SUI TAXI · CENTRAL OKINAWA
Yachimun no Sato Warm Vessels Born from Okinawa's Earth.
Yomitan Pottery Village ｜ Okinawan Ceramics ｜ Communal Climbing Kiln
Okinawa's Pottery Heartland, A Village of About 20 Kilns.
"Yachimun" is the Okinawan word for pottery. Yachimun no Sato, spread across Yomitan Village, is known as Okinawa's premier pottery production area, with approximately 20 pottery workshops and kilns gathered around a communal climbing kiln. It was when Living National Treasure Jiro Kinjo moved from Naha's Tsuboya to this location and established his workshop that many potters followed, forming today's "Yachimun no Sato." Each workshop has its own distinctive style, and the pottery—reflecting Okinawa's generosity and the colors of nature—continues to captivate visitors.
At the heart of the village, the "Yomitanzan-yaki Kita-gama" is Okinawa's largest communal climbing kiln, and a rare example of a climbing kiln still in active operation in Japan. Several times a year during kiln openings, many Yachimun enthusiasts visit, and the kiln site buzzing with freshly fired works is full of energy. The ability to visit individual kilns and purchase pottery directly is a pleasure unique to Yachimun no Sato.
From Naha, it takes approximately 50 minutes via the expressway. The "Yomitan Course" combining adjacent Murasaki Mura Experience Kingdom and Zanpa Cape at the western tip of Yomitan Village is a popular route for savoring central Okinawa's culture and nature in a single day. Whether you are interested in pottery or simply want to stroll through Okinawan scenery at a leisurely pace, this is a spot we strongly recommend.
The Yomitanzan-yaki Kita-gama communal climbing kiln. Okinawa's largest active climbing kiln, with kiln openings several times a year.
Workshop Strolling and the Joy of Buying Yachimun
The charm of Yachimun no Sato lies in walking through and visiting each workshop one by one. Strolling along paths lined with red-tiled traditional houses, stone walls, and lush Fukugi trees, and taking time to appreciate each kiln's distinctive pottery brings a special richness to your sightseeing journey. Each workshop has an attached direct-sales shop where a variety of vessels—teacups, plates, vases, and mugs—are sold. Prices range widely from a few hundred yen to tens of thousands, making it ideal for those looking for trip mementos or gifts.
Some workshops may allow you to observe kiln openings, giving you a chance to witness the process of vessels being born from clay. The total time for exploring the village depends on your pace, but 2-3 hours of leisurely strolling is recommended. Many workshops offer wrapping and shipping for purchased pottery, so you can choose fragile items without worry. SUI TAXI's Alphard has ample luggage space, allowing you to safely store purchased pottery in the vehicle while heading to your next destination.
The unique colors born from Okinawan clay and glazes. Each workshop offers a different artistic style.
Simply strolling fills you with Okinawan atmosphere.
Yachimun no Sato & Yomitan Course by Taxi
From central Naha to Yachimun no Sato takes approximately 50 minutes via the expressway. SUI TAXI offers a "Yomitan Course (4-5 hours) from ¥28,000" combining Yachimun no Sato, Murasaki Mura Experience Kingdom, and Zanpa Cape for a fulfilling itinerary. The flow of experiencing traditional crafts at Murasaki Mura, touching genuine pottery at Yachimun no Sato, and watching the sunset from Zanpa Cape's cliffs is a course that thoroughly captures the culture and nature of central Okinawa.
At Yachimun no Sato, you can leave purchased pottery in the car while continuing to stroll, keeping your hands free to leisurely explore the workshops. If you wish to visit during kiln opening periods (2-3 times a year), please consult us in advance and we can adjust the schedule to match the timing.
— Leave Your Pottery to the Alphard: At Yachimun no Sato, you will be tempted to purchase many pieces of pottery. SUI TAXI's Alphard has a spacious cargo area and can safely store workshop-packed pottery. Feel free to take your time choosing your favorite vessels without worrying about fragile items.
Yachimun no Sato Tour Fares
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha (4 hours) | ¥28,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥5,600 per person. Expressway tolls and parking charged separately |
| Yomitan course (4–5 hours, with Murasaki Mura and Zanpa Cape) | ¥28,000〜 | The same time slot can be rearranged to suit. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels in Yomitan (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels in Yomitan → Naha Airport (transfer) | ¥14,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥2,800 per person. Expressway tolls included |
Charter fares are time-based at ¥7,000 per hour (¥3,500 per additional 30 minutes booked in advance). Extensions made after departure are ¥4,200 per 30 minutes. Admission, expressway tolls and parking are charged at cost. For charters of 6 hours or more we take a 30% deposit when you book, and the balance is paid on the day. Minimum booking times depend on where you start: from 3 hours in the south and central area, 4 hours in Onna Village and 6 hours in the north, and 8 hours for trips that cross between the south and the north. Where a long transfer is involved, the transfer fare for that stretch is the floor for the price.
Location
Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami (Yachimun no Sato)
Admission
Free (purchases at workshops are optional)
Hours
Varies by workshop (generally 10:00-17:00)
From Naha
Approx. 50 min via expressway
Access Information
| Location | Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami (Yachimun no Sato) |
| Admission | Free (purchases optional) |
| Workshops | Approx. 20 kilns and shops |
| Climbing Kiln | Yomitanzan-yaki Kita-gama (actively in operation) |
| From Naha | Approx. 50 min via expressway |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Naha to Yachimun no Sato cost?
A round-trip charter of 4 hours starts from ¥28,000. That is the price for one Alphard carrying up to five guests, so with five people it works out from ¥5,600 each. Entry is free, so only expressway tolls and parking are added.
How long do we need there?
Around 20 workshops and shops are spread across the site. A full look round takes an hour and a half to two hours, longer if you settle on one kiln and browse properly.
Will the pottery we buy survive the journey?
The workshops wrap purchases for you. We carry them in the cabin rather than the boot, so you can head straight on to the next stop.
When are the workshops closed?
Closing days vary by workshop, with some shut on Wednesdays or Sundays. The Kita-gama shop opens most days, so we build the route around it.
Can we add Murasaki Mura or Zanpa Cape?
Yes, 15 and 20 minutes away. All three make a 4 to 5 hour Yomitan course from ¥28,000.
Ready to book?
Recommended Combination Courses
Murasaki Mura Experience Kingdom
70 types of Ryukyu traditional craft experiences
Stay 60 min+
Zanpa Cape
Cliffs and a white lighthouse in Yomitan
Stay 30–60 min
Bios Hill
Lake boat cruise and water buffalo cart in the subtropical forest
Stay 60 min+
Michi-no-Eki Kadena
About 15 minutes from Yachimun no Sato. Look down on the runway from the rooftop.
Stay 30–60 min