The city of Arita is famous all over the world for its pottery.Arita was the first place in Japan where porcelain was produced in the 1600s and today the city still lives strong in its history and reputation as a fine pottery. The growth of Arita from an ordinary Japanese village to an internationally recognized source of quality ceramics began over 400 years ago.
Kyushu Ceramic Museum
Kyushu Ceramic Museum is located in Arita, on a green hill overlooking the city. It focuses on the ceramics of the different regions of Kyushu and aims to preserve and teach this important part of Kyushu’s cultural history. The museum has impressive collections ranging from the ancient dishes of Arita to modern ceramics. Admission is free, but access to temporary exhibitions is paid.
Main street of Arita
The main shopping street of Arita is lined with points of sale and ceramic workshops. Over several kilometers, a wide selection of ceramic objects offers you, whether you were looking for an authentic memory or simply for the pleasure of the eyes.
Porcelain park of Arita
Located in the enclosure of a reproduction of the Zwinger Palace in Dresden (Germany), the theme park offers several places and activities related to ceramics. The exhibition hall features pottery from Europe and Japan. Discover the exceptional 182 cm vases that was presented at the Vienna World Exhibition in the Meiji era. The French garden invites you to dream. It is possible to try golf or to participate in a workshop to create your own pottery. To discover the culinary richness of Arita, visit one of the two sake breweries and enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants on the site.
Career in Izumiyama
It is the place where the first kaolin was discovered in Arita in 1616. For hundreds of years after its discovery, the mountain was exploited for its material. Today, the mine is no longer used, but it has left interesting traces on the mountain after so many years of use. It is a historically important place, so it is also an attraction that is at the top of the list of things to see in Arita. The Izumiyama quarry is a 15-minute walk from Kami-Arita Train Station.
Tozan Shrine
Established in 1658, the Tozan shrine (also known as the Sueyama sanctuary) has a unique torii. Unlike typical stone or wooden doors, the Tozan shrine torii is made of porcelain.
The impressive porcelain door is not the only ceramic feature of the Tozan shrine. Walk into the sanctuary and you will find many rooms such as komainu statues (guardian dog), large pots and lanterns. Even the omamori (happiness bearer) and the ema (painting plates) sold at the Tozan shrine are porcelain while the traditional versions are usually made of fabric and wood. The humble sanctuary has been erected and dedicated to three personalities: Emperor Jin, Nabeshima Naoshige (warlord of the late Sengoku era), and Yi Sam-pyeong (a Korean potter whom it is considered to have introduced ceramics into Japan).
Getting to Arita
From Hakata station, take the Midori-Huis Ten Bosch line and get off at Arita station. The train journey takes about 80 minutes and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
From Nagasaki station, take the Nagasaki line to Haiki station and change to the Midori-Huis Ten Bosch line on which you stay until Arita station. The trip lasts about 2 hours and is also covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
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