Japan Heritage Pottery Tour
Explore Japan’s rich ceramic traditions through immersive pottery tours visiting some of the country’s most important kiln towns.
A Journey Through Japan’s Ceramic Heritage
2 nights
Arita & Okawachiyama
Birthplace of Japanese porcelain, ryokan stay, studio visits and porcelain painting workshop.
5 nights
Bizen & Tamba Pottery
Visit two of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, enjoy artist-led workshops, museums and local cultural experiences.
2 nights
Shigaraki
Explore one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns with pottery workshops, studio visits and ceramic cultural sites.
• Visit Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain
• Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan with onsen experience
• Guided visits to ceramic museums, galleries and pottery studios
• Explore the picturesque pottery village of Okawachiyama
• Participate in a half-day porcelain painting workshop in Okawachiyama
• Learn about the history of Arita ware and Japanese porcelain production
• Visit two of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns: Bizen and Tamba
• Explore the historic Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Visit museums to learn about Bizen & Tamba history and traditions
• Participate in a 1.5-day pottery workshop with ceramic artist Kazuya Ishida in Bizen
• Visit the mountain site where natural materials for porcelain are sourced
• Discover the historic castle town of Sasayama
• Enjoy a half-day pottery workshop in Tamba
• Share dinner and conversation with local Tamba ceramic artists
• Visit one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns: Shigaraki
• Visit a museum to learn about Shigaraki history and traditions
• Participate in a pottery workshop
• Visit the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
• Visit a local pottery studio
• Visit a local Japanese pottery tool shop
Tour Details
$7,790 Twin Share
Minimum group size: 8 people
Maximum group size: 15 people
Tours can be combined as a 10-day tour or booked separately
Suitable for pottery and ceramics teachers, experienced potters and pottery enthusiasts
Mostly guided, including private transfers
Train travel is required independently from Saga to Okayama and Kurashiki to Shin Kobe
Recommended tour start day: Tuesday, due to museum opening hours
Interested in Joining the Japan Heritage Pottery Tour?
Contact Ryo to discuss dates, group requirements and the best way to plan your pottery-focused journey through Japan.