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 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Opening]
Known as the source of one of the world’s finest porcelain raw materials, Amakusa Toseki, the Amakusa West Coast hosts seven scattered kilns. The 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour runs for five days from today, Friday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 6.
The final kiln introduced is Takahama Ware Juhogama.
The Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour finally begins today.
This Golden Week, please come out to the Amakusa West Coast and enjoy the season 😊
*You can view previous kiln introductions from this account’s profile!*
🌸Takahama Ware Juhogama
Located in the Takahama district of the Amakusa West Coast, Takahama Ware Juhogama boasts a long history dating back to the mid-Edo Period when Amakusa Toseki was first quarried and pottery production began. Its signature products are pure white, translucent porcelain and a distinctive painted motif called mirumon, inspired by seaweed. You have likely seen pieces with this pattern around Kumamoto Prefecture.
Just before the Spring Kiln Tour, the workshop buzzes with preparation to put items out for sale. During the event, you can find bargain-priced items and chances to unearth real treasures. The painted pieces are whimsical and charming, and this season many designs feature sake motifs, which makes them especially fun.
Mariko Ueda, the managing director, recommends a large-capacity café au lait bowl. It’s perfect for long morning drinks or for enjoying cereal—an ideal morning vessel.
On the premises stands the former Ueda family residence, once the local headman’s home. A stroll through the garden brings dazzling spring greenery into view. If you pause feeling watched, you might find a large tanuki statue sitting among the bushes. That tanuki is still awaiting a name, so why not become its namesake when you visit?
📍Takahama Ware Juhogama (Instagram 👉 @takahamaware_kilnjyuho)
598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804
TEL: 0969-42-1115
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🖌️During the Spring Kiln Tour, Takahama Ware Juhogama offers painting experiences on an ongoing basis.
🎪From Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 (approximately 10:00–15:00), a market, guided history and architecture tours of the Ueda family and Shiraso, mochi pounding, and various other events will take place!
Details: check Takahama Ware Juhogama’s Instagram (@takahamaware_kilnjyuho).
🚗When you visit the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, please be sure to stop by. ♩
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[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour]
During the event, you’ll find new works on display and sale, special discounts, and a variety of activities. Take this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast.
Two stamp rallies run concurrently!
*A digital stamp rally qualifies for Kumamoto health points📱*
*A paper-entry stamp rally at participating kilns gives you a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln)📃*
[Period]
Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 through Tuesday, May 6, 2025
8:30 AM–5:00 PM
[Venues]
(Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln
(Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro 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 Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa touseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour invites you to visit seven scattered kilns along this coast.
Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln
Located in the Shimoda-minami area of the Amakusa West Coast, Jurou Kiln sits right by the sea where you can feel the ocean breeze.
The kiln owner, Goh Kameyama, shapes and fires his pieces with a powerfully refined technique that gives the work a quiet tension. Meanwhile, Sanae Kameyama’s painted brushwork is delicate and graceful yet carries a distinctively modern sensibility that lends the vessels a soft expression.
From sturdy, no-nonsense wares to charming, smile-inducing painted scenes, the couple’s contrasting sensibilities resonate to produce pieces that gently speak to both viewers and users.
Location: Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln
426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto 863-2802
TEL: 0969-42-3143
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On Sunday, May 4 at Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln!
Sanae will perform an impromptu whale painting and in-situ blue-and-white underglaze dyeing, “whale painting 🐳 impromptu dyeing.”
Please feel free to drop by and watch 👀
For details, search Instagram: Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln @takahamaware_kilnjyuho
⚠️ Please note this event will not take place at Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln.
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This is the final introduction to the participating kilns tomorrow 😿
Please be sure to take a look 💁♀️💁♂️💁
Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
During the event, each kiln will offer new works for display and sale, plus special discount offers and other activities. Take this chance to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln, and savor the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast.
Two stamp rallies run at the same time!
※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto health points📱
※ A stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃)
Period
Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Venues
(Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln
(Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln
Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain 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 Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa tōseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour will take place across seven kilns dotted along this scenic shore.
