Arita / Imari

Top Things to do

• The Arita Ceramics Sato Plaza Arita-ware Wholesale Area

  4.0

  77 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Akasaka Hiei 2351-170

  This Arita ware specialist shopping mall deals in all kinds of porcelain, from daily use to business to gifts and fine art. In a 6,600 square meter facility, 22 shops are lined side-by-side along a 200-meter central road. Here one can enjoy a relaxing shopping experience, or take a break at a rest stop or restaurant. As the whole building is barrier-free, both wheelchairs and baby strollers are easy to use.

• Sueyama Jinja Shrine

  4.0

  66 Reviews

  Saga Nishimatsuura-gun Aritacho Odaru 2-5-1

  A shrine located in Odaru 2-Chome, Arita Town, Nishimatsuura County. The main venerated deity is Emperor Ojin. The founder of the Saga clan, Naoshige Nabeshima, and the originator of Arita ware, Yi Sam-pyeong, are also venerated here. It is also held as the god of pottery, and the grounds are spotted with pottery, primarily the komainu statues and big torii gate, which are both porcelain. Arita ware charms are also available for purchase.

• Roadside Station Imari

  3.5

  48 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Imarishi Minamihatachou Ideno 2754-9

  "A roadside station situated along National Route 202 in Ideno Minamihata-cho, Imari City. Facilities include a local specialty products hall which sells fresh, local fruits and vegetables and local products; a farmer's market selling Imari beef; and ""Yakiniku no Mori"", an Imari beef specialty barbecue corner. An adjoining restaurant serves set meals, rice bowls, and other dishes made with Imari beef and seasonal vegetables."

• China on the Park

  4.0

  34 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Harake Otsu 111

  A porcelain theme park owned and operated by the Fukagawa Seiji company which was built to introduce visitors to the history and wonder of pottery making. Surrounded by the park's lush grounds, visitors can enjoy pottery from a variety of angles. The Chujikan museum displays company founder Chuji Fukagawa's treasured collection of pieces, including a large flower vase which was awarded a gold prize at the 1900 Paris Exposition. In the Jikigura shop, visitors can easily get their hands on products deviating from the regular line specs normally only ever seen inside the factory. There's also a special tearoom which has a view of the Paris Exposition vase, and a pottery painting activity area. The ground's English lavender, which comes into bloom in early summer, is also a must-see.

• Koransha Main Store

  4.5

  32 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Koubira 1-3-8

  A renowned studio founded by a porcelain manufacturer in 1875. The studio produces Arita ware which has won prizes in contests around the world. The studio’s distinctive hard white porcelain decorated with splendid designs are even referred to as the “Koransha style” and are highly praised. The studio’s showroom displays Koransha art pieces and items supplied to the Imperial household as well as everyday goods like fountain pens and tableware. The perfect place to search for a souvenir or present that is a cut above.

• Arita Porcelain Park Nonnoko no Sato

  3.0

  1 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Toya Otsu 340-28

  Here pieces of Arita ware from a variety of periods (such as old Imari, Kakiemon, and Nabeshima Domain Kiln-style wares) are displayed in a recreation of the Zwinger palace in Dresden, Germany. Particularly noteworthy is the great 183 centimeter tall flower vase. It is said to have wowed people from around the world when it was displayed at the 1873 Vienna World's Fair. A Baroque garden has been recreated on the facility's grounds, and there is also an Arita ware workshop where visitors can try their hand at crafting a ceramics piece on a potter's wheel.

• Gen-emon Kiln

  4.5

  25 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Maruo Hino 2726

  A famous old Imari ware pottery workshop with some 260 years of history. Traditional old Imari ware is characterized by a modern functional beauty coupled with a distinctive decorative style. In the adjoining museum, visitors can view numerous pieces of old Imari ware gathered from throughout Japan and the world. Note that the museum is only open on weekdays as well as partially on Saturdays. Be sure to check the official website for business days.

• Fukagawa Seiji (Main Store)

  4.0

  21 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Nishimatsuragunaritachou Koubira 1-1-8

  "Arita is the first place in Japan where porcelain was made. From the 17th century onward, Arita ware was an important product of what was once Saga-Nabeshima Domain and was extensively exported abroad, where it is known and loved as ""Imari ware,"" ""Ko-Imari,"" and ""Old Imari."" Fukagawa Seiji, a company which furthered global interest in Arita ware and which converted it into an art form, was founded in 1894 by Chuji Fukagawa, and Fukagawa erected Fukagawa Seiji's flagship store right here in Arita with the intent of welcoming customers from around the world. Even today, the structure retains a strong atmosphere redolent of the bygone Meiji and Taisho periods; the exterior of the building is covered in scratch tile, while the interior is decorated with floor mosaics and stained-glass windows. In the second-floor museum, visitors can view outstanding pieces crafted by Fukagawa Seiji bearing the distinct ""Meiji modern"" design style (advance reservation required). Today, the building and collection of the second-floor museum have received the Heritage of Industrial Modernization designation."

• Imari City Tourist Association

  3.5

  22 Reviews

  Saga Pref. Imarishi Shintenchou 622-13

  This tourist information office is in Imari City, Saga Prefecture. It is connected to Imari Station, and offers all kinds of information for tourists including how to find a ryokan, where to buy local specialties, and guidance to Imari Yaki porcelain makers and shops. It can be accessed directly from the station, with no need to go outside.