2.5 Hour Fukushima Aizu Hongo Guided Kiln Tour with Artisans

[12:00] Meet and check-in at Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall [12:05] Tour of Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall＜Transfer on foot＞ ● At the Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall, you will uncover the 420-year history of a rare production center where both pottery and porcelain uniquely coexist. Learn about the local spirit of Hongo, which has long cherished an "unconventional" approach to craftsmanship. This introduction sets the stage, allowing you to feel how the entire town breathes as a single, living workshop.

● In Hongo, kilns with distinct personalities are scattered just a few minutes' walk from one another. Although they coexist within the same small town, each studio reveals a completely different world—from the precise hand movements of the artisans and the unique textures of the clay to the varied expressions of the glazes and the meticulous temperature control of the kilns. Through personal conversations with the creators, you will connect deeply with the passion and philosophy infused into every piece of work. ＊Important Notices Please understand that visiting all of the mentioned kilns is not always possible, as access depends on the artisans' schedules and availability on the day.

●This walk takes you through the living history of the town, featuring an active climbing kiln built in the mid-Edo period and the ruins of waterwheels once used to crush pottery stone. As you wander, you will notice "Jarankake" (ceramic shards) scattered throughout the streets—small fragments of history that remain part of daily life. By tracing these traces of an era when ceramics and lifestyle were one, you will truly feel how this land itself has nurtured the culture of craftsmanship over the centuries.

●Discover the innovative future of craftsmanship by visiting an artisan who breathes new life into fragments of Hongo-yaki found throughout the town. Using the traditional technique of Kintsugi, these broken pieces are reborn as elegant accessories. This visit offers a profound moment to reflect on the themes of tradition and renewal, allowing you to glimpse the inspiring future of handmade culture.

[14:20] Shopping and break at Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall [14:30] End of tour at Aizu Hongo Ceramic Hall ＊Important Notices The tour may be unavoidably cancelled due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.