Discover Okinawa's pottery "Yachimun" at "HOSHINOYA Okinawa" - a 2-night, 3-day trip | Recommended itinerary

"Yachimun" is the Okinawan word for pottery. It is a traditional craft with a history of over 400 years, and is alive in our daily lives, such as household items and shisa lions. The world of Yachimun has a deep and diverse range, including delicate shapes and colorful patterns, although it may give the impression of having thick, chunky shapes and bold paintings. In Yomitan Village in the center of Okinawa's main island, there is a popular tourist spot called "Yachimun no Sato," where pottery workshops are gathered.
HOSHINOYA Okinawa is a luxury resort located along the coast, about a 15-minute drive from Yachimun Village. You can enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay incorporating Okinawan culture and history, including Yachimun. Why not spend your time as if you were living by the sea and experience Okinawan crafts such as unique Yachimun and modern glass works?
Model Course Points
- A stay to fully enjoy Ryukyu culture and Okinawan cuisine
- Immerse yourself in the world of artists at "Yachimun no Sato"
- Search for souvenirs at Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Day 1
Naha Airport
Approximately 60 minutes by car (using HOSHINOYA Okinawa Parking)
13:00 BANTA CAFE by Hoshino Resorts by Hoshino Resorts
Enjoy lunch at a cafe overlooking the coral reefs

Japan's largest seaside cafe stands on top of Iyumibanta (fish-watching cliff), along the inlet of Yomitan Village. Overlooking the shallow sea known as Inoh, where coral reefs spread, it has four areas that make use of the natural terrain. Where you spend your time is up to you - the large roof deck overlooking the horizon, the seaside terrace on the slope leading to the beach, or the rocky terrace surrounded by native plants and large rocks. Relax in this extraordinary space, surrounded by the sounds of the waves.
The menu is full of local flavor, including Okinawa's soul food "Pork and Egg Rice Ball" and "Okinawan Pizza Toast" accented with bitter melon. For drinks, we recommend the "Bukubuku Jelly Soda," inspired by the traditional Okinawan bukubuku tea.
- BANTA CAFE by Hoshino Resorts by Hoshino Resorts
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https://banta-cafe.com
Okinawa Prefecture, Nakagami District, Yomitan Village, Gima 560 MAP
10:00 - 1 hour after sunset (LO sunset)
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and April 27th to May 6th: 8:00am
Open daily
098-921-6810
Business days and hours may be subject to change due to circumstances
A short walk away
15: HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Enjoy the ultimate Okinawan luxury at the "Gusuku Residence"

All Guest room rooms at this coastal resort are oceanfront and surrounded by "Gusuku Walls" inspired by Okinawa's historical sites. The grounds are Front desk with an infinity pool, a dojo where you can enjoy Activity, and gardens and fields filled with colorful tropical flowers. A stay where you can get acquainted with Yachimun awaits you, from Guest room to throughout the hotel.
Haru

Located on Front desk, this low-rise room lets you feel close to the sea. It has a "doma dining room" decorated with Okinawan traditional crafts such as Yachimun cups and Ryukyu Bingata wallpaper. The charm of Guest room "Haru" is the "terrace living room" that juts out into the sea. It is a luxurious space where you can encounter the different expressions of the sea at different times of the day.
15:30 "Beach Time"
Relax with Okinawa's traditional "Bukubuku tea"

In this one-story dojo with a red tile roof and veranda, you can enjoy the traditional Okinawan "Bukubuku tea." When you whip up the "roasted rice water" made by boiling roasted rice and Sanpin tea, it creates a fluffy, rich foam. Enjoy the soothing tea while listening to the history of Bukubuku tea.
18:30 "Evening Performance"
Enjoy traditional performing arts in a space enveloped in the sunset

At dusk, traditional performing arts that have been passed down since the Ryukyu Dynasty are shown by the pool. Colorful Ryukyu dance, unique singing and sanshin, and spirited Ryukyu karate demonstrations are held on a daily basis. You can experience a variety of traditional performing arts during your stay.
19:00 Pool
Enjoy the sunset at the infinity pool that makes you feel like you're in the ocean
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When the pool, which is open to the sea, is dyed red by the setting sun, it seems to blend into the sea and sky. The pool is divided into four areas of different depths, and chairs are scattered in the shallows where you can enjoy the pool in your clothes. There are also daybeds by the pool, so you can spend twilight time however you like.
19:30 Dinner "Dining"
Ryukyu Gastronomia - Bellezza - Leads you to healthy beauty

