In the Edo period, it flourished as a Castle Town centered on the Tomioka Castle, and fascinates people who visit the ruins of the Tomioka Castle and the historic port of Tomioka Port, which still face of it.
There are also a variety of sightseeing spots, such as the highly transparent Tomioka Beaches, the Shiraiwazaki Campground with a beautiful sunset, and the Myoken Falls where quiet time streams.
Please spend a relaxing time in Reihoku Town, where you can experience the rich nature, history, and warmth of people.
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Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Introducing participating kilns / 05 Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln
The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th to Monday, October 13th (holiday), using six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City as venues 😊
During the event you can see new works on display and buy items at discounted prices, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪
(Tenjiku Gama will not be participating 🙇♀️🙇)
🍁🍁🍁
Introducing the participating kilns /
Odatoko lies south along the Amakusa West Coast at the point where the road bends toward the sea. Perched to overlook a calm shoreline popular with divers and kayakers, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln stands here. Previously known and loved as Amakusa Karatsu Jurō Kiln, it has reverted this autumn to its former name, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln.
The exhibition room displays pottery reflecting the distinct personalities of the married couple. Mr. Kameyama Go trained in Karatsu, famed for Karatsu ware, while his wife, Sanae Kameyama, studied ceramics at the pottery college in Arita. Even within Saga Prefecture, Karatsu and Arita ceramics differ greatly in materials and characteristics — clay or stone, pottery or porcelain.
Mr. Go’s pieces attract the eye with striking forms and tranquil, nature-like patterns woven from clay and glazes. The lines on his pottery, reminiscent of classical Karatsu motifs, embody a ‘‘beauty of subtraction.’’ Ms. Sanae uses a blue pigment called gosu to paint modern, expressive designs by underglaze before applying glaze. Her work carries a warm charm that brings a smile to the viewer’s face.
Although they work with opposite materials, the couple’s distinct styles complement each other. These works arise precisely because Amakusa offers both types of materials. The exhibition room, filled with vessels nurtured by Amakusa’s nature, radiates an unexpectedly rich harmony. Please pick them up and savor their world.
📍Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln
426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2802
TEL: 090-5081-1316
🗺️ The back of this year’s kiln tour flyer has been renewed!
Based on the Amakusa West Coast map illustrated by Sanae, please head out and enjoy the kiln tour by car 🚗
________________
The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour
Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (holiday)
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venues:
〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama
(Tenjiku Gama will not be participating)
〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln)
🍁Two stamp rally events will take place simultaneously!
※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱
※A stamp rally where you can win products from the kilns you visit (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃)
Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division)
TEL: 0969-35-3332
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Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 04 Unshū Kiln
The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday), with six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues.
During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus special discounted sales. Take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅.
(Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.)
🍁🍁🍁
Featured Kilns /
Unshū Kiln sits in a small seaside settlement where you can hear the surf, roughly halfway along the road that leads to the Tomioka Peninsula in Reihoku.
One late-summer day I visited the kiln owner, Ms. Miyoshi, a friendly person who always carries a light, cheerful air.
For this Autumn Kiln Tour, alongside Unshū Kiln’s staple vessels, you will see works using the vivid red cinnabar (shinsa) pigment, a color believed since the Jomon Period to ward off evil.
Also noteworthy are charming pieces inspired by Amakusa sea urchins. They appeared a few years ago and have returned for this Autumn Kiln Tour after a long absence.
During the exhibition the kiln will sell succulents including cacti, and offer painting-on-ware experiences. Please drop by—unexpected encounters and discoveries await you.
📍Unshū Kiln
2829 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2507
TEL: 080-5254-7915
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The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour
Period: Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday)
8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Venues
Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate)
Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Goyama Kame Kiln (Juro Kiln)
🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently!
• A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto health points📱
• A prize-entry stamp rally to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln📃)
For inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division)
TEL: 0969-35-3332
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The 3rd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop was held🎊
On September 25, the third workshop was held in Reihoku to develop a sightseeing walking route that turns literary spots and heritage in Reihoku Town into new tourist resources, allowing visitors to enjoy the “Literary Treasures of Reihoku.”✨
This third session focused on taking a deeper look at writers connected to Reihoku Town. Participants researched as if they were actually guiding tours and presented their findings to one another. Each participant’s guide showed a unique personality, making for an absorbing time.👏
The final, fourth workshop is planned for late October to early November♪
We will hold a fun workshop to exchange opinions based on the walking route proposals and guide manual developed from previous workshops, so please join us.👀
*We plan to open applications on our website in early October.*
We also welcome ideas and insider tips for route planning from those who cannot attend the workshop. Please take the survey in the notices section on our website!
Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Ogata) ☎0969-31-1136
*This workshop is held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy Project for fiscal 2025.*
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[Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary WEB Photo Contest 🎊]
To coincide with the “9th Tomioka Castle Festival” on Sunday, October 26, Reihoku Town will hold a WEB Photo Contest celebrating the 70th anniversary of the town’s incorporation📸
This year marks the 70th year since Reihoku Town was founded. Under the theme “The Charms of Reihoku Town,” we are seeking photos that capture the town’s appeal — abundant nature, local dishes and specialties, historic buildings, everyday life, people’s smiles, and more!
Photos taken since January of this year are eligible, so pictures from the Reihoku Jatto Festival or the Tomioka Castle Festival are welcome. Smartphone photos are fine!
Capture a scene that moved you and submit it! Cash prizes are available👀!
📸[Open Category] High school students and older
Grand Prize (1): 10,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Special Prize (2): 3,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Runner-up Special Prizes (up to 4): Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen
📸[Junior Category] Elementary and junior high school students
Grand Prize (1): 5,000-yen book voucher; Special Prize (2): 3,000-yen book voucher
📸[Eligible Photos] Photos taken from January 2025 through the Tomioka Castle Festival day on October 26, 2025
📸[Submission Deadline] Tuesday, November 11, 2025
📸For submission details, please check the photo contest special website.
(You can find the link in the announcements section on our company website in the profile.)
We look forward to many entries📸
🏯[Contact] Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section (inside Reihoku Town Chamber of Commerce) E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com
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Notice: Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Municipal Status — 9th Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival 🏯
The “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Municipal Status — 9th Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival” will be held at the Tomioka Castle Hyakken Dote on Sunday, October 26, 2025‼️
Stage events will feature local performing arts plus Kaoru Yumi, famous for her role as Kagero Ogin in Mito Komon, a performance by the Ashikita Teppo-tai, a Chinese face-changing show, and an appearance by Kumamon 🐻. Around 30 tents and food trucks will line the venue, bringing together delicious treats from inside and outside the town♪
Other hands-on activities include the “Tomioka Castle 🏯 and Amakusa West Coast Walking 🌅,” the Kumamoto Maru trial voyage ⛴️, and a pearon (dragon boat) experience 🚣. If you want to take part, please make an advance reservation early!
The Tomioka walking tour and pearon experience are eligible for the Kumamoto Health Points program ❣️
A photo contest 📷 (cash prizes available ✨) will run at the same time. There are separate categories for general and junior entrants♪
Come and enjoy autumn in Reihoku Town‼☺️ We look forward to seeing you🙌
For details about the O-shiro Festival, please visit the Reihoku Town website.
Period: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Venue: Tomioka Castle Hyakken Dote
Contact: Reihoku Jatto Festival / Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival Executive Committee
(Reihoku Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division Tel 0969-35-3332 Reihoku Chamber of Commerce Tel 0969-37-1244)
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Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 03 Mugen Kiln
The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City participating.
During the event you can view and buy new works and enjoy discounted sales, so please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅.
(Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.)
🍁🍁🍁
Featured Kiln Introduction /
Tucked quietly in the satoyama of Reihoku, Mugen Kiln stands serene. From the pieces created by kiln owner Seiko Tanaka, you sense an unwavering dedication to beauty. When asked about that source, she showed us the neatly arranged collection of seashells.
As a child, during the Obon season she began collecting sakuragai and benigai shells found on the local shore during the spirit-floating ceremony, becoming captivated by the mysterious shapes and colors that nature creates. Tanaka’s remark — “Truly beautiful things in this world are those without calculation, like these” — left a strong impression. It seems the core of Mugen Kiln’s unique worldview breathes from that sentiment.
We hope you will pick up Tanaka’s carefully crafted ceramics and feel their charm firsthand.
Unpesticided vegetables and potted flowers will also be on sale during the period.
📍 Mugen Kiln
588-1 Shirakio, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2506
TEL: 080-1703-6886
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The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour
Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday)
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venues
〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate)
〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kamegama)
🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently!
