Factory tour fee, souvenir fee, consumption tax

Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free；Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.；Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.

Participant age: 0 to 100 years old；What to wear and bring: There is no air conditioning in the production plant or exhibition room. It is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Please take measures to avoid heatstroke and the cold.；Duration: 1 hour；Minimum number of participants: 1 person

[Hyogo/Minamiawaji] 400 years of history! Visit one of Japan's top 3 roof tile production areas: Awaji Island. Get an up-close look at the craftsmanship of 'Onishi' (demon tile artisans) and tour the manufacturing process! Awaji Tile Kiln Tour Experience

Japan-Hyogo , Kobe

Booking confirmed 1 day(s) after ordering

Duration:2 hour(s)

Language(s): English / Japanese / Korean / Thai / Mandarin

Free cancellation 2 day(s) prior to experience date

【Onishi】
【Why tiles on Awaji Island?】
【Check out these nearby spots too!】

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Package Options

Product Info

Awaji tiles have a 400-year history dating back to the Edo period. As one of Japan's three major production areas, tiles are still being manufactured here today. Artisans who handcraft demon tiles (onigawara) and decorative tiles are called 'Onishi'. This is a rare experience where you can witness the master techniques of these Onishi, who are truly experts in understanding the earth. Awaji tiles have a 400-year history dating back to the Edo period. As one of Japan's three major production areas, tiles are still being manufactured here today. In particular, the artisans who handcraft the demon tiles and decorative tiles essential for temples and shrines are known as 'Onishi'. There are only about 10 such artisans on the entire island of Awaji (and about 50 nationwide). Tatsumi Co., Ltd., which you will visit on this plan, has five such Onishi on staff. This factory tour is a private plan limited to one group per time slot. Guided by the kiln owner, President Yusuke Okitsu, you will observe the tile manufacturing process and the techniques used by the Onishi to create demon tiles. You are welcome to talk to the Onishi and ask them questions. In the exhibition hall afterwards, you can see valuable works created during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and catch a glimpse of the evolution of this 400-year-old traditional craft. A highlight is the collection of Onishi works on display, ranging from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the present day. After the experience, you will receive an aroma tile souvenir, which you can choose from several varieties to take home. Experience schedule: You will be guided through the following: 1. Manufacturing site 2. Onishi's work 3. Demon tile collection (exhibition hall)
【Onishi】
Artisans who handcraft demon tiles and decorative tiles are called 'Onishi'. Onishi, who can be said to be experts in understanding the earth, are becoming very rare throughout the country. There are many steps involved in the handmade process of creating demon tiles. The work before even touching the clay is drawing the blueprints. This is one of the most important steps, as determining the dimensions while accounting for shrinkage rates greatly affects the final result. First, a base is built with clay according to the blueprints, and then clay is added repeatedly to shape the demon's face. Using various tools like metal and wooden spatulas, as well as their fingertips, they add and scrape away clay over several days to form the face, then let it dry over time. Large pieces can take up to three months to dry, and even standard pieces require at least half a month to dry slowly. Once completely dry, they are fired at high temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius and smoked to create the distinct, sharp, smoked tiles characteristic of Awaji. While inheriting traditional techniques, they also incorporate modern sensibilities. The passion the Onishi pour into the earth never ceases.
【Why tiles on Awaji Island?】
Awaji Island was originally at the bottom of a large lake. Later, the central part of the lake rose, and the layer of clay suitable for tile making that had accumulated on the lake bed appeared near the surface. By utilizing this to consistently produce high-quality tiles, Awaji tiles developed into one of Japan's leading production areas. The origin of Awaji tiles is said to date back to the early Edo period, when Tadao Ikeda, the lord of the Awaji Sumoto Domain, invited master tile makers from Harima Province to make tiles when he was building Sumoto Naruyama Castle.
【Check out these nearby spots too!】
Taniike Kenji Tile Factory Ltd. is located just a 3-minute drive from the Tile Dojo. Here, you can have a different kind of tile experience! Anyone, young or old, can try the 'tile breaking' experience and become a karate master. At the experience location, which is set up like a dojo, they also provide rentals for uniforms, Chinese-style clothing, and more, so you can dress up and take on the challenge of breaking tiles. Transform ➪ Break tiles → After you finish, have a hero interview on the podium! You can even record a video. After witnessing the skills of the Onishi, why not relieve some stress by breaking tiles?

Purchase Notice

Please note the following when participating in this course:

・You will visit the manufacturing plant. Please follow the instructions of the local guide for safety. ・If the tour is canceled due to bad weather such as a typhoon, we will contact you by the day before.

Includes/Excludes

Factory tour fee, souvenir fee, consumption tax

Reminders

Participant age: 0 to 100 years old
What to wear and bring: There is no air conditioning in the production plant or exhibition room. It is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Please take measures to avoid heatstroke and the cold.
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum number of participants: 1 person

Meeting Point

Location Name: 976 Tsui, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture 656-0341

Address: 976 Tsui, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture 656-0341

How to Get There

・Meeting time: Please arrive at your reserved time. ・Meeting place: Tatsumi Co., Ltd.

Experience Location

Location Name: 976 Tsui, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-0341

Address: 976 Tsui, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-0341

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.

NOTE

Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.

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