Today I would like to introduce you to one of our favorites, a small and cute pottery studio nestled in the mountains.
There is an indescribable sense of freedom in touching clay. The warmth of your own hands gradually accumulating in the clay as you create shapes with your fingertips, and the softness of the clay. By simply kneading the clay without thinking, I feel my mind being reset. It is that simple pleasure that we tend to forget when we grow up.
In this small atelier surrounded by nature, you can return to your childhood, relax, and knead clay to your heart’s content.
Contents
Overview
The name of this pottery studio is “Kimino Sachi Kobo”. It located in Kimino-cho (Kimino-town), a peaceful and beautiful inaka in Wakayama Prefecture surrounded by mountains on all sides.
The only reason I chose to experience the studio in the first place, as one of my favorite ways to spend a certain holiday, was because of the good reviews I happened to find on Google. Then I introduced the studio to my friend who I was talking about going with for the pottery experience, and to my surprise, she had been to this studio before. She lives in Osaka, which is quite far from the studio, but she still wanted to go because she had “such a great experience” and would love to revisit, so we decided to go.
- We made a reservation through “Jalan” for this our first pottery experience. Jalan is the booking site which is very popular in Japan for any accommodations or these kind of experience tours.
Location
“Kimino Sachi Kobo” is located in the Kimino-town, Wakayama Prefecture, the workshop is in a peaceful and beautiful location surrounded by majestic mountains on all sides. Kimino is a quiet town where one can feel the breath of nature. The surrounding scenery changes from season to season, and no matter what season you visit, you will be captivated by its beauty.
Kimino-cho (Kimino-town)
- Kimino is also famous for its many bakeries and delicious restaurants. Dishes made with fresh local ingredients and handmade bread are one of the main attractions for visitors. We will introduce you to the many wonderful stores as we go along!
What’s in the Experience
When we entered the studio, there were already a clump of clay wrapped in plastic wrap on the table for the number of us.
Create your own artwork
First, using a stick with a thread (like a floss!), cut the clay into pieces of the appropriate size. Then place the clay on a rounded ball and poke a hole in it with your thumb.
It looks easy, but for us first-timers, it is quite difficult! A Sensei (sensei is teacher in Japanese. Sensei here was a really nice person and he was very friendly) who works at the studio there taught us carefully as we did it together.
After spending quite a bit of time, a cup-like shape was finally formed.
It took more than 1 hour for me to make this shape!
We spent a full two hours with the Sensei, learning detailed techniques of pottery making, and ended up making some tableware (?).
Thus ended our first pottery-making experience. We left the studio with a promise to come back for more coloring when the firing was finished.
Firing
Here at the Kimino-Sachi-Kobo, once the work is finished, the rest is left to the studio! Once properly dried, the staff will take care of the firing.
- The firing process takes about a month. When the firing is completed, the studio will contact us and we will wait for it!
Painting
Once the firing is successfully completed, the artist visits the studio again to apply color.
- Some of the pieces are even broken during the firing process! 🙁
Final Note
Recommended for those who already enjoyed the touristic place!
It cost 3,000 yen per person/ 2hours ( at the time of 2024 October) for this experience. We really enjoyed the time there and love to visit soon!
It is located in the middle of Kimino-cho, which is an undeveloped area for the most international tourist. However it is also only an hour and a half away from Osaka by rental car. If you already enjoyed to be the place that overflowing with people such as Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo, this might be an interesting place to visit!
*I’m not sure if this place are available with English or other language lessons so I recommend to contact them before visiting.
Access to the Studio
SNS info
You can check the owner’s X from below!