[Pottery/Porcelain]

Imari-Arita-yaki

Saga
Imari-Arita-yaki is the first ceramics made in Japan. Born in Arita of Bizen at the beginning of the Edo Period(1603-1867), it was called "Arita-yaki", and because it was shipped from Imari Port, it was also called "Imari-yaki". These two names have always existed in parallel; however, since the original material, forming method and decorating method are the same, the name has been unified.
At "Arita Toji-no-sato Plaza/Arita-yaki Oroshi-danchi" where 25 shops stand, a ceramics market with more than 600 stalls is held from April 29 to May 5 each year. The "Saga Prefecture Industry Promotion Center" is situated in a convenient location 5 minutes by car from the JR Saga Station, and you can buy products ranging from works of art and crafts to affordable everyday tableware. "Arita-yaki Chokubai Kaikan", managed directly by the kiln union, is one of the places where you can shop safely. Products by Kakiemon, which are important intangible cultural assets, are exhibited there. Also popular are new modern products such as Arita-yaki mouse pads.

Arita-yaki Toji-no-sato Plaza/Arita-yaki Oroshi-danchi
Address: 2351-170, Akasaka, Arita-cho, Nishi-Matsuura-gun, Saga, 844-0024
Contact: 0955-43-2288
Hours: 09:00-17:00
Closed: Open throughout the year
Access: A few minutes walk from Arita Station on the JR Line

Saga Prefecture Industry Promotion Center
Address: 1-2-35, Matsubara, Saga-shi, Saga, 840-8501
Contact: 0952-24-5161
Hours: 10:00-18:30
Closed: Year-end through the New Year period,the last sunday of every month
Access: Take a bus for Kencho from the Saga Station bus center and get off at the Kencho-mae bus stop