1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Crafting Traditions in Tokoname and Arimatsu

Explore Japan’s rich craftsmanship on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Visit Tokoname, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, and discover the history of traditional pottery. Stroll the Tokoname Pottery Path, where winding pottery lined streets filled with traditional houses, artisan shops, and cafes await. Marvel at the intricate porcelain tiles, step inside a historic kiln, and enjoy the quirky exhibits—including a museum dedicated to toilets!

Next, head to Arimatsu, a village renowned for its labor-intensive indigo-dyeing technique, Arimatsu Shibori. Watch skilled artisans create stunning textiles, and shop for one-of-a-kind hand-dyed fabrics. This tour offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm, as you are led by an experienced, English speaking guide on this unforgettable one-day tour from Nagoya.

Highlights

• Stroll the Tokoname Pottery Path, lined with traditional artisan shops and cafes.
• Tour the historic post town of Arimatsu and shop for beautiful handcrafted textiles.
• Watch master artisans create intricate indigo-dyed fabrics in Arimatsu.
• Discover the charms of Tokoname, Japan’s leading producer of maneki-neko “lucky cats” and featured in the anime A Whisker Away.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. 

You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station if you feel the need. Your guide will provide a brief introduction to the region’s history before we head off to Tokoname via our tour bus.

The town of Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns (along with Shigaraki, Bizen, Tanba, Echizen, and Seto), is a pottery lover’s dream and is recognized as a Japan Heritage Site. 

At the INAX Tile Museum, your guide will lead you through a preserved kiln site turned museum and explain the history and method of pottery construction of the region. You will be able to view all manner of pottery, tiles, and ceramics from Tokoname and around the world. There is even an entire section of the museum dedicated to ceramic toilets—perhaps one of Japan’s more quirky exhibits.

After learning about the history and production of Tokoname pottery, you will have a chance to explore the “Yakimono Sanpomichi,” better known as the Tokoname Pottery Path—a winding pottery-lined path, filled with traditional houses, cafes, pottery shops and other unique and sculptures and buildings. Here, you will have free time to explore, shop for pottery, or grab something for lunch. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations or just let your nose lead the way!

Tokoname is not only Japan’s largest producer of ceramic lucky cats but also a popular spot for anime fans, having been featured in the Netflix film A Whisker Away. In the movie, the town serves as the backdrop for an enchanting story about a girl who transforms into a cat, making it the perfect place for both anime fans and cat lovers alike.

After lunch, we'll hop back on the bus and travel to the historic Tokaido Road post town, Airmatsu. The town was once a stop on the historic Tokaido Trail—an Edo era road connecting Tokyo to Kyoto used by samurai and merchants alike. The town is famed as the center of production of a traditional type of labor-intensive indigo-dyed fabric known as Arimatsu Shibori—prized for its complex patterns and intricate beauty.

Your guide will lead you through this picturesque town, explaining the process of creating this beautiful fabric. You will also have the opportunity to watch a live demonstration and speak with master craftsmen who have been creating Arimatsu Shibori for decades.

Afterwards, you will have plenty of free time to shop for fabrics or stop by a cozy cafe. Your guide will be on hand to take pictures to make your friends and family back home jealous of your time in Japan.

We’ll wrap up our day by returning to Nagoya Station, where your guide will say their goodbyes. The tour will conclude around 4:30 PM. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

Whether you're a fan of traditional ceramics or textile arts, this tour will give you unique insights into Japan's historical craftsmanship. From stepping into a centuries-old kiln to watching artisans dye fabrics using techniques passed down for generations, this tour offers an up-close look at Japan's artistic heritage.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Admission into all locations included in the tour
• Transportation during the tour

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• There will be a significant amount of walking required (including steep stairs), so please wear appropriate shoes/boots.
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and will not be suitable for most guests with mobility impairments. Should you have any concerns about your ability to join the tour, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
• In the summer, the weather in Nagoya is typically hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures ranging from around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F), though it can occasionally reach over 35°C (95°F). In the winter, there is often snow and temperatures hover around freezing. Please pay attention to the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• This tour is not suitable for small children under the age of three.