2 Best Sights in Okinawa, Japan

Yaeyama Minsah textiles are an important cultural aspect of the Yaeyama Islands. At the Minsah Kogei Kan, visitors can learn about the process of dyeing, weaving, and creating bags and garments with the fabric. You can try making your own coaster or tapestry if you'd like to experience using a loom. The store has a great selection of products for those in search of souvenirs. The prices reflect their handmade nature so a kariyushi shirt is around ¥45,000 and a small bag around ¥20,000. If you don't have time to visit the craft center, you can still check out the fine craftsmanship at the Azamiya store in Ishigaki Airport. 

The small but heartfelt Tsuboya Pottery Museum has exhibits illustrating the history of the region's earthenware production, including representative pieces from all periods, and a reproduction of a traditional Okinawan house, showing Tsubo-yaki tableware and kitchen utensils. Next to the museum is an intact 19th-century climbing kiln, called a nobori-gama. Detailed English explanations make the experience more exciting and informative. Located at the edge of the Tsuboya Pottery District, where the cobbled streets begin.