Tokoname and Arimatsu Crafting Traditions from Nagoya

The town of Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns (along with Shigaraki, Bizen, Tanba, Echizen, and Seto), is a pottery lover’s dream and is recognized as a Japan Heritage Site. At the INAX Tile Museum, your guide will lead you through a preserved kiln site turned museum and explain the history and method of pottery construction of the region. You will be able to view all manner of pottery, tiles, and ceramics from Tokoname and around the world. There is even an entire section of the museum dedicated to ceramic toilets—perhaps one of Japan’s more quirky exhibits.

After learning about the history and production of Tokoname pottery, you will have a chance to explore the “Yakimono Sanpomichi,” better known as the Tokoname Pottery Path—a winding pottery-lined path, filled with traditional houses, cafes, pottery shops and other unique and sculptures and buildings. Here, you will have free time to explore, shop for pottery, or grab something for lunch. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations or just let your nose lead the way! Tokoname is not only Japan’s largest producer of ceramic lucky cats but also a popular spot for anime fans, having been featured in the Netflix film A Whisker Away. In the movie, the town serves as the backdrop for an enchanting story about a girl who transforms into a cat, making it the perfect place for both anime fans and cat lovers alike.

The town was once a stop on the historic Tokaido Trail—an Edo era road connecting Tokyo to Kyoto used by samurai and merchants alike. The town is famed as the center of production of a traditional type of labor-intensive indigo-dyed fabric known as Arimatsu Shibori—prized for its complex patterns and intricate beauty. Your guide will lead you through this picturesque town, explaining the process of creating this beautiful fabric. You will also have the opportunity to watch a live demonstration and speak with master craftsmen who have been creating Arimatsu Shibori for decades.