Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha City is a nostalgic street with old buildings and red-tiled buildings that retain the nostalgia of Okinawa.
The stone-paved street has few cars, so it is a spot where you can take a leisurely stroll. The street is also lined with many stores selling yachimun, traditional Okinawan handicrafts, and is said to be “the hometown of yachimun,” making it a must-see for pottery lovers. It is a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport, but if you are taking a hotel in Naha, please take a stroll with Kokusai-dori instead of driving! It is a spot with plenty of charm that can be found only by strolling.
Characteristics of Tsuboya Pottery in Okinawa
Tsuboya Pottery is made using clay from Okinawa and traditional glazes and techniques. Since the Ryukyu Dynasty, the pottery has absorbed techniques from various countries in East Asia through trade, and is characterized by a wide variety of techniques. Tsuboya” was the largest kiln in the Ryukyu Kingdom period. The pottery was used to make a wide range of items used by royalty, warriors, and common people, including kames, tableware, drinking vessels, and daily necessities, and even today it is characterized by its variety of shapes and patterns.
Tsuboya-yaki pottery has a sturdy and massive feel, but it also has a warm Okinawan atmosphere that soothes the hand that holds it in its hand.
3 recommended stores when you visit Yachimun Street
Yachimun Street is lined with many Tsuboya Pottery stores, but there are three stores that you should visit.
The first is the Tsuboya Pottery Museum. The first is the Tsuboya Pottery Museum, where you can learn about Tsuboya Pottery. You can learn about Tsuboya-yaki here first, and then enjoy a walk around the museum!
The second is Uchina Tea House Bukubuku Tea. This is a spot where you can take a break and enjoy traditional Okinawan “Bukubuku-Cha” tea served in Yachimun containers. There are also many cute cups.
The third is “Mei Kaho” (meaning “life is good”). You can taste Ryukyuan cuisine in an old house built as Okinawa’s first radio station.
Installation spot on Yachimun Street!
Yachimun-dori is full of spots where you can take pictures! Here are two recommendations!
The first is “Nannu Kiln”. It is a large climbing kiln built in the Ryukyu Kingdom era and used until the 1970s. The kiln is so historic and dignified that you can almost feel the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Kingdom era from the kiln.
The second is the masonry wall in front of the Niigaki Family Residence. The red-tiled roof and masonry exterior of the Niigaki Family Residence, a potter’s mansion that has been in the family for generations, match the blue sky of Okinawa, making for a great photo opportunity!
There are many other spots on Yachimun Street that would look great on Instagram.
Please be sure to take great pictures at your favorite spots!
