Okawachiyama, Ceramic village in Imari, Japan
Okawachiyama is a pottery village nestled in the mountains of Saga Prefecture, with narrow lanes winding through the settlement and around hillsides. About 30 ceramic workshops and their distinctive tall chimneys are scattered throughout, creating the village's defining visual character.
The Nabeshima clan established this as their official porcelain production center in the 17th century, controlling access strictly to protect manufacturing secrets. This isolation allowed the techniques and reputation to develop and eventually become one of Japan's most respected ceramic traditions.
The craftspeople here have maintained the same pottery-making methods for generations, with workshops openly visible along the streets where you can watch potters at their wheels. This continuity of traditional work shapes how the village looks and feels today.
The village is best explored on foot, as the steep and narrow lanes make driving difficult or impossible through most of the settlement. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking up and down hillsides throughout your visit.
A pyramid monument near the village marks approximately 880 unmarked graves of Korean potters who developed the initial ceramic techniques in this isolated location. Their contributions shaped every piece of pottery made here, yet their presence is rarely discussed or noticed by visitors today.
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