Shigaraki is located on the site of the former Shigaraki palace and capital in the southeast area of the Shiga Prefecture. Shigaraki ware is one of the six oldest kilns in Japan. Handed down from generation to generation, it is a prime example of ancient pottery production sites.
At the same time it is also known as the production site of Asamiya tea, the oldest and most famous tea in Japan. This tour offers you an opportunity to enjoy Shigaraki ware and Asamiya tea, but also to meet the tea masters active in Shigaraki and experience the beauty of wabi-sabi through the tea ceremony.

The beauty of wabi-sabi: explore the ancient teaware, highest quality brand tea and meet the tea ceremony masters

Shiga

Experience details

LocationShiga Prefecture, Koga City, Shigaraki
Days availableMonday to Friday (not available on weekends and holidays)
TimeFull day: 10:50~17:20
Overnight stay: 1 night 2 days
DurationFull day: 6.5 hours
Overnight stay: 1 night 2 days
Number of participants2 to 6 people
GuideIncluded
LanguageEnglish, Japanese
Meeting placeFull day: Shigarakikogen Tetsudo Shigaraki Station, in front of the ticket gates
Overnight stay: JR Kyoto Station West Exit ticket gates
Finishing placeFull day: Shigarakikogen Tetsudo Shigaraki Station
Overnight stay: JR Kyoto Station
  • Experience a tea ceremony using ceramics made by the proprietor
  • Enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine while learning the proper manners
  • Create your own Shigaraki ware under the guidance of a potter
  • Taste Japan's finest Asamiya tea with commentary by a tea expert
  • Experience the tradition and innovation of Shigaraki ware by visiting unique potteries

Shigaraki is located in the southeast region of Shiga Prefecture, on the site of the former Shigaraki Palace. It takes approximately one hour to reach from Kyoto by car.

Shigaraki ware is known as one of Japan's representative pottery and has been handed down in this region since the Middle Ages. During the period when the tea ceremony flourished, its simple texture was popular among prominent tea masters, including Sen no Rikyu. The pottery managed to retain its popularity until present day.
On the other hand, the Shigaraki area boasts a 1,200-year history of producing Asamiya tea, the oldest and most famous tea in Japan. Taking advantage of its mountainous highlands, the tea leaves are produced using traditional methods and have a unique aroma, making it one of the finest of its kind.

The tour begins in a village with numerous pottery studios. You will first visit a workshop with a traditional climbing kiln still, followed by a quaint pottery store whose wares are adapted to best suit the modern contemporary lifestyles, exploring the diverse charms of Shigaraki ware as you go.
At the Minorugama store you will enjoy the company of a lovely couple and their warm hospitality, as you create your very own Shigaraki ware under their careful and gentle guidance.

We will also visit Asamiya, the oldest and finest tea production area in Japan where you can enjoy a tea tasting while an expert walks you through the fine aspects of tea tasting.

Last but not least you will visit Kochu-an, where you can experience the tea ceremony using Shigaraki ware. While learning etiquette and manners from the proprietor, you will have the opportunity to enjoy tea kaiseki cuisine and matcha powdered green tea. The precious and lively moments of pleasant conversation that you can experience here are the original goal of the tea ceremony.
This special tour enables you to experience the beauty of Wabisabi through a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the people of Shigaraki and a cultural experience filled with Japanese traditions.

Plan overview

Overnight stay: The beauty of wabi-sabi walking tour

Experience a tea ceremony using ceramics made by the proprietor
Enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine while learning the proper manners
Create your own Shigaraki ware under the guidance of a potter
Taste Japan's finest Asamiya tea with commentary by a tea expert
Experience the tradition and innovation of Shigaraki ware by visiting unique potteries

  • Dinner, Breakfast
1 person
939.40USD~

Day tour: The beauty of wabi-sabi walking tour

Experience a tea ceremony using ceramics made by the proprietor
Enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine while learning the proper manners
Create your own Shigaraki ware under the guidance of a potter
Taste Japan's finest Asamiya tea with commentary by a tea expert
Experience the tradition and innovation of Shigaraki ware by visiting unique potteries

1 person
436.15USD~

Meeting Place

Get Directions from Google Maps

Address

Full day: Shigarakikogen Tetsudo Shigaraki Station in front of the ticket gates, Shiga Prefecture, Koka,Shigarakichō Nagano 192 Overnight stay: JR Kyoto Station West Exit ticket gates, Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashi-Shiokojimachi

Access

Full day: Shigarakikogen Tetsudo Shigaraki Station, right in front of the ticket gates
Overnight stay: JR Kyoto Station West Exit, right in front of the ticket gates

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