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Saga Tourist Spot Access Ranking

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Arita Terrace

This café is annexed to the gallery of Kosen Kiln in Okawachiyama. Surrounded by the relaxing green and trees, please spend a relaxing time while having a piece of hand-made cake and a cup of coffee with

Cafe Kosen

landscape paintings. After the government of the Saga Domain set up kilns that produce only gifts for the government here in the Edo Period, pottery makers here continued providing potteries to the Tokugawa Shogunate and the government officials until the end of the Edo Period. The area is scattered with old brick chimneys and 30 kilns, and you can feel the history and tradition of about 350 years alive here.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs recognize stories of its culture and tradition through historical attractions or features as “Japanese Heritage”. In April, 2016, the history and landscape of Okawachiyama was recognized as “Hometown of Japanese Pottery, Hizen ～Pottery Walk with Simultaneous Emergence of Many Talents and Achievements ～

Okawachiyama Village

This museum was set up in the renovated white-walled buildings that was originally owned by the Inuzuka family known as the famous pottery merchants. You can learn how they lived in the old days and enjoy the old Imari Ware exhibited.

Imari City Ceramic Merchant's Museum "Marukoma"

Nabeshima Hanyou Park is located on the hill adjacent to the pottery village of Okawachiyama and has facilities to preserve historical heritages and provide resting stations. It is very unique to this pottery town.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs recognize stories of its culture and tradition through historical attractions or features as “Japanese Heritage”. In April, 2016, the history and landscape of Okawachiyama was recognized as “Hometown of Japanese Pottery, Hizen ～Pottery Walk with Simultaneous Emergence of Many Talents and Achievements ～

Nabeshima Hanyou Park

This is a facility where you can find out about the history of the old Imari. The old Imari large dish and the model of the Sengoku Ship are displayed. On the first floor we have a ceramic shop and ceramic making classes and ceramic painting classes are available. Let`s make your own ceramics. Since we have experienced instructors teach you so there is nothing to worry about .

Umi No Silk Road Kan

This facility opened in 1980 when Imari Ware and Arita Ware were designated as Important Traditional Craftworks by the national government. It features an exhibition room which showing the works of kilns in the Imari and Arita areas and a historical archive room which exhibits old pieces of Nabeshima Ware and other historical articles. You can learn how pottery was changed historically by looking at both of these exhibition rooms. A workshop room is available for group customers to try their hands at pottery painting.
“International Amateur Ceramics Contest” judged by prestigious and representative artisans of Saga named the 14th generation Nakazato Tarouemon, the 14th generation Imaizumi Imaemon and the 15th generation Sakaida Kakiemon is held from the end of March to the beginning of April.

Imari Arita Ware Traditional Crafts Center

The successive heads of the Maeda Family used to succeed the position of the village headman of the Imari Area back in the Edo Period. The site of this mansion is about 3300 square meters and the main residence was built in the late Edo Period. The wooden house with thatched roofs was built in Kudo style often seen in old houses in Saga. And, considering the site is 291 square meters, it is one of the largest houses in Saga . which is typical among many old houses in Saga.
*The residence is a private property and the interior is not open to public.

The Maeda Residence

This shrine is the grand tutelary shrine of Imari Area. At the site, there is a camphor tree, which is said to bring good luck in love and marriage as well as Nakashima Shrine, a sub-shrine dedicated to the god of sweets.

Imari Shrine

This facility exhibits and sells the pottery from 23 kilns of Imari Ware, also there is a café where you can pick your favorite one out 50 kinds of coffee cups and enjoy a coffee break. Show this screen to the staff and get 10% off on pottery.

Imari Nabeshima Ware Exhibition Hall

At this museum, the history of ceramics of Kyushu, pieces of ancient ceramics, works of modern potters representing each prefecture of Kyushu, and collections of Arita ware from the Edo period such as Kanbara Collection which is a collection of ceramic pieces exported during the Edo period and the Arita Ware pieces from Mr. & Mrs. Shibata Collection that were selected systematically, are exhibited. In addition, various special exhibitions are held as well.

