Visit Mashiko, Home of Shoji Hamada and the Folk Arts

Mashiko town is located at 2hours away from Tokyo and it is a cozy, calm and small town surrounded by hills.  This small town is famous for pottery and thousands of people visit every May during pottery festival.

Mashiko ware is relatively “new” pottery in Japan and people started producing potteries there in the 19th century. Originally the products were for daily usage and transported to the capital of Japan Edo, which is Tokyo today. It was beginning of the 20th century that Mashiko became famous nationwide, when Shoji Hamada settled there and rediscovered the beauty of colors made by local ingredients. Today Mashiko potteries are known with rustic earth colors such as dark vermilion, brown and black. But at the same time, more than 80 potters are working in Mashiko town and many of them are trying to create new style and beauty.

Tour details:
9:00 Pick up at hotel (Take bullet train and local bus to Mashiko town)

11:00 Arrive at Mashiko Town (visit 2kilns, Hamada memorial museum and galleries)

16:00 Leave the town

18:00 Return to the hotel

  • If you want to save the budget, we can take a highway bus between Tokyo and Mashiko. Please enquire for details.
  • You can enjoy pottery making with additional cost. Please enquire for details.
Tour Type:Private Tour
Price:Tour fee of ¥148,000~/group
(Up to 5 peole. For a larger group, additional ¥16,000~ with a larger car.)
Tour Fee Includes:English speaking guide and taxi ride in the Mashiko town.
Tour Fee Not Included:Lunch and travel expense between Tokyo and Mashiko town.
Duration:Approximately 9 hours (including traveling time)
Cancellation Policy:No refunds without exception for no-shows or cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled tour day (Japan time).
Weather:This tour is not cancelled for weather except in extreme circumstances (e.g., typhoons) in which case we will contact you and refund your payment in full.
Physical Activity:Light
Dress:Casual
*You may have to take off your shoes when you visit crafts master's workshop. Details will be provided when itinerary is set.
Wi-fi:Public wi-fi is not available along most of the route of this tour.
Photos/Protocols:Photography is allowed at most of the places but please follow the instruction of your guide.
Directions to Starting Point:At your hotel in central Tokyo.
Note:*Details will be provided after you register.
*If you want to visit a specific kiln and meet the master, please mention.

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