【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Tohoku’s oldest “Noborigama” kiln workshop.
• Experience the passion of craftsmen who have woven the 400-year history of Tohoku’s pottery culture.
• Step inside workshops that are usually closed to the public and witness the fascinating process of creating Aizu-Hongo pottery up close.

【DETAILS】

■Learn about the lives and passions of the craftsmen
Visit 2-3 pottery workshops to learn about their production methods and the craftsmen’s dedication to pottery making.

On this tour, you’ll visit three distinctive kilns with a local guide and gain insight into the techniques, life stories, and deep passion of the artisans who keep this centuries-old craft alive.

Examples of kilns you may visit include:

■Munakata Kiln
Famous for award-winning designs like the Nishin-hachi(pickling container for herring), which won the Grand Prix at the Brussels World’s Fair, and home to the largest and oldest climbing kiln in Tohoku.

■Sousyun Kiln
Craftsman Tasaki utilizes his previous experience in a machine factory, focusing on the mathematical beauty of curves in his creations.

■Suigetsu Kiln
Craftsman Nishida is dedicated to Aizu, using local materials for everything from the main ingredients to the paints and pottery production.

Please note that the specific kilns visited may vary depending on the artisans’ schedules. In case of inclement weather, the tour may be canceled.

【STORY】

Aizumisato town, Fukushima Prefecture, is a popular town for kiln tourism. It is famous as the birthplace of “Aizu Hongo-yaki,” a pottery with over 400 years of history, and currently has 12 kilns scattered around the area.

At its peak, there were over 100 kilns, but many closed due to wars and large fires. However, there are still craftsmen today who continue this tradition. The diverse styles and philosophies of each kiln are one of the attractions of Aizu Hongo-yaki.

This program offers a tour to enjoy Aizu Hongo-yaki with local craftsmen in Setomachi. You will visit multiple kilns and experience the craftsmen’s passion and dedication.

You will also have special access to Japan’s largest and Tohoku’s oldest “Noborigama” kiln workshop, which is usually not open to the public. Interact with the unique craftsmen and experience Japanese craftsmanship culture.

【PRICES】

55,750 yen (tax included)  per person

【SCHEDULE】

[13:00]　Gather at Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall, Overview of Aizu Hongo-yaki
[13:10]　Walk to the first kiln.
[13:20]　Visit Kiln 1.
[14:20]　Walk to the second kiln.
[14:30]　Visit Kiln 2.
[15:30]　Walk to the third kiln.
[15:40]　Visit Kiln 3.
[16:40]　Walk back.
[17:00]　Disband at Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：4 hours
• Minimum number of participants：1 person (maximum 6 people)
• Meeting point：Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall [MAP]
  3162 Setomachi, Aizumisato machi, Onuma gun, Fukushima, 969-6042
  
• Access：
  By Car: About 25 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway, about 20 minutes from Nitsuru Smart IC
  By Train: About 20 minutes on foot from Aizu-Hongo Station on the JR Tadami Line
• Tour conductor for 24 hours：No
• Accompanying National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter or Local Licensed Guide Interpreter：Yes
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Meals (included in a tour fee)：No
  
• Included：
  ・English-speaking guide　
  ・Japanese-speaking guide
  ・Admission to pottery workshops
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to the meeting place
  ・Souvenir and additional food/drink costs on-site
• Clothes：None specified
  
• Participation requirements：Over 6 years old
  
• Special support：Please consult with us in advance if you have any food allergies.
  
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet： Yes
• Other things to note：This plan is for participants aged 6 and older.
  

【TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS】

Before booking the tour, please confirm the Tour Terms & Conditions and save the document.

Check [TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS]（Japanese）

【TOUR PLANNER AND CONDUCTOR】

Regional Branding Institute Co., Ltd.
Aqua Terrace UⅡ Bldg. 8F, 2-20-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
Travel Agency registered with a Tokyo Governor 2-7547
A regular member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association

【CANCELLATION POLICY】