The Kyushu Ceramic Museum

The Zwinger Palace is authentically recreated here. In the palace, works of Arita Porcelain and Old Imari Porcelain are displayed. There is a hand-on pottery studio, restaurants, and souvenir shops in the premises. Shochu tasting is available at Munemasa brewery. Enjoy shopping for a wide range of products.

Arita Porcelain Park

A theme park operated by Fukagawa Seiji Co., Ltd. which has dedicated vessels to the imperial family and its branch families.
The founder of the company Chuji Fukagawa's special collection, such as Big Vase which received a Gold award at the Paris Expo 1900 , is worth seeing.
You can exploit the outlet shop for porcelain, participate in the painting workshop, and step foot into the restaurants and tea room where professionals introduce to you the ways to use vessels.

China on The Park

History and Folklore Museum of ARITA passed the Saga Prefecture's Museum Law No.1 in 1954.
This art museum was built in 1874 as a stone warehouse of pottery, and the building itself is a traditional structure. It . At the museum, you can interact with Arita potteries, mainly in the Meiji era, and also products of wealthy merchants of each pottery. Pieces that are registered as Important Cultural Properties of Saga such as

History and Folklore Museum of ARITA

This museum exhibits tools and documents of craftsmen's businesses who supported 400 years of Arita ware's history. At the adjacent Arita Ware Sankokan Museum, pieces of pottery excavated in Arita town from old kiln ruins since its establishment are exhibited.

Arita Folk and History Museum East Building / Arita Ware Sankokan Museum

There once was a porcelain stone mine here in Izumiyama. It was first discovered in 1616, the early Edo Period, by a Korean potter named Yi Sam Pyeong, which led to the production of Japan’s first porcelain.
At the quarry today hardly any productive operation is done but the appearance of the mountain formed after a long period of mining is breathtaking.

Izumiyama Quarry

The Kakiemon Kiln was the first kiln to develop the colorful overglaze technique, especially in red and established

Kakiemon Kiln

This long-established kiln has been producing a wide range of ceramic ware from traditional Koimari ceramics to what can be used daily. Visit the Koimari museum and join a workshop.

Gen-emon Kiln

We exhibit works of Manji Inoue, who is a pioneer of white porcelain, an expert of potter's wheel molding for Arita ware and also a Living National Treasure of Japan.

Inoue Manji Kiln

At the showroom of Iwao Taizan Kiln, custom-made Arita ware that cannot be made in any other kilns including the ones made for the new royal palace are exhibited.

Iwao Taizan Kiln

Established in 1865, Koraku Kiln is one of the traditional porcelain factories located in Arita Town.
Join a studio tour to see and learn about the manufacturing process.
Also, there are various workshops available to make your own masterpiece; wheel-throwing, pottery painting and over-glaze decoration with decal technique.

Kouraku Kiln

Here you can try turning the pottery wheel and make your own dish. Feel the joy of touching clay and creating ceramics. You can also paint the dish you have made and create the one and only piece of artwork. Our staff members will be there to assist everyone so don't worry, even if you are a beginner. The completed dish will be delivered to you on a later date.

Pottery Studio Rokuroza

Tombai walls are made by cementing waste firebricks (tombai), which were used to build a climbing kiln, kiln tools and with red clay.
They are often seen in the alleys stretching from the spot near the gingko tree of Izumiyama to Arita Ceramic Museum in Odaru.

Tombai Wall Alleys

The Arita Uchiyama Area has been selected as one of the conservation areas for historically important buildings. Though most of it were burnt down by a big fire of 1828, the area once developed with Arita Pottery and was called “a thousand houses of Arita.” Many types of buildings like Japanese traditional town house ‘Machiya’ or old western style residences from each historical period such as Edo, Meiji, Taisho and Showa stand together in the area.

