Arita, Saga (Nhật Bản)

If you are in Kyushu and have an interest in traditional Japanese artistry, especially pottery, Arita and Imari are essential stops. The two pottery towns are quaint, quiet and filled with narrow alleys, old buildings, and protruding chimneys from the pottery kilns.

The meticulous attention to detail, the use of high-quality materials, and the commitment to timeless design aesthetics continue to define Arita-ware. Today, Arita-ware enjoys renewed global recognition, prized by collectors and aesthetes worldwide.

The first Japanese porcelain was made in the Arita region of Saga in the early 1600's. It has been produced continuously in Arita since then. You can still visit today those original kilns. This continuation of pottery production gives us some of the finest ceramics to be found anywhere on this planet.

The town of Arita and the isolated mountain village of Okawachiyama served as the two main sites of production for Arita ware, while Imari served as the port from where the finished products were shipped out. This distinction often leads to the term 'Imari' being used more broadly for porcelain exported from the region.

For pottery enthusiasts visiting Arita Saga, exploring the Kyushu Ceramic Museum is a must. You can also wander through the historic Pottery Path, visit numerous artisanal workshops and galleries, and discover the legacy of porcelain production in this unique region.