Pottery Village Tour

Tachikui is one of Japan’s most significant pottery villages and the birthplace of Tamba pottery. It is counted among the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan—ceramic traditions that have remained unbroken from the medieval era to the present day.

Today, around sixty family-run pottery studios are dispersed throughout the village. In many cases, homes, workshops, and galleries share the same grounds, with two or three generations living and working side by side. Here, pottery is not performed for visitors; it is woven into the rhythm of daily life.

What distinguishes Tachikui is its quiet continuity. Rather than being shaped for tourism, the village has preserved its practices, values, and pace over centuries. Visitors encounter not only finished works, but the living culture, people, and processes that sustain this enduring ceramic tradition.

What defines this tour is the emphasis on human connection. By visiting active pottery studios and meeting the artisans themselves, guests gain an intimate understanding of a tradition shaped by generations of practice and lived experience.

For those concerned about language barriers, the experience is fully supported by a bilingual guide fluent in Japanese and English. Conversations with local potters are carefully interpreted, allowing for natural interaction and a deeper appreciation of their perspectives and work.

In Tachikui, visitors are welcomed not merely as customers, but as guests. The sincerity and warmth of the local artisans leave a lasting impression, making the experience as much about people and values as it is about pottery.

Tachikui is a village of considerable depth, and its many studios and traditions cannot be fully explored in a single day without haste. Each kiln carries its own history and aesthetic, rewarding a more focused and unhurried approach.

To reflect this, the tour is offered in two carefully designed courses.

[A] The Tamba Pottery Immersion Tour is intended for those who wish to deepen their understanding through learning and hands-on experience.

[B] The Tamba Pottery Studio Hopping Tour is ideal for guests who enjoy exploring studios, discovering individual styles, and selecting pieces that resonate with them.

Both options are paced to allow for thoughtful engagement rather than hurried sightseeing. Custom itineraries, including multi-day experiences or visits to specific studios, may be arranged upon request, subject to availability.