Arita Porcelain

porcelainArita-yakiceramicscrafthistoric kilns

Photo: そらみみ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Arita is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain — in 1616, the Korean potter Yi Sam-pyeong discovered white clay suitable for true porcelain production at Izumiyama hill, establishing the Arita kilns that would supply the imperial courts of Europe through the Dutch East India Company for 200 years. The town still has 100+ active kilns producing Arita-yaki, and the Arita Porcelain Park recreates a German Meissen-style baroque building (the Europeans' model from Arita export) in unexpected juxtaposition with rice paddies.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Showrooms generally 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by kiln)

Closed: Varies by kiln | Most closed New Year (Jan 1–3)

Entrance Fee

Check locally before visiting

Best Season

Year-round | Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5) for Arita Ceramic Fair

Visit Duration

Half day to full day (depending on number of kilns visited)

Getting There

Access Information

Arita Town (Nishimatsuura County). JR Kyudai Main Line to Arita Station. Main pottery street is Near station. Kiln visits generally free; showroom hours vary.

Insider Guide

Premium

**The Izumiyama quarry:** The original clay source (Izumiyama) is still visible behind a fence at the hilltop — a white scar in the earth that has been supplying Arita kilns for 400 years. Access via Near the station past active kiln sites. Not signposted in English. **Potter's Quarter purchase strategy:** The main street (Uchiyama Historic District) has 50+ showrooms. For the best price-to-quality ratio: visit the showrooms behind the main street, where production kilns sell second-grade pieces (subtle flaws invisible at normal use) at 40–60% discount. Ask specifically for '2-to-hin' (second-grade).

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