Shigaraki Pottery Village
A historic pottery village famed for its charming Tanuki statues and the Shigaraki Ceramic Park, a haven for art and craft lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Shigaraki Pottery Village
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic pottery village famed for its charming Tanuki statues and the Shigaraki Ceramic Park, a haven for art and craft lovers.
"Don't leave Japan without going to this treasure, a heartwarming place filled with unique pottery and lucky charms."
🎯 Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the hilly park and village streets. :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ Tanuki souvenirs await!
Don't leave without a Tanuki-themed item; they're said to bring good luck! :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shigaraki Ceramic Park
Outdoor park and museum
A sprawling park featuring outdoor art installations and a museum dedicated to ceramics from around the world.
Tanuki Statues Galore
Throughout the village
Discover countless charming Tanuki (raccoon dog) statues, symbols of good luck and fortune, adorning shops and gardens.
Traditional Kilns & Studios
Various workshops
Witness the art of pottery making firsthand by visiting traditional wood kilns and local artisan studios.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tanuki Charm
Plan Your Pottery Pilgrimage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the hilly park and village streets. :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ Tanuki souvenirs await!
Don't leave without a Tanuki-themed item; they're said to bring good luck! :gift:
☕ Enjoy a local cafe
Many cafes offer delicious coffee and traditional Japanese treats. :coffee:
🚆 Easy train access
Shigaraki is accessible from Kyoto via the JR Kusatsu Line and Shigaraki Kogen Railway. :train:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the hilly park and village streets. :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ Tanuki souvenirs await!
Don't leave without a Tanuki-themed item; they're said to bring good luck! :gift:
☕ Enjoy a local cafe
Many cafes offer delicious coffee and traditional Japanese treats. :coffee:
🚆 Easy train access
Shigaraki is accessible from Kyoto via the JR Kusatsu Line and Shigaraki Kogen Railway. :train:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Shigaraki Pottery Village's unique charm, particularly its abundance of delightful Tanuki statues and impressive ceramic art. The Shigaraki Ceramic Park is praised for its outdoor sculptures and museum, offering a blend of art and nature. While some find the village's natural beauty less vibrant in winter, the overall experience is consistently described as heartwarming and memorable.
"Very impressive place for ceramicist and ceramic artists! They have studio with facilities for ceramic, traditional wood kilns, and the museum, all in one beautiful park!"
linh san
"lovely hilly walk filled with fine art sculpture by many artists you may know. stream and many labeled plants snd trees. a wonderful cafe with traditional Japanese lunch. great coffee and tea. cakes and friendly staff…museum and shop .. the real deal."
Paula Sweet
"It was great and happy got a chance to explore the museum. Unfortunately the time was limited thus can not visit the souvenir shop. I really wanna buy the stuffs with tanuki design on it. Hopefully can visit again soon ~"
L. C. Direstiyani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Shigaraki Pottery Village from Kyoto by taking the JR Kusatsu Line to Kibune Station, then transferring to the charming Shigaraki Kogen Railway. This scenic route is highlighted as a great day trip option. 
Absolutely! Many travelers consider Shigaraki a perfect day trip from Kyoto, offering a unique cultural experience with its pottery and Tanuki statues.
The village and its surrounding park are best explored on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the hilly terrain.
Yes, the Shigaraki Kogen Railway offers a unique and scenic journey into the pottery town, adding to the overall experience.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, public transport is frequently mentioned, suggesting it's the primary and recommended mode of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the village itself is generally free, allowing you to wander the streets and admire the Tanuki statues. However, specific attractions like the museum or workshops may have admission fees.
Specific opening hours for the museum are not detailed, but it's advisable to check in advance, especially if visiting during off-peak seasons or holidays.
The outdoor park with its fine art sculptures is a key attraction, and while specific fees aren't mentioned, it's part of the overall experience of the park.
Many studios and shops are open to the public, allowing you to browse and purchase pottery. Visiting traditional kilns might be part of specific events or tours.
