43pottery / Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture: Let’s Make Blue Pottery—Hand-Building Experience! A Pottery Experience You Can Enjoy Even on Rainy Days

For those looking to create special memories on their Okinawa trip! At “Laboratorio 43pottery” in Motobu Town, you can enjoy a unique hands-on experience making blue pottery by hand. These 90 minutes spent working with clay, which will bring back memories of childhood arts and crafts, offer a chance to escape the daily grind. Since your finished piece will be shipped to your home later, you don’t have to worry about adding extra luggage to your trip.

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A Moment of Creating a Blue Vessel Through a Hand-Building Workshop

Laboratorio 43pottery has a store inside Hanasaki Marche. It's right across from Starbucks.

Blue Pottery: Step-by-Step Guide to the Hand-Building Experience

Registration and Preparation

On the day of the workshop, after arriving at “Laboratorio 43pottery,” please check in at the reception desk. A staff member will explain the workshop procedure and important points to note, and will prepare the clay and tools you’ll need for hand-building.

Thinking About Design

First, visualize the item you want to make (a bowl, mug, small plate, etc.). Samples are provided, so even beginners can easily use them as a reference.

Roll out the clay and shape it

As you spread and smooth the clay with your hands, shape it into the form you want to create.

For plates and cups, we use a method called “hand-building,” in which the clay is shaped by pressing it with the hands.

The staff provides friendly support, so even beginners can get started smoothly.

Putting the finishing touches on the details

So far, we’ve been at it for about 60 minutes. We’re almost there!

Once the shape is formed, you can add patterns and other details to finish your piece. You can enjoy creating a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.

Drying and Firing After the Workshop

Once your piece is complete, you’ll hand it over to the staff, and it will undergo the drying and firing processes. During this process, it will be transformed into a beautiful “blue vessel.” Since the firing process takes several weeks, your piece will be shipped to your home at a later date.

Arrived at home a few days later

A few days later, the finished piece arrived at my home!

Your finished blue bowl will be delivered right to your home! You can enjoy using it or displaying it as a memento of your trip.

Please keep in mind that, in addition to the trial fee, there is a shipping charge of 1,600 yen!

The peace of mind that comes from not being at the mercy of the weather

Since the pottery workshop is held indoors, you can enjoy it with peace of mind even on rainy or windy days. One of its biggest appeals is that you can still have a special experience here even if your travel plans get disrupted. It’s also a great spot to relax in between sightseeing activities.

Activities That Kids Can Enjoy, Too

Hand-building may be too difficult for young children. In that case, a pottery painting workshop is a great alternative that’s easy to enjoy. Even young children are sure to be captivated by it.

Things to Enjoy at Hanasaki Marche

This pottery workshop is located inside a facility called "Hanasaki Marche." Inside, there is a workshop area and a shop area.

You can also purchase Yachimun (Okinawan pottery) and gifts crafted by the staff, so you'll have fun picking out souvenirs.

Time to Get Lost in Pottery

Making blue pottery at “Laboratorio 43pottery” is the perfect new way to enjoy a trip to Okinawa. There’s something special about creating your own pottery, and the anticipation of receiving the finished piece is part of the appeal. With easy-to-join painting workshops and the peace of mind that comes from not having to worry about the weather, it’s the perfect spot for families and for sightseeing on rainy days.

Enjoy Okinawa Even More at Nearby Tourist Attractions

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: About a 4-minute drive

Bise's Fukugi Tree-Lined Avenue—about a 5-minute walk

Sesoko Beach: About 15 minutes by car

Starbucks Coffee Okinawa Motobu-cho Store: 0-minute walk
It's right in front of us!

Check Basic Information and Rates

Jalan Fun Experiences

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Official Website

Store	Laboratorio43pottery
Genre	Hand-building Workshop, Pottery Painting Workshop
Business Hours	10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Closed Days	Open every day (please confirm when making a reservation)
Fees	Blue Pottery: Hand-Building Workshop—6,600 yen per person Yachimun Pottery Painting Workshop: Starting at 2,980 yen per person *Shipping fee: 1,600 yen (separate charge)
Parking Lot	Free (Parking available on the premises)
How to Make a Reservation	JalanMake a reservation via [...], etc. OrOfficial WebsiteFrom.
Address	1421 Yamakawa, Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Web and Social Media	Official Website Instagram