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Product #531328
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Hands-free and easy! Create, connect, and enjoy Hasami ware. Experience the pottery town of Nakaoyama with a cat-shaped casting mold!
A smiling Hasami ware artisan from Fujita Casting workshop in Nagasaki, wearing a traditional-style jacket, warmly welcoming visitors to the pottery experience.
Close-up of hands meticulously painting a vibrant red ceramic cat figurine with a fine brush, creating a personalized Hasami ware souvenir in Nagasaki.
A participant holds a partially painted unglazed white cat figurine, showing early yellow details, ready for further personalization during the Hasami ware workshop in Nagasaki.
Three unique, vividly hand-painted Hasami ware cat figurines in green, orange, and red, showcasing diverse designs created during the pottery experience in Nagasaki.
KKday Marketplace

Hands-free and easy! Create, connect, and enjoy Hasami ware. Experience the pottery town of Nakaoyama with a cat-shaped casting mold!

Japan-Nagasaki
Duration:2 hour(s)
Language(s): Japanese
Free cancellation 1 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Experience traditional techniques in Hasami, the sacred ground of casting!
  • One of a kind in the world! Enjoy painting your own cat-shaped pottery
  • Challenge yourself alongside a craftsman! Mold a cat shape with your own hands using the casting technique
  • A circular experience where the cat you mold connects to the next person
  • Beginner-friendly! Anyone from children to adults can easily participate
  • Includes a Hasami Ware Craftsmanship Master Certificate
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Package Options

Cultural Experiences

Activity timeMorning, Afternoon
Transportation methodGet there on your own
LocationIndoor
Activity levelBeginner
Experience typeCeramics
Rental duration2 hours
Minimum participant requirement1 traveler
Pottery typeCeramic painting

Product Info

Hasami Town in Nagasaki Prefecture is a town of pottery boasting over 400 years of history.
During the Edo period, it was widely loved as the 'Kurawanka bowl,' supporting the dining tables of the common people. Since the Meiji era, the town has focused on the mass production of daily utensils, spreading its name across the country. In particular, the manufacturing method known as 'casting' is an essential technique that enabled the diverse shapes and mass production of Hasami ware.
'Fujita Casting,' the stage for this program, is one of the precious workshops that carries on this casting technique to the present day.
In this experience, you will paint a cat-shaped ornament made by casting to finish a one-of-a-kind piece. You will also experience the casting process of pouring clay into a mold. The 'cat' you pour will be painted by the next participant who comes along.
The piece you paint will be sent to your home as a souvenir.
The 'cat shape' you create will be used for someone else's creation.
A single piece passes from hand to hand, connecting people together—
this is a participatory, circular craftsmanship experience unique to Hasami Town, where you can feel the warmth and flow of pottery making.
At the end of the experience, we will present you with a 'Hasami Ware Craftsmanship Master Certificate.' It is the perfect special memento of your trip.
After the experience, please take a leisurely stroll through Nakaoyama, the 'pottery town' where the craftsmen live.
You can feel the heartbeat of Hasami ware from the old climbing kiln ruins, galleries, and the streets lined with pottery studios!

Intro

What You Can Expect

Duration: 2 hour(s)

1 Day

  • If you are coming by car, please park at the Nakaoyama Community Center parking lot.
    The traditional wooden exterior of Nakaoyama Koryukan (中尾山交流館) in Hasami-cho, Nagasaki, a quaint cultural hub for visitors exploring the historic pottery village.
  • Arrive at Fujita Casting! Check the video for access!
    Close-up on densely packed shelves of unglazed Hasami ware ceramic pieces, including vases, bowls, and unique shapes, ready for the next stage of pottery production in Nagasaki.
  • Arrive at the factory!
    A wide interior view of a traditional Hasami ware pottery workshop in Nagasaki, featuring rustic wooden beams, shelves of ceramics, and various crafting tools.
  • Learn about Hasami ware.
    A smiling Hasami ware artisan from Fujita Casting workshop in Nagasaki, wearing a traditional-style jacket, warmly welcoming visitors to the pottery experience.
  • Cat-shaped painting experience! Let's paint a 'cat-shaped ornament' that was molded at the workshop using the casting technique!
    Close-up of hands meticulously painting a vibrant red ceramic cat figurine with a fine brush, creating a personalized Hasami ware souvenir in Nagasaki.
  • Let's create your own original piece with your favorite colors and patterns!
    Close-up of hands meticulously painting a yellow cat figurine with blue decorative patterns, highlighting the personalized Hasami ware crafting experience in Nagasaki.
  • You have created a cute original piece!
    Three unique, vividly hand-painted Hasami ware cat figurines in green, orange, and red, showcasing diverse designs created during the pottery experience in Nagasaki.
  • You can create various patterns!
    A participant holds a partially painted unglazed white cat figurine, showing early yellow details, ready for further personalization during the Hasami ware workshop in Nagasaki.
  • Casting experience! Experience the process of pouring liquid clay into a plaster mold.
    A close-up of the traditional casting process at Fujita Casting in Hasami, Nagasaki, illustrating liquid clay being poured from a metal pot into plaster molds.

