430 years of Karatsu ware history: Connecting pottery to the future

・Theme

Craftsmanship, Culture, History

・Details

• View the artworks at Nakazato Tarouemon Pottery
• Visit the Chawan Kiln Memorial Hall to admire the exhibits
• Tour the Edo-period climbing kiln and the workshop that has been passed down through generations

・Travel Designer's Comment

Karatsu ware, which began in the Momoyama period, is renowned in the tea world, often cited as "First I do, Second Raku, Third Karatsu."

During the Edo period, Karatsu ware flourished as the official kiln of the Karatsu clan, producing ceramics for the shogunate. However, the industry faced a crisis in the Meiji era due to changing times. The 12th-generation head of the Nakazato family, Mu'an Nakazato, revived Karatsu ware by restoring ancient techniques such as "tataki-zukuri" (beaten clay method). Today, the range of Karatsu ware includes E-Karatsu (painted Karatsu), Chosen Karatsu (Korean-style Karatsu), and Kuro Karatsu (black Karatsu).

At the Chawan Kiln Memorial Hall, which opened in 2020, visitors can learn about the struggles of previous generations and the transformation of Karatsu ware. The current head of the family, the 14th-generation Tarouemon Nakazato, has won numerous awards, and his excellent works are on display.

Behind the memorial hall, visitors can tour the Edo-period climbing kiln site,visited by the former Emperor and Empress.

The workshop of the 12th generation, handed down through generations, reflects the joy of creation felt by the artisans. If you are lucky, you might witness the 14th-generation head working on the potter's wheel.

Currently, many pottery artists have moved to Karatsu, contributing to the creation of new Karatsu ware.

・Schedule (2 hours)

・Fee

33,000 yen (including tax)

・Fee Includes

Admission fee, tea, souvenirs

・Number of Participants

2 to 6 people

・Meeting Time and Place

Please arrive at the designated location about 10 minutes before your reservation time. The tour starts and ends at the site.

・Location

3-6-29 Machida, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, 847-0821

・Access

10-minute walk from JR Karatsu Station

・Website

Nakazato Tarouemon Kiln

・Available Days

Reservations are accepted on all days except Wednesdays and Thursdays.

・Options

• Please inform us if you wish to arrange for a meal.
• Please inform us if you wish to explore the castle town.
• Please inform us if you wish to experience pottery making.

・Cancellation Policy

The full fee will be charged for cancellations made 2 days before the scheduled date.

・What to Bring

Nothing in particular

・Clothing

No specific requirements

・Payment Method

Advance payment by credit card or other methods

・Participation Conditions

Please contact us if you require the use of a wheelchair.

・Reservation Period

From 2 months to 7 days before the tour date

・Disclaimer

In case of unavoidable circumstances leading to cancellation or changes in the tour content, we will process a refund promptly. Please understand.

・Other Information

There is a dedicated parking lot.
Photography is restricted in some areas during the experience.
Please check in advance for foreign language support.