Seto is a rare region in the world that has been producing pottery for over 1,000 years. It is counted as one of the "Six Ancient Kilns of Japan" and has been designated as a "Japanese Heritage Site" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
On November 8th (Sat) and 9th (Sun), a tour of the kilns where "Seto ware" is made will be held in Seto City. " Akazu kamanosato meguri" " Shinano kobo meguri" It will be held as " Mizuno kama meguri"! It's impossible to see everything in one day, so be sure to research the pottery studios you want to visit in advance before you go.
Akazu kamano sato meguri
"Sakusuke gama" - The old workshop remains and is a representative sight of Akatsu.
Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, is known as a pottery town, and Akatsu district is home to many people involved in the pottery industry. Many of the things that catch your eye are kilns and wholesalers, and the scenery remains strongly reminiscent of a "village of kilns." In the Akatsu district, the "Akatsu Kiln Village Tour" is held twice a year, where workshops are opened to the public.
The appeal of this event is the wide range of artists and potters, from traditional potteries with long histories to newcomers. There are 22 participating studios, so enjoy a stroll!
"Sakusuke gama." Every time, it has a market-like atmosphere.
The pattern on the tea bowl is very cute.
SUIYO is a pottery manufacturer founded in 2013. It has overwhelming support from young people!
A great chance to buy authentic products at great prices!
This is a work by Teppei Terada of "bizanpottery". He is an artist who usually produces many Oribe works, so this may be a rather rare piece!
"Fuji Pottery" - Their wine glasses are a highlight.
The gallery of Kitagama Kasen, a long-established pottery manufacturer with over 350 years of history . Every year, there are many great bargains.
The 12th head of the family, Kato Hiroshige, is the initiator of the "Akazu kama meguri."
In addition, potters, ceramic artists, and artists featured on the "Akatsu Kiln Village Tour" website are also scheduled to participate. Be sure to check it out!
official flyer
Akatsu Kiln Village Tour
[Venue] Around Akazucho, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture
[Access] Get off at Owari Seto Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line. Take the Meitetsu Bus bound for Akatsu from platform 3 and get off at Omatsu (approximately 8 minutes).
*Please see the timetable here. Meitetsu Bus website
[Parking] Tomei Community Center/Seto Akatsu Post Office . *Please note that there are only a few parking spaces available.
" Shinano kobo meguri"
The " Shinano Workshop Tour " will be held in the Shinano area in the mountains. 12 workshops, including pottery kilns, are scheduled to participate. Each workshop is a little far away, so we recommend deciding which one you want to visit first!
"MM Yoshihashi." The appeal of this shop lies in its unique products that make use of the techniques of mold makers.
Blue and white porcelain kiln "Shin gama".
[Participating workshops]
Yume Kobo Takashi Shibata Pottery , M.M. Yoshihashi , Mizuyoshi Pottery , Seto Kiriko , Yamada Crafts, Blue and White Pottery Shin Kiln , Smoke Log House Tenyu , Iwatsuki Chikuko Ceramic Studio, Hatsuhira Kiln, Chikudoen , Shinamaru , Kanesan Shoten , Kato Kobo
Official flyer
[Venue] Shinano area [Access]By bus: Take the Meitetsu bus bound for Shinano Bus Center or Joshinano from platform 3 at the Meitetsu Bus "Seto Station Bus Stop."
[Parking] The number of parking spaces for each pottery studio is clearly stated on the flyer, so please refer to it.
The nearest bus stop to each workshop:
[Shinano Baba] Takedoen [Shinano Sakaue] Hatsudaigama [Shinano Hinomishita] Yumekobo, Mizuyoshi Pottery, MM Yoshihashi [Shinano Honmachi] Iwatsuki Takemitsu Pottery, Smoke Log House Tenyu [Shinano Bus Center] Shingama, Yamada Kogei, Seto Kiriko, Shinamaru, Kanesan Shoten
*Please see the timetable here. Meitetsu Bus website
By car: There are several parking spaces at each workshop.
* Parking is limited. We recommend parking at the Seto Shinano Roadside Station and taking a leisurely walk around the area. It's quite a distance, so we recommend it for those who are confident in their physical strength.
" Mizuno kama guri"
The Mizuno district of Seto City is home to vast fields and a satoyama landscape.
This time, you can visit five potteries: Suiho gama , Shigetoka gama, Tsubaki gama , Sone gama , and Hazuki gama .
Tsubakigama is known for its attractive modern pottery.
"Mizuno Kiln Tour" Official flyer
2024 edition map.
[Venue] Mizuno area
[Parking] Please use the parking lot for each workshop.
Free shuttle bus "Setoranze" timetable
In addition to the regular Meitetsu bus service, there is also a free shuttle bus that departs every 30 minutes from the bus terminal at Owari Seto Station for the "Autumn Kiln Tour." Be sure to take advantage of this service!
Owari Seto Station 9:00 → (runs every 30 minutes) → 16:00
Akatsu 9:09 → (Operates every 30 minutes) → 16:09
Shinano 9:20 → (Operates every 30 minutes) → 16:20
Mizuno 9:26 → (Operates every 30 minutes) → 16:26
Owari Seto Station 9:45 → (Operates every 30 minutes) → 16:45
*11:30 and 13:00 departures are suspended
