West Kyushu Journeys 西九州の旅
This is an immersive experience program in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, where you can explore the traditional casting technique that has continued for over 400 years.
At the local workshop Fujita Casting, you’ll paint a cat-shaped figurine that has already been cast, creating your own original piece. You will also get hands-on with the actual casting process by pouring clay into a mold.
You can take home your finished painted piece as a souvenir. The piece you poured becomes part of the next participant’s work — a gentle, community-oriented form of pottery-making unique to Hasami.
At the end of the experience, you will receive a Hasami Ware Craftsmanship Master Certificate, a special memento perfect as a travel keepsake.
After the activity, be sure to stroll through Nakaoyama, the “pottery town” where artisans live. You can feel the history and spirit of Hasami ware in the old climbing kiln ruins, galleries, and streets lined with traditional pottery studios.
Options
Come empty-handed! Create and connect with Hasami ware. Explore the pottery town of Nakaoyama with a cat mold!
The Highlight
-Experience traditional techniques in Hasami, the holy land of casting! -A one-of-a-kind experience! Paint your own cat-shaped pottery -Take on the challenge with the craftsmen! Cast a "cat shape" with your own hands -A circular experience where the "cat" you made connects to the next person -Beginners welcome! Anyone from children to adults can easily participate. -Hasami ware craftsmanship master certificate included
The Experience
Hasami Town in Nagasaki Prefecture is a town of ceramics with a history of over 400 years. During the Edo period, these bowls were widely known as "Kurawanka bowls" and supported the dining tables of ordinary people. From the Meiji period onwards, Hasami ware focused on mass production of everyday utensils, spreading its name throughout the country. Among these, the manufacturing method known as "casting" is an important technique that made possible the diverse shapes and mass production of Hasami ware.
Fujita Casting, the setting for this program, is one of the precious workshops that continues to carry on this casting technique to the present day. In this experience, you will paint a "cat figurine" made by casting, creating a one-of-a-kind piece. You will also experience the casting process of pouring clay into a mold. The "cat" you have poured will be painted by the next participant.
The piece you painted will be delivered to your home as a souvenir. The "cat shape" you created will be passed on to the next person to create. A single work passes from person to person, connecting with others. This is a participatory, recycling-oriented craftsmanship experience unique to Hasami Town, where you can experience the warmth and flow of pottery making. At the end of the experience, you will receive a Hasami ware craftsmanship master certificate, a special keepsake that will be a perfect keepsake of your trip.
After your experience, be sure to take a leisurely stroll around Nakaoyama, the "town of pottery" where artisans live. You can feel the breath of Hasami ware from the remains of the old climbing kilns, galleries, and the townscape of the potteries!
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Japanese
Language in Printed Materials (Booklet)
- English
- Traditional Chinese
- Korean
Itinerary
- If you are coming by car, please park in the Nakaoyama Community Center parking lot.
- Arrived at Fujita Chukomi! Check out the video for access! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XqhJFNLpJU
- Arrived at the factory!
- Learn about Hasami ware.
- Cat-shaped painting experience! Paint a "cat-shaped figurine" that has been molded using the casting technique in the workshop!
- Create your own original design with your favorite colors and patterns!
- I made a cute original!
- You can make a variety of patterns!
- Casting experience! Experience pouring liquid clay into a plaster mold.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
-If the tour is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, we will refund the full participation fee.
Important Booking Information
Our staff will be waiting for you at the meeting point.
Temperatures vary depending on the season. To ensure your comfort, we recommend wearing warm clothing in winter and clothing that can withstand the heat in summer.
You may get dirty during the experience, so we recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 1 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)