Make a Shisa Guardian Deity in Naha: Paint or Mold Clay

Shape clay into a Shisa, or paint one in an hour on Kokusai Street

Make a traditional Shisa guardian deity in a hands-on class on Kokusai Street in Naha, choosing between painting a ceramic piece or molding one from scratch in Okinawan clay. The workshop fires your creation in 20 minutes, and you walk out with a finished guardian to take home the same day. A live guide speaks English and Japanese.

The experience

The workshop sits a short walk from Kokusai Street's bustle, close enough to fit into an afternoon between shops and restaurants. You choose one of three options at checkout: paint a medium-sized ceramic Shisa with your own color palette, paint a larger one for a bolder statement, or hand-mold a palm-sized Shisa from authentic Okinawan clay and customize its pose and expression. An apron is provided, and the staff guides you through each step.

If you pick the molding option, you'll watch your clay Shisa go into the kiln for 20 minutes while you wait: fast enough that you see the transformation happen. The painted options let you work at your own pace, choosing colors and details freely on an artisan-made piece. Either way, your finished guardian leaves with you on the same day, wrapped and ready to protect a home or serve as a souvenir.

The experience runs about an hour and suits families, couples, and anyone curious about Okinawan tradition without needing prior pottery skill. Infants can come along in a stroller, and the space is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation stops nearby if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Apron rental.
• product packaging for your finished Shisa.
• live guide instruction in English or Japanese.
• firing of your molded clay piece (if you choose the making option).

Options for this experience

3 options

Shisa Painting (Medium)Guide in English or Japanese · 8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

Unglazed Shisa MakingGuide in English or Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Shisa Painting (Large)Guide in English or Japanese · 8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 株式会社Japanticket

Is this one for you?Choose the painting option if you want a finished piece to walk away with immediately and prefer choosing colors on a pre-made guardian. Choose the molding option if you want the hands-on experience of shaping clay and don't mind a 20-minute wait for the kiln.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

What's the difference between painting a Shisa and making one from clay?

Painting a Shisa means choosing colors and designs on a pre-made ceramic piece (either medium or large size), and taking it home finished. Making one from clay means hand-molding a palm-sized Shisa from scratch, customizing its pose and expression, then watching it fire in the kiln for 20 minutes before you leave with it.

Can I really take my Shisa home the same day?

Yes. Painted Shisas are ready to wrap and go immediately. Molded clay Shisas fire in the kiln for 20 minutes while you're still at the workshop, so you leave with the finished piece.

What is a Shisa and why do Okinawans make them?

A Shisa is a traditional lion-dog guardian deity that protects Okinawan homes from evil spirits. Families display them on rooftops, doorways and shelves as symbols of protection and good fortune. Making one yourself connects you to a centuries-old Okinawan craft.

Do I need any pottery experience to join this class?

No. The workshop is designed for all skill levels, and the staff guides you through each step whether you're painting or molding. Families and first-time makers are welcome.

Where exactly is the workshop located?

The workshop is on Kokusai Street in Naha, a short walk from the street's main shopping and dining area. Public transportation stops are nearby, and you can reach it easily on foot from central Naha.