Yomitan Village, Okinawa Japan

Yomitan (読谷村) Okinawa, Japan is a vibrant village in the Central, West part of the main Okinawa Island. Sitting on the East China Sea Yomitan is about 28 km north of the Okinawa Capital, Naha. Yomitan is mainly an agricultural and crafts village with its economy supported by crops such as chrysanthemums (a symbol of Japan), sugar cane, and the beni imo (purple sweet potato).

Yomitan has a ancient and distinguished history that includes many important historical figures that played their part in the formation of the Ryukyu kingdom. This central Okinawa village also boasts rich cultural traditions that is strives to maintain in today’s modern world with places like Yomitan Pottery Village. Yomitan is famous for its Okinawan pottery and other hand crafts like textiles. A visit to Yomitan should almost guarantee that perfect Okinawa souvenir or take home treasure.

Close to Yomitan you can find some of the most pristine beaches in Okinawa like Cape Zampa and the Maeda flats, perfect places for a family outing or a quiet day at the beach. Yomitan also has U.S. military bases Torii Communication Station (Army) and Kadena Ammunition Storage Area (Air Force and Marine) located in the village but the presence of the military does not seem as predominate as some other places on Okinawa. 

Yomitan Access & Maps
	From Naha Airport: Approx. 70 min. by car (via highway) From Okinawa Expressway: Okinawa Minami I.C: Approx. 30 min. by car (via highway)

Sightseeing & Activities in Yomitan
Murasaki Mura Yomitan Village History and Folklore Museum Yomitan Fishing Port (Toya port) Zakimi castle (Zakimi-gusuku) Pottery Village (Yachimun no Sato)

Festivals & Events in Yomitan
Japanese Major League Baseball spring training camp The Yomitan Village Festival Zampa ORCA Marathon Relay Race Sanshin Day Yomitan Village Youth Eisa Festival Toya Port Festival Yachimun Matsuri - Pottery Festival

Beaches in Yomitan
	Zampa Beach Zampa Beach, another top notch Okinawa beach destination for families looking to get in the water and escape some of the Okinawa heat especially in the summer season. This beach features soft sand, a roped-off swimming area, and calm waters....
	Maeda Flats Maeda Flats beach is a great place for reef walking in Okinawa. This out-of-the-way beach is a favorite to explore because of the protected cove. There are no amenities at this beach, but the sand is soft and the water clear. Low tide reveals a beautiful reef which is home to many marine life...