The nine dishes are based on the theme of the fusion of beauty and food, incorporating the ancient Okinawan idea of "kusuimun (food is medicine)". One after another, dishes that cultivate beauty are presented, exploring the possibilities of Okinawa's unique ingredients, such as umami and nutrients. The unique Yachimun pottery by the artist brings out the local flavors.
Day 2
07:00 "Morning training deep breath"
Wake up with a stretch while looking out at the ocean

The next morning, we headed to the dojo and participated in a stretching session incorporating the Ryukyu Karate style. By breathing in for four beats and exhaling for eight beats while focusing on each part of the body, we were able to release all the stiffness in the whole body. After stretching, the body was warmed up and the mood was refreshed.
07:30 Breakfast "Dining"
Recharge your energy with a breakfast that your body will love

Breakfast is served in the open dining room, where sunlight pours in. First, enjoy a juice made from a blend of fruits and herbs lined up on the counter to wake you up. You can choose between the "Ryukyu Breakfast" with Okinawan specialties and the "Sicilian Breakfast" with plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Approximately 15 minutes by car
10:15 Yachimun Village
Explore the lush village and search for your favorite tableware

Yomitan Village has over 70 kilns throughout the village. Among them, Yachimun no Sato is a major Yachimun production area with 19 workshops. In addition to the workshops, galleries and select shops are also dotted around the village. The style of each workshop and artist varies, so you can encounter unique works such as traditional pottery and innovative patterns.
As you stroll through the village, the first thing that catches your eye is the Yomitan-zan Yaki Kyodo Kiln, with its red tile roof and stone walls. Built in 1980 by four potters, this nine-chambered climbing kiln is a symbol of the village.
Yachimun, handcrafted by artisans, are not all the same. Why not take a leisurely stroll around the village and find your very own Yachimun?
- Yachimun Village
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https://www.yomitan-kankou.jp/tourist/watch/1611319504/
2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
Varies by studio
Varies by studio
Free admission
098-982-9216(読谷村役場商工観光課)
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 the gallery cafe

This gallery and cafe is produced by Matsuda Kyoji, the master of "Yomitanzan-yaki Kitagama," a joint kiln of four potteries in Yachimun no Sato. In a chic space with exposed concrete, works by master craftsmen that combine traditional strength with modern beauty are on display.
The cafe serves home-roasted coffee, including the house blend "clay," lunch dishes such as beef curry and taco rice, and sweets, all served in original tableware. Along with lunch and sweets made with carefully selected ingredients, including those from Okinawa, you can also experience the comfort of the tableware. After your meal, you can also look for Yachimun pottery that catches your eye in the gallery. You can also purchase coffee beans or just visit the gallery, so be sure to stop by.
- CLAY Coffee & Gallery
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https://www.claycoffeeandgallery.com/
2648-7 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
Lunch 11:00-14:00 (last order 13:30)
Cafe 14:00-17:00 (last orders 16:30) *Saturdays until 16:00 (last orders 15:00)
Morning 9:00-11:00 (last orders 10:30) *Saturdays onlySunday and Thursday
Approximately 10 minutes by car
14:00 Pottery Studio Ichi
A gallery of ceramic artists that reflects modern Okinawa while paying homage to ancient pottery

Standing on a hill overlooking the sea is the studio of ceramist Iki Koji, who moved from Kyoto and has been observing Okinawa for about 40 years. There is a gallery on the second floor where you can purchase his works. While pursuing the beauty of the pottery from the Ryukyu Dynasty, he infuses his works with the "breath of Okinawa." His works, which reflect Okinawa's history, nature, and human activities, are so full of vitality that they will captivate you at first sight.
The "Sometsuke" series, which has been produced since the studio was established, is a classic series in which bold cobalt painting stands out against the white makeup. "Persian Blue" is impressive for its blue gradation that seems to blend the sea and sky of Okinawa. Other series that fit into modern lifestyles include "WAKUTA" and "mintama". Iki's personal works are also a must-see.
- Pottery Studio Ichi
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https://toukikoubou1.com
925-2 Nagahama, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
9:00~18:00
Closed on Sundays
098-958-1612
Approximately 5 minutes by car
15:00 HIZUKI
A beautiful world of light and shadow created by glass

