Yachimun no Sato is a cooperative village of artisans located in Yomitan. The village centers around three large kilns, though more than 40 studios and smaller kilns are scattered throughout the area.

After the Battle of Okinawa, Naha City lay in ruins. But slowly, the capital rebuilt. As the area’s economy stabilized and the population density increased, residents grew tired of the smoke that was being spewed into the air by the traditional kilns in the Tsuboya pottery district. Rather than enter into a protracted struggle with the population over scheduled firings and reduced pollution, many of Tsuboya’s artisans relocated to Yomitan in the 1970s and 1980s. Among those first to make the move were renowned potters Jiro Kinjo, Jissei Omine, and Seisho Kuniyoshi.

As most of the potters in Yachimun no Sato learned their skills in Tsuboya or from Tsuboya-trained masters, most of the pottery produced in the village today reflects the traditional Tsuboya style. But the Yomitan area had its own style of pottery, known as kina yaki, centuries ago. Though the style is no longer practiced, examples of it can be seen at museums on Okinawa.

Today, three main kilns dominate Yomitan. Probably the most well known of the three is the central Kita Kiln (Kita Gama). Designed by master potter Shinman Yamada (who has a studio nearby), the kiln is a nobori-gama (climbing kiln) used for firing jōyachi (glazed) pottery. Built on a slope, the kiln consists of nine chambers called fukuro. It is fired only a few times a year, with each artist receiving opportunities to place their items in the kiln to be baked.

The other two large kilns in Yachimun no Sato are Yuntanza and Kinjo Kilns. The latter was designed and used by Jiro Kinjo, a famous Okinawan potter who began his career as an apprentice in Tsuboya and honed his craft over many years. (Kinjo was named a National Living Treasure by the Japanese government. After his retirement in 1997, his son, Toshio, took over the kiln. The works of the Kinjos are known for having fish themes.)

Today, about 40 pottery studios are scattered in and around Yachimun no Sato. Each embraces a unique style and continues Okinawa’s rich crafts legacy. Many of the studios are open to the public and invite visitors to watch (but not disturb) the pottery masters as they work. Those wishing to purchase pieces may do so at individual ateliers, at some of the shops surrounding the Kita Kiln, or at cooperative stores along Highway 58. Prices range from less than ¥1,000 to several million yen. Those wishing to not pay full price for pieces should hold out for the village’s annual sale in December.

Visitors to Yachimun no Sato should also take time to peek into Mid-Air Glass Blowing Studio, the home of renowned glass artist Seikichi Inamine. Inamine specializes in using natural materials to color used glass bottles and create beautiful works of art.