Yes, there are numerous souvenir shops, many featuring the iconic Tanuki designs. One reviewer expressed a strong desire to buy Tanuki items.
🎫 🏺 Onsite Experience
Shigaraki Pottery Village is renowned for its long history of pottery making, its charming Tanuki (raccoon dog) statues, and its beautiful ceramic art installations.
The park features a lovely hilly walk filled with fine art sculptures by various artists, creating a unique blend of nature and creativity.
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants offering traditional Japanese lunches, coffee, tea, and cakes. One reviewer enjoyed a meal with brown rice and water.
Tanuki are raccoon dogs in Japanese folklore, often depicted as mischievous shapeshifters and symbols of good luck and fortune. They are a prominent feature in Shigaraki due to their cultural significance.
While not explicitly stated, the presence of studios and workshops suggests opportunities for hands-on experiences or at least observing the craft.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for charming Tanuki statues, scenic views within the Ceramic Park, traditional kilns, and unique pottery pieces. The suspension bridge and museum entrance also offer picturesque scenes.
Yes, the village offers a wealth of photogenic opportunities, from the whimsical Tanuki to the artistic sculptures and traditional architecture.
A versatile camera that can capture both wide landscape shots of the park and detailed close-ups of pottery and sculptures would be ideal.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas, but it's always good practice to be mindful of private studios or specific museum exhibits where restrictions might apply.
Morning light can be beautiful for the outdoor sculptures, while late afternoon might offer softer light for village scenes. Consider the season for different backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Shigaraki Ceramic Park is a great place for kids to explore, with its outdoor art installations and open spaces to roam. 🎨 Ceramic Enthusiasts & Artists
+1 The Shigaraki Ceramic Park museum showcases a diverse range of pottery from around the globe, providing inspiration and context. 🚶 Day-Trippers from Kyoto
+1 You can spend your day exploring the charming streets, admiring the Tanuki statues, visiting the Ceramic Park and its outdoor sculptures, and perhaps enjoying a traditional Japanese lunch at a local cafe. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Shigaraki Pottery
+1The Shigaraki Ceramic Park is a central hub for experiencing this rich tradition. It houses a museum that showcases pottery from around the world, offering a broader perspective on ceramic art. Beyond the museum, the park itself is an open-air gallery, dotted with impressive outdoor sculptures created by both local and international artists. This integration of art into the natural landscape makes for a truly immersive experience.
For those interested in the craft, visiting local studios and workshops provides a deeper understanding of the dedication and skill involved. Some creators have been making pottery for generations, preserving and evolving the Shigaraki legacy.
The village's commitment to its craft is evident in every corner, making it a pilgrimage site for ceramic enthusiasts and artists alike. The Ubiquitous Tanuki
+1The tradition of placing Tanuki statues in Shigaraki is said to have gained momentum after Emperor Showa visited the town. The townspeople, hoping to bring good fortune, placed Tanuki figures to welcome him. Since then, these figures have become an integral part of the village's identity and a major draw for visitors.
Many shops sell Tanuki-themed souvenirs, from small trinkets to larger decorative pieces, allowing visitors to take a piece of this good luck charm home with them. Beyond their decorative appeal, the Tanuki statues are a reminder of the cultural heritage and the playful spirit that permeates Shigaraki. They add a unique and whimsical character to the village, making every stroll an opportunity to discover a new, delightful depiction of these iconic creatures.
Exploring Shigaraki's Natural Beauty
Instagram Reels showcase glimpses of this natural charm, with one reel describing passing through a tunnel that evoked a 'hidden paradise' before emerging onto a suspension bridge with a view of mountains and pines.
This blend of art, culture, and nature creates a tranquil atmosphere that complements the creative energy of the pottery village. While the focus is often on the pottery, the surrounding environment provides a refreshing backdrop for exploration. Whether you visit in the vibrant bloom of spring, the lush green of summer, or even the stark beauty of winter, Shigaraki's natural setting enhances the overall visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit