Tourist attraction

Tsuboya Ufu Shisa (Tsuboya Big Shisa)

Traditional craft

「Saion Ufu Shisa」in Saion square is his brother. A huge Tsuboya pottery shisa produced by the Tsuboya pottery method which has a more than 300 year history, originating in the Ryukyu Kingdom. This shisa was made by Tsuboya craftsmen and set up on February 9th, 2013 as a symbol of the town. It is popular among the children because he periodically exhales smoke-like water from his mouth. When you press the guidance button, you will hear the guidance voice in the Okinawan dialect. 「Ufu」 means big in the Okinawan dialect. He is protecting the residents and visitors as the town’s guardian. Shisa is a fictional animal that models a lion and it was introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom via China from the ancient Orient.

Basic information

Address
902-0065 1-8 Tsuboya Naha Okinawa In front of the Tsuboya Ophthalmological Clinic.
Business hours
Nothing in particular
Close day
Nothing in particular
Charge
Free
Parking
None
Access information
Take the「Yui rail」 and get off at Makishi station. A 12-minute walk. For buses (#17, #55, #112) get off at the Tsuboya bus stop. A 5-minute walk.

Additional Information

Academic information
Shisa are fictional animals that were modeled after the ancient Oriental lion found in rural areas and later transmitted as a Shishi (lion dog), in China; that lion-dog motif was passed on to Ryukyu. Komainu were introduced from the Korean peninsula.
Quote
Naha Machima-i, Local Guidepost