This time we introduce one of the participating kilns, Mugen Kiln. Please take a look 💁♀️💁♂️💁
In upcoming posts we will also introduce the two kilns participating from Amakusa Town!
🌸 Mugen Kiln
Mugen Kiln is the creative studio where potter Seiko Tanaka, who once aspired to be a poet, nurtures her distinctive artistic vision. Inspired by poetry and the arts, her pieces serve as everyday tableware while carrying the presence of true works of art.
Tanaka’s unique motifs, born of her deep knowledge of earthenware and mingei folk crafts, give each piece a sense of story and message. Her work gently sparks the imagination of whoever holds it and leaves a lingering, mysterious afterglow. Mugen Kiln’s vessels speak in quiet tones, each quietly infused with Tanaka’s sensibility and poetic spirit.
📍 Mugen Kiln
588-1 Shirakio, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2506
TEL: 080-1703-6886
Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions and sales of new works and special discount sales. Please take this opportunity to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln, and take in the wonderful scenery of the Amakusa West Coast.
Two stamp rallies run at the same time!
* Digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱
* Stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃)
Period
Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Venues
(Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Koubou Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshuu Kiln
(Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahamayaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln
Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332
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Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
The Amakusa West Coast is famous as one of the world’s leading sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa porcelain stone. Using seven scattered kilns along this coastline as venues, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour will run for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6.
Introducing one of the participating kilns this time: Unshu Kiln!
🌸 Unshu Kiln
Tomioka, Reihoku Town. Unshu Kiln sits by the sea that locals fondly call the West Sea. The kiln owner, Mr. Miyoshi, practices pottery here. Unshu Kiln’s unique technique presses wild flowers and grasses into clay to transfer their patterns, capturing the breath of nature directly on the vessels. The simple, gentle pieces blend quietly into daily life and add a calm joy to ordinary moments.
Friendly conversations with Mr. Miyoshi are one of the pleasures of visiting. Among the old photos on display, you can even see Mr. Miyoshi’s father-in-law taking part in the shark fishery once active in Tomioka, known as fuka-gari.
During the Spring Kiln Tour, vendors will sell local agricultural products, and stalls offering antiques and succulent plants will also appear. Enjoy a relaxed time with the gentle air of the West Sea.
📍 Unshu Kiln
2829 Tomioka, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2507
TEL: 0969-35-0945
Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
During the event we will present new works for sale and special discount sales, among other attractions. Please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast.
Two stamp rallies run at the same time!
* Digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱
* Stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃)
Period
Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Venues
(Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln
(Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln
Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain 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 Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of the porcelain raw material Amakusa porcelain stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, running for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6.
Here is an introduction to one participating kiln, Tenjiku Kiln!
Please have a look 💁♀️💁♂️💁
🌸 Tenjiku Kiln
Tucked away in the mountains of Kobaba in Tororo, Reihoku, Tenjiku Kiln sits quietly in a peaceful setting. The kiln owner, Mr. Sumida, brings a warm sense of humor, and the many cats that greet visitors create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Drawing hints from Mr. Sumida’s everyday life, the kiln produces freely conceived vessels whose shapes and colors show distinctive personalities. They blend gently into daily life. The pottery classes held weekly attract many regulars, making Tenjiku Kiln a warm place rooted in the local community.
The pottery, the people, and the cats alike all convey a friendly, comforting charm.
📍 Tenjiku Kiln
6121 Tororo, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2611
TEL: 0969-36-0860
Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
During the event you can enjoy new work exhibitions and sales, special discount offers, and other activities. Take this chance to visit and appreciate the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln against the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast.
Two stamp rallies run concurrently!
* A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱
* A stamp rally with a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃)
Period
Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Venues
(Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayamayaki, Koubou Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln
(Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln
Inquiries Amakusa Porcelain 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 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Announcement]
The Amakusa West Coast, famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone “Amakusa toseki,” will host the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour at seven scattered kilns from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6.
Introducing one of the participating kilns this time: Kobo Kaze.
