Legendary Treasures: Guided tour of Kokeisan Eiho-ji Temple, Suigetsugama pottery, lunch in Minoyaki ware

The Suigetsugama Kiln was built in 1946 on a vast plot of leased land from Eiho-ji Temple by Living National Treasure and highly acclaimed potter, Toyozo Arakawa. It was named after “Suigetsudo”, another title belonging to the temple, also a renowned National Treasure. The ties between the temple and pottery date back centuries, from when Zen monk Muso Soseki who opened the temple in 1313 encountered the latter on his path of enlightenment and nature through tea, an important feature of Zen. Seek and find peace as the monks did, before further renewal as you focus on your creation of Minoyaki pottery through rokuro (the potter’s wheel). Unearth calm repose through the stillness of your heart.

From AUD $719

Highlights

  • This exclusive plan includes items such as a guided walk around Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple, Rokuro (potter's wheel) pottery making and the Climbing Kiln Tour at Suigetsugama and a delicious Japanese lunch served in elegant Minoyaki ceramics made by Minoyaki artists.

  • Suigetsugama, built by the late Toyozo Arakawa in 1946, is the only kiln that produces Minoyaki pottery the traditional way and is also designated as a Intangible Cultural Property of Tajimi City.

  • The name of the kiln was bestowed upon by the late Master Shimada Kikusen, the former chief priest of Nanzenji Temple, in honor of the Kannondo Hall (also called Suigetsujo), a National Treasure of Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple.

  • Enjoy this special opportunity to create your very own pottery with Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple and Suigetsugama as backdrops to your contemplation in creation.

  • Duration

    5 hours 50 minutes

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Suigetsugama Kiln gallery tour

  • Rokuro (potter's wheel) activity cost

  • Lunch

  • Shipping for completed pottery

  • taxi fees (not a chartered service car)

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Tajimi Station
Meeting Time: 10:00

Start time

10:15:00

End point

Tajimi Station

What To Expect

Embark on a truly unique and enriching cultural experience, combining history, art, and delicious Japanese cuisine. Your journey begins with a serene, guided walk through the historic Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple, allowing you to absorb its spiritual atmosphere and learn about its rich past. Following this, you'll visit Suigetsugama, a kiln with a legacy spanning back to 1946 and designated as an Intangible Cultural Property. Here, you will be given the exclusive opportunity to try your hand at the potter's wheel (rokuro), creating your own Minoyaki ceramic piece in the same way master artists have for generations. You will also enjoy a tour of the rare Climbing Kiln, gaining insight into traditional firing methods. The day's creativity is rewarded with a delicious Japanese lunch, elegantly served on genuine Minoyaki ceramics, an exclusive touch that connects you directly to the local art and culture.

Schedule

・10:15~10:30 - Departure from Tajimi Station by taxi
・10:30~11:45 - Kokeizan Eiho-ji guided tour
・11:50~12:00 - Kokeizan → Lunch (by taxi)
・12:00~13:00 - Lunch at Yohaku ** Enjoy your meal served in beautiful Minoyaki
・13:00~13:10 - Yohaku → Suigetsugama (by taxi)
・13:15~14:00 - Suigetsugama Climbing Kiln, gallery tour with explanation (with reference to Toyozo Arakawa)
・14:00~15:00 - Rokuro (potter’s wheel) activity
・15:10~15:30 - Depart for Tajimi Station (by taxi)
・15:50 - Dispersal at Tajimi Station























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    • Availability: 2025/4/1~2026/3/31 (Open on Thur, Fri, Sat – Please consult for visits on other days.)

    • Number of Participants 2 people *Please inquire in the case of 1 person.

    • Lunch is a Japanese set meal. Please be sure to state any allergies you may have at the time of booking. Vegan and halal options are unavailable. ​

    • Please inform us of your address, phone number (home and mobile), email address, and name of addressee for the delivery of your finished pottery piece. ​

    • Your finished pottery piece will be delivered 2-3 months after activity completion.

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