Fodor's Expert Review Tsuboya Pottery District

Over 300 years of ceramic tradition are celebrated in this area just a five-minute walk from Kokusai Street. More than 20 workshops produce Okinawa's distinctive pottery, ranging from affordable souvenirs to special pieces for wealthy collectors. The famous Japanese potter Shoji Hamada came here in the 1920s and left with the inspiration for his notable works. The limited space and minimalist design of Japanese homes means that buyers are more likely to invest in a single exquisite piece, and this can be shown in the pricing. Some potters specialize in creating elegant cups and teapots for Japanese tea ceremonies, while others produce more functional coffee mugs. A couple of the workshops have the option for you to try throwing your own pots, which they will fire, glaze, and ship to you. If you're looking for active wood-fired kilns, also check out the Yomitan Pottery Village (Yachimun No Sato) in Central Okinawa Main Island.