun) in a shared kiln at reasonable prices. The shop is filled with everyday tableware, and you can purchase bowls and teacups for as little as 500 to 2,000 yen. The charming appearance of the shop with its red tile roof is also a must-see.
TEL:098-958-4468
Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 18:00 PM (until 17:30 PM during winter)
Closed: Tuesday

 

Yomitanzan-yaki Kitagama Shop

You can purchase pottery from four different kilns at Yomitanzan-yaki Kita-gama. Enjoy the wide range of styles, from traditional patterns to highly artistic pieces. The photo shows an Okinawan sake bottle (karakara) and sake cup.

TEL:098-958-6488
Hours: 9: 30 ~ 17: 30
Closed holiday: irregular holiday

Gallery Utsuwaya

A gallery by Tsunehide Shimabukuro, owner of the Yomitan Tsuboya pottery studio.

There are lots of cute dishes with a colorful, modern feel. We have a wide selection of tableware, including plates, rice bowls, miso soup bowls, and soba noodle bowls.

TEL:090-1179-8260
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM (10:00 AM - on Sundays)
Closed holiday: irregular holiday

Pottery Workshop Ichi

This is the studio and gallery of Koji Iki, a young artist who creates beautiful works using his own unique techniques.

Dishes that you won't get tired of using every day come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
His simple style has made him popular.
TEL:098-958-1612
Hours: 9: 00 ~ 18: 00
Closed on Sundays (irregularly).

Enjoy attractive girls' trip perks! Check out the tour here ☆

If you're going to be there, you'll want to have lunch or tea surrounded by beautiful Yachimun pottery, right? There are two cafes and light meal establishments in Yachimun Village. You can have Okinawan soba or tea there, or if you want a more substantial meal, we recommend the restaurant located inside the Yomitan Village Joint Sales Center, which is about a 5-minute drive away.

Gallery & Cafe Maranata

This restaurant is located within the Yachimun Village. It has an attached gallery where you can see and purchase works by approximately 60 ceramic artists. The cafe serves dishes and sweets made with home-grown vegetables grown under the blessings of the Okinawan sun, and they are served on tableware selected from the gallery.

Many Yachimun pottery pieces are placed around the table. They are simple and comforting everyday dishes that are a pleasure to look at.

The iced coffee comes in a really lovely cup. It's simple, but the rounded shape is adorable.

■Gallery & Cafe Maranata
<Cafes and Restaurants>
TEL:098-958-2003
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Reservations accepted)
Closed: Open all year round
<Gallery> *Attached to the cafe
Hours: 9: 00 ~ 19: 00
Closed: Open all year round

Gallery Mori no Chaya

This is a gallery and cafe located within the Yachimun Village, run by Akimitsu Kinjo, a potter of Yomitan-yaki pottery. The menu is served in pottery made by the owner couple. It's a popular spot, with many people drawn to the unique and playful style and purchasing items from the gallery.

You can enjoy food and sweets made with ingredients from Yomitan. This is a refreshing zenzai (sweet red bean soup). It's the perfect treat to take a break after walking around.

Their signature coffee is served in a uniquely designed ceramic cup with a lid that even has a slot for inserting a straw.
■Gallery Mori no Chaya

TEL:098-958-0800
Opening hours: 12:00 AM - 19:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
Closed holiday: irregular holiday
*Workshop tours are only permitted from the outside.

Yomitan Shokudo Yuimaru

It's about a 5-minute drive from Yachimun no Sato (Yomitan Pottery Village). It's located next to the Yomitan Village Joint Sales Center, which displays and sells handicrafts such as Yachimun pottery and Ryukyu glass made in Yomitan Village, as well as local specialties. The menu is varied, ranging from classic Okinawan dishes like Okinawa soba and champuru to set meals and rice bowls. Individual dishes start from a very reasonable 400 yen.

Although it has a simple exterior, the interior boasts high ceilings and features both table seating and tatami mat seating, making it spacious enough for families with children to relax comfortably.

The most popular dish is the Soki Soba. It's praised for its large pork ribs and light broth. The accompanying Fuchiba Jushi (rice cooked with mugwort) is also a major draw. All dishes are served in Yachimun pottery.

■Yomitan Shokudo Yuimaru
Address: 2723-1 Zakimi, Yomitan Village
TEL:098-958-6719
Hours: 11: 00 ~ 16: 00
Closed: Thursday

Can I use a credit card?

Most galleries and workshops accept cash, but some only accept cash. It's a good idea to have cash on hand and confirm payment methods beforehand.

What time should I go?

You can go anytime during business hours, but some stores close around 17 PM. If you want to take your time choosing your tableware, it might be better to visit earlier. Opening hours are from 9:30 AM.

Directions and Access

■Yachimun Village
Address: 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan Village
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TEL:098-958-6494(Yomitan Village Tourism Association)
Hours: 9: 30 ~ 17: 30
Regular closing days: Irregular (closed during Obon period, and from December 31st to January 12rd)
Note: Shared parking lot available

• In the case of a car
  From Naha Airport, take National Route 58 and then Prefectural Route 12 for approximately 30km/1 hour (using local roads).
• By route bus
  From Naha Bus Terminal (a 3-minute walk from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail), take either the No. 20 (Nago West Line) or No. 120 (Nago West Airport Line) bus for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Get off at "Oyashi Iriguchi" bus stop and walk for 10 minutes to reach Yachimun no Sato.

Yachimun no Sato is a place where you can easily view and purchase works that reflect the pride of the artisans. Take a leisurely stroll and find your favorite Yachimun piece. When you come to Okinawa, be sure to experience traditional crafts at least once. You'll understand Okinawa better and fall in love with it even more!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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