Okinawa is a tropical resort destination where time seems to move at a gentler pace. The main island is full of attractions, while Ishigaki, Miyako, Taketomi, Iriomote, Yonaguni, and the other outlying islands each offer their own scenery and culture. On the main island, visitors can experience the heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom around Shuri, shop along Kokusai Street, and enjoy family-friendly attractions such as the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Island-hopping from Ishigaki is another highlight. On Taketomi Island, you can ride in a water-buffalo cart and visit Star Sand Beach. Iriomote Island offers mangrove cruises, and nearby Yubu Island can be reached by a water-buffalo cart crossing the shallow sea. On Miyako Island, the extraordinary “Miyako Blue” water is so beautiful that it hardly seems real. Sanshin music performances, Ishigaki beef, and traditional Okinawan cuisine add memorable entertainment and food to the journey.
I have traveled to Okinawa many times, and on every visit I make a point of buying Ryukyu glass for myself and my family.
Drinking from a Ryukyu glass makes even an ordinary beverage feel special, colorful, and luxurious. Coordinating the glassware with the rest of the table makes meals more enjoyable, and the pieces also look stylish when displayed simply as decoration.
There is an enormous variety to choose from. Drinking glasses range from small cups to generous tumblers, and you can select a shape for a particular beverage. The colors are equally diverse and so beautiful that choosing just one can be difficult. Many pieces are handmade, which means the shape, texture, and feeling in the hand differ slightly from one item to another. Those individual variations are part of their charm. Despite the craftsmanship, many pieces are reasonably priced.
My recommendations are the Ryukyu glass tumblers sold in the shops at ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort and Art Hotel Ishigakijima. Many cost around ¥1,000, and I have found them to offer better quality at a lower price than similar items in some general souvenir shops. Whether you buy a single glass or gradually build a collection, Ryukyu glass brings a vivid piece of Okinawa into everyday life.
Ryukyu Glass Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Ryukyu Glass |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | - |
| Address | - |
| Expiration Date | - |
| Place of Purchase | ホテルANAインターコンチネンタル石垣リゾートや石垣島アートホテルの売店等 |
| Price | １０００円前後 |