Please take a look💁♀️💁♂️💁
🌸Kobo Kaze
Kobo Kaze sits quietly amid the verdant nature of Reihoku Town. The workshop’s simple, warm aesthetic harmonizes with the natural beauty around it. The kiln owner, Mr. Hayashida, favors works produced by a carbonization firing technique that lines charcoal around the vessel during the main firing to create unique textures and tones. In recent years he has also focused on new Oribe pieces with rich green glazes, presenting tableware that is calm yet full of character.
During the Spring Kiln Tour, you can also enjoy locally grown produce, woodworkers’ pieces, bamboo dragonfly crafts, sweets, and other items for sale, offering a chance to fully experience handiwork rooted in everyday life.
Be sure to take in the fragrant scent of the trees and flowers that surround the workshop with all your senses.
📍Kobo Kaze
2915 Shiki, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2503
TEL: 0969-35-2041
[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour]
During the event we will feature new works for exhibition and sale, special discount offers, and various other activities. Please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln and the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast.
Two stamp rallies run simultaneously!
* A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱
* A stamp rally that gives you a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃)
[Period]
Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
[Venues]
(Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen-gama, Tenjiku-gama, Unshu-gama
(Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro-gama
[Inquiries] Secretariat, Amakusa Porcelain 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 Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa Pottery Stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns dotted across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, held for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6.
We will share introductions to the participating kilns, so please take a look 💁♀️
🌸 Uchida Sarayama Ware
In the Meiji era, Naohiko Kiyama began mining with advice from Yukichi Fukuzawa, laying the foundations for the pottery here. In 1970, the third generation, Katsuhiko Kiyama, discovered an Edo-period kiln site and reopened production. Subsequent excavations revealed a history of porcelain production that began around 1650 and continued for about a century.
Carrying that history into the present is Uchida Sarayama Ware. Now in the hands of the fourth generation, Kentaro Kiyama, the kilns still quarry Amakusa Pottery Stone and Shiki clay themselves. From materials nurtured by Amakusa’s land, they craft each piece with care. The lineup pairs traditional techniques with a modern sensibility.
For this Spring Kiln Tour, you can expect seasonal treasures such as pieces decorated with raised itchin patterns that convey three-dimensional texture, and charming May picture plates made for Children’s Day.
Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of vessels shaped by Amakusa’s history and landscape.
📍 Uchida Sarayama Ware
554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505
TEL: 0969-35-0222
Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸
During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions of new works and special discount sales. Please visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelains from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast.
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 📃)
Period
Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Venues
(Reihoku: 5 kilns) Uchida Sarayama Ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln
(Amakusa: 2 kilns) Takahama Ware Juho Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurogama
Inquiries: amakusa_pottery_stone_research_and_development_promotion_council_office (inside reihoku_town_hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332
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[Amakusa Sea Sunset Cruising ⛴️🌆] Individual Sailings Now Available!
Enjoy the Amakusa Sea sunset from onboard with the “Amakusa Sea Sunset Cruising,” running for individual customers on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month in April and May.
Board Reihoku Kanko Kisen’s Kizuna III at Tomioka Port and head west along the Tomioka Peninsula for an approximately one-hour cruise to watch the sun sink into the sea and experience the magic hour.
⛴️Fare (per person)
Adult (junior high school students and older) ¥3,000
Child ¥1,500
⛴️Meeting point Tomioka Port Passenger Waiting Area (Kizuna Station)
*Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.*
⛴️Operating dates (approximate departure times)
[April] 12th, 26th (6:00 PM)
[May] 10th, 24th (6:20 PM)
Reservations This cruise requires advance reservation. Please call Reihoku Kanko Kisen Co., Ltd., the operator, to book directly.
⚠️Notes Please understand that sailings may be canceled or the sunset may not be visible due to bad weather, strong winds, or high waves.
⛴️Contact Reihoku Kanko Kisen Co., Ltd. Tel: 0960-35-0705
(Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
For more details, please visit the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association website.
👉 Check the link in this account’s profile!
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