Purchase Notice


If the tour is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, we will refund the full participation fee.

Includes/Excludes

  • Insurance
  • Experience fee
  • Bottled water
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fare
  • Other unspecified costs

Reminders

  • Our staff will be waiting for you at the meeting point.

  • Temperatures vary depending on the season. To ensure your comfort, we recommend wearing warm clothing in winter and clothing that can withstand the heat in summer.

  • You may get dirty during the experience, so we recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Meeting Point

Location Name: Fujita Casting

Address: 881 Nakaogo, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3712
How to Get There
Please watch the access video.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 1 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 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.

FAQ

1. What are the unique properties of the clay used in Hasami ware?

Hasami ware predominantly utilizes local Amakusa Toseki pottery stone, a high-quality porcelain material. This fine-grained and highly plastic clay allows for the creation of thin, lightweight, yet remarkably strong and durable ceramic pieces. Its excellent workability is ideal for various forming methods, particularly the traditional casting technique prevalent in Hasami production.

2. Where is Hasami ware traditionally produced in Japan?

Hasami ware has a rich history originating from Hasami Town in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The Nakaoyama district, in particular, is recognized as the historic heart and main production area of Hasami ware. For over 400 years, this area has been home to numerous workshops and climbing kilns, maintaining a strong tradition of pottery craftsmanship.

3. Is Hasami ware known for its durability?

Yes, Hasami ware is highly regarded for its exceptional durability. Crafted from a dense, high-fired porcelain material, it is inherently resistant to chipping and cracking, making it well-suited for everyday use. This inherent strength ensures the longevity of the pieces, contributing to their practical value and enduring appeal.

4. What activities are available for visitors exploring Nakaoyama, the Hasami pottery town?

When exploring Nakaoyama, the Hasami pottery town, visitors can stroll through historic factory streets, observe the remains of old climbing kilns, and browse various pottery galleries showcasing Hasami ware. Many local workshops also offer hands-on experiences, such as the traditional casting and painting programs, allowing participants to create their own unique pottery pieces and immerse themselves in the local craft.

5. What contributes to the perceived value and craftsmanship of Hasami ware?

The value of Hasami ware stems from its 400-year legacy of traditional craftsmanship, especially the sophisticated casting technique that ensures consistent quality and allows for efficient production. The use of durable Amakusa Toseki porcelain stone, combined with functional and aesthetically pleasing designs suitable for daily life, enhances its practicality and widespread appeal. The unique cyclical production, where molds are passed on, also highlights its sustainable artistry.

6. Where can one purchase authentic Hasami ware in Japan?

Authentic Hasami ware can be purchased directly from numerous workshops and specialized stores located within Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, particularly in the Nakaoyama district. Additionally, many reputable department stores and dedicated ceramic shops across Japan's major cities stock a wide selection. For convenient access to a curated collection and a reliable purchasing experience, you can also explore travel e-commerce platforms like KKday, which often feature pieces from various artisans.

7. What specific traditional techniques will participants experience during the Hasami ware crafting program?

During the Hasami ware crafting program, participants will engage with the traditional 'casting' technique, a method integral to Hasami's 400-year history. This involves pouring liquid clay into a mold. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to paint a pre-cast 'cat-shaped' figurine, adding a personal artistic touch and experiencing the decorative aspect of pottery making firsthand.

8. What unique souvenirs or recognitions are included in the Hasami ware crafting experience?

The Hasami ware crafting experience includes several unique keepsakes. Participants can take home the personalized 'cat-shaped' figurine they meticulously painted during the workshop, creating a tangible memory of their visit. Furthermore, to commemorate their engagement with traditional Japanese pottery, each participant is awarded a special 'Hasami Ware Craftsmanship Master Certificate,' serving as a memorable token of their hands-on journey.

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