Tokoname Pottery Town

**Walking route strategy:** Start at Tokoname Station and follow signs to the Pottery Footpath's A Course (1.6km loop, 60 minutes). The path is hilly with stairs — wear comfortable walking shoes. Begin with the Pottery Hall (陶磁器会館, Tojiki Kaikan) to understand Tokoname's history, then walk the circuit clockwise to reach the climbing kiln at the midpoint. The route is marked with ceramic signposts embedded in the pavement — easy to follow without Japanese. **Climbing kiln timing:** The historic Noborigama climbing kiln is the path's highlight. The kiln measures 22 meters long with 10 chambers stacked uphill — firewood was loaded at the bottom, and rising heat fired successive chambers to temperatures exceeding 1,200°C. The kiln operated until the 1970s (now preserved as industrial heritage). Visit in afternoon (14:00–16:00) when sunlight illuminates the kiln's interior chambers through doorways, creating dramatic light-and-shadow compositions for photography. **Teapot shopping:** Tokoname shudei teapots range ¥3,000–300,000 depending on clay quality, craftsmanship, and artist reputation. For functional kyusu suitable for daily tea, budget ¥8,000–20,000. Look for smooth clay (no grit), precise spout pour (no drips), and comfortable handle balance. The galleries along the Pottery Footpath (Toko-sha, Ceramall) offer English-speaking staff who explain teapot care. Proper Tokoname kyusu develops richer luster over years of tea use — a lifetime investment for tea enthusiasts.