Tokoname ware workshops open doors to tourists in 15 new programmes

Tokoname City Tourist Association has launched 15 experience-based tours focused on traditional crafts and gastronomy to promote sustainable tourism in Aichi Prefecture.

Supported by the Japan Tourism Agency, the association developed the programmes to address uncoordinated tourist visits that previously disrupted uncompensated craftspeople. The association established formal arrangements with local workshops that include booking systems, entry fees and interpreter guides. This new arrangement provides artisans with a new income stream without stopping their primary manufacturing work, while allowing foreign visitors to observe production processes at one of Japan’s ancient pottery centres.

The newly created itineraries highlight regional manufacturing and food culture. One route takes participants to three separate Tokoname ware teapot studios, while another focuses on three bonsai pot workshops. Visitors can also combine a walk along the city’s historic pottery footpath with practical workshops, such as fermenting natural indigo using traditional techniques to dye hand towels at Koya no Namiho, or crafting traditional clay fermentation vessels with a third-generation potter at Yamagen Touen.

In addition to ceramics, the project features a gastronomy tour across the Chita Peninsula. Participants visit two local farms alongside the chef from French restaurant Le Coeuryuzu to study regional agriculture. The experience concludes with a multi-course French meal prepared from the inspected local ingredients and paired with regional sake.

The association has invited representatives from five overseas travel agencies to sample the itineraries, and are using the participants’ feedback to refine the products for commercial viability.