{"id":3340,"date":"2025-06-24T14:35:44","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T05:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gogo-jp.com\/jp\/?p=3340"},"modified":"2025-06-29T11:47:21","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T02:47:21","slug":"traditional-okinawan-crafts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/traditional-okinawan-crafts\/","title":{"rendered":"Want one when you travel to Okinawa? Introducing traditional Okinawan handicrafts!"},"content":{"rendered":"

About 570 years ago, Okinawa was the Ryukyu Kingdom and developed uniquely.<\/span><\/p>\n

It has been designated as a \u201cTraditional Craft\u201d by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry \u2014 with 16 items honored<\/span><\/b>, ranking third in Japan after Tokyo and Kyoto.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some traditional crafts we highly recommend you explore during your trip to Okinawa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tsuboya Pottery<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Tsuboya Pottery, also known as \u201cyachimun,\u201d is among Okinawa\u2019s signature ceramics, originally made in Tsuboya, Naha.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is mainly divided into glazed and unglazed types.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glazed ware uses a unique glaze and is fired at 1200\u202f\u00b0C, resulting in a gentle, calming finish.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Unglazed ware is fired at 1120\u202f\u00b0C without glaze, offering a simple, rustic charm.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Since Naha City banned climbing kilns in 1974, some potters moved to Yomitan Village, so Tsuboya Pottery is now produced both in Tsuboya and Yomitan Village.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Yachimun & Caf\u00e9 Gunjo<\/h3>\n

This caf\u00e9, attached to the Tsuboya Pottery kiln \u201cToshin-Gama\u201d in Yomitan Village, offers a charming experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can enjoy meals served in Tsuboya Pottery and purchase the pieces on site.<\/span><\/p>\n

They offer pottery-making experiences, and children can participate with adult supervision<\/span>, making it a fun family activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ryukyu Lacquerware<\/h2>\n

Lacquer techniques introduced from China were uniquely developed in Okinawa into what is now Ryukyu Lacquerware.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its hallmark is a variety of techniques, including the distinctive \u201ctsuikin\u201d method.<\/span><\/p>\n

Designs featuring hibiscus, yuna, goya (bitter melon), and ferns evoke the spirit of Okinawa<\/span>, and are delightful to behold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kakuman Lacquerware<\/h3>\n


\nLocated in Shuri, Naha City, Kakuman Lacquerware is a long-established shop with about 120 years of history<\/span><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

They offer plates, stacked lunch boxes, trays, along with chopsticks, hand mirrors, cups, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lacquerware tends to be pricey, but it\u2019s worth acquiring as a cherished, long-lasting item.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ryukyu\u202fBingata<\/h2>\n

\"Bingata<\/p>\n

Ryukyu\u202fBingata is a historic textile once worn as formal wear by noblewomen in the Ryukyu Kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBingata\u201d is brightly dyed while \u201cE\u2011gata\u201d uses only Ryukyu indigo.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Shuri Textile Museum Suikara<\/h3>\n

Here you can experience Bingata dyeing, creating your colored tote bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

They also offer weaving classes for Ryukyu\u202fBingata, including a 60-minute class or an immersive 4-day course.<\/span><\/p>\n

A great family-friendly place to make memories through Bingata craft.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Kij\u014dka Bash\u014dfu<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This textile, made in Kij\u014dka, Ogimi Village, is woven from fibers of the \u201cito bash\u014d\u201d plant.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s prized for its breathable comfort and soft, refreshing hues\u2014perfect for Okinawa\u2019s climate.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Its defining feature is that every step\u2014from cultivation to weaving\u2014is done entirely by hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Painstakingly woven, Bash\u014dfu was used for royal garments and treasured as a tribute to China and Japan during the Ryukyu era.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ogimi Village Bash\u014dfu Museum<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Ogimi Village Bash\u014dfu Museum
\n<\/span>A must-visit spot for experiencing the beauty of Bash\u014dfu.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the 1st floor, you can buy small items, watch a documentary on the process,<\/span><\/span>and observe artisans at work.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sanshin<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The original three-stringed instrument, \u201cSansuen,\u201d was brought from China and evolved into the Sanshin as a court instrument.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the pride of the samurai class, it spread among the public, and today it is indispensable in folk songs, Ryukyu opera, and J\u2011pop.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Yara Sanshin Shop<\/h3>\n

Located in Ginoza Village on Okinawa\u2019s main island\u2019s north, this shop offers a variety of Sanshin instruments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its biggest draw is the Sanshin\u2011making experience<\/b>, <\/span><\/span>using real artisan tools.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also learn how to read \u201ckunkunshi\u201d (Sanshin sheet music) and traditional singing techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yaeyama Minsa<\/h2>\n

This plain\u2011woven cotton textile from Taketomi and Ishigaki Islands features patterns used during weddings, where women gifted them to men.
\nThe \u201c5\u201d and \u201c4\u201d motifs symbolize \u201cforever and always.\u201d<\/span>
\nThey make a romantic souvenir to exchange on an Okinawa trip.<\/p>\n

Minsa Craft Center<\/h3>\n

Headquartered in Ishigaki City, with stores in Naha and Urasoe PARCO CITY,
\nvisitors to the main island can also purchase Yaeyama Minsa there.<\/b>
\nThey offer Kariyushi shirts, wallets, bags, and other gift items.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ryukyu Glass<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

While glass is typically transparent, Ryukyu Glass is known for its distinctive colors and bubbles, giving a fresh and gentle feel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This arose from post-WWII material shortages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disused juice bottles and other discarded glass were reused, leading to the unique beauty of Ryukyu Glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ryukyu Glass Studio Kirameki<\/h3>\n

At this Onna Village studio, you can join a hands-on glassmaking experience<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

With careful guidance, even children can create a one-of-a-kind glass. You select the shape and color\u2014a perfect family memory maker.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tour Okinawa with a GOGO <\/a>Car <\/a>Rental<\/a>!<\/h2>\n

\"GO!GO!<\/a><\/p>\n

To explore Okinawa efficiently and enjoyably, renting a car is highly recommended.<\/p>\n

Buses can be time-consuming, and taxis can become expensive.<\/p>\n

Rental cars are cost-effective and allow spontaneous detours\u2014perfect for a full Okinawa experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shurijo Castle Park is far from the monorail station, so a rental car makes for a smoother visit.<\/p>\n

The top recommendation is GOGO Car Rental<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

They offer free drop-off plans, hybrid cars to save fuel, and more.<\/p>\n

You can also get discounts by booking online, making it even more affordable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"About 570 years ago, Okinawa was the Ryukyu Kingdom and developed uniquely. It has been designated as a \u201cTraditional Craft\u201d by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry \u2014 with 16 items honored, ranking third in Japan after Tokyo and Kyoto. Here are some traditional crafts we highly recommend you explore during your trip to […]","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3341,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37,46],"tags":[6,70,89,90,91],"area":[47],"class_list":["post-3340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-souvenir","category-experience","tag-okinawa-travel","tag-rent-a-car-in-okinawa","tag-okinawan-handicrafts","tag-cultural-experiences-japan","tag-okinawa-culture","area-okinawa"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3340"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3340\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4307,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3340\/revisions\/4307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3340"},{"taxonomy":"area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.gogo-tour.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area?post=3340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}