A drive through the pottery village of Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture and a visit to a large art museum in a forest

This drive plan squeezes in a lot. It takes you to the home of Shigaraki pottery, known in Japan for its tanuki figurines, and on to a huge art facility that combines nature and architecture. A visit to some local pottery galleries is just one of the many highlights of this stimulating day out.

• DAY1

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  Shiga

  7.0hourcourse

  • Miho Museum

    10:00

  • Shigaraki Tanuki Village

    12:30

  • Utsuwa no Shigoto

    14:00

  • Bungorogama

    15:00

  • Gallery & Café ENSOU

    16:00

  

Based on the introduced course, you can create original travel plan. In addition, simply add the place you want to go and display the route and time schedule automatically, the plan will be completed in no time!

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• DAY1

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    Miho Museum

    10:00

    120min

    Art Museum

    The architectural beauty of this museum, designed by I.M. Pei, the designer of the Louvre Pyramid, has become one of its main attractions. The building is a feast of geometric shapes that, together with Shigaraki’s abundant nature, is a remarkable sight. Lunch at the adjoining restaurant, which serves organic vegetables, is highly recommended.

    Address

    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichoutashiro Momotani 300

    Phone

    0748823411

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  • Car

    12min

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    Shigaraki Tanuki Village

    12:30

    60min

    Experience Hall / Accommodation Experience (Training) Facility

    This is an experience unique to pottery villages. Here you can take a quick pottery course, either with an electric potter’s wheel or by shaping your clay by hand. You can also make your own tanuki, or raccoon dog. You’re sure to become a skilled potter if you give it a go. The classes must be booked in advance.

    Address

    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichoumaki 1293-2

    Phone

    0748830126

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  • Car

    5min

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    Utsuwa no Shigoto

    14:00

    30min

    Other Store

    Next, head to the gallery and store of potter Naoko Murakami, who specializes in the soft colors of a pottery technique known as “kohiki.” It is characterized by a rusty metallic texture and a somewhat unkempt style. As soon as you hold one of Murakami’s designs in your hand, you will understand its charm. Spend some time here choosing a piece you really like.

    Address

    Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho Chokushi 1978-1

    Phone

    09043056662

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  • Car

    3min

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    Bungorogama

    15:00

    30min

    Pottery

    This fifth-generation Shigaraki potter produces modern work that is neither Japanese nor Western in style. The pottery has an almost softness to it when touched that has proved very popular. If you’re looking to buy a piece, check out the gallery in one corner of the renovated warehouse where Bungorogama is based.

    Address

    Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho Nagano 1087

    Phone

    0748823153

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  • Car

    9min

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    Gallery & Café ENSOU

    16:00

    60min

    Cafe

    End the day leisurely with coffee and dessert at this traditional house and kiln set in a forest. Most popular here are the seasonal fruit tarts, which, when served on Shigaraki ceramics brimming with their own personality, look like artworks themselves. People come from all over to visit this café.

    Address

    Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho

    Phone

    0748831236

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  • FINISH

    17:00

• DAY1

• • 1 Miho Museum
  • 2 Shigaraki Tanuki Village
  • 3 Utsuwa no Shigoto
  • 4 Bungorogama
  • 5 Gallery & Café ENSOU

Based on the introduced course, you can create original travel plan. In addition, simply add the place you want to go and display the route and time schedule automatically, the plan will be completed in no time!

Create a plan from this course