Okawachiyama, Imari
大川内山
The “Secret Kiln Village” where the Nabeshima domain's official kilns were located. About 30 kiln workshops sit beneath folding-screen-like rocky peaks, with chimneys and stone-paved slopes creating a charming scene.
In the Edo period, Okawachiyama was home to the Nabeshima domain's official kilns, which produced Nabeshima ware exclusively for the shogun and daimyo. To keep the techniques from leaking out, checkpoints strictly controlled access, earning the area its nickname, the “Secret Kiln Village.” Today about 30 kiln workshops line the stone-paved slopes, set against ink-painting-like rock peaks. Bridge railings and street lamps are decorated with porcelain, and in summer the streets are hung with porcelain wind chimes. Visitors can tour the Imari Arita Ware Traditional Industry Hall and the Nabeshima Kiln Park. It takes about 15 minutes by taxi from JR Imari Station and about 20 minutes by car from Arita.
Opening hours
District open all day; kilns approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Arita Uchiyama & Tozan Shrine
- Kyushu Ceramic Museum
- Hasami Ware (Nakaoyama & Nishinohara)
- Takeo Onsen Romon Gate
- Mifuneyama Rakuen
- Takeo Shrine & Great Camphor Tree
- Takeo City Library
- Ureshino Onsen & Toyotamahime Shrine