Arita, Porcelain production center in Nishimatsuura district, Japan
The town of Arita spreads across 51.92 square kilometers of western Saga Prefecture, with mountains and forests covering seventy percent of its territory.
Korean craftsman Kanagae Sambe discovered kaolin deposits at Izumiyama Quarry in 1616, establishing Arita as the first location for porcelain production in Japan.
The Arita Ceramic Fair, occurring during Golden Week from April 29 to May 5, fills the six-kilometer main street with thousands of pottery vendors.
Visitors can explore ceramic heritage at multiple locations, including the Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Tozan Shrine, and numerous pottery workshops throughout the town.
The Tonbai Wall Alleys feature protective walls constructed from discarded pottery pieces and bricks, built by craftsmen to keep their techniques secret.
Location: Saga Prefecture
Location: Nishimatsuura district
Inception: April 1, 1889
Shares border with: Imari, Takeo, Sasebo, Hasami
Website: https://town.arita.lg.jp
GPS coordinates: 33.21064,129.84903
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:46
These Japanese villages maintain traditional crafts in specialized workshops. Ogimachi produces silk goods, while Okawachiyama creates Nabeshima ceramics. The villages of Inami and Hida Takayama focus on wood carving. Wajima produces lacquerware using century-old techniques, and Arita is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Each location continues specific manufacturing methods passed down through generations.
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Tōzan Shrine
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Miuramachi Catholic Church
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Arita Porcelain Park
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