Ryukyu Glass Village Take Home the Beauty of Okinawa Born from Flames.

Born from Recycled Bottles, Okinawa's Colors and Light.

Ryukyu Glass Village is a comprehensive Ryukyu glass facility located in Itoman City, Okinawa. Workshops and experience shops for Ryukyu glass, one of Okinawa's representative traditional crafts, gather here, allowing visitors to watch artisans at work up close while creating their own glass pieces. About 30-40 minutes by car from Naha city, it is a staple southern sightseeing spot visited by many tourists.

The most distinctive feature of Ryukyu glass is that it is made from recycled bottles. Used beer bottles and sake bottles are melted in high-temperature flames, and artisans blow air into the molten glass to shape it. The irregular bubbles and unique colors that result from this production method are what make Ryukyu glass so charming, and the fact that no two pieces are alike is highly valued. Translucent greens, blues, and ambers -- colors reminiscent of Okinawa's sea and nature -- are particularly popular.

Experience options are diverse, including glassblowing, sandblasting, and glass bead making, with a range of durations and prices. The glassblowing experience (from 2,000 yen) lets you actually blow air to create glasses or bud vases, with skilled artisans providing support so even beginners can enjoy it with confidence. Finished pieces may be taken home the same day or shipped later. The expansive shop carries a rich selection of ready-made Ryukyu glass products, making them very popular as Okinawa souvenirs.

Ryukyu glass shaped in flames. The artisan's breath creates one-of-a-kind pieces.

Highlights and How to Enjoy Your Visit

The highlight of Ryukyu Glass Village begins with the live artisan demonstrations in the workshop. Watching craftsmen gather molten glass on iron pipes in front of the high-temperature furnace, blowing and shaping it with each breath, is simply breathtaking. The production process, with the shape changing every few seconds, is entertaining even just to watch. Workshop tours are free, and you can observe the production area up close.

Among the experience courses, the glassblowing experience is especially popular. Staff provide careful support, so even those new to glass crafting can participate with confidence. The process of choosing your own shape and colors is fun, and the sense of accomplishment when your one-of-a-kind creation is complete is truly special. The sandblasting experience (from 1,500 yen) uses a technique of stenciling designs and blasting sand, and since even elementary school children can participate, it is well-received by families as well.

The shop carries hundreds of varieties of Ryukyu glass products including glasses, plates, vases, and accessories, with prices ranging from affordable items to one-of-a-kind artisan pieces. While Ryukyu glass is also sold at Naha Airport shops, Ryukyu Glass Village offers the largest selection and best prices. The shop alone is worth the visit. Advance reservations are recommended for experiences during summer holidays and consecutive holidays when it gets crowded.

Glassblowing experience. Artisan support ensures beginners feel at ease.

Colorful Ryukyu glass products. Okinawa's signature souvenirs.

Getting to Ryukyu Glass Village by Taxi

A round-trip charter from Naha to Ryukyu Glass Village (approx. 3 hours) starts at approximately ¥21,000 (tax included, expressway tolls separate). The "Southern Course (5-6 hours)" combined with Himeyuri Tower and Peace Memorial Park starts at approximately ¥35,000. Half-day courses including experience time (approx. 1-2 hours) are the most common, and full-day courses combining multiple southern spots are also popular.

Completed Ryukyu glass pieces and purchased shop items are fragile, so they can be carefully wrapped and safely loaded into the Alphard's spacious luggage space. The driver will also assist with loading heavy items. The Itoman area is conveniently located for combining with southern sightseeing spots such as Himeyuri Tower, Okinawa World, and Peace Memorial Park.

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