Top Saga Prefecture Cultural Tours

The first kiln-themed walking tour in Karatsu! Discover the rich history of the town's signature ceramic ware as you explore historic pottery sites and hidden corners. An experience not to be missed for those interested in traditional Japanese ceramics, or simply visiting Karatsu for the first time. A town of timeless craftsmanship and stories shaped by fire and clay, Karatsu's pleasant seaside ambience adds considerably to its overall charm.

This tour invites you to experience the historic seaside town of Karatsu through the lens of its famous annual float festival - Karatsu Kunchi. Rather than simply passing through and admiring the scenery, you’ll uncover the deeper stories that shape the town's culture and, along the way, find yourself drawn to the warmth and spirit of the local community.

Experience the true spirit of Tosu, a charming city in Saga Prefecture, known for its warm atmosphere and vibrant local food scene. This exciting 2-hour bar-hopping tour will take you through the best-loved spots in the city, from cozy yakitori bars to hidden gems offering regional drinks and flavors. During the tour, you’ll visit two hand-picked establishments, where you’ll receive 1,000 yen per stop for food and drinks, letting you sample Tosu’s finest offerings without any extra cost. Enjoy perfectly grilled skewers, sip on local sake, and end the night with a comforting bowl of ramen, all while learning about Tosu’s rich culinary culture from a friendly local guide. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover your city, this tour offers a fun and tasty way to explore Tosu’s nightlife. Don’t miss the chance to experience the city like a local—book your tour now and get ready for a night of unforgettable flavors!

"Experience the new appeal of Arita-yaki, where tradition and innovation come together". At Riso Pottery, fourth-generation family head Shinji Terauchi works to create vessels that combine early Imari techniques with modern design, while continuing the history of Ri Sanpei, the founder of Arita-yaki. Combining traditional aesthetic beauty with cutting-edge technology, the vessels have attracted top chefs from around the world. In this experience, you will visit the historic sites of traditional Arita ware and the Tengudani kiln site, and experience the craftsmanship of the artisans up close. We will provide you with a special opportunity to experience the new possibilities of Arita ware, which pursues both function and beauty, with all five of your senses.

The special tour of the Kakiemon kiln offers a rare opportunity to visit the workshop area, which is normally closed to the public, and experience the 400 year tradition and craftsmanship of the Kakiemon style. You will get an up close look at the production process of Kakiemon style ceramics, which feature the "Akae" (red overglaze enameling) technique developed by the first Kakiemon, Sakaita Kakiemon, and the milky white "Nigote" porcelain body. The sight of skilled potters and painters carefully creating works of art is a perfect example of the fusion of tradition and innovation. In addition, you will be treated to tea and sweets served in the pottery of the kiln. The general manager will explain the history and culture of the Kakiemon style, and you will gain a deep understanding and be moved by the content. Please enjoy this special moment, which is a combination of the depth of tradition and the skill of the craftsmen.

This is a special experience that allows you to get in touch with the tradition and technology that the famous Arita Yaki Porcelain Manufacturer Koransha, founded in 1879, is proud of. You will visit the insulator factory, which is not normally open to the public, and see the history of the innovative technology that created Japan's first porcelain insulator. You can also learn about the background of the art that was highly praised at the World Expo and the history of Koransha while enjoying a tea ceremony in the VIP room, which is not normally open to the public. This is a luxurious and intellectual experience that allows you to experience the fusion of the beauty of traditional Arita-yaki pottery and the technology that supports the power and communications infrastructure.

In this private guided tour, you’ll visit some of Arita’s craft studios, where skilled artisans create porcelain masterpieces. After learning about Arita ware, try your luck at a treasure hunt, and get the chance to take home some prized ceramics! [Highlights] ・Watch artisans at work in Arita’s Kuromuta-Obo district. ・See an actual climbing kiln, as well as other different types of kilns. ・Learn about Arita’s different porcelain-making techniques. ・Try your luck at a fun treasure hunt – take home Arita porcelain wares that catch your eye. ・Get insights and fascinating information about Arita from a local expert.

The Genemon Kiln Special Experience offers a rare opportunity to visit the kiln's normally closed workshop and experience the beauty and tradition of its over 150-year-old techniques. You will be able to observe the production process at close range, performed by skilled craftsmen, and enjoy the charm of the distinctive "Sotodami" technique. In addition, you can enjoy a tour of the non-public Imari Pottery Museum, guided by the pottery's staff, and enjoy the many historical works on display. After the experience, you can enjoy the hospitality of the pottery using beautiful vessels. Please enjoy this special time when you can feel the history and technology of Gen-emon Pottery with all five of your senses.

In this pottery tour, you will be visiting three of Japan's leading kilns, not only finding your favorite Japanese tableware, but you'll also witness the pottery-making process, engage in Japanese cooking experiences, and deepen by staying in traditional Japanese house. First we'll visit Hasami, known for its relatively casual and modern design pottery. Next, we'll visit Nabeshima ware has a history of being presented to shoguns and feudal lords during the Edo period, making it a beloved choice among aristocrats. Finally, we'll visit Arita, famous for its Arita ware, known for its elegant designs on translucent white porcelain. Then we'll move to a traditional Japanese house in Nagasaki city, experiencing a Japanese cooking session. While you'll stay in one traditional house overnight, there are three bedrooms, allowing for separate accommodations. Next morning, we'll offer Japanese food before guiding you to three spots in Nagasaki city. We look forward to your participation.

Enjoy a walking tour around the Karatsu Port area! Explore the town, including a mansion with exquisite ranma carvings and gorgeous ceiling paintings, and Karatsu Castle, which faces one of the most beautiful pine groves in Japan. Afterward, stop by a sake bar featuring Karatsu ware. Karatsu-yaki can also be purchased at the store next to the bar and will be a wonderful memory. You can also optionally create an original art frame using pieces of Karatsu-yaki. You can also take home a souvenir of a sustainable and creative Japanese tradition. Why not spend a day with your guide in Karatsu, a city full of Japanese charms such as castles, pottery, and sake?

In this pottery tour, you will be visiting two of Japan's leading kilns, Arita and Hasami, not only finding your favorite Japanese tableware, but you'll also witness the pottery-making process. Also, engage in Japanese cooking experiences, and deepen by staying in traditional Japanese house. In the day 1, we'll visit Arita, famous for its Arita ware, known for its elegant designs on translucent white porcelain. We will take you to special places like kilns and purveyors to the Imperial Household. Then we'll move to a historical traditional Japanese house in Arita area, experiencing a Japanese cooking session. Let's enjoy Japanese culture together through the preparation of traditional Japanese home-cooked dishes. In the day 2, we'll visit Hasami Klin known for its relatively casual and modern design pottery. You will see various pottery pieces and we will show you a complete table setting in Hasami-yaki style. We'll have lunch at a cafe using elegant Hasami ware.