Shigaraki Pottery Town

信楽焼の里

Est. 90Koka, Kansai

Local Pick

Overview

Ancient kiln town lined with giant tanuki statues, offering pottery classes and climbing-kiln tours.

One of Japan's Six Ancient Kiln districts, Shigaraki is instantly recognizable by the giant tanuki raccoon-dog statues guarding every storefront and the 5.3-meter ceramic tanuki at the train station. Over fifty workshops produce the rustic, ash-glazed Shigaraki ware prized by tea masters for centuries. The town offers hands-on pottery classes, climbing kiln tours, and a dedicated ceramics museum.

Practical info

Japanese name: 信楽焼の里
Nearest station: Ishiyama Station (30 min bus)
Reservations: Individual studios set their own booking policies. Call your chosen studio 1-2 days ahead for workshop availability. Walking the town and browsing shops is free.

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