So a few of us have a slight Shisa obsession, and I was wondering if anyone out there had a fabulous, out of the way store that sold great shisa's at great prices. :o) We have been to Kokusai St (which there are literally thousands) but I feel that those our tourist prices and I refuse to pay $1000 lol. We have also been to Pottery Village, (which I love by the way. I can't believe I've been here this long and just discovered it!) and we are going to the Pottery Festival this weekend. We would just like a really good set before we PCS and I was just seeing if anyone else had any other recommendations? Thanks! 

What are the size that you are looking for? 

Pretty big, which is where I'm running into the problem. Maybe 18 inches or so? 

They have a bunch at the little Tommy China stores and they are pretty cheap 

I'm thinking I'm thinking! Check Japan Update. 

Yeah, check the concessions at Foster and Kadena. 

For something that big I can imagine that you are running into some problems. I have seen some beautiful things but not within the price that you have described. :-( 

The shisa's at the concession mall are nice, but I'm looking for the traditional Okinawan pottery looking ones... if that description makes any sense? lol And what are the Tommy China stores? zx9rgirl: Yah, price seems to be an issue. We know we're going to spend a couple hundred dollars, I just feel like the locals know this great secret and they're not telling! lol Kokusai St had some beautiful pottery, I just felt it was outrageous. Pottery Village was a LOT more reasonable, but I couldn't really find the size that I wanted. I'm really hoping the festival will have more options. 

Amanda you and Jerri need to go to Shishas Anonomous! lol. But the pottery thingy sunday might have some nice ones and Jerri sounded like she REALLY liked the ones on kokusia street:) 

Try Yomitan Village From Naha, head north on Highway 58 towards Nago. Keep left and continue through Kadena Circle on Highway 58. Turn left on Route 12 at the Kina crossroad. Look for a small sign saying "Village of Potters" in English. Turn right and follow the paved road to the left. 

Sasha- that's where we went a couple of days ago. I loved it! A bunch of the stores were closed though, so we didn't get to go in all of them. That's probably where we'll end up getting a pair, I just didn't find anything as big as what I wanted. I'm being picky, I know! lol I did however walk away with a couple other pottery pieces... ;o) They have a lot of beautiful work there, and I'm a sucker for that sort of thing. Caity- I know, right? We should start our own club. The ones Jerri saw were in Yomitan Village though, I don't think she made it Kokusai St. I thought I passed a little store out Gate 2 that looked like it had a bunch of shisa's in the window, but I can't find it again. :o( 

thats the thing about this place, you find something once and god only knows if you'll ever find it again! 

I just didn't find anything as big as what I wanted. I'm being picky, I know Goodness! This big?!  

That's a good size :o) 

These Shishi dogs are rigth in front of the Yomitan Village Joint Sale Center very near the Yomitan Village. Maybe you can ask if they make that size for sale next time you go. I bet they can even make them special for you down to size, color and material.  

Remember too though, the shisha dogs that the locals have are a very spiritual thing and they are not willing to "skimp" on it. Trust me when I say they will pay a LOT for something that protects them like the shisha does. 

Absolutely. I just didn't feel like the prices on Kokusai reflected what prices may be like in other, maybe harder to find places. I've made it my mission to scour for great places now. We only have a few short weeks left on island, and I feel like I procrastinated! Thanks to everyone whose been throwing ideas out there too! :o) 

I just got myself a medium size pair at the Kadena commissary...and some to send home. I want a really nice pair one of these days, and I heard you can make your own in workshops at the Kadena art and crafts store. Everyone back home thinks that these are the coolest things ever, and I do too! I think my obsession is starting as well..see you at shisa anonymous! 

I feel like I procrastinated! That is sooooooooooooooooo true. Even for those that did not like Oki, at the end they feel like they missed out on a lot of stuff! Not many people understand what a great awesome opportunity this is! Enjoy ... enjoy. ENJOY!!!! 

Sasha, it definitely is a fabulous oppurtunity. My husband just took leave for two weeks, and we spend about everyday exploring. We got some great photos! There are only a few things left that I want to do before we leave. But one of the MAIN things is to find the perfect pair of shisa's! lol 

Is it a Japanese belief that they're only effective if given as a gift? 

I've never heard that before... but maybe so. hmmm..... 

I dont think so. maybe but i think they are just built for protection i dont think anyone specifically has to give it to you....
history... 

Is it a Japanese belief that they're only effective if given as a gift?
We were told that when we first moved here. That is why we don't have any. 

hmm.. good to know. i've never been told that. we don't have any, but we sent some to my in laws last year. 

This comment has been flagged as spam 

This comment has been flagged as spam