Mashiko, Pottery town in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Mashiko is a pottery town in Tochigi Prefecture, centered on ceramic production across numerous working studios. The place spreads across rolling terrain with scattered workshops, galleries, and shops that weave the craft into daily life.
The pottery tradition started in 1853 when clay deposits were discovered and found to be excellent for ceramic work. This beginning made the place a center for potters that continues to this day.
The name Mashiko comes from the clay deposits that have shaped generations of artisans. Today you can walk through streets where potters work in open workshops and display their creations in small shops throughout town.
The place is walkable since workshops and shops are close together with signage to help you find your way. Plan several hours to visit different studios and discover local ceramics at your own pace.
Two major pottery festivals happen each year, one during Golden Week in spring and another in early November, drawing potters from across Japan. These events temporarily turn the place into a gathering point for ceramic enthusiasts and collectors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Japan has villages where craftspeople still make things the way their families have for hundreds of years. You can walk through workshops and watch artisans work with their hands, creating objects that are both useful and beautiful. These places have stayed much the same while the rest of the world...
大前神社
6.4 km
Saimyō-ji
2.7 km
Mashiko Sankōkan Museum
1.4 km
地藏院
4.5 km
真岡市久保講堂
7.5 km
Oyama-ji
9.4 km円通寺
2.1 kmChâteau de Saimyoji
2.8 km能仁寺
4.5 km市貝町城見ヶ丘運動公園
6.6 km東都栃木カントリー倶楽部
5.8 km芳賀カントリークラブ
6.1 kmましこゴルフ倶楽部
5.1 km希望丘カントリークラブ
7.9 km
大前惠比壽神社
6.4 km岩瀬桜川カントリークラブ
8.2 km益子カントリー倶楽部
4.3 km益子ヒルズゴルフクラブ
4.4 km太平洋クラブ益子コース
5 km東ノ宮カントリークラブ
7.6 kmスーパーゴルフカントリー倶楽部
7.5 km益子陶芸美術館
1 km陶のね
1.3 km神宮寺塚古墳
5.5 km北原遺跡
4.4 km地蔵尊
8 kmダイダラ坊の背負い石
9.9 km逆川改修記念碑
6.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes