Are you a pottery fanatic, an enthusiast of Japanese culture? If so, this exclusive Japanese pottery tour is perfect for you.
Held once before to great success, the second edition of our Japan Pottery Tour will take you even further into the world of Japanese pottery, including more destinations and varieties of pottery.
Japan is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, from its preserved historical landscapes to its time-honored customs, traditions, and arts—and its pottery legacy is no exception. This 11-day tour, led by expert ceramicist Emily Mallard, takes you on an inspiring journey across several pottery villages where artisans are keeping the country’s most beloved styles of pottery alive. Not only will you observe high-quality pottery in galleries and museums, but you will also have the chance to experience the art yourself through hands-on workshops. As you follow techniques that have been passed down for generations, you will feel the depth of history intertwined with each step.
For a well-rounded cultural experience, the tour also incorporates a variety of traditional Japanese activities. Enjoy a tea ceremony, savor multi-course Japanese meals (kaiseki), don a kimono, and lodge at authentic Japanese accommodations, complete with hot spring baths (onsen). The historical ambiance of the pottery villages, which feature mesmerizing architecture of eras past, will also leave you speechless.
Highlights
- Insight from local expert ceramicists
- Guided tours through renowned pottery villages: Mashiko, Bizen, Tamba, Hagi, Arita and Karatsu
- Exclusive pottery workshops led by local artisans
- In-depth explanations, demonstrations, and more of famous Japanese pottery styles
- Visits to galleries and museums displaying high-end pottery pieces
- Visits to some of Japan’s most celebrated kilns
- A tea ceremony led by a local master
- A refined lunch served on beautiful Tamba ware
- Stunning historical architecture, including castle ruins, old-timey townscapes, etc.
- Off-the-beaten-path destinations; less crowded
- Conducted in English; no language-barrier worries
- Personalized souvenirs made by your own hands
See what our customers say about this tour
“The pottery tour offered by Japan Travel provides a very extensive survey of high fire folk craft pottery in Japan. From wood fired stoneware and salt glaze in Mashiko to ornately decorated and three fired porcelain in Imari and Arita, the scope of craft ware presented is remarkable.
The tour is well led by a charming guide who, while not a potter, ensures that local experts are on hand to assist with each pottery. I am a professional potter.
For me this was the trip of a lifetime.”
—John Martin Peters
“The pottery tour from Japan Travel was absolutely incredible in all aspects and blew my expectations out of the water!
It was very well thought out and beyond just getting to see amazing pottery, I was able to explore beautiful towns, meet so many masters and watch them at their craft and in their homes/studios, and learn to appreciate pottery on a whole other level because of the history.
Because of this tour we also got to stay at beautiful 4 and 5 star resorts and eat food so good that I was surprised this wasn’t advertised as a food tour!”
—Victoria Wu
Tour details for 2026
- Period: 23 Nov – 3 Dec 2026
- Price (starting from):
- Twin price: ¥820,000 for one person
Single price: ¥950,000 for one person
- Twin price: ¥820,000 for one person
- Exclusive: Limited capacity
- Tour page: Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
If you’re interested in an unforgettable experience that deeply immerses you in Japan’s pottery scenes, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Book your spot today and discover the diverse and breathtaking world of Japanese pottery.
For more information and booking details, please visit the tour page on our Travel Agency Website.