※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto Health Points📱
※ A stamp rally to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃)
Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division)
TEL: 0969-35-3332
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Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 02 Kobo Kaze
The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th through Monday, October 13th (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues.😊
During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and discounted items will be available, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅.
(Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating.🙇♀️🙇)
🍁🍁🍁
Introducing the participating kilns /
Kobo Kaze continues to make pottery in a more than 130-year-old traditional farmhouse surrounded by nature. The studio began full-scale pottery activities in 2006.
For this feature, the studio owner, Mr. Hayashida, demonstrated a hand-building technique known as himodzukuri, one of the methods that does not use a potter’s wheel. Himodzukuri involves stacking clay rolled into cord-like strands and shaping them as they accumulate. Mr. Hayashida skillfully forms black clay into these cords and stacks them slowly and deliberately. Watching him work feels like time itself is moving gently, and it soothes the viewer.
When firing pieces in a carbonization kiln, Kobo Kaze leaves the exterior unglazed to highlight the natural gradations created by the way flames touch the surface, bringing out the clay’s inherent texture. A transparent glaze is applied to the interior to ensure everyday usability. The result is a simple, unpretentious elegance.
During the event, visitors can also find bamboo dragonfly crafts, wooden goods, homemade sweets, loaves of bread, and jams for sale.
📍Kobo Kaze
598 Takahama Minami, Takahama, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2503
TEL: 0969-35-2041
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The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour
Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (public holiday)
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venues:
〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating)
〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln)
🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently!
※ A digital stamp rally for Kumamoto Health Points (smartphone)
※ A stamp rally offering a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃)
Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division)
TEL: 0969-35-3332
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Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 01 Uchida Sarayama Pottery
The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City welcoming visitors😊
During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus discounted items. Please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics along with the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪
(Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating 🙇♀️🙇)
🍁🍁🍁
Introducing the Uchida Sarayama Pottery, which carries on a porcelain-making history that began around 1650 and continued for about a century.
For this Autumn Kiln Tour, we recommend a new piece using the “iro-itchin” (colored itchin) technique: itchin motifs painted in a blue inspired by the Amakusa West Coast sea. Though itchin looks charming, it represents delicate skill and careful effort. The blue itchin patterns stand out beautifully against the white ground — a piece you should pick up and examine closely.
Also not to be missed are Uchida Sarayama Pottery’s classic zodiac figurines. Sales begin each year with the Autumn Kiln Tour. Next year’s zodiac is the horse. We photographed a veteran painter with 20 years’ experience at work. Watching the unglazed horses come to life through the brush is a stirring sight.
The zodiac figurines cycle every 12 years, and Uchida Sarayama Pottery prepares a new mold each time, applying designs suited to the era. They produce as many as three thousand pieces. Through these zodiac figurines, they aim to convey the distinctive whiteness of Amakusa Toseki.
📍Uchida Sarayama Pottery
554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505
TEL: 0969-35-0222
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The 36th Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour
Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (public holiday)
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venues
〈Reihoku〉Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating)
〈Amakusa City〉Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Juro Kiln)
🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously!
• A digital stamp rally that counts toward Kumamoto Health Points 📱
• A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃)
Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division)
TEL: 0969-35-3332
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[Reihoku Sunset Marche] Announcement for the September event📣
This is the Reihoku Sunset Marche September announcement♪
👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀
❣All-you-can-pack small onions🧅 and newly harvested rice from Reiwa 7!
In addition to farm produce, there will also be prepared foods and various breads❣
We look forward to seeing you all😊
Don’t forget to bring your own bag🛍✨
[Planned agricultural products for sale]
・Asparagus
・Okra (round okra)
・Pumpkin
・Cucumber
・Water spinach
・Rice (newly harvested)
・Korinqui (kolinqui)
・Early-season mikan
・Onions
・Garlic
・Banana peppers
🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔
Reihoku Sunset Marche
[Date] Saturday, September 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM
[Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) @reihokukankou
※Reihoku Town Products Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)
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Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Announcement
The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), hosted at six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City 😊
During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and items will be offered at discounted prices. Take this chance to visit, enjoy Amakusa Ceramics, and soak in the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪
The Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association account will introduce participating kilns one by one in the coming days.
We will share photos 📸 of preparations for the kiln tour and ask about the new works 📝.
Look forward to it!
________________
The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour
Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday)
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venues:
Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln
Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln)
🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously!
※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱
※A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃)
Contact: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division)
TEL: 0969-35-3332
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