Tsuboya Pottery District

What to know

Tsuboya (壺屋) is a central Naha district and the heart of Tsuboya Pottery, Okinawa's most renowned ceramic style. The area features attractions like Tsuboya Odori Pottery Street and the Tsuboya Pottery Museum.

Okinawan pottery dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era, before Okinawa became part of Japan. Made from local clay, it was originally produced across the kingdom until the 17th century, when all manufacturing was centralized in Naha. Since then, Tsuboya has remained the core of Okinawa's pottery industry, now home to numerous workshops and shops.

Tsuboya Odori Pottery Street is a stone-paved lane winding about 300 meters through the neighborhood, forming its epicenter. Lined with shops selling diverse wares—from dishes and utensils to vases and urns—the street offers both traditional and modern interpretations of the craft. It's a scenic spot for a leisurely stroll, even for non-shoppers.

The Tsuboya Pottery Museum, at the western end of Pottery Street, displays a collection of Tsuboya pottery from various eras, illustrating the craft's history and techniques. Alongside its impressive exhibits, the museum features a replica of a traditional Okinawan house, showing how Tsuboya pottery was used in daily life.

The Tsuboya Pottery District lies about 400 meters south of Kokusaidori Street in central Naha. One end connects to the Heiwadori shopping arcade, which starts on Kokusaidori. The other end is a ten-minute walk from Asato Station on the Okinawa Monorail.