Streets of Arita Uchiyama

This shrine enshrines the deities of Arita pottery, Emperor Oujin, followed in hierarchy by Nabeshima Naoshioge and Yi Sam-Pyeong. Founded in 1658, this shrine has received many things dedicated by people in Arita such as a shrine gate, statues of guardian lions, balustrade, lanterns, gateposts, drum and large plate all made with pottery and they are the traces of Arita’s history from the Edo period until Today. Also, the bronze statues of guardian lion found here are 1.82 meters tall, which is the largest in Japan. The memorial monument of Yi Sam-pyeong was set up here in 1917 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the foundation of Arita pottery. The celebration event dedicated to this founder of Arita pottery is held on the 4th of May every year.
The shrine holds shrine rituals on the 16th and 17th of October. The shrine is also well known as a viewing spot of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.The shrine holds shrine rituals on the 16th and 17th of October. The shrine is also well known as a viewing spot of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

Touzan Shrine (Sueyama Shrine)

This workshop is aimed at passing on the traditional skills of Arita Pottery making to young pottery makers in Arita and nurturing the next generation of pottery makers. You can take a look at the potters working on their potteries and get an experience with painting and shaping pottery on your own. You can also purchase the works by the potters here.

Akaeza

“Piazza” square is open to the woods and surrounded by atelier, gallery and outlet shop. Immersed in a natural setting with rich greenery, you can spend some relaxing time here.

Fukuju Kiln Gallery and Outlet Shop

This artificial beach was selected as one of Japan's best 88 beaches by the Ministry of Environment. Resting spaces, restrooms and showers are available.
early July - Late August

Imarin Beach

Sukesaku Tashiro, the wealthy merchant of Arita, built this Japanese-Western style building in 1876 as an accommodation and reception facility for foreign merchants who came to buy pottery. It is registered as one of the Important Cultural Properties of Saga Prefecture. It was donated by the owner, then renovated by Arita Town and was opened in 2017.

Former Tashiro Family Seiyokan

Matsuura Railway runs between Arita～Imari and Sasebo～Hirado～Imari. Upon request, the classic-style train, MR-500 so called Retron, can be rented.

Arita Station (Matuura Railway)

Information on sightseeing spots such as Arita's highlights, restaurants, and pottery kilns and artists is available here. We also have rental bicycles. Please feel free to drop by and ask.

KILN ARITA Tourist Information Center

Imari Tourist Information Center, Imari Hotel Information Center, Selling Imari Special Products.

Imari City Tourism Association

Shingama Kiln

The office of

Roadside Station Imari Furusatomura Village

Saga is well-known for pottery and porcelain and Imari and Arita are particularly famous for the industry. The origin of porcelain making in the area dates back to the Hideyoshi Toyotomi‘s invasion of Korea. The battle lasted for 7 years and ended when Hidetoshi died. Many warlords took Korean potters to Japan. Naoshige Nabeshima of Saga Domain was also among such warlords. In 1616, a potter, Ri Sampei is said to have come to Arita and found white magnetite in Izumi Mountain, and made the first porcelain in Japan. Many potters from Korea settled in Arita and kept absorbing new knowledge of and improving their technique and method of porcelain making. In 1646, Sakaida Kakiemon I succeeded in painting patters on porcelains with colors of red, green and yellow and created colored porcelain for the first time in Japan. As the late 17th century saw the decline of porcelain industry in Jingdezhen, which was known for the best manufacturing skills and quality of porcelains, the Dutch East India Company (VOC for short) started to come to Saga around 1650 to purchase and import the porcelains. Thus, porcelain of Arita spread in the European societies of royalties and notabilities. As the porcelain made in Arita Sarayama Area was shipped from Imari Port, the porcelain of Arita started to be called Imari porcelain or simply Imari. The Old Imari in Europe was mainly used for the purpose of interior decoration of a palace. Augustus II the Strong was especially known as a fanatic collector of the old Imari and even sold his own army to get the porcelain. He ordered development of porcelain in Meissen, which led to the opening of many porcelain kilns in the area. Old Imari have been influencing porcelain industries around the world. Porcelains of Imari and Arita, which have developed over 400 years of history, are classified into three categories; The Old Imari, Kakiemon and Nabeshima. Its variety of styles ranging from everyday dishware to art objects, white beautiful surface, the gorgeous painting, the usability and durability have attracted a lot of fans. In Saga, there are many places you can get close to their beauty.