When you open the door to the gallery, your eyes will be met with a number of glass works that emit a soft sparkle. The studio and gallery run by Miyo Ooyabu, who has attracted many fans as a glass artist, attracts a constant stream of visitors from far and wide. The works on display in the gallery, including glasses, plates, and lampshades, are all created by Ooyabu herself, from blowing to finishing. The bubbly pieces have an antique feel to them, and they feel soft and warm in your hand, making you want to use them for a long time.
Each piece is different, and its expression changes with the sunlight that shines into the gallery. The shadows created by the light are also like art, reminding us of the charm of glass.
- HIZUKI
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https://www.hizuki.org/
273 Tokeshi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
10:00~17:00
Sunday
098-958-1334
Approximately 5 minutes by car
19:00 Dinner "Gathering Service"
A luxurious moment watching the sunset and tasting freshly cooked food

For dinner, we offer a "Gathering Service" where food prepared by the chef is delivered to Guest room. In addition to a wide variety of ala carte dishes, we also offer Japanese, Western, and shabu-shabu sets. You can prepare your meal at any time and enjoy freshly cooked food.
Day 3
08:30 Breakfast "In-room dining"
Relax and enjoy a morning in a private space

For those mornings when you want to relax, we recommend the "In-Room Dining Breakfast" which can be enjoyed in Guest room. You can choose from two types of breakfast, Japanese or Western, both of which are full of seasonal Okinawan ingredients. The fresh ocean breeze, the soothing sounds of the waves, and the rich local bounty will satisfy your body and mind in the morning.
11:50 Check out of HOSHINOYA Okinawa
A short walk away
12:00 OLU Grill
Enjoy a delicious burger with a thick patty and an ocean view

This grill Restaurant, attached to the seaside cafe "Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE by Hoshino Resorts" along the inlet, has all Front desk. You can enjoy authentic grilled dishes made with carefully selected meat and seafood grilled over a strong fire while gazing at the ocean.
The recommended dish is the lunch-only hamburger. The signature dish, the All-Roo Burger, is a juicy wood-grilled patty, lettuce, and tomato sandwiched in a toasted bun. There are six different varieties available, and they are also available for takeout.
Another popular dish is the "Grilled Hamburger Curry," a spicy curry topped with coarsely ground hamburger, cheese, and poached eggs. For dessert, the rich "Baked Cheesecake" with mango sauce is also popular.
- Olu Grill by Hoshino Resorts
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https://banta-cafe.com/olu-grill/
Okinawa Prefecture, Nakagami District, Yomitan Village, Gima 560 MAP
12:00-14:30 (last orders 14:00), 17:00-21:00 (last orders 20:00) *Reservations are required for dinner.
Open daily
098-921-6811
Business hours are subject to change
Approximately 60 minutes by car
14:00 Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Choose souvenirs on the historic Yachimun Street

During the Ryukyu Dynasty, the island's kilns were gathered here, and Tsuboya is a pottery town with over 300 years of history. Along the cobblestone streets that retain the traditional Okinawan atmosphere, there are Tsuboya ware kiln stores, select shops, cafes, and more.
Tsuboya ware is attractive for its thick, plump form and simple texture. The shop is lined with a wide variety of pieces, including vessels that give off the texture of the earth and plates with bold patterns, making searching for Yachimun an exciting experience.
Besides the shops, the street is dotted with other attractions such as the Tsuboya Pottery Museum and climbing kilns. Strolling through the sujigwa (alleys) is also a fun experience, and if you go down a side street you will encounter atmospheric townscapes with red tiled roofs and stone walls covered in greenery.
- Tsuboya Yachimun Street
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Okinawa Prefecture Naha City Tsuboya MAP
Varies by store
Varies by store
MAP
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property