Tobe, town in Iyo district, Ehime prefecture, Japan
Tobe is a small town in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, situated south of Matsuyama. The town spreads across gentle hills and is home to more than 80 pottery kilns, making it an important center for ceramic ware known locally as Tobe-yaki.
The region has deep roots in clay crafts and appears in ancient records as property belonging to an important temple. Tobe developed from a village established in 1889 into a recognized town in 1928, and later absorbed nearby villages through mergers.
The town's identity is deeply rooted in pottery making, a craft that shapes how residents and visitors experience the place. Walking through the streets, you see ceramics in shop windows and workshops, and local pride in this tradition remains visible in everyday life and community gatherings.
The town sits south of Matsuyama and is reachable by bus or car via main routes. Walking or cycling is the best way to explore Tobe and discover the workshops and shops tucked away on quiet side streets.
Tobe is home to an old climbing kiln called a noborigama at Baizan-Gama, where visitors can see the shiny brown glaze that formed on bricks after many years of use. This kiln gives a direct glimpse into how traditional pottery has been made for generations.
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