Discover a hidden gem of rural Japan between cultural heritages, idyllic fields and gorgeous ceramics
Just one hour away from Kyoto and Osaka, Tamba Sasayama has rich history as a castle town. Known for one of the oldest traditions of pottery artistry in Japan and gorgeous outdoors, the city is home to multiple nationally-designated cultural heritages. A trip to Tamba Sasayama reveals a delightfully relaxed side of Japan that all travelers can enjoy. From the charming castle area and the idyllic fields of Fukusumi, to internationally-renowned Tamba ware and traditional crafts, Tamba Sasayama is a destination full of things to do and see. It is recommended to spend three days here to take advantage of what this hidden gem has to offer. Take the time to explore Tamba Sasayama and discover a more rural side of Japan.
Tanba Ware is considered as one of the six oldest kilns in Japan: Seto Ware, Tokoname Ware, Shigaraki Ware, Bizen Ware, and Echizen Ware. Ceramic arts made from clays with rich iron under the graceful scenic environment of Tanbasasayama area, emitted a distinctive bitterness with a profound tastes. Also, the Tanba Ware is truly the creation of the beauty of nature in Tanbasasayama. The facilities at Sue no Sato weren’t lacking in points of interest. Complete with a pottery museum, folk craft art gallery, ceramics shop, classroom, and restaurant, it’s certainly built to accommodate a healthy crowd of visitors during peak season.
In Kamamoto Yokocho or Potter’s Alley, there are 52 ateliers of Tamba’s own modern ceramists under one roof. It’s hard not to spend too much time here. Its maze-like layout becomes an exploratory mission to check out all the booths. If you’re keen on taking home a more traditional piece of Tamba ware, the centre of Potter’s Alley displays a fine collection in the classic Tamba style. On the other side of the river, Tachikui Pottery Village is home to the oldest climbing kiln in Japan. Borrowed from the partially buried Korean style of kiln, the nobori-gama was an efficient firing technique that allowed mass production to flourish during the Edo period here in Tamba Sasayama.The 120-year-old kiln, also referred to as the Snake Kiln, serves the local community of potters even to this day.
Home to a rich 400-year old history, this Japanese castle town includes a unique pottery culture, a contemporary castle, and perfectly preserved samurai and merchants quarters. At Kawaramachi Tsumairi Merchant Housing District, Traditional Tsumairi-style merchant houses, which have a narrow entrance and a deep interior, stand along the street for about 600 meters. This is the Traditional Buildings Preservation District where classical Japanese architectural designs such as wooden lattice walls, earthen walls and pillars tell of the atmosphere of olden times. Many people come here to enjoy the rich food, and you can find some fancy restaurants in the middle of the countryside that have been converted from old private houses.
Tanba Ware is considered as one of the six oldest kilns in Japan: Seto Ware, Tokoname Ware, Shigaraki Ware, Bizen Ware, and Echizen Ware. Ceramic arts made from clays with rich iron under the graceful scenic environment of Tanbasasayama area, emitted a distinctive bitterness with a profound tastes. Also, the Tanba Ware is truly the creation of the beauty of nature in Tanbasasayama. The facilities at Sue no Sato weren’t lacking in points of interest. Complete with a pottery museum, folk craft art gallery, ceramics shop, classroom, and restaurant, it’s certainly built to accommodate a healthy crowd of visitors during peak season.
In Kamamoto Yokocho or Potter’s Alley, there are 52 ateliers of Tamba’s own modern ceramists under one roof. It’s hard not to spend too much time here. Its maze-like layout becomes an exploratory mission to check out all the booths. If you’re keen on taking home a more traditional piece of Tamba ware, the centre of Potter’s Alley displays a fine collection in the classic Tamba style. On the other side of the river, Tachikui Pottery Village is home to the oldest climbing kiln in Japan. Borrowed from the partially buried Korean style of kiln, the nobori-gama was an efficient firing technique that allowed mass production to flourish during the Edo period here in Tamba Sasayama.The 120-year-old kiln, also referred to as the Snake Kiln, serves the local community of potters even to this day.
Home to a rich 400-year old history, this Japanese castle town includes a unique pottery culture, a contemporary castle, and perfectly preserved samurai and merchants quarters. At Kawaramachi Tsumairi Merchant Housing District, Traditional Tsumairi-style merchant houses, which have a narrow entrance and a deep interior, stand along the street for about 600 meters. This is the Traditional Buildings Preservation District where classical Japanese architectural designs such as wooden lattice walls, earthen walls and pillars tell of the atmosphere of olden times. Many people come here to enjoy the rich food, and you can find some fancy restaurants in the middle of the countryside that have been converted from old private houses.
