Discover the living pottery heritage of Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, on this half-day tour from Nagoya.
With more than 1,000 years of ceramic history, Tokoname remains a working pottery town where old kilns, brick chimneys, workshops, and galleries are woven into the streetscape. Today, Tokoname is Japan’s leading center for bonsai pot production, ranking first nationwide in both production volume and value.
The heart of the tour is a visit to Kakuzan Toen, a family-run pottery studio where three generations of artisans are still active today. Meet fifth-generation artisan Koji Watanabe and step inside a workshop specializing in bonsai pots.
Under his guidance, create your own bonsai pot using a traditional mold-forming technique. Choose a round or oval design and shape a vessel while imagining the bonsai that might one day grow within it.
Explore the studio gallery to see bonsai pots in an impressive variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes alongside other examples of Tokoname ware. Your finished pot will be fired in the kiln, revealing the distinctive colors and textures that emerge through the firing process.
Approximately six weeks later, your handcrafted piece will be shipped to you—a lasting reminder of your encounter with Tokoname’s pottery tradition.
Meet your professional, English-speaking guide at the Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center. From Nagoya, travel by train to Tokoname.
Visit Kakuzan Toen, a family-run pottery studio along Tokoname’s historic Pottery Footpath, where three generations of artisans are currently active.
Learn directly from fifth-generation artisan Koji Watanabe as you create your own bonsai pot using a traditional mold-forming technique.
Choose a round or oval shape and craft your pot while imagining the bonsai it might one day hold. After the experience, explore the gallery and discover a wide variety of bonsai pots and other Tokoname ceramics. Your finished piece will be fired and shipped approximately six weeks after the tour.
Walk through the heart of one of Japan’s oldest pottery towns, with more than 1,000 years of ceramic history.
Wander past historic brick chimneys, the famous Clay Pipe Hill, old kilns, workshops, and galleries while experiencing a neighborhood where pottery remains part of everyday life.
Walk back toward Tokoname Station with your guide. Guests who wish to spend more time in Tokoname may end the tour here and continue exploring the Pottery Footpath or enjoy lunch in the area.
Travel back to Nagoya by Meitetsu train.
Arrive back at Nagoya Station, where the tour concludes.
Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center
This tour includes walking through the Tokoname Pottery Footpath. Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for exploring the historic pottery district.
Tokoname City
