"Setomono"Experience tour starting from soil
Embark on an emotional journey
to experience and appreciate
the traditional Japanese craft of Seto
Seto City in Aichi Prefecture has a long history as one of Japan's leading producers of ceramics.
Seto has become so deeply rooted in Japanese culture that the word " Setomono " is used to refer to pottery throughout the country.
On this tour, you can learn about the process of how pottery is made from Seto clay, while also experiencing the history and culture of Seto.
It's a two-day experience where you can experience the handiwork of artisans and the stories that have been woven into Seto, and get a taste of Japan's traditional crafts.
Features of the Experience tour
This tour allows you to experience traditional Japanese crafts.
Not only will you deepen your knowledge of pottery,
A journey to experience the rich culture of the city of Seto.
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01 Learn the process of making pottery from clay
You will have an Experience learning experience of how Seto's unique high-quality clay is transformed into Seto .
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02 Stroll through the historic streets
You will stroll through the historical kiln-lined alleys, shrines, and quaint shopping streets.
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03 Experience the culture of Seto
Enjoy the local food culture on Seto ware and stay in an old house that was renovated from the mansion of a Meiji era potter.
Experience tour contents
Experience the skilled handiwork of artisans,
Experience the history and stories that Seto has woven.
This is a tour that allows you to fully experience traditional Japanese crafts.
[Tour name]
Shin Pottery Tourism ~ Seto, the town of earth~
[Schedule] 1 night, 2 days
13:00
Meet at Meitetsu"Owari Seto" Station
13:30
Special guide included
Tour of a clay factory and Experience simple "elutriation"
Location: Kasen Mine
You can see the high-quality soil that supports the pottery culture of Seto, and the manufacturing process to turn it into clay suitable for pottery. How are the raw materials for the pottery we use so casually made made? The president of a private mine will personally explain in a factory that is normally off-limits to the public (subject to change).
You can also try out a simple Experience of elutriation, the process by which clay is made, and take a safe tour of Seto's mines.
15:30
Special guide included
Visit to the Kamagaki-no-koji Alley and the Seto Folk Crafts Museum
Place: The Seto Mingei Pottery Museum
The successor of a pottery company that has been in business in Seto for about 250 years will personally guide you through the history, culture, and life of Seto pottery. By listening to his stories, you will learn why Seto is a good place for pottery making and why it flourished.
A must-see is a valuable guide who will help you understand pottery, a representative example of "folk crafts," and a tour of the "climbing kiln" that was once in use.
17:30
"Gomo" (a rice dish with five ingredients) dinner, the same as what potters used to eat
Location: SHIKI NO YA
When the craftsmen fired the kiln, the potter would treat them to "Gomo(rice with five ingredients)." For the craftsmen who worked tirelessly for days without sleep, "Gomo" was a convenient and nutritious dish that was highly valued, and each potter had its own unique flavor.
This time, the owner, who comes from a former pottery family, will be serving his original "Gomo" in a Japanese house that recreates the home of a pottery manufacturer.
19:30
Accommodation in a traditional Japanese house where a potter once lived
Location: Masukichi traditional Japanese inn
You will stay overnight in a guesthouse that was renovated from an old house where a potter once lived.
The interior, which is made using plaster made from the clay used for pottery and "moroita" wooden boards used to transport pottery, provides a comfortable space.
Experience tour overview
| Tour Name | Shin Pottery Tourism ~ Seto, the town of earth~ |
|---|---|
| Set period | 2025/04/01～2026/08/31 (Please apply at least 30 days before the desired date) *Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your desired date as we will make all necessary arrangements after receiving your inquiry. |
| Travel cost | 70,000 yen per person (tax included) |
| What's included |
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| What is not included in the price |
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| Transportation | Jumbo Taxi (Meitetsu Seibu Kotsu or Maruse Taxi or equivalent class) |
| Where to stay | Masukichi(Rooms available for 1, 2 and 4 people) |
| meal | 1 breakfast, 0 lunches, 1 dinner |
| Tour conductor | Accompanied (Accompanied section: [Day 1] From the start of the tour to the accommodation, [Day 2] From the accommodation to the end of the tour) *This is not a hotel or inn. |
| Minimum number of participants |
4 people *Please contact us if you are applying for 7 or more people. |
Access
Meeting point: Seto Meitetsu " Owari Seto" Station
- From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line of the Nagoya Municipal Subway to Sakae Station and transfer to the Meitetsu Seto(about 50 minutes).
- From "Tokyo Station", change to the Tokaido Shinkansen at "Nagoya" Station. From "Nagoya" Station, take the city subway Higashiyama Line and Meitetsu Seto. (About 2 hours 30 minutes)
- From "Shin-Osaka/Kyoto" station, change to the Tokaido Shinkansen at "Nagoya" station. From "Nagoya" station, take the city subway Higashiyama Line and Meitetsu Seto. (About 2 hours)
- From Chubu Central Japan International Airport, change to the JR Chuo Line at Meitetsu Kanayama Station. Change to the Meitetsu Seto at JR Ozone Station. (Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes)
Travel conditions
Please be sure to read the "Trip Conditions" before applying.
You can view the travel terms and conditions posted on our website by clicking the button below.
*This document is part of the travel transaction terms and conditions explanation document stipulated in Article 12-4 of the Travel Agency Act and the contract document stipulated in Article 12-5 of the same Act.
*We will provide you with a document explaining the detailed travel conditions, so please check it in advance before applying.