On this blog, I focus on travel and lifestyle as a blogger based in Okinawa, @owncolorstravel sharing recommended sightseeing spots and travel tips for visitors from other parts of Japan and international travelers interested in Japanese culture.
This time, I’m featuring Okinawan pottery, including dishes and other items I discovered at a yachimun (pottery) studio in Yomitan Village on the main island of Okinawa.
Why not explore traditional Okinawan ceramics at these artisan shops? You might just find the perfect souvenir or a unique dish that matches your style!
・Issui Pottery
Issui Pottery 18 Nagahama, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0324
A short drive from Nagahama Beach in Yomitan Village, nestled in a quiet residential area, you’ll find Issui Pottery, a combined shop and workshop.
The Nagahama area itself is a bit of a hidden gem, with unique accommodations and particularly stunning views from the hillside. I remember thinking how charming this spot was during a previous visit.
Issui Pottery is a handmade yachimun studio that captures the essence of Okinawan craftsmanship.
・What is Yachimun?
Yachimun is the Okinawan word for “pottery,” referring to traditional ceramics and pottery pieces from the region. This versatile craft spans a wide range of items, from everyday dishes to artful ceramic creations. What sets yachimun apart is its rustic, handmade feel, with designs that exude warmth and reflect Okinawa’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Common colors include vibrant blues, greens, and earthy browns, often inspired by the island’s scenery.
Yachimun is typically made for daily use, known for its durability and practicality, while incorporating unique traditional Okinawan techniques.
The most famous yachimun-producing areas are Yomitan Village in central Okinawa and Tsuboya, a historic pottery district in Naha City.
・A colorful display of pottery inside the shop
Inside the shop, rows of beautiful ceramics line the shelves, creating a colorful and inviting atmosphere.
This time, my visit was to find a birthday gift for a friend. Issui Pottery’s concept is to create pieces that “brighten your heart and bring joy when you see or use them.” True to their mission, the shop is filled with vibrant and charming designs that immediately catch the eye. Shades like yellow, blue, and orange stand out for their playful and cheerful appeal.
One series that particularly caught my attention was the square plates displayed in the lower right corner of the shop. As I considered my friend’s love for blue, I decided on a practical yet stylish piece from this collection. A blue plate would beautifully complement something like tamagoyaki, creating a picture-perfect setting.
Holding the plate in my hands, I could feel the warmth unique to handmade pottery. The rectangular plates also stood out as elegant and likely a popular choice among shoppers.
In addition to plates, the shop offers a variety of items, including uniquely named abstract shisa figurines, chopstick rests, bowls, and more.
Chopstick rests, in particular, make an excellent souvenir from an Okinawa trip—they’re compact, affordable, and practical, making them a thoughtful yet hassle-free choice for bringing back a piece of your journey.
The shop also features ceramic accessories like earrings, which immediately caught my attention. These delicate and artistic pieces add a unique touch, blending traditional craftsmanship with wearable art—perfect for those looking for something truly special.
The earrings are made with stainless steel and resin, both of which are known to be less likely to cause metal allergies. Keep this in mind if you’re considering them as a gift—they’re not only stylish but also thoughtful for those with sensitive skin.
・Available for purchase online as well.
After making the purchase, they pack the items in simple paper wrapping. However, I’m a bit of a worrywart, so I re-packaged them carefully with bubble wrap at home before sending.
For those visiting from outside Okinawa, the online shop makes it easy to explore and purchase. Be sure to check it out!
What did you think of the pottery from Issui Pottery?
If you find yourself in Okinawa, be sure to stop by the studio, feel the craftsmanship in person, and take home something special that will bring back memories of your trip every time you use it at your daily meals.