Oita Hita Ontayaki 300 Years of History and Gallery Rokumeian

・Theme

Crafts, Culture, History

・Details

Explore the village of Onta-yaki in Hita, Oita Prefecture (visit kilns and tour the pottery museum).

At the traditional house gallery Rokumeian, experience new pottery and hear stories from the host.

・Travel Designer's Comment

The village of Onta-yaki, beloved by Yanagi Sōetsu, the founder of the Mingei movement, is nestled in a small mountain valley where miraculous pottery and life continue to thrive. For 300 years, three families have quietly preserved the techniques and spirit of Onta-yaki, handed down through generations. The sound of the karausu, a traditional clay-crushing mill, unique to this village, resonates throughout.

British potter Bernard Leach, along with friends, spent several weeks here post-war creating pottery. Some of the works from that time can be seen in the pottery museum.

At the Rokumeian gallery, located at the foot of the village, you'll find shelves lined with pottery that invites you to pick them up, curated by the discerning eye of the host. Engage in conversations with the friendly host to discover the allure of Onta-yaki.

The stories of cultural heritage passed down in the village captivate visitors from both Japan and abroad. Additionally, in the traditional Japanese room of another old house in Rokumeian, you can relax and enjoy tea.

・Time Schedule (2-3 hours)

• Explore Onta-yaki village: 60 minutes
• Enjoy Japanese sweets and matcha at Rokumeian: 90 minutes

・Fees

33,000 yen (tax included)

・Fee Includes

Guide fee, Japanese sweets, matcha, souvenirs, etc.

・Number of Participants

2 to 6 people

・Meeting Place

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

・Location

〒877-0000 3906 Ono, Hita City, Oita Prefecture

・Access

Approximately 15 minutes from the Hita Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway

・Website

Rokumeian

・Available Days

Reservations are accepted from Monday to Friday on weekdays. Saturday and Sunday availability can be arranged.

・Options

If you wish to experience calligraphy at Rokumeian, please contact us.

・Cancellation Policy

The full fee will be charged as a cancellation fee from two days before the tour date.

・What to Bring

Nothing in particular.

・Clothing

Nothing in particular.

・Payment Method

Advance payment by credit card or other methods.

・Participation Conditions

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

・Reservation Period

From 2 months to 7 days before the tour date.

・Disclaimer

The tour may be canceled or the content may change due to unavoidable circumstances. In case of cancellation, we will promptly process a refund.

・Other Information

There is a dedicated parking lot.
Photography during the experience is allowed.
Please confirm in advance if you need foreign language support.