Tokoname Pottery & Contemporary Art | Meet a Ceramic Artist & Master Teapot Artisan — From Nagoya
Tour Duration
Tour Duration
5
Hours
Starting From
Starting From
30,000
JPY/person
Group Size
Group Size
1-4
People
Highlights
  • Step inside the private home studio of internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Chikako Yoshikawa.
  • Meet master teapot artisan Yoshiki Murata, with over 60 years of craftsmanship.
  • Discover one-of-a-kind Tokoname teapots shaped by tradition, imagination, and playful creativity.
  • Walk Tokoname’s historic Pottery Footpath among kilns, brick chimneys, studios, and galleries.
  • Experience how tradition and contemporary creativity come together in Tokoname pottery.

Discover the remarkable world of Tokoname pottery, where more than 1,000 years of ceramic tradition continue to inspire new forms of expression.

Begin with a walk along Tokoname’s historic Pottery Footpath, where brick chimneys, old kilns, workshops, and galleries reveal a town shaped by ceramics for generations.

Then step inside the private home studio of contemporary ceramic artist Chikako Yoshikawa. Her distinctive work has been exhibited internationally, including in Germany, the Czech Republic, India, and Spain. Surrounded by her creations, hear directly from Yoshikawa about her artistic vision, creative process, and approach to ceramics, with the rare opportunity to converse with her in English.

The journey continues at the workshop of Yoshiki Murata, a master artisan who has devoted more than 60 years to making Tokoname teapots. Rooted in traditional techniques yet full of individuality, his teapots explore unexpected forms, colors, and playful details. See the pieces up close, hold them in your hands, and perhaps discover a one-of-a-kind teapot that becomes a personal favorite.

Through these two intimate studio visits, experience how centuries-old tradition and contemporary creativity come together in Tokoname pottery.

Itinerary

8:45 AM – Meet Your Guide at Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center

Meet your guide at Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center and travel together to Tokoname, one of Japan’s most historic pottery towns.

9:45 AM – Explore the Historic Tokoname Pottery Footpath

Walk through a pottery district shaped by more than 1,000 years of ceramic production. Follow atmospheric lanes past old brick chimneys, historic kilns, the iconic Clay Pipe Hill, and small workshops and galleries where Tokoname’s pottery heritage remains part of everyday life.

11:00 AM – Private Studio Visit with Ceramic Artist Chikako Yoshikawa

Step inside the home studio of contemporary ceramic artist Chikako Yoshikawa and discover the creative world behind her distinctive work. Yoshikawa has exhibited in Japan and internationally, including in Germany, the Czech Republic, India, and Spain. View her expressive ceramic pieces, learn about the ideas and processes behind her work, and enjoy the rare opportunity to speak directly with the artist in English.

11:50 AM – Visit Master Teapot Artisan Yoshiki Murata

Meet Yoshiki Murata, who has devoted more than six decades to the craft of Tokoname teapot making.

His workshop is filled with distinctive teapots in unexpected shapes, colors, and designs, each combining traditional craftsmanship with his own playful creative spirit. See and handle individual pieces up close, and perhaps discover a one-of-a-kind teapot that speaks to you.

12:30 PM – Walk to Tokoname Station

Walk back through Tokoname before beginning the return journey to Nagoya.

Guests who wish to spend more time in Tokoname may end the tour here and continue exploring the Pottery Footpath, galleries, shops, and local restaurants independently.

1:30 PM – Tour Ends at Nagoya Station

Arrive back at Nagoya Station, where the tour concludes.

Meeting Point

Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center

What's Included

Included

  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Train and taxi transportation during the tour
  • Visits to two pottery studios

Not Included

  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Personal purchases
Additional Info

Activity Level

This tour involves walking between locations, including through the historic Pottery Footpath. Some areas have slopes and uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Note

  • Some workshops and galleries may only accept cash. If you plan to make any purchases, please bring some cash with you.
  • This package tour includes statutory accident compensation in accordance with Japan’s Travel Agency Act. We also recommend that travelers purchase their own travel insurance for broader medical and travel-related coverage.

Tour Operation & Language

  • Minimum age of participants is 7.
  • This tour is conducted in English.
    A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.

What to Bring

  • Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for walking.

Booking Request

This experience is booked on request. We will respond to the request within 5 days

Booking & Cancellation Policy

Booking Deadline

  • Advance booking is required
  • Cut-off time: 1 week before departure

Cancellation Policy

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
Locations
visited during tour

Tokoname City

Starting From
30,000 JPY/person
You may also like