Discover Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns and a pottery town with more than 1,000 years of history.
Travel from Nagoya with your professional, English-speaking guide and explore the atmospheric Pottery Path, where brick chimneys, old kilns, clay-pipe walls, galleries, and workshops reveal the town’s enduring relationship with ceramics.
Then leave the main walking route behind for an exclusive visit to Kei-gama, a historic Tokoname pottery studio.
Meet third-generation artisan Takahisa Hisada and step inside his workshop to discover the craftsmanship behind the ban Series.
In the adjoining gallery, explore this distinctive collection of tableware, developed in collaboration with chefs and embraced by leading restaurants.
Designed to bring out the beauty of food through texture, color, and form, the series has also earned recognition from Michelin-starred chefs.
With direct guidance from the artisan, decorate your own 13-centimeter ban Series plate using a pre-fired ceramic base.
Watch as the artisan applies chara, a traditional ceramic coating used in Tokoname pottery, before adding your own decorative touches with powdered seashells.
Your creative choices combine with the artisan’s expertise to produce a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects both tradition and personal expression.
More than a pottery workshop, this journey reveals how Tokoname’s centuries-old ceramic heritage continues to evolve through contemporary gastronomy and design.
Meet your professional, English-speaking guide in front of the Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center and begin your journey to Tokoname.
Travel from Nagoya to Tokoname, one of Japan’s historic pottery centers and home to a ceramic tradition stretching back more than 1,000 years.
Walk through the atmospheric heart of Tokoname’s pottery district. Historic brick chimneys, old kilns, the famous clay-pipe-lined Dokanzaka slope, small galleries, and working studios tell the story of a town shaped by ceramics. As you explore, discover how pottery has remained woven into both the landscape and everyday life of Tokoname.
Take a short taxi ride to Kei-gama, a historic pottery studio carrying forward the traditions of Tokoname ware.
Step inside Kei-gama with third-generation artisan Takahisa Hisada and explore both the pottery workshop and gallery. Discover the ban Series, a collection developed together with chefs to showcase food at its most beautiful through carefully considered textures, colors, and forms. The tableware is used by leading restaurants and has earned recognition from Michelin-starred chefs.
Then decorate your own piece from the ban Series under the artisan’s direct guidance. Working with a pre-fired 13-centimeter plate, watch as the artisan applies chara, a traditional ceramic coating used in Tokoname pottery.
Add powdered seashells to create your own patterns and textures, bringing your personal creativity into a centuries-old craft tradition.
Take a short taxi ride back to Tokoname Station.
Travel back to Nagoya with your guide. Alternatively, you may finish the guided tour in Tokoname and continue exploring the Pottery Path or enjoy lunch in town at your own pace.
Arrive back at Nagoya Station, where the tour concludes.
Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center
A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.
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
