What is Ryukyu Glass? Let's experience Ryukyu Glass making in Onna Village where the Blue Cave is attractive!

What is Ryukyu Glass?

Ryukyu glass is a well-known product of Okinawa.

You may have received it as a souvenir or seen it featured on TV, and many people know the name but do not know the difference between it and ordinary glass.

Glass making originally began in Okinawa around the middle of the Meiji period.

During World War II, indiscriminate air strikes on the Okinawa area devastated the glassworks in Okinawa.

After the war, due to the reconstruction efforts, orders came in for vessels to be used as daily necessities and as souvenirs, but due to a lack of supplies, there was no way to make them even if they wanted to.

Glass artisans then turned their attention to the large quantities of discarded cola and beer bottles at U.S. military facilities, and began producing glass products from these discarded bottles, leading to the Ryukyu glass of today.

The greatest feature of Ryukyu glass is the "air bubbles" contained in the product.

Recycled glass such as Ryukyu glass is made by washing and melting discarded stools of raw materials, which inevitably contain impurities such as leftover label residue.

This makes it easy for air bubbles to form, but many people have accepted this as the "taste" of Ryukyu glass.

The war put Ryukyu glass in a difficult situation, but it turned the pinch into an opportunity and has now become a specialty of Okinawa, a craft with a history of more than 100 years that is loved by many.

 

How to enjoy Ryukyu glass making

Many of you may be thinking of taking a trip to Okinawa when you have a long vacation such as GW or summer vacation.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities in Okinawa.

However, these activities are subject to weather conditions that may or may not allow you to see the scenery you want to see.

It would be sad if you only plan activities for your trip to Okinawa and leave with no memories because of bad weather.

Although Ryukyu glass making can be experienced as an activity, it is not affected by weather conditions since most of the facilities are indoors.

Also, since the main focus is on creating, it is perfect for those who want to spend the day relaxing a bit but not planning anything....

 

Charm of Ryukyu Glass Making

While outdoor activities are popular in Okinawa, we would like to introduce the charm of Ryukyu glass making, which you will surely want to experience.

 

Create your own original items.

The types of pieces you can make are limited, but you can choose your favorite colors and shapes.Of course, as a beginner, not everyone can make it perfectly.

However, it is Ryukyu glass that makes it look "tasteful.The Ryukyu glass that is truly one and only in the world, made by you, will become something you will love, even if it is a little distorted in shape.

 

A sense of accomplishment upon completion!

Have you concentrated on creating one recently?

Especially when you are a working adult, the act of making something is not something you can make time for or gather materials for unless you have a special hobby.

For those who have not made such things in a long time, the charm of Ryukyu glass making is that you can enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from making something unique and tangible.

 

Enjoyable for both children and adults.

For activities, you must check the age, height, and weight restrictions.

It would be sad if the whole family could not participate in the event even though they had gone to the trouble of going.

Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, and some workshops offer extensive support from local staff.

Furthermore, since there is no need for strenuous exercise, even grandparents can participate, making it truly a family reunion for all ages.

 

Popular store where you can experience Ryukyu glass making

Here are three popular stores where you can experience Ryukyu glass making.

 

Ryukyu Glass Teida Studio

Teida Kobo is a Ryukyu glass studio located in Onna Village in the center of the main island of Okinawa.

The shop manufactures and sells Ryukyu glass, and visitors for sightseeing can also experience Ryukyu glass making at a reasonable price.

 

Menu to experience

Teida Kobo offers a glass blowing and glass bead making experience menu.

In addition, the glassblowing experience is divided into two courses: "Easy Course" and "Advanced Course.

The "Easy Course" is recommended for beginners, where you can create a piece together with a craftsman supporting you in the back.

In the "Tokoton Course," the customer performs the finishing process alone while receiving advice from the craftsman, making it perfect for those who are creative and want to try it out for themselves.

The production time is from about 15 to 30 minutes, making it easy for even first-timers to participate.

The one-of-a-kind, personalized piece can be finished and delivered to the store the next day or shipped to you.

Both courses include an option to choose the shape you want to make, such as a glass, small bowl, etc!

In tonbo dama making, glass is melted on a core rod with a gas burner to finish the process.

Instructors will guide you through the process, and you can choose from a variety of necklaces, bracelets, and other items.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

Located 200m north of Manza Beach Hotel on Route 58 in Onna Village, on the right side of the road.

From Naha Airport, take National Route 58, which takes about 55 minutes by car.

Less than an hour from the airport, it is thankfully located in the center of the main island of Okinawa!

 

Ryukyu Glass Takumi Kobo Onna Store

We have the largest number of items for Ryukyu glass experiences in the prefecture, with a respect for tradition and a desire to introduce Ryukyu glass to younger and wider generations.

 

Menu to experience

At Ryukyu Glass Artisan Studio, children as young as 3 years old can try their hand at making glass.

You can rest assured that our staff will take the utmost care to ensure that you enjoy your visit within the limits of safety.

Your child will treasure the Ryukyu glass that you made.The process takes about 15 minutes, and the product will be delivered at a later date after it has been thoroughly cooled.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

It is conveniently located about 5 minutes by car from "Onna Village Road Station" along Route 58 and about 5 minutes from the Ishikawa Expressway Interchange!It takes about 45 minutes by car from Naha Airport via National Route 58.

And the resort hotel is also conveniently located for access to Cape Maeda, famous for its "Blue Cave," a 10-minute drive away!

It is easy to make other plans besides the Ryukyu Glass experience during your trip.

 

Forest Glass Museum

The store features more than 300 types of glassware, and the glass-making experience is a pleasantly large facility that also accepts groups.

With a wide selection of products, this will be a great spot not only for the experience, but also for those who are considering purchasing souvenirs for friends and family.

 

Menu to experience

From basic, original glasses and handmade accessories to handmade photo frames perfect for families and lovers, there is something for everyone.

You can even experience making handmade gel candles and kaleidoscopes, which are not on the menu at other stores, and are recommended for those who want to create their own original works of art.

Original glasses are available for children of elementary school age and older, but with other options to choose from, you are sure to be satisfied!

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

It is located 35 minutes by car from the center of Onna Village and 1 hour and 16 minutes by car from Naha Airport via National Route 58.

Although it takes longer to travel from the airport than the other two, there is no need to worry about parking space, as there is a large parking lot.

The facility offers easy access to nearby hotels as well as tourist facilities such as Churaumi Aquarium.

 

Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!

We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!

↓Click here for more information.

 

summary

How was it?

Unlike activities that are easily affected by weather such as typhoons and squalls, the Ryukyu glass-making experience is a surefire way to experience and preserve your memories.

If you are planning a trip to Okinawa, why not create your own unique and original work of art with your family, friends, and loved ones?

Your own creations will forever remind you of the fun you had.