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Okinawa's traditional pottery that deepens the bond between the two — Yachimun experience — Also recommended for honeymoons!

The hand of the instructor, who was standing behind them, holding the spinning wheel

Experience making cup-yachimun (Okinawan pottery) surrounded by the natural beauty of Okinawa, perfect for couples!

The pottery making experience at "Laboratorio dal mare" offers a special moment surrounded by the beautiful nature of Okinawa. In a workshop located right by the sea, you can enjoy traditional Okinawan pottery with your loved one while listening to the sound of gentle waves and the wind of Okinawa. It is a truly heartwarming and romantic experience that is perfect for spending precious moments such as a honeymoon or a special anniversary.

The staff who were in charge of this experience are as follows:Ms. ChikaMs. Kichika was very kind and helped us enjoy our experience by making it fun and easy to understand.

 

Experience starts now!

The experience starts off very smoothly: first you receive a brief explanation and safety instructions using a tablet. You enter the details of the experience, such as the flow, safety instructions, and the delivery address to send your finished work to. The information is very easy to enter, so you can get started immediately and focus on the experience.

After that, wear the cute apron and start the experience right away! Wearing the apron together as a couple will make you feel even more special and create a memorable experience.

Two people laughing while looking at their smartphones on a wooden table

Plain-colored apron hung on the wall

 

Started creating with a potter's wheel

The hand that shapes the bowl of hot water on the potter's wheel

Once the hands-on experience begins, we proceed with the creation in the potter’s wheel while receiving instructions from Chika. We learn how to use the wheel and the basic working procedures. The sensation of placing the clay on the wheel and shaping it with the palm of the hand allows us to relax while feeling the warmth of the clay, and it is a very pleasant experience. The process of creating the shape at our own pace is one of the charms of pottery.

Shikaka-san provides support as needed, so even first-time users can feel confident in the process. The feeling of placing clay on a wheel and shaping it with your palms allows you to relax while feeling the softness and silky texture of the clay, providing a very pleasant experience. The process of creating shapes at your own pace is one of the charms of pottery. Working with a partner to create the same piece or to brainstorm design ideas is a very enjoyable time.

 

Painting and the joy of seeing the finished work

After the creation is finished, you can choose the next traditional Okinawan pattern. You can choose from five different patterns, and Chitaka will carefully explain each one to you. The patterns you can choose are as follows:

Holding a sheet of paper with color samples of glaze on it

  • Kiku Mon Tangra(Kiku Mon Kusasa)
    The dragon-shaped pattern symbolizes "prosperity" and "longevity" because its vitality is strong and it continuously spreads out its branches without interruption. This is a auspicious pattern.
  • Damgo with dragon pattern(Degogo Karakusa)
    It features a design with a dragon-shaped pattern incorporating Okinawa-style dagogo flowers, creating a sense of vitality.
  • Engraving(Ingar)
    It is a unique technique from Okinawa that presses the patterns of wildflowers into molds to create a delicate and beautiful finish.
  • Punishment(Tenuchi)
    By freely hitting the dots, a simple yet unique design is created.
  • Bristle-haired animals(Hakeme)
    The characteristic feature of this product is its smooth texture achieved through applying the makeup soil with a brush and applying it in a circular motion.

After the experience ends, the works that have been decorated with your chosen design will be baked in about three months, and will be shipped nationwide. When the finished work you made yourself is complete, the love and sense of accomplishment will stay with you forever. Making matching pieces together as a couple will undoubtedly create a special memory.

 

After the work is done, I enjoyed some original tea and took a moment to relax.

Green and gray dishes placed on a wooden table

After the work is done, you can enjoy the original tea provided by Kichika. A moment of relaxation awaits you with the warm tea. You can spend a luxurious time relaxing in a quiet workshop while feeling the blessings of Okinawa’s nature.

In addition to tea, we also sell coffee beans from Yanbaru Roasted Coffee, so if you’re interested, please give it a try.

 

Support from staff

This time, it was our experience that was in charge of the responsibility.To everyone at Kichika and the staff membersAll the staff were very friendly and easy to understand even for beginners. At first I was a little unsure about how to use the potter's wheel, but thanks to the staff's support, the clay gradually took shape and we were able to create our own unique creations in no time. I had a great time learning about traditional Okinawan pottery while having fun.

 

Photo shooting during the experience

Also, during the experience, the staff membersTake photosThere are also services that allow you to capture your memories in photos. With the beautiful natural scenery of Okinawa as a backdrop, our staff beautifully photographed us engrossed in pottery. Being able to record precious moments in photos will surely become a special memory.

 

My impressions of the experience!

The yachimun (Okinawan pottery) making experience was not just a simple pottery experience; it was a wonderful opportunity to create your own work while being surrounded by the beautiful scenery and natural beauty of Okinawa. In particular, the feeling of working with the clay while touching it was extremely pleasant; the warm clay in my hands made my mind relax and I felt as if I were one with nature. When the finished work was completed, the love and accomplishment that I felt remained with me.

I look forward to seeing the finished work I created myself when it arrives, and one of the charms of this experience is that I can feel the warmth of Okinawa in my daily life.

Two freshly molded pieces of tableware arranged on a tray in front of the shelf.

 

The atmosphere of the store

The intertwined wall of vine plants and the entrance to the workshop with the wooden door

A workshop with a lathe and shelves

The Laboratorio dal Mare workshop is located right by the sea and surrounded by a natural environment. Here, you can enjoy pottery while listening to the sound of the waves and being blown by the pleasant breeze, in a unique and special experience that only this place offers.

Wooden sign placed on a green path

The yachimun (Okinawan pottery) making experience at "Laboratorio dal mare" is a wonderful opportunity to create your own unique work while feeling the natural beauty and traditions of Okinawa. With the attentive support of the staff, you can enjoy this experience in a relaxing studio while feeling the warmth of Okinawa. Additionally, after the experience, you can enjoy a luxurious time of relaxation with original tea that will soothe your mind and body. The finished work will be fired approximately three months later, and it will be shipped nationwide, so it is a great feature that you can bring the traditional culture of Okinawa to your home even if you are not in Okinawa. This experience is highly recommended as a souvenir from your Okinawa trip or as a reward for yourself. This experience allows you to enjoy pottery at your own pace while experiencing the sights and traditions of Okinawa, so please come and visit us!

A sales area where items are arranged on long tables

 

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Laboratory by the Sea Laboratorio dal mare

OPEN 10:00-18:00
Open 24/7

– Instagram: [@laboratorio.dal.mare]
– Official HP:[https://www.laboratorio-dal-mare.com/]
– Address: 252 Sumuide, Nago City, Okinawa

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