Craftsmanship and Cuisine: A Journey Through Aizu Hongo-yaki Pottery

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Special access to Japan’s largest and Tohoku’s oldest “Noborigama” kiln workshop.
• Experience the passion of craftsmen who have woven the 400-year history of Tohoku’s pottery culture.
• Savor local cuisine alongside pottery, with a lunch prepared by a renowned chef.

【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.

■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.

■After the workshop tour, enjoy a lunch using Hongo-yaki pottery
At the auberge “Tsubu la Gozzo” in Misato Town, enjoy dishes prepared by Chef Tashiro Makoto, who incorporates Hongo-yaki pottery into his cuisine.

【STORY】

Setomachi in Iwaki City, 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 13 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】

80,000 yen (tax included)  per person

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00] Gather at Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall
[10:10] Overview of Aizu Hongo-yaki on the 2nd floor of the Ceramic Hall
[10:30] Transfer (taxi or chartered bus)
[10:45] Visit Munakata Kiln and “Noborigama” kiln at Okubo Toseki
[11:30] Transfer (taxi or chartered bus)
[12:00] Lunch at Tsubu la Gozzo (auberge), provided by Chef Tashiro Makoto
[13:30] Transfer (taxi or chartered bus)
[14:00] Explanation by Craftsman Tasaki at Sousyun Kiln workshop
[14:45] Transfer (taxi or chartered bus)
[15:00] Explanation by Craftsman Nishida at Suigetsu Kiln workshop
[15:45] Transfer (taxi or chartered bus)
[16:00] Disband at Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：6 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)：Yes（Breakfast：0, Lunch：1, Dinner：0）
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Guide fee
  ・Venue rental fee
  ・Transportation costs
  ・Meal costs (lunch)
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to the meeting place
  ・Souvenir and additional food/drink costs on-site
• Clothes：None specified
  
• Participation requirements：Over 12 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 12 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】