Imari & Arita Ware

It`s a community facility aimed at revitalizing the Imari city. On the first floor, there are spaces available for box galleries and workshop spaces where the citizens of Imari City and surrounding can sell and purchase handmade products. In the entrance there is a cafe called

Imari Machinaka Ichibankan

Since our founding over 90 years ago, the Marukei Traders have amassed the largest collection of Arita Pottery ranging from daily ware to high-end pieces of art. We have a hands-on workshop for visitors to spin the potter's wheel and paint their pottery to make their own original, one-of-a-kind piece.

Marukei Traders

Chuji Fukagawa founded a studio that provides from manufacturing clay to red painting on ceramics in 1894. We started to export works to Europe after we participated in Paris Exposition and got the honorary gold medal in 1900. In 1910, our studio was designated as the purveyors to the Imperial Household Agency. Our main store's building and many objects on display at the museum have been designated properties of the Heritage of Industrial Modernization. The pieces on display in the museum on the second floor demonstrate the techniques. The showroom on the first floor includes the Milano Collection and pottery provided by the Imperial Household Agency.

Fukagawa Porcelain Co., Ltd.

Built in the Meiji Era, the Arita flagship store consists of a showroom on the 1st floor, where our products are displayed and sold, and a pottery exhibition room on the 2nd floor, where Koransha's products from the Meiji and Taisho Era are displayed.
You can see inside the store with Indoor Street View of Google Maps.

Koransha Arita Flagship Store Showroom

You can taste-test about eight types of Japanese Sake,mostly Junmaishu. This brewery enshrines the mummy of

Matsuuraichi Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.

Shinemon the first built his kiln in 1972 (Showa 47) to make big pottery pieces, which was rare at that time.
You can see rare and various pottery such as copper red glaze (crimson) made with Chinese traditional glaze and Yuteki Tenmoku.

Shinemon Kiln

With a traditional technique, we produce and sell contemporary works of Arita ware.
We make unique tableware that is modern, casual and elegant.

Rikyu Kiln

Tsuji Seijisha has been serving as the purveyor of the Japanese Imperial household since 1664.

Tsuji Seijisha

This kiln is producing mainly Nabeshima Celadon Porcelain handmade by the craftsmen. For the tableware, unleaded paints are used for safety.
Potter's wheel experience is also available. (Reservation required)

KOSEN KILN

We have a collection of tableware for daily use, which is arranged to modern style while keeping
the traditional style of Imari-Nabeshima ware.

Imari-yaki Seira

As for Nabeshima ware, we have Nabeshima-Seiji (Nabeshima celadon porcelain), Iro-Nabeshima (Nabeshima colored porcelain) and Nabeshima-Sometsuke (Nabeshima blue and white porcelain). Oshu Kiln produces works of art and pottery that are clear like crystals by using locally collected vessel gemstones and have designs utilizing the clear celadon porcelain, open-work technique and hand-painted Nabeshima patterns.

Oshu Kiln

This is the kiln of Imari-Nabeshima ware.
Now, the 7th is the head of the kiln and the 8th is the president. We look forward to your visit.

Ogasawara Touemon

Based on the concept of

Sehyou Kiln Toubako

While taking over the traditional technical patterns as Imari Nabeshima-ware, we are making products under the theme of tradition and innovation as a challenge for new manufacturing.
As a feature, we work on our fine painting while valuing the white color.

