📝 1. Overview
Just off bustling Kokusai Street, the Tsuboya & Heiwa Area is a hidden gem filled with local charm. Tsuboya Yachimun Street is Okinawa’s historical pottery district, where traditional ceramics (yachimun) are still crafted in kilns and sold in rustic studios. Nearby, Heiwa Street (Heiwa Dori) is a covered shopping arcade packed with souvenirs, market snacks, and retro vibes. Together, they offer a walkable, culture-rich break from the crowds—blending art, food, and authentic island spirit.
🌟 2. Highlights
🪴 Tsuboya Yachimun Street – Cobblestone path lined with pottery shops
🔥 Traditional Kilns & Studios – Meet real artisans at work
🎨 Tsuboya Pottery Museum – Learn the 300+ year-old story of Ryukyu ceramics
🛍️ Heiwa Street Arcade – Covered market full of snacks, gifts & crafts
🍘 Street Food & Local Sweets – Try sata andagi, Okinawan mochi & dried seafood
🧧 Hidden Temples & Shrines – Small, quiet spots tucked behind shops
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Cobblestone alley in Tsuboya with flower pots and ceramic signs
- Giant red pottery jars near the entrance
- Heiwa Street’s retro neon signs and lanterns
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Late morning (10 AM–12 PM) when shops open but it’s not crowded
- Rainy days = perfect for Heiwa Dori’s covered shopping arcade
- Combine both areas for a relaxing 2–3 hour cultural stroll
💴 Some pottery shops accept card, but cash is safer
👜 Many yachimun pieces are unique & handmade—buy what you love!
🍡 Sample small bites as you walk—most stalls welcome it
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 in Tsuboya & Heiwa Area
- Yachimun Café
☕ Café inside a restored pottery house—pottery plates + garden views
📍2-16-2 Tsuboya
🕒 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶 Located in central Yachimun Street - Makishi Market Eateries
🍣 Fresh seafood bowls, champuru & local side dishes
📍Heiwa Street Arcade → Inside Makishi Market
🕒 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🚶 Covered route to market food court - Cafe Nirai
🍛 Okinawan curry & awamori cocktails
📍1-18-8 Tsuboya
🕒 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
🚶 3 min walk from Pottery Museum
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Explore the Neighborhood
🪴 Tsuboya Pottery Street Zone
- Tsuboya Pottery Museum – History & rooftop view
- Nakamura Kiln – One of the oldest active kilns
- Boutique Studios – Handmade mugs, bowls & sake cups
🛍️ Heiwa Arcade Zone
- Souvenir shops – Shisa, t-shirts, Okinawan snacks
- Mini stalls – Sea grapes, dried mango, mochi
- Local vibe – Chatty shopkeepers & old-school music
🌿 Cultural Corners
- Hidden shrines & stone walls
- Ceramic nameplates on homes
- Street musicians or Eisa drums on weekends
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Kokusai Street (Makishi Station area)
🚶 5–10 min walk to either Heiwa Street or Tsuboya Pottery Street
📍 From Naha Airport
🚗 ~20 min by taxi
🚃 Yui Rail to Makishi Station → walk
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Fully walkable area
🅿️ Paid coin parking available near Tsuboya entrance
🧭 Combine with Kokusai Dori, Naha City Museum, and Fukushu-en Garden for a full-day Naha route