Shigaraki Pottery Town

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.