Hataman Touen

Welcome to Imari Ware Kiln, Azuchi Kiln!
Azuchi kiln is a Imari Ware Kiln that has a background of being a patronized kiln to the Nabeshima Clan.
We introduce our creative works with a sandy texture from the village of the secret kilns, Imari. Please enjoy the tableware that would enrich your soul.

Azuchi Kiln Showroom

We offer various kinds of original goods such as the cute tea-ware made with pottery and glass, clever kitchen goods to be used with a microwave, coffee filter and etc. Please take a look at our original useful goods that would be helpful in your daily life.

Toyo Ceramics Co., Ltd.

More than a million people come to enjoy this ceramic fair every year. About 450 pottery shops open along the street (about 4 kilometers long) stretching from Kami Arita Station to Arita Station. There will also be various events such as the local gourmet fair and the table coordination exhibition.

Apr-May: Arita Ceramic Fair

This azalea fair is held in Takenokoba Park when about 10,000 of azalea are in full bloom. There are vegetable markets, open-air concerts as well as bingo games during the fair. You can enjoy the view of islands including Iroha Island in the Imari Bay and Iki & Tsushima Island in the Genkai Sea.

May : Azalea Festival in Takenokoba Park

Here at China On The Park, you will be fascinated by the wonderful scent and the view of the purple carpet composed of 300㎡ English Lavender field, which spread across the 2,300 square meters field.

May-Jun: Lavender Fair

During this festival, the town of Okawachiyama will be filled with sounds of many attractive wind bells produced by the kilns in the area. Boshi (a container used when firing a ceramic) Lantern Festival, scheduled to be held in mid-July, is going to fill the area with fantastic atmosphere.

Jun-Aug: Okawachiyama Furin (Wind Bell) Festival

The port of Imari is known for its busy export of Imari porcelain during the Edo period, and Docchan Festival is held to recreate the life of the port through carrying of miniature shrines by women and dance by citizens.

Aug: Summer in Imari/Docchan Festival

This festival has been held at Imari Shrine since the Edo period, and it is known as one of the three biggest fighting festivals in Japan.

Oct: Imari Ton-Ten-Ton Festival

Imari Autumn Festival is held in late October every year along with Tontenton Festival and is a local festival for the citizens. During the festival there are events such as a parade, carrying miniature shrine by children, “Imari Dance” by some companies and organizations as well as drum performances called “Imari Daiko”. Imari will be full of festival atmosphere with those events and shops.

Oct: Imari Autumn Festival

Nabeshima Domain Kiln Autumn Festival is held in Okawachiyama, Imari, the porcelain town nestled in the mountain where the traditional porcelain making method of the kiln once owned by the Nabeshima Clan has been handed down since the Edo Period (17th - 19th century). Expressing gratitude toward predecessors who contributed to the development of the town, a porcelain is dedicated to Nipposha Shrine and a memorial ritual for the brushes used for painting porcelains are held as part of the festival. The porcelain fair held during the festival offers porcelains and potteries at 20 to 30 percent discount and attracts a lot of visitors every year. Another great thing you must check out is the beautiful colored leaves in the Okawachiyama area, the national historic site surrounded by mountain cliffs like those you would see in Chinese style landscape paintings.

Nov: Nabeshima Domain Kiln Autumn Festival

This ceramic fair is held with a slightly different atmosphere from Arita Ceramic Fair held in Spring. It won't be as hectic. While enjoying the great hospitality of the local stores and kilns, you can stroll around the town designated as Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings. One of the greatest features of the fair is that one of the famous kilns of Arita open its door to public to show the traditional pottery production method called

Nov: Arita Autumn Ceramic Fair

The lights decorating Imari Station Park, Imari Odori Street and the trees along the arcade create dreamy atmosphere in Imari.

