Discover Japan’s rich fermentation culture through two traditional crafts in Tokoname: ceramic crocks and natural indigo dyeing. With more than 1,000 years of ceramic history, Tokoname is one of Japan’s six ancient pottery centers and remains a thriving center of craftsmanship today.
Begin along the historic Pottery Path, where brick chimneys, old kilns, pottery-lined lanes, workshops, and galleries reveal the town’s long relationship with ceramics.
From there, visit Yamagen Toen, Tokoname’s only pottery workshop specializing in traditional fermentation crocks. For more than 60 years, the workshop has continued to make these vessels using time-honored methods and locally sourced materials. Meet third-generation artisan Yuji Koie and step inside the working studio to see how local raw materials are prepared into clay and shaped into crocks used for miso, umeboshi, pickles, and other fermented foods.
After the workshop visit, stop by TOKONAME STORE, Yamagen Toen’s own shop, to browse its fermentation crocks alongside colorful ceramics designed for contemporary everyday life.
Your final experience takes you to Konya no Namiho, an indigo studio that handles every stage of the craft, from growing indigo plants to preparing the dye and coloring textiles. Here, traditional natural ingredients and fermentation are used to create the indigo dye vat. Dip and dye your own tenugui hand towel, experiencing firsthand the deep blue color produced through this centuries-old craft. Together, these encounters offer a distinctive look at Japanese craftsmanship, natural materials, and the enduring culture of fermentation.
Meet your professional, English-speaking guide and travel together from Nagoya to Tokoname by train.
Explore the atmospheric heart of one of Japan’s oldest pottery towns. Walk among brick chimneys, historic kilns, the distinctive Clay Pipe Hill, and a maze of small workshops and galleries. More than 1,000 years of ceramic history remain woven into the streets and daily life of this remarkable neighborhood.
Step inside Tokoname’s only pottery workshop specializing in traditional fermentation crocks, where the craft has been passed down for more than 60 years. Third-generation artisan Yuji Koie will introduce you to a process that remains rooted in traditional methods and local materials.
See how raw local materials are prepared into workable clay and shaped into large ceramic crocks. These vessels have long played an important role in Japanese food culture, used for fermenting and preserving foods such as miso, umeboshi, and pickles.
After exploring the workshop, visit TOKONAME STORE to discover another side of Tokoname ceramics. Browse fermentation crocks alongside the popular pastel-colored collection and other pieces designed for contemporary everyday life.
Discover a traditional indigo studio that handles the entire process from growing indigo plants to preparing dye and coloring textiles. The studio follows time-honored techniques using natural materials including sukumo—composted indigo leaves—wood-ash lye, shell lime, and wheat bran.
Using a natural indigo vat brought to life through fermentation, create your own one-of-a-kind tenugui hand towel. Watch the cloth transform as repeated dipping and exposure to air gradually reveal the deep, distinctive blue of Japanese indigo.
Travel back to Nagoya with your guide. Alternatively, end your guided tour in Tokoname and stay longer to enjoy lunch, browse the pottery shops and galleries, or continue exploring the Pottery Path at your own pace.
Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center
This tour includes walking through Tokoname’s historic pottery district. Some sections of the Pottery Path have slopes and uneven surfaces.
This experience is booked on request. We will respond to the request within 5 days
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| No-show or cancellation after tour departure | 100% of the tour price |
| On the tour date | 50% of the tour price |
| 1 day prior to the tour date | 40% of the tour price |
| 2 to 7 days prior to the tour date | 30% of the tour price |
| 8 to 10 days prior to the tour date | 20% of the tour price |
| 11 or more days prior to the tour date | Free |
Tokoname City