I have travelled to so many places over the years to explore pottery but somehow I never wrote any of it down on my blog. So this is my first attempt at actually documenting one of these trips, and Shigaraki, Japan felt like the right place to begin. If you want to read more of these pottery travel stories as I add them, you can follow me on Instagram @curvypotshandmade or save this website for later.
Where is Shigaraki, Japan?
Shigaraki is a small pottery town in Shiga Prefecture, tucked into the hills between Kyoto and Nara. It is quiet and rural, and you would never stumble into it unless you were looking for it. Once you arrive, you can feel how deeply clay is woven into the landscape. The soil, the kilns, the workshops, even the air feels shaped by centuries of ceramic work.
Shigaraki and the Ancient Kilns
Shigaraki is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, a group of historic pottery centres that have been active since the medieval Jomon period. The clay here is full of feldspar and iron, which gives Shigaraki ware its warm earthy tones and those beautiful fire marked surfaces. The traditions are still alive, and you see it in the climbing kilns, in the workshops, and in the way potters talk about their clay as if it is a collaborator rather than a material.
What Makes Shigaraki Pottery Special?
Shigaraki pottery is where tradition meets bold experimentation. The wood firing process creates natural ash glazes that melt and settle in unpredictable ways. No two pieces ever match and each pot carries its own story of flame, ash, and timing. At the same time, today’s artisans are pushing the boundaries of form and texture. You will see everything from quiet minimalist tea bowls to sculptural pieces that feel almost futuristic. It is a place where the old and the new sit comfortably side by side.
During my visit I stopped at STIG for a special exhibition by Stig Lindberg. He was a Swedish designer known for playful modern ceramics and whimsical patterns, and seeing his influence interpreted through Shigaraki clay was a surprising and delightful crossover.
Visiting Ogama and the Kiln Sites
One of my favourite stops was Ogama, a historic climbing kiln site that has been preserved and opened to visitors. Walking through the chambers gives you a real sense of how massive these firings once were. The scale, the heat, the patience, all of it becomes easier to imagine when you are standing inside the kiln instead of reading about it.
How I Made It a Day Trip from Kyoto
I based myself in Kyoto and made Shigaraki a full day trip. It is long but very doable. I took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, then from Kyoto Station I rode the JR line to Kibukawa where I transferred to the Shigaraki Kōgen Railway. The last train is small and slow, but the scenery is peaceful and gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the place. A pro tip is to bring coins because smaller stations and older ticket machines do not always take cards.
Once you arrive, expect to walk. I relied entirely on walking and the town is more spread out than it looks on a map. The kiln sites, galleries, and workshops are scattered across hills and winding roads. If you are doing it all on foot, plan for a full day and pace yourself.
A Simple and Delicious Lunch
Somewhere between Ogama and STIG I stopped for lunch at a small local soba noodle spot near Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. It was simple and comforting and tasted perfect after hours of walking. Shigaraki has a few cafés and family run restaurants tucked between studios, and they are worth stopping for. The slower pace of the town makes even lunch feel like part of the experience.
- Galleries and Spots Worth Visiting
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park for both traditional and contemporary work - Ogama gallery to walk through a historic climbing kiln
- Tanuki Street for a fun and quirky look at local character
- Local climbing kilns to understand wood firing in a way books cannot match
Tips for Potters Visiting Shigaraki
- Wear good shoes because the kiln trail is hilly and uneven
- Expect to walk a lot since the town is more spread out than it looks
- Prepare for sun with sunscreen, a hat, and water
- Carry small change for rural trains and small shops
- Expect limited English and use translation apps when needed
- Look for Shigaraki ware with warm clay bodies and natural ash glaze
- Visit the climbing kilns to see wood firing history up close
Why Potters Should Consider This Trip
I recommend this trip to both experienced and novice potters, as well as anyone interested in visiting a town shaped by pottery and the arts. Shigaraki offers a peaceful break from the busy energy of Kyoto and Tokyo, and the surrounding nature adds to the experience. A translation app goes a long way, and I encourage you to talk to the potters you meet. Many are warm and generous, and you may even be invited into their studio spaces or shown around their kiln areas. Since I was travelling with only a carry‑on, I brought home a small haul that now holds my memories of Shigaraki. I hope this inspires you to visit one day.