Dec-Feb: Kagayake (Let it Shine)! Imari Festival

This is an event to celebrate Hinamatsuri (Girl's Festival) by displaying porcelain hina dolls which are unique to Arita. Meissen porcelain hina dolls made by Kakiemon (a famous pottery master) and the world’s largest porcelain hina dolls will be exhibited at the event. In spring, Arita porcelain hina dolls will decorate the shops and kilns in Arita, and restaurants in the area will serve special menus (limited-time offer).

Feb-Mar: Arita Hiina Dolls Festival

This festival of porcelain hina doll is held in Okawachiyama, the home of many hideaway kilns. Porcelain dolls unique to each kiln will be exhibited and sold.

Feb-Mar: Porcelain Hiina Dolls Festival

Here you can take a stroll around the orchard while enjoying the blossoms of plum trees. From above the hilly part in the orchard, you can enjoy the superb panoramic view of the orchard and the town of Imari. The orchard also overlooks the nice view of Mount Koshidake, which is referred to as “a Mount Fuji in Imari.”

Feb-Mar: Flower Viewing at Imari Baien / Fujino'o Plum Orchard

The lawn-covered park will be decorated with Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry). Many families visit here to enjoy flower viewing and barbecue. You can also enjoy grass skiing in the park.

Mar-Apr: Cherry Blossoms in Sakuragaoka Park in Arita Town

This is the annual pottery fair held by 30 kilns of the secret pottery village registered as Japan Heritage, Okawachiyama. You can purchase the pottery at reasonable prices. There will also be an exhibition of new pottery works themed on spring and a shopping stamp rally held along with the fair. You will also be able to enjoy the scenic beauty of Okawachiyama area with cherry blossoms in full bloom at the time of the fair.

Apr: Okawachiyama Spring Ceramic Fair

Somei Yoshino which covers the railroad tracks of

Apr: Uranosaki Station Sakura Tunnel

This tree is approximately 900 years old. It is said that it was brought back from Mibudera Temple in Kyoto. It is called

Myojo Cherry Blossoms

In early April,

March　Cherry Blossoms of Okawachiyama

How about taking a walk in Hanyo park while enjoying the autumn leaves and finding your favorite pottery?

November　Autumn Leaves of Okawachiyama

A weeping cherry blossoms tree in the precinct of Nichiren Kuon-san Jissoin Temple. This beautiful weeping cherry blossoms is a must-see.

March　Jissoin Temple　Myoho Weeping Cherry Blossoms

You can see the splendid view of approximately 450 Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and Yae cherry blossoms. This is the best spot of cherry blossoms in the city.

March　Cherry Blossoms of Mt. Takao Park

The rice terraces created over the years through the painstaking effort of local farmers soften the curve of the mountain slope.
Waters delivered from the terraces provide us with life.
Of all the many mountains and valleys in Arita, the rice terraces at Take have been selected as Japan's Top 100 Rice Terraces.

Take Rice Terraces

Ryumon Gorge is a mystifying, beautiful landscape. In the spring, sakura bloom and in the summer the area turns green. Come fall and autumn foliage decorates the waterfall. The waters are so beautiful they have been selected as The Top 100 Waters and Top 100 Forest Water Sources. Listen to Kajika while enjoying local sake produced from these waters and freshwater fish from these streams.

Ryumon Gorge

竜門キャンプ場

Since it is a bicycle with electric assist, you can easily move around sightseeing spots by it.
Riding a bicycle is good for the environment and your health.
It can run about 60km a day, as we are charing it everyday. Even if the bicycle runs out of charge, you can ride it as a normal bicycle.

Rent-a-Cycle Matsuura Railway Imari Station

Surrounded by 2,000 coffee cups, this is a restaurant where you can enjoy your meal while feeling the uniqueness of Arita, a pottery village. When you order hot drinks, it is also attractive that you can choose your favorite from the cups lined up in the store.

Gallery Arita