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
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7.0hourcourse
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- Miho Museum
- 10:00
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- Shigaraki Tanuki Village
- 12:30
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- Utsuwa no Shigoto
- 14:00
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- Bungorogama
- 15:00
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- Gallery & Café ENSOU
- 16:00
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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- 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.
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- Address
- Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichoutashiro Momotani 300
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- 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.
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- Address
- Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichoumaki 1293-2
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- 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.
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- Address
- Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho Chokushi 1978-1
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- Phone
- 09043056662
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- Car
- 3min
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- Bungorogama
- 15:00
- 30min
- Ceramics / Stone and Clay / Metal
- 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.
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- Address
- Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichounagano 1087
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- 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.
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- Address
- Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho
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- Phone
- 0748831236
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- FINISH
- 17:00
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- DAY1

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