What other travelers are saying about Shichiemon Kiln
We bought some really nice pottery from this store, but the best part was the owner coming out with pickled vegetables and tea. We chatted for a while before she showed us through the whole pottery making process, from processing the clay through to their workshop where several members of the family were working on various pieces. It was a super lovely and memorable experience.
The pottery making session here was great! The teacher was really helpful, making sure to guide us withough being too overbearing. Afterwards they served tea and (delicious) tsukemono. They also have a lot of great looking peices on sale for reasonable prices. It might be a struggle if you don't speak Japanese, though. The conversation was all very fast Japanese with a thick regional accent. Also, best to visit with a car if possible. Bus access is possible but inconvenient. Overall, highly recommended!
Long running family pottery. Lovely people. Some very elegant stoneware. It's a bit of a trek but well worth it if you are looking for handmade Japanese tableware. We are so happy with everything we got there
Yes, visitors can observe skilled craftsmen working at various stages of porcelain production during their visit. You'll see the shaping process on pottery wheels, detailed hand-painting of intricate designs, and sometimes the glazing procedures. The working kiln allows guests to witness authentic traditional techniques that have been passed down through 15 generations. However, the specific activities visible may vary depending on the production schedule and time of your visit.
Walk-in visitors are generally welcome to explore the gallery and observe the workshop areas without a reservation. However, if you want to participate in hands-on pottery painting experiences, advance booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. Group visits should also be arranged in advance to ensure adequate staff availability and workspace. It's advisable to contact the kiln directly or check their website before visiting, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Yes, the on-site gallery offers a wide selection of porcelain pieces for purchase, including both traditional and contemporary designs. Items range from affordable everyday tableware like rice bowls and teacups to premium decorative art pieces and collector's items. Purchasing directly from the kiln allows you to acquire authentic Arita-yaki porcelain made using centuries-old techniques. International shipping can typically be arranged for overseas visitors, though you should confirm details and costs at the time of purchase.
Shichiemon Kiln stands out for its exceptional longevity, having operated continuously since 1653 under the same family for over 370 years. While Arita has many excellent pottery makers, Shichiemon Kiln is particularly noted for preserving authentic Edo-period production methods while maintaining high artistic standards. The workshop specializes in traditional sometsuke blue and white designs and colored overglaze techniques that exemplify classical Arita-yaki aesthetics. The combination of historical significance, traditional craftsmanship, and accessible visitor facilities makes it a representative example of Arita's ceramic heritage.
Absolutely. The kiln welcomes visitors of all knowledge levels, from ceramic enthusiasts to first-time observers. Visual demonstrations of the pottery-making process are easy to appreciate regardless of prior knowledge, and the gallery displays provide context for understanding different styles and techniques. Staff members can often provide explanations in Japanese, and some materials may be available in English. The hands-on painting experience is particularly accessible for beginners, as instructors guide participants through the decoration process step by step.
