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(First Edition Tour)
Thank you for your interest!
We’ve already received bookings for the September and November tours, so applications are temporarily closed.
This tour will soon be launched as a regular product — stay tuned! If you’d like to know more or join in the future, please feel free to contact PineTail Tours.
Pottery Village Tour 2025
Explore hidden Japan (before the crowds do!)
1-day private tour
with an English-speaking guide and chauffeured car
Your Guide: Mika
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Cert. No: EN01687
Commissioned and supported by the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, this tour was created to welcome more international guests from cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe to this culturally rich region.
Tour Overview
Tour Overview
Let’s take a day trip from Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe to Tachikui - a village where an 800-year-old pottery tradition is still alive.
In Japan, there are six historic kiln sites that have continued pottery production from the Middle Ages to the present day. They are collectively known as the “Six Ancient Kilns.”
On this tour, you’ll visit one of them: Tachikui, home of Tamba pottery (Tambayaki).
During this tour, you will
During this tour, you will
Receive an introduction to Tamba pottery directly from a curator at the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo
Visit working pottery studios and the area’s oldest climbing kiln
Enjoy warm, personal interactions with local potters
Observe their workspaces
Try your hand at making pottery
First Edition Tour - Special Price: ¥15,000
First Edition Tour - Special Price: ¥15,000
(Regular price will be ¥52,000)
Thanks to support from the Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, most of the cost is covered — this is a rare chance to join at 70% off!
Included
Included
Private chauffeured vehicle
English-speaking guide
Pottery museum admission
Hands-on pottery experience
Lunch (valued at ~ ¥3,000)
Not Included
Not Included
Transportation to the pick-up point
Accommodation
Souvenirs or shipping fees
Tour Dates
Tour Dates
September 2025 (5 guests)
November 2025 (5 guests)
Exact dates will be coordinated based on guest availability and the schedule of the museum and potters.
Start & End Point (Your Choice)
Start & End Point (Your Choice)
A major station or hotel in central Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe
Mandatory Requirements (First Edition Tour Only)
Mandatory Requirements (First Edition Tour Only)
Short feedback.
Media consent.
You have to be Non-Japanese tourists.
Customer Reviews
”We spent three weeks in Japan and it was a marvelous experience. Mika and her brother were extremely helpful to prepare our itinerary prior to departure. They are very professional in their work, deliver all the details you need and come up with nice proposals, to make it easier to “survive” in Japan, which is a challenge. Mika was our guide in Kyoto and Tokyo and showed us the places we would not find ourselves. We are very grateful to her for making our stay in Japan a wonderful experience. We strongly recommend cooperation with Mika and her brother as , taking into consideration multiple experiences we had before with organizations preparing holiday itineraries, she and her brother were the best!! Additionally they are very sympathetic and working with them was a great pleasure:)”
- Agnieszka 🇵🇱
"We have chosen PineTailtours to organize one day tour for our family, 2 adults and 3 young adults. Amongst the various propositions, we selected the real Japan experience. We had such a wonderful day ! Everything was all beautifully prepared and our guides were careful and generous of their knowledge. Our experience was culturally and humanly enriching!"
- Christine 🇫🇷
“Mika was incredible!! Arranged a fabulous itinerary and was watchful of time so that we could experience everything we wanted! She helped us navigate Kyoto and Osaka via public transit (primarily). We asked for street food, and Mika's suggestions were great! Mika's personality was warm and responsive. Being a tour guide truly fits her demeanour!”
- Lorna 🇨🇦
"We’ve tried exploring Japan in three ways: online research, a TripAdvisor chauffeur tour, and finally - a private, tailored experience with a local certified guide - Mika. There is no comparison - Mika and her brother Takashi’s two-person company is the clear winner.
Mika stands out because she spent five years earning her professional guide certification, studied in the UK, and grew up in a family that welcomed foreigners. She’s knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely cares about her guests. With her, you don’t just see sights - you gain cultural insights told through her own story, family traditions, and local connections.
Whether you want an off-the-beaten-path rural adventure or an urban deep dive, Mika personalizes the tour to you. We came home with an understanding of Japan that went far beyond expectations!"
- Natalie 🇩🇰
”We enjoyed the friendliness and knowledge of our guide, Mika, and her willingness to adapt the tour to our needs and interests.Mika went above and beyond to ensure we had an enjoyable day. Highly recommended.”
- Annamaria and Frank 🇦🇺
F&Q
Q. When will the tour be held?
Q. When will the tour be held?
A. We will ask for your preferred dates at the time of booking and coordinate with museum curators and ceramic artists to finalize the tour date.
The tour is scheduled to take place once in September and once in November (a total of two times), excluding Mondays when the museums are closed.
Q. Can I join the tour alone?
Q. Can I join the tour alone?
A. Yes, solo participants are welcome.
Each tour is designed for about 5 participants, and we can adjust the group size between 4 and 6 people.
If you join with 3 people or fewer, you may be grouped with other participants.
If you’re comfortable with this arrangement, please feel free to let us know.
Q. Where does the tour depart from?
Q. Where does the tour depart from?
A. Pickup available from a major station or hotel in central Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe.
Q. Can this tour be customized?
Q. Can this tour be customized?
A. We’re sorry, but this is a monitor tour, so the itinerary and contents cannot be changed.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made up to 15 days before the tour date: No cancellation fee will be charged (free of charge).
Cancellations made within 14 days before the tour date: A cancellation fee of 100% of the tour price will be charged.
No-shows: A cancellation fee of 100% of the tour price will be charged.
If the tour is canceled due to bad weather or company reasons: A full refund of the tour price will be provided.
Refunds will be made using the same payment method as the original payment. Please note that any bank or processing fees may be borne by the customer.
Please contact +81 80-5324-3989 to cancel your booking.
Refunds after the tour has started are generally not available.
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