Discover the Pottery Culture of One of the Most Secluded Villages in Japan
If you are in Kyushu and have an interest in traditional Japanese artistry, especially pottery, Imari is a essential stop. The pottery town is quaint, quiet and filled with narrow alleys, old buildings, and protruding chimneys from the pottery kilns. Imari is most famous for its pottery; however, a trip to these location also provides an intimate glimpse into the world of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Many of the techniques have been passed down through generations, and are still being practiced today.
The production of high-quality porcelain that started at the beginning of the Edo period involved the entire area of Arita and its surroundings, including the neighboring town of Imari. Imari Port became the main shipping point for the local ware which was shipped to Europe and China to be sold as a luxury product. During the peak of porcelain production, Imari was filled with artisans and merchants. Some of those traditional merchant houses were preserved and are now open to visitors, contributing to the town's traditional atmosphere.
As the porcelain crafted in the area was mainly shipped from Imari Port, the local ware first became known overseas as Imari ware. This style of Japanese pottery had such a huge artistic impact abroad that it was even copied by overseas craftsmen. To distinguish between the increasing number of styles, multi-colored or enameled wares started to be defined as Imari ware while blue and white wares were called Arita ware, despite the fact that they were often produced at the same kilns.
Okawachiyama is a fascinating, tiny village hidden in the mountains not far from Imari. Completely surrounded by high forested peaks, it's probably one of the most secluded places in Japan. Its unusual location has historical reasons, as the village was intended as a secret production site for precious porcelain. During the Edo period, porcelain produced in this area was considered of superior quality, so Saga’s ruling Nabeshima Clan decided to build the village in this isolated and well-defended valley. The village hasn't changed much since then, so visitors can still enjoy the original chimneys of the kilns dotting the townscape, pottery workshops, and porcelain decorations. Imari City Ceramic Merchant's Museum houses some priceless pieces of Koimari (as old Imari ware is known) from the 18th and 19th centuries. It's in the handsomely preserved home of a merchant family.
Imari may not be as popular as other cities in Japan, but don’t let that fool you. Imari is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
The production of high-quality porcelain that started at the beginning of the Edo period involved the entire area of Arita and its surroundings, including the neighboring town of Imari. Imari Port became the main shipping point for the local ware which was shipped to Europe and China to be sold as a luxury product. During the peak of porcelain production, Imari was filled with artisans and merchants. Some of those traditional merchant houses were preserved and are now open to visitors, contributing to the town's traditional atmosphere.
As the porcelain crafted in the area was mainly shipped from Imari Port, the local ware first became known overseas as Imari ware. This style of Japanese pottery had such a huge artistic impact abroad that it was even copied by overseas craftsmen. To distinguish between the increasing number of styles, multi-colored or enameled wares started to be defined as Imari ware while blue and white wares were called Arita ware, despite the fact that they were often produced at the same kilns.
Okawachiyama is a fascinating, tiny village hidden in the mountains not far from Imari. Completely surrounded by high forested peaks, it's probably one of the most secluded places in Japan. Its unusual location has historical reasons, as the village was intended as a secret production site for precious porcelain. During the Edo period, porcelain produced in this area was considered of superior quality, so Saga’s ruling Nabeshima Clan decided to build the village in this isolated and well-defended valley. The village hasn't changed much since then, so visitors can still enjoy the original chimneys of the kilns dotting the townscape, pottery workshops, and porcelain decorations. Imari City Ceramic Merchant's Museum houses some priceless pieces of Koimari (as old Imari ware is known) from the 18th and 19th centuries. It's in the handsomely preserved home of a merchant family.
Imari may not be as popular as other cities in Japan, but don’t let that fool you. Imari is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
