[Tailor-made tour] 2-day tour to Shigaraki Pottery Town

Description

Shigaraki is known as one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. Ceramic making has been a prominent industry of this small countryside town for centuries. Many locals are engaged in pottery-related work even today, and the town is filled with any kinds of ceramic-related places, such as galleries, museums, pottery studios, kilns, tool shop, and even Shinto shrine which enshrines the deity of fire. If you are a pottery lover, and interested in not only final products but learning making process, craftsmanship, and locals’ life centering around pottery production, there is no better place to visit than Shigaraki. Our ready-made tour “Full day in Shigaraki Pottery Town” must be one option for you, but if you want to immerse yourself even more deeply into the distinct pottery community, we strongly recommend staying in the town for multiple days, and are very keen to tailor a tour itinerary for you.

One of the most interesting and exciting things to do in the town will be visiting a number of ceramic studios (some are equipped with wood-fire kilns) and meet and talk with local ceramicists in person. With a broad connection to the local community, your guide is really keen to be a bridge between you and local artists, who are all happy to share their knowledge and experiences with you. Get inspired by their passion and craftsmanship! Another important option for a visit might be Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, and Shigaraki Pottery Museumwhich gives you a broad picture of all about Shigaraki-ware. To satisfy your interest in trying your hands on local clay, we can also visit a small private studio for a pottery making session. Enjoy trying to make your “masterpieces” with instructions from super-friendly local ceramic experts. Of course, ceramic shops and galleries for shopping should be included in the list as well!

We have a recommended 2-day tour itinerary (please see below), and also are very happy to tailor a plan for your trip to Shigaraki as flexibly as possible. Please feel free to tell us your special interests and needs.

Recommended Tour Plan

Itinerary

[Day 1]

JR Kyoto Station (Meeting at around 7:50 a.m.)

Train

Kibukawa Station

Train (Shigaraki Kogen Railway)

Shigaraki Station

Walk

Town centre of Shigaraki
- Strolling around the town
- Shigaraki Pottery Museum
- Visiting local potters' studios and galleries
- Lunch
- Pottery making workshop

Walk or Taxi

Accommodation in the town centre of Shigaraki
(Guide leaves at around 5:00 p.m.)

[Day 2]

Accommodation in the town center of Shigaraki
(Guide picks you up around 9:45 a.m.)

Walk

Town centre of Shigaraki
- Strolling around the town
- Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
- Lunch

Taxi

Shigaraki Station

Train (Shigaraki Kogen Railway)

Kibukawa Station

Train

JR Kyoto Station (Tour ends at around 6:40 p.m.)

Estimated Price (per person)

What is included in the sample price

• English-speaking tour conductor (licensed guide interpreter)
• Fee for pottery making experience (hand building)
• Fare for all transportation listed above
• Insurance
• Local tax

What is NOT included in the price

• Accommodation (You can choose and reserve it by your own, or we will also be happy to suggest places to stay and make a reservation for you.)
• Meals (Your guide will take you to a restaurant for lunch on both days. Please buy your lunch there. You will have dinner (first day) and breakfast (second day) by your own, at the accommodation or a restaurant in the town.
• Pottery delivery cost to your home (the cost varies largely depending on destination country and weight of ceramics. Estimated amount for one parcel of weight of pieces from one person would be 5,000 - 5,500 JPY for Asia, 7,500 - 8,000 JPY for Europe, Oceania, and Middle East, 9,000 - 9,500 JPY for North America, and 9,500 - 10,000 for South America and Africa, including packing costs.
• Any additional costs incurred upon your requests

Remarks

• The tour can be done also by using a charter vehicle and driver. We are happy to arrange it. The tour price will increase accordingly.
• Order of visit may vary depending on opening days of each place.