A Full-Day Adventure in Yomitan, Okinawa 🌴 | Pottery, Castles, Beaches & More!
Hi friends, we are so excited to share this full day Yomi Tan itinerary with you. It has the perfect combination of relaxing beaches, cool places for local food with a little bit of historical and cultural history added to the mix. Yomitan, located on Okinawa’s west coast, offers a unique blend of charm and tranquility. It is a beachy town with stunning coastlines and turquoise waters that invite relaxation. Today we are covering a lot of sites within a very confined area. We are going to start our day at the Yomi Tan Pottery Village followed by Zakimi Castle Ruins, Cape Zampa, Okashagon Snacks and Souvenir Shop, Naray Beach, Dallas shops, Chickyu Zaka Home Furnishings Warehouse, and finishing the day with a sunset view at Taguchi Beach. This will likely be a longer than usual video, so if you want to jump around, timestamps are in the description below. Yomi Tan Pottery Village, also known as Yakaman Nosato, is a haven for pottery enthusiasts. This charming village, or more like two long blocks, is home to around 45 artisans who craft exquisite pottery inspired by the nearby sea and Okinawa’s cultural heritage. Most of these beautiful items in the small shops are priced from moderate to expensive. The village offers a serene and creative atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for those seeking a blend of art and tradition. Most shops open 7 days a week and are usually open by 9:00 a.m. Visiting early morning always feels so calming. Visitors can explore workshops, admire the traditional noarigma, climbing kiln, and discover unique creations like ceramic shisa, lion dog statues, and gerachi glazed pottery. Developed during Japan’s Edeto period to meet the growing demand for highquality ceramics, the traditional climbing kiln is a fascinating innovation in pottery making. It is built along a slope with multiple chambers arranged in a step-like formation. The kiln operates by using natural draft to maintain steady temperatures across all chambers. Glass is another medium seen in this village and the Niji glass studio has been recycling Ryuku glass bottles for half a century. They have been expanding the field of foam glass to create unique works of art. [Music] Just a few minutes away, our next destination. is the Kimi Castle ruins. The walk leading to the site is lined with pine trees and the ruins showcase the beautiful remains of a 15th century Ryuku Castle. It’s a serene spot perfect for history lovers or those looking for beautiful views. Visitors can explore its wellpreserved stone walls, enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop, go for a walk on the park, and learn about local history at the nearby Yantanza Museum. Entrance to the ruins is free and the museum is 500 yen and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Make sure to wear sunblock for our third destination. Cape Zampa is renowned for its striking cliffs and the iconic Zamp Lighthouse. The grounds are free to enter, but entrance fee to climb Cape Za Lighthouse is 300 yen, and it’s a small price for the stunning panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore walking trails, admire unique volcanic rock formations, and enjoy the nearby Zampa Beach. The area also features picnic spots, a recreation plaza, and one of Okinawa’s largest shisa statues. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a blend of scenic beauty and cultural charm. By now, you might be hungry or thirsty, so it is the perfect time to stop by the Okashagoten snacks and souvenir shop. This is such a cool place. Not only do they have a great selection of souvenirs, snacks, and ice cream, but they also have a Benmo tart factory. The famous Benmo tarts are made from Okinowan purple sweet potatoes known as Benmo, which are prized for their vibrant color and natural sweetness. You can look through the glass wall to see how these iconic treats are made. Okashi Goden in Yomi Tan is a must- vvisit destination for anyone exploring Okinawa. [Music] Just a few minutes away, stop number five on today’s itinerary is Narai Beach. Parking here is easy with two large parking lots leading to steep side steps going down to the beach. We were absolutely amazed with the beautiful pristine soft sands and crystal clear waters. This beach offers a tranquil escape for beach lovers. Located nearby is the elegant hotel Niko Aliva. Renowned for its exceptional hospitality and picturesque setting. Guests can indulge in a variety of water sports activities. Rental shop is right on site, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Gala in Yomi Tan reminds us of an outlet mall, but tiny and with a beachy feeling to it. It is across the street from the ocean, and it’s brimming with activities and dining options. It also has plenty of parking. Visitors can explore its diverse restaurants, try hands-on glass, and pottery making workshops. Adventure enthusiasts will also enjoy the on-site dive center and horseback riding trips, making Gala a vibrant hub for creativity. Culinary delights and outdoor fun. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Our number seven on the list is Chick Zaka Home Furnishings. Stepping into Chick Zaka Home Furnishings is like embarking on a treasure hunt through a whimsical wonderland. This eclectic warehouse is packed to the brim with one of a kind Asian and beachy inspired furniture and decorations that blend charm, creativity, and a touch of the unexpected. Every corner reveals quirky finds that make the experience a delightful exploration of style and individuality. It’s perfect for anyone seeking unique pieces to add personality to their home. [Music] We have made it to the very last destination of the day. Sightseeing in Yomitan, Okanawa. Taguchi Beach is a serene spot located in Yomitan Village, Okinawa. It’s known for its highly transparent waters, white sandy shores, and natural rock formations. The beach offers amenities like shower rooms, lockers, and rental equipment for activities such as snorkeling and standup paddle boarding. It’s also a popular place for barbecues and enjoying sunsets. Each of the locations we visited today can be free standing on a day by themselves. But if you are on a time constraint and want to see multiple sites in one day, this is the perfect itinerary. All are in close proximity, making it a very relaxing day. If you visited any of these locations we want to read about, let know in the comments below. Until next time.
A full-day tour of Yomitan, Okinawa’s hidden gem! From its rich cultural heritage to breathtaking natural landscapes, Yomitan offers an unforgettable experience.
Here’s what awaits:
0:54 Stroll through the charming Yomitan Pottery Village (Yachimun no Sato) and watch artisans at work.
4:40 Step back in time at the Zakimi Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5:22 Marvel at the rugged beauty of the Cape Zanpa coastline.
6:03 Indulge in local snacks and pick up unique souvenirs at Okashigoten.
8:38 Relax on the pristine shores of Nirai Beach.
9:33 Dive into the art of sea salt making at Gala Aoiumi’s workshop.
11:27 Explore curated home furnishings at the delightful Chikyu Zakka shop.
13:09 End your day with a picture-perfect sunset at the serene Toguchi Beach.
Make your Yomitan adventure memorable with our must-visit spots!
#Yomitan
#Okinawatravel
#YachimunNoSato
#ZakimiCastleRuins
#CapeZanpa
#Okashigoten
#NiraiBeach
#GalaAoiumi
#ChikyuZakka
#ToguchiBeach
#ExploreOkinawa
#HiddenGemsOkinawa
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