From Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu
- Stroll the Tokoname Pottery Path, lined with traditional artisan shops and cafes.
- Tour the historic post town of Arimatsu and shop for beautiful handcrafted textiles.
- Watch master artisans create intricate indigo-dyed fabrics in Arimatsu.
- Discover the charms of Tokoname, Japan’s leading producer of maneki-neko “lucky cats” and featured in the anime "A Whisker Away."
Options
From Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu
Inclusions
Admission to attractions
English-speaking guide
Transport
Exclusions
Accommodation
Meals and beverages
Other personal expenses
Additional Info
Important: Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount
Free for children aged 0-5
Children aged 13+ will be charged the same rate as adults
This tour involves a considerable amount of walking and stairs. Please make sure you are fit enough to participate
Cash / Water bottle
Walking shoes
Please dress accordingly depending on the day's weather conditions
What's included in From Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu
(Subject to Option Inclusions)- [Departure] 09:00, meet up at Nagoya Station (SILVER clock). The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign..Latecomers or no-shows can't be refunded Please arrive at the location 15 mins before the departure time
- [Transportation] By bus
- [Attraction/experience] 10:00, 1 hour(s), Guided tour, INAX museum, At the INAX Tile Museum, your guide will lead you through a preserved kiln site turned museum and explain the history and method of pottery construction of the region.
- [Attraction/experience] 11:15, 45 min(s), Guided tour, Tokoname Pottery Footpath, Next, take a leisurely stroll along the Tokoname Pottery Path, a charming route lined with traditional homes, pottery workshops, and quaint cafes.
- [Attraction/experience] 2 hour(s), Self-guided, Tokoname Pottery Footpath, You’ll have free time to explore, shop for unique pottery, or stop for lunch. Your guide will be happy to offer recommendations and share hidden gems in this pottery haven.
- [Transportation] By bus
- [Attraction/experience] 14:30, 1 hour(s) 30 min(s), Guided tour, Arimatsu, Aichi, Learn about the fascinating history of Arimatsu Shibori and its complex production process. Watch live demonstrations by master artisans as they skillfully tie-dye fabrics.
- [Transportation] By bus
- [Return] 16:30, at Nagoya Station, The tour concludes at Nagoya Station, where the guide will say their goodbyes. *We cannot guarantee the end time as traffic could cause delays.
Our Favourites
Explore Japan’s rich craftsmanship on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Visit Tokoname, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, and discover the history of traditional pottery. Stroll the Tokoname Pottery Path, where winding pottery lined streets filled with traditional houses, artisan shops, and cafes await. Marvel at the intricate porcelain tiles, step inside a historic kiln, and enjoy the quirky exhibits—including a museum dedicated to toilets!
Next, head to Arimatsu, a village renowned for its labor-intensive indigo-dyeing technique, Arimatsu Shibori. Watch skilled artisans create stunning textiles, and shop for one-of-a-kind hand-dyed fabrics. This tour offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm.
For those looking to join from Tokyo, take the following services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line:
Departing Tokyo Station – Arriving Nagoya Station
Tokyo: 07:00 – Nagoya: 08:38 – Nozomi No. 203
Tokyo: 07:09 – Nagoya: 08:47 – Nozomi No. 9
Rather than heading straight back to Tokyo, we recommend staying in Nagoya after the tour or booking accommodation in Hikone or Ise.
For international visitors holding a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, both train services (including reservations) can be used without any additional charge.
Meet
Venues
- Tokoname Pottery Footpath
- Nagoya Station SILVER Clock Time 09 00 Address 1 Chome 1 4 Meieki Nakamura Ward Nagoya Aichi How To Get There The Meetup Point Is At The Base Of The SILVER Clock Tower Outside Of The Shinkansen Gates If You Are Arriving Via Shinkansen The Clock Tower Should Be Located Directly In Front Of You As You Exit The Gate If You Are Arriving Via A JR Line Please Look For Signs Directing You Towards The Taiko Dori Gate The Silver Clock Is Located Inside The Station Just Before The Taiko Dori Exit For Those Coming From Outside The Station You Will Most Likely Be Entering Through The Sakura Dori Gate The Side With The Gold Clock In This Case Please Walk Straight Through The Station Towards The Taiko Dori Gate The Silver Clock Is Located Inside The Station Just Before The Taiko Dori Exit You May Wait Nearby There Until The Tour Begins At 9 00 A M Be Sure To Look For The Guide Holding A SNOW MONKEY RESORTS Tour Sign We Highly Recommend Arriving Early As Nagoya Station Can Be Quite Crowded
